Convoy of Skytrains will Make the Rounds to Remind the World of Sacrifices Rendered

The Commemorative Air Force has announced a redux of its popular 2019 tour for 2024, which will bring the Douglas C-47 and DC-3 around the country to make the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.

The logistical troubles that accompany a wagon train of vintage air-cooled, radial engined multis will likely result in a small number of varied aircraft throughout the actual tour, but they’ll be on-brand for the D-Day Squadron.

Starting on May 18, 2024, the D-Day Squadron will depart Oxford-Waterbury Airport in Connecticut and head Eastward across the Atlantic Ocean, following the original “Blue Spruce” route.

“With multiple aircraft still working to prepare,” the CAF said, “we are expected to roll out a second phase of announcements featuring nearly a dozen historic aircraft involved in the mission.” For now, at least, today’s roster is expected to be joined by a trio of European-based C-47s from France, Finland, and Sweden.

“We’re excited to join the D-Day Squadron to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord. As a U.S. Naval aircraft, Ready 4 Duty and her crew are honored to represent the contributions of the U.S. Navy at this historic event,” shared Chris Volpe, Wing Leader of the Dallas/ Fort Worth Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. “This will be our first flight mission with the squadron. A great salute to the Greatest Generation who came before us.”

“Having led the DC-3’s journey to Europe in 2019, the D-Day Squadron earned a global presence that’s provided our organization to grow, multiply our DC-3 connections, and even launch the DC-3 Society where we actively aid operators, crews, and enthusiasts with maintenance, operations, airworthiness, and displays,” shared Eric Zipkin, director of operations and mission chief pilot for the D-Day Squadron. “We won the War because of our logistical abilities; it’s only appropriate we, as the stewards of this noble aircraft, continue to fly and maintain the airframe that was the backbone to achieving victory.”

FMI: www.commemorativeairforce.org