Commemorative Air Force B-29/B-24 Squadron Announces 2011 Texas Tour

ADDISON, TEXAS (October 3, 2011) — The Commemorative Air Force B-29/B-24 Squadron is proud to announce that the world’s only flyable Boeing B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” and one of only two flying B-24 Liberators, Ol’ 927 will be touring the state of Texas from October 6th through October 30th.

The CAF B-29/B-24 Squadron will be visiting Midland for the CAF AIRSHO October 6-9, College Station October 12-13, Houston for the Wings Over Houston AIRSHO October 14-16, West Houston October 18-20, Austin October 21-23, Hondo October 26-27, and San Antonio for the Randolph Air Force Base Airshow October 29-30.  While on tour the public is invited to take a cockpit tour or purchase a Historic Flight Experience.  Full details of the tour hours and locations can be located by visiting the squadron web site at  www.b29b24bomberrides.org  

“The Commemorative Air Force is unique, we aren’t like other museums,” said CAF President/CEO Stephan Brown. “We start our engines, we fly our airplanes and we get loud, taking history to the public, not waiting for them to come to us. Attending this event is an opportunity for the CAF to continue doing what we do best, educating and reminding Americans of the cost of our freedom.”

About the CAF’s B-29 SUPERFORTRESS “FIFI”:

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress is America’s first very heavy bomber entering World War II in 1944 and is best known for missions in August 1945 that led to the end of World War II.  The B-29 would continue on to serve the U.S. Air Force in the Korean Conflict and as a vital part of Strategic Air Command until replaced by jet bombers.  The B-29 was retired from service in the 1960s, many were destroyed.  The CAF begin searching for a B-29 in the 1960s and finally in 1971, located one at the China Lake Navy Proving yard.  After many months of negotiations the CAF was given permission to recover the airframe and fly it to their base in Harlingen, Texas.  There it underwent extensive restoration emerging late in 1974, and christened FIFI and joined the other World War II fighters and bombers to preserve the memories and teach lessons of mankind's greatest war.  For the past 35 years, FIFI has toured the nation educating the American public about the sacrifices made by the young men and women who built, serviced, and flew these aircraft during WWII and the Korean Conflict.

About the CAF’s B-29 LIBERATOR Ol’ 927:

Ol’ 927, built in 1941, the 25th B-24 produced by Consolidated, is the oldest remaining B-24, and out of over 18,000 produced, is one of only two still flying in the world today. She is maintained and operated by the B-29/B-24 Squadron of the CAF. The CAF purchased the B-24A in 1967, and since that time, she has performed majestically before crowds of thousands of people. Prior to 2007 she was configured as “Diamond Lil” a transport aircraft, with markings of the 98th Bomb Group.  2006 began a major conversion of AM-927 back to her original bomber configuration and renamed Ol’ 927. The 25th B-24 produced by Consolidated, Ol’ 927 was built in 1941 and is the oldest remaining B-24. Out of over 18,000 produced, she is one of only two still flying in the world today. Ol’ 927 is maintained and operated by the B-29/B-24 Squadron of the CAF. The CAF purchased the B-24A in 1967, and since that time, she has performed majestically before crowds of thousands of people. Prior to 2007 she was configured as Diamond Lil, a transport aircraft, with markings of the 98th Bomb Group.  In 2006, the squadron converted AM-927 back to her original bomber configuration and renamed her Ol’ 927.

About the Commemorative Air Force:

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 more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000.