Squadron's Namesake Maxine Flournoy Attended The Ceremony

The Maxine Flournoy 3rd Coast Squadron CAF has broken ground on its new Hangar and Museum at T.P. McCampbell Airport in Ingleside, TX. The event was held last week, with the squadron's namesake, the legendary World War II pilot and instructor Maxine Flournoy, in attendance. Flournoy was one of the first women ever to fly a military aircraft.

Col. Pearson Knolle, Unit Leader squadron, said that construction would begin immediately after Ground Breaking ceremonies and should be completed by April 15, 2014. Col. Knolle said the project includes necessary infrastructure, a 12,500 s.f. Hangar, a 3,000 s.f. Museum, offices and conference room, vehicle parking for 50 cars, and tarmac area large enough for the unit’s planes.

In a news release announcing the groundbreaking, Col. Knolle said that all the necessary papers have been signed to begin construction and he is confident at this point that the new facility will be built on time and on budget. The project will be built will the support of CAF, monies from the unit’s fundraising activities, local funds and other public and private parties. Access to the new location will be greatly enhanced by having major road ways leading to it. Having improved access to and from the new facility will make it much easier for our visitors, volunteers, and staff.

“We are all quite enthused about our new facility” said Col. Knolle. “We have all worked very hard on the planning of the new facility and happy to see the project becoming a reality.”

The 3rd Coast Squadron mission is to establish and maintain a permanent presence in the community so as to preserve and illustrate the Coastal Bend's involvement in the history of those men and women who served in the past and still serve in today’s military. Third Coast believes in and adheres to the Commemorative Air Force's mission of teaching and preserving history through restoring the aircraft and memories of the people who paid the ultimate price for our freedom from WWII to the present.

FMI: www.thirdcoastcaf.org