P-51 Mustangs Red Tail (front) and Gunfighter, just two of more than a dozen CAF aircraft coming to Oshkosh this year. CAF photo by Frank Mormillo

Commemorative Air Force (CAF) units from throughout the United States are lending their support to EAA AirVenture’s “Salute to Veterans” with more than a dozen legendary aircraft that will be part of the air shows and ground displays in the Warbirds area.

Among the airplanes that are confirmed are two airplanes whose 75th anniversaries will be recognized at Oshkosh—the B-17 Texas Raiders from Houston, Texas, and the C-47 Bluebonnet Belle from Burnet, Texas—several P-51 Mustangs including Gunfighter from Omaha, Nebraska, Red Tail from the Minnesota Wing, and Red Nose from the Dixie Wing, Peachtree City, Georgia; the B-25 Devil Dog from Georgetown, Texas; and many more parked among the rows of warbirds at AirVenture.

The CAF aircraft will also participate in a variety of activities during AirVenture, including the expanded warbird shows on July 27, 30, and 31; the DC-3 “Max Effort Day” on July 27; and the Warbirds in Review ground presentations throughout the week.

“This is perhaps the greatest gathering of CAF aircraft that I’ve seen at Oshkosh,” said Stephan Brown, CAF president and CEO. “We are pleased to support events such as EAA AirVenture, especially when those who come to Oshkosh each year have a deep appreciation for the aircraft, the people who flew them in the military, and those who are dedicated to preserving this flying history.”

Collecting, restoring, and flying vintage historic aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. A nonprofit educational association, the CAF has approximately 8,500 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation.