Dekalb-Peachtree Airport will be transformed into a World War II airfield Sept. 24-25, 2016, when a squadron of vintage military aircraft from across the United States descend on the former Navy training base to celebrate the third annual Atlanta Warbird Weekend.
The Atlanta Warbird Weekend is community effort lead by the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing, the Georgia Chapter of the world’s largest World War II flying collection. The mission of the Texas-based Commemorative Air Force is to honor veterans and American military aviation through flight, education and remembrance.
The theme will be the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), also known as Flying Tigers. The 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Chinese Air Force in 1941–1942, nicknamed the Flying Tigers, was composed of pilots from the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC), Navy (USN), and Marine Corps (USMC), recruited under presidential authority and commanded by Claire Lee Chennault. The shark-faced nose art of the Flying Tigers remains among the most recognizable image of any individual combat aircraft or combat unit of World War II. The AVG Flying Tigers Association will celebrate its reunion in conjunction with the Atlanta Warbird Weekend. Presentations at AWW, and leading up to the event, will be organized to educate and connect the public with the historical significance of the American Volunteer Group.
In honor of the AVG Flying Tigers, AWW will host the largest gathering of P-40 Warhawks in recent history. The Curtiss P-40 was highly associated with the Flying Tigers and was the third most produced fighter plane of WWII. Very few are still flying and the AWW event will be the first time in many years that these rare aircraft with appear together. “We have chosen to honor the Flying Tigers and to support the AVG Flying Tigers Association’s mission to preserve, respect, inform, educate and keep alive the accurate history of the AVG. In just seven months of intense aerial combat, the AVG earned a lasting niche in aviation history, operating under shortages and difficulties,” said Moreno Aguiari, CAF Dixie Wing marketing officer and Atlanta Warbird Weekend co-chairman.
“Atlanta Warbird Weekend in 2015 exceeded attendance and participation projections. Community support has been amazing and it really brought history alive in honor our Veterans,” said Jay Bess, the CAF Dixie Wing executive officer and Atlanta Warbird Weekend co-chairman. “We have had aviation and veterans groups, museums, local municipalities and individuals volunteer to help us share the story of World War II aviation history.”
For a complete schedule of activities, flight prices and reservations or to purchase tickets to “Dinner with the Flying Tigers,” visit www.atlantawarbirdweekend.com.
