This September 26 through 28, two of World War II’s most iconic aircraft, the B-29 Superfortress DOC and the P-51 Mustang Gunfighter, will be making a special appearance in the San Diego region. B-29 DOC will be on static display at the MCAS Miramar Air Show, offering visitors a close-up look at one of only two airworthy B-29s remaining in the world. Just a few miles away at Gillespie Field, P-51 Gunfighter will offer ride flights, giving participants the chance to experience the thrill and history of flying in this legendary fighter.
“Ground and cockpit access to historic warbirds at air shows, along with the opportunity to take a ride, brings history to life in a way that books and documentaries cannot,” said B-29 DOC Chief Pilot Mark Novak. “Standing beneath a B-29 or peering into the cockpit of a P-51, you can see, touch, and feel the stories of the men and women who defended freedom during World War II.”
B-29 DOC is one of 1,644 B-29 bombers built by Boeing in Wichita, Kansas, during World War II, and one of nearly 4,000 B-29s produced overall. P-51 Gunfighter, a North American P-51 D Model Mustang built in 1945—the same year as DOC—was originally assigned to the “Mighty Eighth” Air Force in England. This marks the first visit of Gunfighter to San Diego and Southern California.
“Flying in P-51 Gunfighter is more than just a thrilling experience—it’s a chance to step into the shoes of the fighter pilots who escorted bombers and protected freedom during World War II,” said Jeff Linebaugh, Gunfighter pilot and ride coordinator. “When the engine roars and you take to the skies, history isn’t just told—it’s felt.” Tickets for P-51 Gunfighter ride flights at Gillespie Field, September 26–28, are on sale now at www.b29doc.com/gunfighter and www.p51gunfighter.com/schedule. B-29 DOC will be available for static display at the MCAS Miramar Air Show from Friday, September 26 through Sunday, September 28. For more information on the air show, visit www.miramarairshow.com.
