Daly Road Server Commemorative Air Force Pictures Page

"Many Ventura County commuters glimpse a hidden treasure of the Citrus Highway on their daily commute as they drive by the Camarillo Airport. Often, large propeller-driven aircraft dating to the second world war can be seen parked in front of the hangars there, or taking off on their way to an air show or an appearance on a movie shoot.

The Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, sometimes known as the Ghost Squadron, operates a restoration facility, a museum and a gift shop on Aviation Drive at the Airport. It is one of the largest of the 80 non-profit, privately funded units across the U.S. and in 25 other nations. Over 300 volunteers have lovingly rebuilt each of the 15 warbirds currently on display there.

The CAF was formerly known as the “Confederate” Air Force, but decided to change the name two years ago to more closely match their purpose, and to attract more corporate donations. The group is solely dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historical aircraft. Worldwide, the CAF keeps about 90 vintage aircraft ready to fly.

You may come and see the technicians at work on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays. Visitors are welcome and docents are available for guided tours by calling (805) 482-0064. In addition to aircraft, the museum displays weapons, radios, uniforms, and other equipment used during WW2. The museum is open all week from 10AM to 4PM."

	The airport beacon was used to visually signal pilots as to whether it was safe to land. The original kilowatt light bulb has been replaced with a hundred-watter for display.		Touchdown—July 15th marked the maiden voyage of this Convair C131 Samaritan, built in 1954. It had just landed as the photo was taken. The Air Force Chief of Staff once used it. Meticulous disassembly, restoration, and rebuilding by the dedicated volunteers of the CAF “Ghost Squadron” brought the craft back to life.
	From the Cockpit—This is the business end of a C-46, the largest transport plane of the second world war. The Ghost Squadron has two of them in working order. This one was built in 1945. The C-46 Commando, with its 4-ton capacity, was large enough to haul jeeps. The CAF uses theirs to haul parts, including entire wing assemblies, for other restored aircraft. A few are still in commercial use today. The red bar is used to secure the controls from wind damage. Members refer to it jokingly as “the Club”.		Canadian and British forces used the Hawker Hurricane during the Battle of Britain. Worldwide, the CAF keeps about 90 vintage aircraft ready to fly.
	China Doll—The Curtiss_Wright C-46 from the outside. The CAF’s “nose art” is authentic, as much of it is painted by the same artists who decorated aircraft in the second world war. The name “China Doll” is derived from the aircraft’s mission of hauling supplies across the Himalayas to Chinese Allies during WW2		The Commemorative Air Force Museum is located at the Camarillo Airport on Aviation Drive. It is one of 80 non-profit, privately funded units across the U.S. and in 25 other nations. Donations are tax deductible.
	Bombs Away—This aerial recon photo shows the devastation wrought on Germany by American B17’s, known as Flying Fortresses. One is included in the photograph, which was taken with a large-lens Fairchild camera (also on display).		Lightning—The Lockheed P38L. Its two V12 engines can lift the plane plus two tons of cargo to 20-thousand feet, at 360 Mph. German opponents referred to it as “The fork-tailed devil”.
	This Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat can be seen during a hangar tour at the Camarillo restoration facility. Docents are available for guided tours if you call in advance. (805) 482-0064.		The U.S. mainland was not untouched during the second world war, as this headline shows.
	Unlike many of the copies used in Hollywood war movies, this Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero is the real item. The museum also features one the famous Supermarine Spitfires, and will soon acquire a working Messerschmitt BF-109E Emil fighter. A second Zero and a B-25J Mitchell bomber are two ongoing restoration projects		Women at War—In addition to filling in for men on America’s assembly lines, many women played an active role in the 1940’s military.
	The Russians are Coming—CAF Information Officer Pat Brown describes a Soviet YAK3 fighter, one of two remaining in the world. (The other is in Paris.) The aircraft has a wooden frame. Plans call for it to be suspended by cables from the roof of the main display hanger at the Camarillo Airport. It will be the only non-flying exhibit there. Pat showed us how carefully the planes are restored, often broken down into pieces no larger than a phone book, and then put back together again, all by hand.		“Where do you find new tires for a C-46 transport?” Pat asked, showing us a large assortment of spares. “There is a company in Brazil that will make them to order. But we have to get other C-46 owners from around the world to buy with us at the same time.” “We have a good library and its contents will soon be listed in the Ventura County Library database for researchers." “Right now we’re rebuilding a Japanese Zero and a Mitchell Bomber in the restoration hangar. And when the pilot is available and the weather’s right, we’ll be bringing in a German ME-109.”