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The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to produce CAF Warbird Tube. A weekly video podcast that features the people, places, and planes that shaped American history. Each week we host a different guest and different topic to explore as part of the CAF's mission to Educate, Inspire, and Honor. You can learn more about the Commemorative Air Force at www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.
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The CAF AirPower History Tour is gearing up for another unforgettable season—and the big bombers are leading the way. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we share the latest updates on the tour’s anchor aircraft, including the B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil and the B-29 Superfortress FIFI. Get the inside scoop on aircraft status, upcoming tour stops, and how to experience history firsthand with ride flights in these legendary WWII aircraft. Whether you’re planning a visit, considering a ride, or...
One of aviation’s biggest events of the year is almost here. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we sit down with Gene Conrad, CEO of the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, to preview what visitors can expect at the 2026 show in Lakeland, Florida. From incredible aircraft on the ramp to thrilling flying demonstrations in the sky, SUN ’n FUN has become one of the premier aviation gatherings in the world. Gene shares what’s new this year, highlights you won’t want to miss, and how the event cont...
In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we dive into the story of Brian Pierson, a self-taught aviation enthusiast who has spent thousands of hours hand-building a full-scale flight deck for a Convair B-36H Peacemaker — right in his West Virginia garage. From a makeshift cockpit to rivet-by-rivet fabrication, Brian’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and obsession with aviation history. This isn’t a restoration — it’s a scratch-built tribute to a Cold War legend, with Brian using ph...
In 1946, aviation stood at a crossroads, as the world shifted from global conflict to peacetime skies. Join CAF host Steve Buss as he explores how war-built aircraft, pilots, and technology helped shape the postwar aviation boom—transforming tools of combat into symbols of progress, innovation, and hope. He examines how the legacy of World War II continued to shape aviation’s role in a newly peaceful world. You can watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/uq8iEkRCRKQ. Links ref...
USS Intrepid’s Fighting Squadron 18 was one of the highest-scoring U.S. Navy fighter units of World War II—and its story is packed with skill, leadership, and raw combat power. Join Warbird Tube host Steve Buss as he sits down with author Mike Fink to explore VF-18: Flying High with Harris’ Hellcats. From the fearsome F6F Hellcat to ace Cecil “Speedball” Harris, this episode dives into how VF-18 dominated the skies and helped shape naval air combat in the Pacific. You can watch this episode o...
What does it take to command bombers separated by half a century of technology? In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, host Steve Buss sits down with Mark Novak—one of the rare pilots to have flown both the supersonic B-1 "the Bone" and the legendary B-29 Superfortress. With more than 1,000 hours in the B-29, Novak shares what leadership, responsibility, and precision look like across generations of bomber aviation. From Cold War muscle to World War II icons, this is a rare, firsthand look at w...
Before they became aces, bomber pilots, or instructors, thousands of World War II aviators took their very first flights in a Boeing PT-17 Stearman. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we visit the Commemorative Air Force’s Indiana Wing to explore their beautifully restored PT-17—an aircraft that trained the heroes who won the skies. Learn what makes the Stearman such an enduring favorite and how this classic biplane continues to inspire new generations of pilots today. You can watch this ep...
Built in 1943, the SNJ-5 Texan N7300C trained generations of Navy pilots at Pensacola Naval Air Station. Nicknamed “The Pilot Maker,” the Texan earned its reputation for being both challenging and deeply rewarding to fly. Its powerful Pratt & Whitney engine, responsive controls, and forgiving nature taught aviators the finesse and confidence they needed to master combat aircraft. Today, this gleaming veteran—now operated by the Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing in Conroe, Texas—rema...
The Vultee BT-13 Valiant—nicknamed the “Vultee Vibrator”—was the backbone of pilot training during World War II. Nearly every U.S. Army Air Forces combat pilot first learned to fly in this trainer, including thousands who trained at Walnut Ridge Army Airfield in Arkansas. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we spotlight the Razorback Wing’s ambitious ground-up restoration of their 1941 BT-13A. Discover how volunteers are working to return this aircraft to its iconic blue-and-yellow pre...
Eighty-five years ago, the North American P-51 Mustang took flight for the very first time—ushering in a new era of fighter aircraft. Known for its speed, range, and unmistakable roar, the Mustang became one of the most decisive aircraft of World War II and a symbol of American airpower. In this special anniversary episode of Warbird Tube, we commemorate the Mustang’s first flight and explore how the Commemorative Air Force keeps this icon soaring today. Join CAF Mustang pilots, Larry Lumpkin...
