Commemorative Air Force Participates in Houston Fight to the Finish Flyover Honoring the 75th Anniversary of V-E Day
HOUSTON, May 1, 2020 - To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe and honor those who sacrificed, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will participate in a fly over of vintage warbirds over the skies of the Greater Houston area. Presented by the Lone Star Flight Museum, the Fight to the Finish Fly Over will feature more than two dozen historic aircraft from the CAF and individual warbird airplane owners.
The Fight to the Finish Fly Over will occur on Update May 10 with airplanes taking off at 2 p.m. from Ellington Airport, and will follow a 120-mile flight plan over more than a dozen Houston-area communities. An event program, flight plan and map will be available for download the week of the flight on the Lone Star Flight Museum’s website.
“During this time of social distancing, it is important to take time to reflect on the sacrifices made by our service members during World War II and honor their contributions to our freedom,” said Sam Bulger, development officer, CAF Houston Wing. “The Fight to the Finish flyover is an important reminder of the 75th anniversary of V-E Day and allows Houstonians to patriotically reflect from home, while witnessing first-hand the marvel of World War II warbirds.”
Several CAF units will operate their historic warbirds in the flight that will last just over one hour over the skies of Houston. The CAF air fleet includes: • Houston Wing: AT-6 and BT-13 • Highland Lakes Wing: SNJ-4 Texan • Gulf Coast Wing: C-45 Expeditor • Tora Tora Tora: Three Japanese replica aircraft • Devil Dog Squadron: B-25 Mitchell Devil Dog
The public is invited to view the flyover in a livestream event on the CAF Facebook channel. Viewers are encouraged to post pictures and stories of personal experiences or memories of loved ones who served in World War II.
The airplanes will fly over Pasadena, the San Jacinto Monument, University of Houston-Main Campus, Downtown Houston, Memorial Park, Acres Homes, Houston National Cemetery, Spring-Cypress, Cinco Ranch, Mission Bend, West Memorial, West University Place, Bellaire, Missouri City, Alvin, Pearland, Friendswood, Dickinson, Kemah and many other communities within the flight plan. Sunset Image of CAF TORA TORA TORA aircraft by Luigino Caliaro.
About the Commemorative Air Force: The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Dallas, and the world’s largest flying military aircraft museum with more than 175 vintage military aircraft and 11,000 members across the United States. For more than 60 years, the CAF has been dedicated to honoring American military aviation through flight, exhibition, education and remembrance. The non-profit organization maintains airplanes in flying condition, allowing the public to experience first-hand the sights and sounds of America’s military aviation history. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org
