Mission accomplished

Part of the Commemorative Air Force’s mission is to “acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States.” The annual CAF “12 Planes of Christmas” campaign made big strides toward the restoration of a Republic P–47 Thunderbolt fighter and a Stearman biplane at the CAF Airbase Georgia, raising a total of $124,312, exceeding a combined $60,000 goal. The group raised $15,185 earmarked for the Stearman, which helped with purchasing an avionics package, and $109,127 was donated to the P–47 project to procure parts and equipment. (CAF set goals of raising $10,000 for the Stearman restoration and $50,00 for the P–47.) Over the past two years, the campaign has raised $263,931 for various aircraft restoration projects.

“It is encouraging to see this financial support for our important restoration projects,” said Airbase Leader Joel Perkins in a press release on February 6. “It will take much more to see these projects to completion, but we are well on our way to returning these World War II icons to flight, for the education and enjoyment of spectators wherever we go.”

Once the restoration of these two warbirds has been accomplished, they’ll join other vintage military aircraft operated by CAF Airbase Georgia. The unit, based in Peachtree City, Georgia, was founded in 1987 and is composed of more than 500 volunteer members.