Category Archives: Air Power History

‘Vietnam Remembered: 50 Years Later’ at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

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‘Vietnam Remembered: 50 Years Later’ to include aircraft displays, activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023

Air shows, Honor Flight included in commemoration

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 2, 2023) — The people and aircraft that participated in the Vietnam War will be remembered 50 years after the end of direct hostilities during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, which will be held July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The 70th edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention will include specific programs and activities that involve the aircraft of that period, from all branches of service that were engaged during that period.

“The Vietnam era was a remarkable time for aviation innovation and development,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “It was a bridge from the early jet age to the aircraft that are still a foundational part of our armed forces. More important, this is an opportunity to recognize those who served, many of whom did not receive a grateful welcome when they returned from their service.”

The aircraft involved in the individual programs will be announced as their presence is finalized. However, the lineup will include land- and carrier-based aircraft, as well as rotorcraft that are examples of those that saw service in Vietnam. Special activities will encompass the AirVenture air shows, evening programs, Boeing Plaza and Warbirds area displays, and areas such as the Fly-In Theater and EAA Aviation Museum.

In addition, the annual Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight is scheduled to return to the schedule on Friday, July 28, focusing on Vietnam veterans departing Oshkosh for a day trip to the monuments in Washington, D.C., prior to returning at the end of that day’s air show.

Additional highlights are currently in development and will be announced in the coming weeks.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

B-29, C-47 D-DAY AIRCRAFT HIGHLIGHT COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE GROUP AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2017

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B-17, A-26, B-25s among other warbird aircraft coming to Oshkosh
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 19, 2017) — Some of the World War II era’s most significant military aircraft that have been restored and preserved by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will be among the highlights of the annual warbird gathering at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017. The 65th annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-in convention is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Among the airplanes coming to Oshkosh is the Boeing B-29 FIFI, which will join the world’s only other flying B-29 bomber, Doc, on the flight line for the first appearance of multiple B-29s in more than 50 years. In addition, CAF B-25 bombers will appear as part of the 75th anniversary of the famed Doolittle Raid of April 1942.
“While more than 300 vintage military aircraft at Oshkosh each year create the world’s largest annual warbird gathering, the CAF has been at the forefront of restoring and preserving many marvelous examples of flying history,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member benefits who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “At AirVenture, visitors can see the airplanes in the air and on ground display, and also learn more about the aircraft from the people who own and fly them.”
While at AirVenture, the B-29 FIFIwill be available for flights on July 26-27, based from Appleton, Wisconsin. More information is available at CAF’s Air Power History Tourwebsite. At other times, the aircraft will be displayed at Oshkosh for cockpit and aircraft tours.
Other CAF aircraft on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh include:
·         C-47 That’s All Brother, the airplane that led the D-Day invasion and is under restoration in Oshkosh
·         B-17 Texas Raiders
·         A-26 Invader twin-engine bomber
·         B-25s Miss Mitchell and Devil Dog, part of the Doolittle Raid 75th anniversary commemoration.
“The Commemorative Air Force is again excited to bring a number of our aircraft to Oshkosh for The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” said Stephan Brown, Commemorative Air Force president. “These airplanes represent an outstanding tribute to the men and women who gave dedicated themselves and sacrificed to preserve our freedom.”
Many of the CAF aircraft will also participate in the EAA AirVenture daily afternoon air shows, including the warbird extravaganzas that take place throughout the week.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

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