The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

For all members in the Valley of the Sun

The Commemorative Air Force will conduct a historic warbird flyover of the Phoenix/West and East Valley metro area the morning of Friday, May 8 to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (the end of World War II) and salute the enduring spirit of Arizonans throughout history -- including their strength and community spirit while dealing with the COVID 19 public health emergency.

The formation of three large aircraft will launch from historic Falcon Field in Mesa at approximately 8:20 a.m. to form-up and first head West over central Mesa, then to south metro, the west valley, north metro and east valley. Included in the flyover salute is Mesa Cemetery where U.S. veterans and British RAF cadets are buried, the State Capitol over the USS Arizona monument, the National Cemetery and several communities around the area. A route map and 'time overhead' of planned flyover locations can be viewed on www.azcaf.org/ve-day-flyover. The entire route should take about one hour.

The historically significant aircraft planned for the flight include: a B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell Bomber and C-47 Skytrain -- all of which flew service in World War II and have strong wartime connections to Arizona. Arizona joins Texas and Washington, DC as among communities honoring this vital time in history with commemorative flyovers on the anniversary of VE Day.

Great work by the CAF. Love those old planes and have a lot of respect for the people who operate and maintain some of the best part of WWII history. Keep 'em flying!

A co-worker was a WW II vet and told people when he was asked about his service he said he was based in England and worked on engines. After he died, his brother told us he was a waist gunner on a B 17 . Tremendous planes.

My late great uncle was a mechanic stationed in the UK during the war. He primarily worked on B-17s. Talk about a tough job-working under extreme conditions and losing crews and planes daily. He never spoke much about what he did or saw and it drove him to drink afterwards. Fortunately he sobered up and had many years gainfully employed as a mechanic at Trans World Airlines.