Based in Mesa, Arizona, the Commemorative Air Force was founded in 1977 as the 10th chapter of the CAF. It is comprised of 500 members, seven flyable warbirds that offer Living History “thrill of a lifetime” rides, and over 20 historic war aircraft on display. The fully-restored and rare B-17G and B-25J Bombers are the two main warbirds that conduct the Flying Legends of Victory Summer Air Show tour and visit approximately 40 cities throughout the United States and Canada. The military aviation museum has 55,000 square feet of historical airplanes, relics, and educational exhibits, in addition to a working mechanics hangar. A Trip-Advisor Winner of Excellence, it’s one of the top-rated Edu-Venture attractions in Phoenix and regularly conducts tours for schools, businesses, and youth groups.
We’re authentic. Our collections of salvaged artifacts still have grit and coffee stains. No one has rewritten history here. Connect with the stories and feel the courage of everyday folks who set it all aside and took to the air to save the world for their children, and their children’s children. Take an EDU-venture through history and learn how aircraft evolved as a heroic partner to ground and sea operations from WWI to present day.
Walk through Bomber Alley and find yourself in a working Mechanics Hangar. Our docents will lead you right into the bomb bay in the very belly of the planes as our mechanics bring muscular engines to a grumbling start. Think it's easy to find WWII airplane parts? Peek into our Combat Damage Repair Shop and you'll see true artisan mechanics crafting new components from aluminum and steel.
Our exhibits reveal the hard truths and brilliant ingenuity of a generation of heroes who scrambled to defend freedom. During war, the very worst and the very best of humanity stand shoulder-to-shoulder. Words in a book simply can’t convey this reality. As you browse through artifacts, photographs and stories and examine airplanes rivet by rivet, you’ll feel a whole new respect emerge for the men and women behind some of the most technological advancements of our time.
Don't miss the "climb aboard" tours of our B-17 Bomber "Sentimental Journey," B-25 Bomber "Maid in the Shade," and C-47 Secret Mission Cargo "Old Number 30." We want you to see and feel what it was like for these brave men and women from the actual guts of these hero airplanes.
Our museum gift store has hundreds of items to browse through. From kids' toys and airplane models to authentic bomber jackets - even for your pooch - we've got it all!
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