Retiree Ride - Commemorative Air Force Museum

In the jubilant days following the U.S.’s World War I and II victories, the proud fighters and bombers of the world’s most powerful aerial armada were abandoned as troops returned home. More than 300,000 planes were produced during the wars, but over time, few remained in existence — let alone in flying condition.

In 1951, five Texans pooled their resources and bought a surplus P-40. Over the next decade, they noticed historic combat planes were becoming harder to find, so they set out on a serious search to save the aircraft that remained. During their search, they began performing at air shows, where they discovered the public was just as interested in these warbirds as they were.

Noticing the growing interest in their group, the men chartered the unit as a non-profit organization in 1961 and started inviting other veterans to join. Since then, CAF has collected more than 165 classic American and foreign combat planes, many of which are the last remaining warbirds of their kinds. The CAF now has dozens of self-supporting, volunteer-driven units around the world, made up of more than 13,000 members from all walks of life who come together with one common goal: to preserve the military’s aircrafts and history.

The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona started with a “sentimental journey.” In 1977, a small group of dedicated folks broke ground at Falcon Field and in 1978, the Arizona Wing became the 10th unit of the Commemorative Air Force. Within a few short weeks, Phoenix resident Mike Clarke donated a rare Boeing B-17G to the unit. Over the next five years, the colonels of the AZCAF wandered through countless junkyards and crash sites looking for parts to restore the plane to new condition, christening it “Sentimental Journey.”

This project sparked the idea to build a more permanent facility that could be used to preserve and showcase unique warbirds like “Sentimental Journey.” After months of searching, Mesa’s municipal airport, Falcon Field, was chosen as the new site for the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum.

Since opening our doors in 1978, countless visitors from around the world have descended on Mesa for this one-of-a-kind experience. Their interest has helped grow the museum into one of the most treasured attractions in the Valley, and with the support of our volunteer staff, we are proud to be the home of one of the largest Commemorative Air Force units in the world.

Together, we look forward to preserving and restoring authentic military aviation history, remembering the heroes who saved our country, and educating people on the hard lessons learned during perilous times in America’s past.

Admission Price:
Adults (18+): $20
Seniors (65+) & Veterans: $15

KSU: 10:00 AM from Desert Wind Harley-Davidson

Road Captain: Tom White