During World War II, this part of Arizona was a great training location for pilots. Airmen from Great Britain, China, Russia and other allied countries trained in this state. A company called SWA (Southwest Airways) was formed to train the pilots, and three airbases were established - all with original names:
Thunderbird Field I,Thunderbird Field II,
and Thunderbird Field III.
Thunderbird I is now the Thunderbird School of Global Management, where I work. Thunderbird II became Scottsdale Airport, and Thunderbird III became Falcon Field, which is owned and operated by the city of Mesa. One corner of Falcon Field is home to the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.
On Saturday we went to wander among the Buckets, Blowers and Bombers that were on display at the CAF.
On Saturday we went to wander among the Buckets, Blowers and Bombers that were on display at the CAF.
The Buckets and Blowers referred to the cars on display.
The Bombers referred to the military aircraft.
The B-25 Mitchell "Maid in the Shade"...
...a car wanted to be a plane...
...the African Queen, of sorts...
The Bombers referred to the military aircraft.
The B-25 Mitchell "Maid in the Shade"...
...a car wanted to be a plane...
...the African Queen, of sorts...
... and an old truck had a water tank on the side window
(an early version of air conditioning).
(an early version of air conditioning).
This shot was a kick - the two of us looking back in the shiny car!The CAF used to be called the Confederate Air Force.
I found the old freeway sign hanging on a sidewall in one of the hangars.
I found the old freeway sign hanging on a sidewall in one of the hangars.
4 comments:
Bucket, Blowers, Bombers, and the African Quee--.
What a neat bit of history. And those photos -- very cool.
Too bad the PC folk took on the Confederate Air Force. Unfortunately, they are so busy being offended that they have lost any vestige of a sense of humor! A lovely collection of pix.
Great set of pictures, like the 'African Queen' most. Reminds me a lot of the airplane wrecks scattered over a Grenada air field, allegedly to prevent future invasions.
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