Commemorative Air Force

Commemorative Air Force
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Name	Commemorative Air Force
Caption	CAF aircraft at the Wings Over Dallas airshow
Formation	1957
Founder	Lloyd P. Nolen
Type	Non-profit organization
Headquarters	Dallas, Texas
Key people	Hank Coates (CEO)
Website	https://commemorativeairforce.org

Commemorative Air Force. Founded in 1957 as the Confederate Air Force, the organization is a Texas-based non-profit dedicated to preserving the history of World War II aircraft in flying condition. It operates one of the world's largest collections of warbirds, which it maintains and flies for public display and educational purposes. With a membership of thousands and units across the United States, its mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of Allied military personnel through living history.

History

The organization was founded in 1957 at the Mercedes airport by a group of former United States Army Air Forces pilots led by Lloyd P. Nolen. Initially named the Confederate Air Force as a humorous nod to their Southern location, the group's first acquisition was a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, followed soon by a North American P-51 Mustang. The focus quickly expanded from acquiring fighter aircraft to preserving a wide spectrum of World War II aviation technology, including bombers and trainer aircraft. In 2001, the membership voted to change the name to the Commemorative Air Force to better reflect its national educational mission and to avoid associations with the Confederate States of America. A major milestone was the 2014 relocation of its headquarters from Midland to a dedicated facility at Dallas Executive Airport.

Organization and operations

The organization is structured as a 501(c)(3) educational association with a national headquarters staff and a large volunteer corps. It is governed by a board of directors and led by a chief executive officer, with operational and fundraising activities heavily supported by its membership. The fleet is divided among numerous geographically dispersed units, often called "wings" or "detachments," which are responsible for the maintenance and exhibition of assigned aircraft in their regions. Primary operations include conducting public airshows like the annual Wings Over Dallas event, offering flight experiences in historic aircraft, and participating in ceremonies such as missing man flyovers for veterans. Funding is derived from membership dues, donations, corporate sponsorships, and revenue from flight experiences and merchandise.

Aircraft collection

The collection comprises over 170 aircraft, with the majority being original or meticulously restored examples from the World War II era. Its most famous and iconic bomber is the Boeing B-29 Superfortress named *FIFI*, one of only two in the world still flying. Other significant heavy bombers include the Consolidated B-24 Liberator *Diamond Lil* and a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. The fighter roster features multiple North American P-51 Mustangs, a Supermarine Spitfire, a Messerschmitt Bf 109, and Japanese types like the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. The collection also includes vital support aircraft such as the Douglas C-47 Skytrain transport, North American T-6 Texan trainers, and several naval aircraft like the Grumman F6F Hellcat. Many aircraft are painted in authentic liveries representing specific historical units that fought in campaigns like the Battle of Britain and the Pacific War.

Education and outreach

Educational programming is central to the mission, aiming to teach the history of World War II aviation and the home front to younger generations. This is achieved through its "Rise Above" mobile theaters, which show the film *Rise Above* about the Tuskegee Airmen, and traveling exhibits that tour schools and community events. The "CAF Airpower Museum" in Dallas displays artifacts, uniforms, and engines, while the "Flying Museum" concept allows the public to see, hear, and smell the aircraft in operation. Outreach programs often feature interactions with veterans and historians, and the organization provides extensive online resources for educators. These efforts are designed to create a tangible connection to the Allied war effort and the technological advancements of the era.

Affiliated units

The organization's network includes over 70 local units across the United States and in several other countries, which operate under the national organization's charter. Prominent examples include the Southern California Wing in Camarillo, which operates a Lockheed P-38 Lightning, and the Arizona Wing in Mesa, known for its Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. The Dallas/Fort Worth Wing is based at headquarters, while the Minnesota Wing operates from Flying Cloud Airport. International affiliates, such as the Commemorative Air Force (UK) and units in Australia, collaborate on events and touring. Each unit is largely autonomous in its daily operations and local fundraising but participates in national events and adheres to the strict safety and historical standards set by the headquarters.

Category:Aviation museums in Texas Category:Non-profit organizations based in Texas Category:World War II aviation Category:Organizations established in 1957