The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Inland Empire Wing is gearing up to participate in an event to honor the 75th Anniversary of D-Day next summer. The local group will fly one of three historic World War II aircraft headed to Europe as part of the CAF D-Day Wing. The CAF D-Day Wing is a group of volunteers that recently formed to ensure all three aircraft are prepared for the epic mission across the North Atlantic.
The CAF D-Day Wing will join about 15 other historic military transport aircraft from the U.S., deploying as one American contingent and flying in formation from Oxford, Connecticut to Duxford Airfield in England. Once in Europe, the American fleet will join dozens more aircraft for the D-Day anniversary to fly together over the beaches of France and deploy paratroopers on June 6, 2019, marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day. This amazing sight will create a monumental tribute to the Allied forces; this commemoration will also include several days of displays and educational opportunities for the public.
“To see these aircraft fly at any event is captivating, but to be able to participate in this event and play a role in honoring the service and sacrifice of those who participated in D-Day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone involved,” said D-Day Wing Leader Joe Enzminger. To make the mission a success, Enzminger will lead a force of volunteer crewmembers to help handle all the logistics surrounding the tour. “This event is a tremendous undertaking. We need to raise around $1 million to cover the expenses of traveling to Europe and making sure the aircraft are outfitted with the right equipment for the month-long tour,” he said.
The three CAF aircraft attending the anniversary are: C-47 That’s All, Brother of San Marcos, Texas; C-47 Bluebonnet Belle of Burnet, Texas; and C-53 D-Day Doll of Riverside, California.
“We are excited and proud that our C-53 D-Day Doll is participating in this event. The California based aircraft and crew have been working hard to get ready to take the aircraft to Normandy. This aircraft actually did participate in D-Day, it flew three missions on that day according to historic records,” said Inland Empire Wing Leader Bill Prosser.