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk remains one of the most recognizable fighters of World War II. In this episode of Warbird Tube, we examine the current condition of the Commemorative Air Force’s P-40, a regular performer in the exciting TORA! TORA! TORA! Airshow Act. Join guests Taylor Stevenson and Parker Rathbun, both CAF pilots of the Warhawk, as they share behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to keep this legendary aircraft flying and inspiring new generations. Want to watch this online ...
Abandoned on an Alaskan sandbar for more than four decades, the B-25 Sandbar Mitchell is rising again. In this episode, we’re joined by Patrick Mihalek, Museum Director and Head of Restoration at the Warbirds of Glory Museum, to hear how his team recovered this once-lost bomber and is bringing it back to life—preserving history, inspiring youth, and keeping the legacy of WWII aviation alive. You can also watch this episode at https://youtu.be/9RiOThq4tBE. Aired on: October 8, 2025Guest:...
In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we’re joined by the Mid Atlantic Air Museum to explore their remarkable restoration of the Northrop P-61 Black Widow—a WWII-era night fighter designed specifically for after-dark missions. This twin-engine aircraft was equipped with onboard radar, four 20mm cannons, and four .50 caliber machine guns, making it one of the most formidable interceptors of its time. We’ll dive into the aircraft’s development, combat role, and the meticulous restoration w...
Join us at EAA AirVenture 2025 as we catch up with the Lewis Air Legends crew of the legendary C-121 Constellation, Bataan. Step inside this award-winning warbird, recognized multiple times by Warbirds of America for its meticulous restoration and stunning appearance. Hear firsthand from the passionate team behind Bataan as they share stories, restoration insights, and why preserving this iconic piece of aviation history matters. Want to watch this video? Go to https://youtu.be/fQ7H4gGrPZI Se...
Join us on CAF Warbird Tube for a fascinating conversation with Scott Culver, author of Nine Yanks and a Jerk, the gripping true story of a B-24 Liberator crew during World War II. Discover the history behind this remarkable bomber, hear Scott’s insights, and learn more at sonofagunnerb24.com. Want to watch the video? Go to https://youtu.be/FT0PmW8OPfM Aired on: August 13, 2025 Guest: Scott Culver Host: Steve Buss Produced By: Blaine Seaboalt Producer: Commemorative ...
Join us for a special episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we dive into the extraordinary life and legacy of Major Richard Bong, America's top fighter ace with 40 official victories, not just of WWII but all aerial conflicts. Our guest, acclaimed author and historian Bruce Gamble, brings his deep expertise to the conversation, sharing rare insights and compelling stories about Bong’s service in the Pacific Theater, his legendary P-38 missions, and the man behind the medals. Learn more about our gue...
Join us for a special episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we honor the 80th anniversary of the FG-1D Corsair "530," a proud member of Airbase Georgia’s historic fleet. Discover the story of this iconic warbird, from its acquisition to its current assignment at Airbase Georgia and current work with the Navy Legacy Program. We'll explore the Corsair's design, its combat legacy, and the dedicated work that keeps "530" flying today. Celebrate the craftsmanship and history behind this formidable aircra...
Join us for an inside look at the ongoing restoration of the iconic B-17E Desert Rat, one of the rarest surviving early-model Flying Fortresses. In this episode, we’ll share exciting updates from the restoration team, including the latest milestones, challenges, and what’s next for bringing this historic aircraft back to life. Learn how dedicated volunteers are preserving a key piece of World War II aviation history as the Desert Rat takes shape once more. You can watch this show on YouTube a...
Often referred to as the "Forgotten Battle," the Aleutian Islands Campaign witnessed some of the harshest conditions of World War II. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we welcome historian, author, and Alaska historic trip leader Karen Abel to explore the aircraft that braved the treacherous Aleutian skies. From P-38 Lightnings to B-24 Liberators, we’ll discuss the role of these warbirds in one of the most challenging theaters of the war. Follow more at http://www.floridabeachestothebering...
Join us for a thrilling dive into aviation history as we explore the world’s first operational jet fighter—the Messerschmitt Me 262. Our guest, Keegan Chetwynd, Director of the Military Aviation Museum, will share the story of how the Museum's replica was constructed, what effort was needed to get it back in the air, and how the Museum plans to continue to operate the aircraft into the future. Also discussed will be the flying characteristics of the replica, and the design and development his...
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