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U.S. Pacific Air Forces to highlight aircraft, personnel AirVenture 2026

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U.S. Pacific Air Forces to highlight aircraft, personnel at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

PACAF and its Airmen are at the forefront of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 19, 2026) — U.S. Pacific Air Forces will take center stage as the featured service component at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026, the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, coming July 20-26, 2026, at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

“As we aim to highlight a specific Air Force command every year at Oshkosh, the incredible work of Pacific Air Forces’ mission is more critical than ever, and its strategic location makes it the center of gravity for security in the Indo-Pacific,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This command will add a distinct highlight to the activities at AirVenture 2026, as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.”

Headquartered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, PACAF and its Commander, Gen. Kevin B. Schneider, lead the charge in strengthening alliances and deterring aggression across half the globe. The command’s mission includes everything from large-scale joint exercises with partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region and bomber task force missions, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

“It’s an honor to share the story of Pacific Air Forces with the Oshkosh community. In the Indo-Pacific, a region vital to global stability, PACAF stands as a steadfast and lethal force, ready to defend the United States and our allies,” Gen. Schneider said. “Our strength lies not only in our advanced aircraft and skilled Airmen but also in our deep and abiding partnerships. We are committed to our Homeland Defense and deterrence,’ working seamlessly with our joint force and international partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“We are focused on readiness, innovation, and the lethality of our force to deter aggression, and are excited to share that legacy and commitment with Oshkosh. Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the advanced capabilities and professionalism that our Airmen bring. It is this readiness and cutting-edge airpower that allows us to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and partners, reinforcing our shared commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.”

Pacific Air Forces is a major command of the U.S. Air Force and the air component of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. PACAF’s primary mission is to provide ready air power to promote U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Honoring more than 80 years of history and spanning 36 nations, PACAF’s area of responsibility covers more than 100 million square miles. Its airmen are on the front lines of defending American interests. Immediate news is available on the official PACAF website and social media channels.

“The display of airpower scheduled for this summer will be a powerful showcase of the professionalism, lethality, and readiness of the aviators, maintainers and support staff who secure our nation at home and abroad,” Schneider said.

To commemorate 20 years of “Global Reach in the Pacific,” the command will also showcase a C-17 Globemaster III static display from the Hawaii Air National Guard. A symbol of Total Force Integration and readiness between the 15th Airlift Wing and the 154th Wing, 2026 marks 20 years since the C-17’s arrival in Hawaii, transforming air mobility for the state and the Indo-Pacific. Two decades later, the C-17 continues to deliver global mobility, humanitarian support and joint operational excellence across 14 time zones — a lasting legacy of service, partnership and aloha.

The C-17 and additional aircraft will be based on AirVenture’s showcase Boeing Plaza. Additional details on aircraft and programming at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be announced as it is finalized.

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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.

Public benefit flying returns as feature at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

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Opportunities for pilots to discover ways to help others through aviation

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (January 28, 2026) — Organizations that provide humanitarian relief and more through aviation will return to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 as the popular Public Benefit Flying area will be part of the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

The aircraft, crews, and organizations that supply aid to victims of natural disasters, war, famine, and other emergencies around the globe will be part of the presentations, along with aircraft on and near Boeing Plaza at the center of the AirVenture grounds. The display will also feature a pavilion that allows current pilots to explore volunteer possibilities and register to help any one of the many organizations represented.

“In 2025, more than 1,500  pilots registered at Oshkosh to become part of public benefit flying, whether that is bringing relief supplies to disaster-stricken areas, flying cancer patients to their appointments, or even moving rescue animals across the country,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “This groundswell showed the great spirit of the general aviation community to be there when needed in any possible way benefit those in need.”

The Air Care Alliance will again coordinate the participating organizations at Oshkosh, as it represents more than 50 groups dedicated to delivering impactful and inspiring service through aviation. It will again welcome all pilots to learn more about the nationwide opportunities available to serve others by using their aviation skills. Non-pilots are also welcome to visit during AirVenture to discover more about the multitude of ways that aviation uses local airports and benefits local communities.

More details on participating aircraft and organizations will be announced as they are finalized.

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.

 

The Flying Bulls aircraft at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Flying Bulls aircraft from Austria making only public U.S. air show appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026

Famed restorations appearing include Lockheed P-38 and Douglas DC-6B

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 10, 2025) — Two magnificent aircraft restorations from Austria’s The Flying Bulls collection will make their only public U.S. air show appearance in 2026 when they arrive at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for the 73rd edition of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s fly-in convention, July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Flying Bulls, based in Salzburg, Austria, made the announcement on December 10 during the International Council of Air Shows convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The restored airplanes showcased will be a Douglas DC-6B and a Lockheed P-38 Lightning, each of which have fascinating stories behind their discovery and restoration.

“The Flying Bulls aircraft are another example of the world coming to Oshkosh to celebrate flight every summer,” said Rick Larsen. “These airplanes are among the finest restorations of their type anywhere on earth, so an Oshkosh stop was a necessity during their American tour to showcase them among the knowledgeable aviation community at AirVenture.”

The P-38 is the only flying example of the model in Europe and an outstanding example of the twin-tail fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed during WWII. It was shipped from America to Europe and is currently housed at The Flying Bulls’ Hangar-7 in Salzburg.

The DC-6B was built in 1958 and was first owned by the Yugoslavian airline JAT. The country’s head of state, Marshall Josef Tito, sold the airplane to Zambia leader Kenneth Launda as a luxury personal transport in the 1970s. The airplane was abandoned in the Zambian capital’s Lusaka Airport but was rescued by the Flying Bulls in 2000, after which a three-year restoration brought it back to glory.

“The moment has arrived – we are crossing the Atlantic and we’re coming to Oshkosh,” said Eskil Ambal, CEO of The Flying Bulls. “Our ride across the Atlantic is in a DC-6, just as she was meant to do. But we couldn’t let her go alone. You never, ever, ever leave your wingman. So the P-38 is coming with her.”

The Flying Bulls collection consists of more than 40 aircraft ranging from World War II fighters to modern helicopters. It was founded by Tyrolean Airlines pilot Sigi Angerer in the 1980s and found support from Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz to create The Flying Bulls in 1999. Since then, the combination of technical excellence and stunning looks has made stars out of The Flying Bulls.

The Flying Bulls aircraft coming to Oshkosh will be featured on the event’s showcase Boeing Plaza and will also appear in the EAA AirVenture afternoon air shows.

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.