The Commemorative Air Force, a nonprofit with 79 units across 25 states, restores, maintains and flies iconic warbirds, largely through the help of volunteers.
Through airshows and making rides in the WWII-era airplanes available to the public, the CAF aims to expose these pieces of aviation history to a wider American audience. Read the full story about the Commemorative Air Force here.
Photos from the CAF’s SoCal Wing at Camarillo Airport in California, whose fleet includes a P-51 Mustang, C-46F Commando, two SNJs and a newly restored PBJ-1J among others, can be seen below.
CAF depends on volunteers to keep its fleet flying.Jon WhittleCommemorative Air Force volunteer mechanics pass on the knowledge of how to maintain historic warbirds, such as this SNJ-5 Texan, in flying condition to new generations.Jon WhittleA restored SNJ-4 Texan proudly sits in a CAF hangar at Camarillo Airport.Jon WhittleCAF’s SNJ-5 Texan inside the hangar.Jon WhittleThe P-51 Mustang Man O’ War is displayed among the CAF’s other restored warbirds.Jon WhittleThe PBJ-1J B-25 Mitchell bomber is the latest to be restored at CAF SoCal.Jon WhittleCAF’s restored Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat.Jon WhittleThe CAF also serves as a warbird museum.Jon WhittleThe CAF’s A6M3 Zero.Jon WhittleChina Doll, a C-46F Commando, was the first plane donated to and restored by the SoCal Wing.Jon WhittleVisitors at the CAF SoCal Wing in Camarillo can walk through the Curtiss C-46 Commando China Doll, which showcases World War II-era equipment, such as this navigator station, parachute and oxygen tank.Jon WhittleCAF received this Bearcat in 1991, and after an 18-month restoration process, the plane returned to flight.Jon WhittleCAF’s Grumman F6F Hellcat.Jon WhittleCAF members work on an airplane engine.Jon WhittleCAF members work on an airplane engine.Jon WhittleCAF’s Fairchild F-24R at Camarillo Airport.Jon WhittleThe SoCal Wing’s North American SNJ-4 Texan.Jon WhittleThe P-51 Mustang is a sight to behold.Jon WhittleThe CAF’s Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero.Jon WhittleMembers of the CAF SoCal Wing pose in front of the PBJ-1J.Jon Whittle
