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If you have a war memorabilia aficionado in your family, then you may not be aware of Arizona’s Commemorative Air Force museum located right here in the East Valley. Since the first permanent hangar was built on the grounds back in 1985, the museum has been home to Sentimental Journey, a fully-restored B-17G aircraft used in WWII that was donated to the Commemorative Air Force. Since then, the museum has grown to house several more exhibits. Here’s some more info on the CAFM.
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) was founded over fifty years ago in order to preserve a flying example of every aircraft used in WWII. Since its inception, the mission has expanded to include all American military aircraft ever used in action. The CAF maintains over 160 aircraft, with over two-thirds of them in flying condition. Thanks to the work of over 9,000 volunteer members around the country, the mission continues.
Shortly after completion of the hangar back in 1985, the grounds located near Falcon Field here in Arizona has expanded into a fully-functional museum and event venue. The annual “A Night in the 40s Big Band Dance” became a tradition back in 1986 that takes place every March, which draws over 1,400 guests every year. On top of the events, the exhibits grew to include several more WWII artifacts. Other exhibits and tributes to military aviation in Arizona include the Chow Hound exhibit, a tribute to the B-17 lost in action during WWII and “Triumph over Adversity” an exhibit dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen, the black pioneers of aviation who served during the second world war, as well as several other exhibits. Individual, group and educational tours are offered through the Commemorative Air Force.
For more information, including hours and directions as well as group tours, go to www.azcaf.org.
