Lightening Strike...P-38 Gathering

A Rumble of Distant Thunder: The Return of Kelly's Heroes…

This week, California Capital Airshow sent out some very special invitations to participate in an  amazing event that will draw the attendance, respect, and adoration of aviation enthusiasts from all over the world. In  terms of participation, historical impact, and community involvement, there are some very high hopes for the weekend of September 11-12, 2010 at Mather Airport near Sacramento, California.

The show has partnered with the National Championship Air Races in Reno to host a gathering of all of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning aircraft in the world that are still flying. The idea was born in a conversation between warbird pilots and the California Capital Airshow's military air coordinator during the Edwards AFB open-house in October 2009. When approached with the idea, Executive Director Darcy Brewer and the Capital Airshow Group's performers committee agreed that such a historic gathering is certainly one for the ages and an achievement well worth their concerted efforts.

"What is remarkable about this idea is at the same time we began entertaining the notion last fall, similar conversations were being had within the ranks of the wonderful people at NCAR," Brewer said. "In the past couple of months, through extensive conversation and commitments to share ideas and resources, we have dedicated ourselves to making this thought a reality in both venues."

The P-38 National Association and the 475th Fighter Group Historical Foundation are now heavily involved in the endeavor, and after discussing it with show organizers, both of those organizations leapt at the opportunity and have pledged their support, participation, and available resources to help bring it to fruition.

"Our mission at the P-38 National Association is to promote and keep alive the passion for and memory of this exceptional WWII airplane.  We strive to do that by honoring the pilots who flew them, the ground crews who kept them in the air and the personnel at Lockheed-Martin, who designed and built the Lightning," said Bob Alvis, President of the P-38 National Association.

There has not been such a gathering of Lightnings in over fifty years, and because of the high operating costs of the aircraft, coupled with the dwindling numbers of men and women originally associated with the P-38, it is very likely that such an event will not happen again. Because of that, Brewer and her team have pledged to do their best and make the weekend in Sacramento as memorable as possible.

There have never been more than two P-38s flying simultaneously in USAF Heritage Flight formations. This gathering may have three Heritage Flight-certified pilots in attendance, increasing the probability of having three of the aircraft in close formation with the California Capital Airshow's headlining military demonstration aircraft, the F-22A Raptor.  There has also been talk of having all six airplanes in the air at once, making the gathering a part of the actual flying program.

Once the California Capital Airshow concludes on Sunday, September 12^th, the aircraft will depart for Reno Stead Field and be on-hand as a static display and possible flying event during the week's festivities. "This is very much a team effort between us and NCAR. We encourage people, if they can, to follow these airplanes over to Reno and enjoy the races," Brewer said.

"As an organization, the National Championship Air Races is honored to be able to present such a historical reunion for our fans and aviation enthusiasts from around the world," said Mike Houghton, Chairman and CEO of the races.

The National Championship Air Races bring together thousands of aviation and sports enthusiasts from around the world, including many residents of Reno and the surrounding areas. Race and air show participants include astronauts, airline pilots, and military and civilian aviators. For a week every September, the high desert north of Reno becomes home to hundreds of aircraft, their pilots, and crews.

"This joint venture between the California Capital Airshow and the Reno National Championship Air Races is an event that is going to exceed our wildest expectations," Alvis added. "It will be the crowning jewel for the P‑38 community, and we are blessed to have this extraordinary opportunity. Not since WWII have so many P‑38s been in the air at the same time, and it is a dream come true for all of us."

Brewer said that sponsorship efforts were well underway on both the part of the California Capital Airshow, as well as with organizers in Reno.

"Each one of these airplanes, and the men and women associated with them, has a story to tell, and this joint venture will provide the opportunity for those tales of valor, sacrifice, and heroism to be shared—to make their honor and courage tangible to this generation and those to come," she said. "We owe it to them to provide the opportunity, and we're doing our best to bring it all together. These airplanes are extremely expensive, so we're looking for sponsors to help us and the supporting organizations ensure that their memory will never be forgotten."

For those interested in sponsoring the event or participating, please contact the California Capital Airshow main office at (916) 876-7568, or the Reno Air Racing Association at (775) 972-6663.

"We will see you all in September!"