PRESS RELEASE
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Base Georgia is participating in the 2024 “Twelve Planes of Christmas”, an annual online giving campaign to support the all-volunteer organization’s education mission of restoring and flying vintage military aircraft. Airbase Georgia has two aircraft in the program this year, to help fund the completion of a World War II-era Republic P-47N Thunderbolt fighter and Boeing N2S Kaydet. Both aircraft are well into the restoration process.
This campaign gives the public an opportunity to support the Stearman project dedicated to “Rosie the Riveter,” the cultural icon representing women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, helping transform America into the Arsenal of Democracy. Once completed, the Stearman will become part of the organization’s fleet of historic aircraft. The Airbase Georgia restoration team includes several female members dedicated to carrying on the “Rosie” legacy through a community outreach program that inspires youth to explore American History and careers in aviation.
Photo via CAF Airbase Georgia. To support this restoration, click HERE.Airbase Georgia’s P-47N is one of the CAF’s original aircraft acquired by CAF founder Lloyd P. Nolen in 1963. This Thunderbolt did not see combat during World War II. After the war, the aircraft was assigned to the Puerto Rico Air National Guard, later transferred to the Nicaraguan Air Force, and eventually saw combat in Central America. Thunderbolts also had a strong presence in the Georgia Air National Guard after the war, when the 128th Fighter Squadron at Marietta Army Airfield was equipped with the aircraft. The 158th Fighter Squadron, activated at Chatham Army Airfield, Pooler, also flew Thunderbolts. The campaign to raise funds for the two aircraft begins Dec. 1 and continues through Dec. 31, 2024. The goal is to raise $50,000 to help purchase rims and new leading edges for the wings for the P-47N. During the same period, Airbase Georgia is seeking $10,000 to purchase an alternator, voltage regulator, oil filter kit, air filter kit, and other firewall-forward accessories for the Stearman.
Republic P-47N Thunderbolt 44-89136 served with the Nicaraguan Air Force (Fuerza Aérea de la Guardia Nacional) starting from June 24th, 1954, coming from the retiring Puerto Rico Air National Guard (PRANG). Photo by Moreno Aguiari
Airbase Georgia volunteers have successfully restored several aircraft since the organization was established in 1987, including a PT-19 Cornell flown by the Tuskegee Airmen, as well as a rare P-63 Kingcobra, SBD Dauntless dive bomber and LT-6 Mosquito. “The P-47 and Stearman projects are a tribute to all the men and women who built, maintained and flew the aircraft in defense of America,” said Airbase Leader Joel Perkins. “Twelve Planes of Christmas is a perfect way for us to help the public participate in our mission to educate, inspire and honor.” To support the two projects, please click HERE for the N2S Stearman and HERE for the P-47N Thunderbolt.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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