CAF Warbird Tube

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 Cul...

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 p...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 warbi...

During World War II, a daring group of American women crossed the Atlantic not to fight but to fly. In this episode, we explore the book Spitfires by Becky Aikman—a thrilling account of the women pilots who joined Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying Spitfires, Hurricanes, and even bombers across wartime skies. These trailblazers, including legends like Jackie Cochran and Nancy Love, weren’...

Learn all about the Royal Air Force’s 100 (Bomber Support) Group, a pioneer in electronic warfare. They worked behind the scenes to protect Allied bombers by jamming enemy radar, confusing night fighters, and conducting clandestine countermeasures across Europe. Join guest Ross Sharp, who reveals how the 100 Group’s daring missions and cutting-edge technology helped turn the tide of the air war ov...

The Battle of Okinawa, the last major confrontation of World War II, was one of the largest and bloodiest conflicts in the Pacific Theater. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we welcome Christopher Kolakowski, a renowned historian and the Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, to explore the details of this pivotal battle. From the relentless kamikaze attacks to the fierce ground combat, Kol...

Maybelle Blair was a women's baseball trailblazer turned airplane manager. After baseball, she had a 37-year career at Northrop Corporation, where she ended up as the highway transportation manager, one of the three female managers the company employed in that period. Professor Emeritus of Women’s Sports History at Marshall University and CEO of the International Women’s Baseball Center, Dr....

In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we welcome John Happ, author of The Navigation Case, to explore the gripping story of the New Guinea Air War. Discover the daring missions, sacrifices, and air superiority that America’s pioneering pilots achieved during one of the most significant campaigns in U.S. Air Force history. With stories drawn from personal artifacts and untold histories, John sheds l...

The daring Doolittle Raid of April 18, 1942, was more than just a bold strike on Japan—it had lasting effects on morale, military strategy, and the course of World War II. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we’re joined by historian and CAF VP of Education Nathan Huegen to explore the raid’s consequences, from its psychological impact on both sides to its role in shaping future Allied operations...

For over 70 years, the Royal Canadian Air Force Halifax bomber HR 871 lay hidden beneath the Baltic Sea off the Swedish coast—one of many warbirds lost to history. That was until about seven years ago when the Bomber Command Museum of Canada and Halifax 57 Rescue launched a bold mission to recover and restore this legendary aircraft.  Join us on this episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we get an exciti...

Join us for a riveting episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we chat with Steve Church, author of Fighter Combat World War Two: Stories and Tactics 1939-1945. Discover the secrets behind fighter tactics, the art of gunnery, and how pilots used strategy and skill to dominate the skies. From historic dogfights to groundbreaking insights, Church brings these stories to life with vivid detail and expert anal...

In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, Steve Buss will take us deep into the final year of World War II. Join us as we explore the major conflicts in 1945 that brought the war to a dramatic and decisive close. From the brutal battles in Europe to the Pacific campaigns, Steve will break down the key events, strategies, and turning points that shaped the war's end. Along the way, we’ll reflect on...

Join us for an engaging episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we sit down with John Mollison, the renowned aviation artist, historian, and creator of Old Guys and Their Airplanes. Through his distinctive artwork and storytelling, John captures the spirit of aviation history and the extraordinary individuals who shaped it. We'll explore his creative process, his passion for preserving the stories of...

**Warning - This video contains discussions about combat events that took place during World War II, specifically aviators who carried out suicide attacks. Sensitive viewers should be advised.** In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube , we explore the haunting legacy of the kamikaze airfields in Kyushu, Japan. These airfields served as the launch points for many of the kamikaze missions during the fin...

In this episode, historian Chris Kolakowski of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum joins us to discuss the Battle of the Bulge, one of World War II’s most brutal and decisive clashes. During the frigid winter of 1944, a desperate German offensive ambushed Allied forces in Belgium's dense forests. Kolakowski shares insights into the battle’s strategic impact, the soldiers’ resilience, and the extrem...

**Warning - This video discusses actual combat events during the Vietnam War. Sensitive viewers should be advised.** This special episode delves into the legendary AC-47 Spooky Gunship, the latest addition to the Commemorative Air Force fleet and proudly operated by the Gulf Coast Wing. Known for its iconic role in the Vietnam War as the original gunship, the AC-47 “Spooky” brought powerful close...

In this episode, we take you on an exciting journey through the history and restoration of one of the rarest WWII fighters still flying—the CAF’s P-39 Airacobra. Known for its unconventional design with a mid-engine layout and nose-mounted cannon, the Airacobra played a significant but often overlooked role in the war. Join us as we explore the story of this unique fighter, its combat history, and...

Dive into the remarkable history of the Grumman TBM Avenger, one of the most iconic torpedo bombers of World War II. Built for power and endurance, the Avenger played a critical role in naval battles. In this episode, we explore the legendary aircraft's design, development, and combat legacy, now proudly preserved and operated by the Commemorative Air Force Missouri Wing in St. Charles, Misso...

An in-depth look at one of the most devastating periods of World War II—Black Week. Our special guest, Nathan Huegen, Vice President of Education for the Commemorative Air Force, will guide us through the harrowing events of this pivotal week in October 1943. The 100th Bomb Group flew several critical missions over Germany, targeting heavily defended industrial cities and key aircraft production f...

We are taking a closer look at the CAF’s F8F Bearcat in this week's Warbird Tube. Members of the Southern California Wing join host Steve Buss, to discuss the impressive history, importance, and current maintenance status of the Bearcat. Find out what improvements they’ve made since being assigned the powerful Navy fighter back in 1991. You can watch this on YouTube at https://youtu.be/f6m5ut...

In this episode, we welcome back Ross Sharp, a renowned expert on the De Havilland Mosquito, to explore the fascinating history of the U.S. and the "Mossy." Although Mosquitoes are known as RAF aircraft, the versatile and innovative aircraft played a crucial role for the U.S. in various missions, from reconnaissance to bombing, and became an icon of aviation history. You can watch this o...

Join us for an intimate journey into the life and legacy of one of America's greatest aviators, Chuck Yeager, through the eyes of his wife, Victoria Yeager, author of "Chuck Yeager: What a Ride." Victoria shares personal stories, untold anecdotes, and reflections on Chuck's extraordinary career, from breaking the sound barrier to his profound influence on aviation history. Whet...