CAF Tora! Tora! Tora! Squadron marks 51 years of airshow performances It began when a Tennessee man purchased replicas of Japanese warplanes used n the production of the 1970 20th Century-Fox film, "Tora! Tora! Tora!" He then donated the aircraft to the organization now known as the Commemorative Air Force. Known as the "Ghost Squadron," the CAF is a flying museum dedicated to a mission of history, education and Patriotism. Museum leadership was less than enthusiastic about the donation. According to pilot Patrick Hutchins, "They didn't know what to do with them," citing their preference for authentic warplanes over the replicas. Our own producer/director, Paul Cater Deaton, was on staff many years ago as photojournalist with the CAF DISPATCH Magazine, under the leadership of CAF Founder, Lloyd Nolen. Deaton visited Hutchins at his hangar to talk about the history and development of the squadron. Ironically, the Tora! Tora! Tora! Squadron has become one of the leading attractions of Commemorative Air Force airshows, and others around the country, as they perform their tightly choreographed aerial exhibition. The squadron celebrated its 50th anniversary at the CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow 2022. The public is encouraged to come to Wings Over Houston 2023, on 14-15 October at Ellington Airport, and see, first-hand, one of the most famous aerial acts in the world.

Posted by i45NOW - PCD at 2023-10-09 13:00:00 UTC