Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia, Peachtree City, GA, supporters raised $110,693 from 116 donors during the 2025 12 Planes of Christmas campaign, providing a significant boost to ongoing restoration work on the unit’s P-47N Thunderbolt. The total places Airbase Georgia among the top-performing CAF units nationwide in this year’s fundraising effort. The result also continues a pattern of strong donor backing. For the fourth straight year, donations connected to the campaign topped $100,000 for the P-47N effort. This year’s appeal originally set a $25,000 target, though giving picked up toward the end of the campaign and pushed the total well beyond that figure as work continues to bring the World War II fighter back to airworthy condition.
“This outpouring of support genuinely surprised and humbled us,” said Airbase Leader Mark Richards. “Finishing as a leader among all CAF units isn’t about a ranking. It’s a visible statement that our members and supporters are deeply committed to seeing this P-47 fly again. We are incredibly grateful.”
Over 15,000 P-47 Thunderbolts were built during World War II, but only around 13 are still flying in the United States today. The aircraft being restored by Airbase Georgia holds added significance because it was among those acquired by CAF founder Lloyd P. Nolen. Built in 1945, it last flew in 2006 and entered a full restoration program in 2022 after responsibility for the aircraft shifted to Airbase Georgia. “Returning this aircraft to flight will preserve a vital chapter of American aviation history and support the CAF mission to Educate, Inspire, and Honor through living history,” Richards said.
Since restoration work got underway, volunteers and partner organizations have moved through several key phases of the project. Thousands of original parts have been inventoried, wing damage has been repaired, replacement fittings have been machined, and AirCorps Aviation has assisted with fabricating structural components needed for the rebuild. Additional progress has included restoration of cowlings, belly skins and cowl flaps, installation of the engine mount, and sourcing hard-to-find N-model braking components.
Over the past four years, donors have contributed more than $450,000 toward the project, helping move the aircraft from a collection of parts toward a recognizable airframe. Work is still ongoing inside the Airbase Georgia hangar, where volunteers continue putting in time and effort to keep the restoration moving forward. “Every donor is now part of this aircraft’s story,” Richards said. “These gifts are helping ensure future generations won’t just read about the P-47, they’ll hear it and see it fly.” For more information and to support CAF Airbase Georgia, click on this link: airbasegeorgia.org.
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Amreetam Basu is a Content Manager at Vintage Aviation News with more than four years of experience in editorial roles. He began his career covering automobiles before moving into aviation, with a focus on aircraft history and design. His experience spans both news and feature content, with an emphasis on clear, well-researched reporting. When he is not reading about aircraft or editing stories, you will likely find him behind the camera or planning his next trip. For queries or story ideas, you can contact Amreetam at [email protected].
