The Dixie Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will participate in the Arsenal of Democracy, a large-scale flyover of the nation’s Capitol to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8.
The Wing, based in Peachtree City, will send its P-51 Mustang, FG-1D Corsair and SBD Dauntless Dive Bomber to join dozens of vintage WWII-era aircraft for this historic event.
The Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover will consist of 15 historically sequenced warbird formations representing the major events of WWII, beginning with Pearl Harbor and concluding with a tribute to those still missing in action.
Organizers are expecting more than 40 planes to participate. A ceremony to mark the occasion will take place at the National WWII Memorial.
The Dixie Wing’s P-51 Mustang will participate in the Ploesti Raid portion of the flyover and will be joined by two other CAF Mustangs from the Red Tail Squadron and the Gunfighter group, based in Texas.
The Wing’s Corsair will participate with the Iwo Jima group, and the SBD Dauntless will be in the group representing the Battle of Midway, when SBDs helped change the course of the Pacific war by sinking four Japanese carriers that had been involved in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Dixie Wing is dedicated to preserving World War II aircraft and related war history. A flying museum, the Wing has six operating aircraft, several of which are available for rides. Additional vintage aircraft are being restored to flying condition.
The Wing was founded in 1987, representing Georgia in the international CAF organization. The all-volunteer membership includes mechanics, pilots and men and women from all walks of life who keep the fleet operating.
The Commemorative Air Force is the largest flying museum in the world. The CAF is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to honoring American military aviation history through flight, exhibition and remembrance. The organization feels this is best accomplished by keeping the aircraft flying.
The CAF has approximately 13,000 members and a fleet of more than 160 airplanes assigned to 70 units across the country. These units, composed of CAF volunteer members, restore and operate the planes, which are viewed by more than 10 million spectators annually.
Visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (877) 767-7175 for more information.
