Takes Over As CAF's New  Director of Maintenance

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has announced that 27-year CAF member James C. "Woody" Woodford will be joining its Headquarters as Director of Maintenance, reporting to Bob Stenevik, VP of Operations and Maintenance.

"We are excited that a long-term member, who knows the CAF aircraft and the CAF members, will be joining the Headquarters team," said CAF President, Stephan Brown. "Jim's professional background and experience will allow the CAF to continue to honor the standards of quality in our aircraft and operations that were established under Bob Stenevik and Gary Austin. During his time here, Gary worked hard to create a set of standards in the restoration and maintenance of our vintage warbirds and it is through his recommendation and the recommendations of other CAF leaders like Charles Hutchins and Bill Muszala that we feel confident that Jim will be a great leader in the quest for quality."

Woodford will be coming to Midland, Texas, the home of CAF International Headquarters, from Houston, where he has been employed by United Space Alliance since 1998. His professional experience ranges from maintaining vintage warbirds to supporting the International Space Station.

"I am thrilled to have had the offer to be a part of the CAF on this level," said Woodford. "I have met a lot of really good folks during my association with the CAF. This is an organization I believe in and I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge and ideas to the table."

Woodford began his career in aviation as soon as he graduated high school and joined the US Navy. He continued his career at Hughes Aircraft Company in California. Shortly after relocating to Houston to begin his career in the aerospace industry, Woodford discovered the renowned CAF Tora, Tora, Tora group. He quickly joined the ranks of the organization and has remained an active member since 1982. Throughout his membership in the CAF, Woodford has acted as Crew Chief for the Tora aircraft.

For the past ten years, Woodford has acted as Head Tech Inspector for the T-6 Racing Association. T-6 Racing is a well known not-for-profit organization in aviation and is "dedicated to the racing of the vintage WWII training aircraft designated North American AT-6, Texan, Harvard or SNJ" (from www.racingt-6.org). Woodford will continue to work with the T-6 group and his experience with the aircraft will lend itself to his new career with the CAF.

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has approximately 9,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes representing more than 60 different types - including airplanes from several foreign countries and military conflicts since World War II.

FMI: www.commemorativeairforce.org