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July 29, 2020

CAF FM2 Wildcat Boards USS Essex To Attend VJ Day Flyover In Hawaii

The Wildcat Played A Vital Role In The Pacific Theater

The Commemorative Air Force’s FM2 Wildcat is set to participate in the upcoming 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the End of World War II events, scheduled to take place in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from August 29 to September 2, 2020. On Saturday, July 25, the aircraft and pilot Mike Polley boarded USS Essex (LHD 2) to bring the aircraft from San Diego to Pearl Harbor for the commemoration activities.

Aircrews Consist Of Two Pilots, An Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer, Navigator And Loadmaster

The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircrews flew five weather reconnaissance missions into Hurricane Douglas, the season’s first hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, July 24-27, collecting data to assist Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasters. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, assigned to the 403rd Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, departed their home base, July 22, began flying missions into Hurricane Douglas from Kalaeloa Airport, July 24, and then moved operations to Kona International Airport, Hawaii, July 26, to get out of the path of the storm, and finished their last mission, July 27.