INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE

Aircraft

The Minnesota Wing is the proud custodian of several very important aircraft which served the United States and Canada during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The aircraft are lovingly restored and maintained in flying condition so that "living" examples of these rare aircraft can be enjoyed by the public. Many of the aircraft also participate in the Minnesota Wing History Program, which offers the opportunity to actually take a flight in the airplane. The aircraft in the Minnesota Wing fleet can usually be found at our hangar at Fleming Field in South St. Paul, MN, or at air shows around the country during spring through early fall. Click on an aircraft to get more information.

Red Tail P-51

P-51 Mustang

The CAF Red Tail Project is dedicated to telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the World War II fighter group composed of African-American pilots and support personnel who fought discrimination and prejudice in order to serve their country. Their remarkable story of vision, hope, hard work and discipline proved that individuals can accomplish the remarkable, regardless the obstacles, and remains as relevant today as it did sixty years ago. The CAF Red Tail Project, part of the Commemorative Air Force, was founded to keep spreading that message and exposing people to the extraordinary gentlemen who set such an inspirational example. Through the restoration of a P-51C Mustang christened "Tuskegee Airmen" the project did just what project leader Don Hinz had dreamed – "Inspire youth and tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen all across America" – as the airplane became a major draw for people at air shows and other venues. In the four years that the "Tuskegee Airmen" flew it generated tremendous media attention, creating an estimated 40 million exposures for the compelling story of the Tuskegee Airmen.

B25 Miss Mitchell

Miss Mitchel B-25

The Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is proud to fly the North American B-25 bomber, "Miss Mitchell". The original "Miss Mitchell", served with distinction in the 12th Air Force, 57th Bomb Wing in Corsica, Sicily, and Italy during WWII. She flew over 135 missions with no serous injuries to her crew. In August of 1944, pilot, Lt. Max Bell, earned the Distinguished Flying Cross while flying "Miss Mitchell" on a bombing raid to destroy bridges in Nazi-occupied Italy. The plane was heavily damaged by anti-aircraft fire but successfully destroyed the target and returned to base. The B-25 gained fame from the daring raid made by Jimmy Doolittle and his 'Raiders' to strike back at Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was depicted in the movie, "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo". After an extensive 12-year restoration by dozens of volunteers to restore it to flying condition, the award-winning "Miss Mitchell" retook the skies in 1992 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid.

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