Curtiss C-46 Commando to Join Military Aviation Museum Collection

PRESS RELEASE

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (JULY 11TH, 2023) – The Military Aviation Museum proudly announces the acquisition of the Curtiss C-46 Commando, known as “The Tinker Belle,” from its caretakers, the City of Monroe, NC, in partnership with the non-profit organization Warriors and Warbirds. This remarkable aircraft, the only flying example of its kind in a museum collection, will make its debut at the South Pacific Luau and Hangar Dance on July 22nd.

“The Tinker Belle” has long been a centerpiece of the Warbirds Over Monroe Air Show at the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport, where it was based. It has captivated audiences across the United States and Canada, becoming a symbol of the heroic efforts during World War II.

 

Officially designated as the Curtiss C-46 Commando, “The Whale,” as it was affectionately known, played a crucial role in Air Transport Command operations over the Himalayan Mountains, famously referred to as “The Hump,” in the CBI (China-Burma-India) Theatre during WWII. The crews who flew these C-46s became the backbone of history’s then largest and still longest airlift. Despite their tremendous achievements, this triumph came at a significant cost, with the loss of numerous aircraft, crew, and cargo.

By the end of WWII, the Hump airlift operation was a staggering endeavor, with aircraft crossing every 1.3 minutes on average. Over 34,000 USAAF personnel and 47,000 local laborers from Burma, India, and China were instrumental in making this airlift operation a reality. It even involved utilizing local elephants to replace unserviceable forklifts.

Museum Director Keegan Chetwynd expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Visitors to the Museum will have the unique opportunity to witness this extraordinary aircraft up close and, in the near future, even step inside ‘The Tinker Belle.’ The first chance for the public to experience this is expected to be during the South Pacific Luau and Hangar Dance at the Museum on July 22, 2023.”

 

Pete Hovanec, Monroe Communications and Tourism Director, shared his excitement, saying, “We couldn’t be more thrilled to see ‘The Tinker Belle’ join this remarkable organization dedicated to preserving and operating historic aircraft. We have full confidence that the Military Aviation Museum will showcase this rare bird for years to come.”

The addition of “The Tinker Belle” to the Military Aviation Museum’s collection is a significant milestone, honoring the heroic achievements of the past and preserving the memory of those who served. The Museum invites aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike to witness the expected debut of this iconic aircraft at the South Pacific Luau and Hangar Dance, promising an unforgettable experience.

If you have any questions, please call 757-721-7767 or visit https://militaryaviationmuseum.org/. The Military  Aviation Museum is located at 1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457.

About the Military Aviation Museum:

A 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of airworthy military aircraft from World War I and World War II. Truly a living museum, its aircraft are in restoration at facilities around the world. Besides the main Museum the Virginia Beach complex features additional exhibition spaces, including a mid-1930s Luftwaffe hangar, originally from Cottbus, Germany, which now serves to house the Museum’s collection of WWII-vintage German aircraft. Additional structures include the WWI Hangar, and the original control tower from RAF Goxhill built in England in 1942. Visit www.militaryaviationmuseum.org for more information or call 757-721-7767.