When the crew of a DC-3 from Western Airlines joined the D-Day Squadron’s 2024 Legacy Tour, they knew they had a long, challenging journey ahead. But just as they completed the historic Northern Atlantic crossing, thieves broke into their plane and took five Bose aviation headsets.
The fleet, which includes 11 vintage WWII-era DC-3s and C-47s from North America and parts of Europe, started its journey on May 18, retracing the “Blue Spruce Route” across the Northern Atlantic on the journey from the United States to Europe. The tour included a stop in England to participate in a series of events led by partnering organizations. But on one of their first nights there, the Western Airlines crew discovered several pieces of equipment stolen from their DC-3-119E, including four Bose A20s and one A30.
“When we arrived in the UK, had our airplane broken into and our Bose headsets stolen, it was a blow to our mission to honor the veterans of D-Day and the Berlin Airlift,” shared Tim Savage of Western Airlines DC-3, with Vintage Flying Machines.
The crew contacted local police to report the theft, but with little hope of getting their headsets back and two months left on the tour, they had no choice but to replace them. Lyndse Costabile, the executive director of the D-Day Squadron, reached out to Bose, a longtime supporter of the organization, to see if the company could help. The Bose team responded quickly by donating five new A30 aviation headsets to the Western Airlines crew.
“For warbird pilots and crew flying one of the most legendary and loud vintage aircraft of our time, the Bose product is unmatched,” Costabile expressed. “Bose Aviation remains a strong partner in our annual commemorations and historical programming to honor the greatest generation. We’re grateful they answered the call, a rescue to our efforts and a very deserving crew who worked tirelessly to get Western Airlines aboard this mission and across the pond.”
The A30s were waiting for the crew when they arrived in Germany on June 14.
“Bose recognized the importance of our mission and stepped forward to provide replacements,” said Savage. “The Western Airlines crew can’t say enough about Bose and their desire to remember our past.” Bose Vice President of Global Marketing Sean Rossi said it was an honor to help the crew complete their mission.
“There was no question we needed to help,” said Rossi. “These pilots were flying in an extremely strenuous environment, and we didn’t want the burden of replacing the stolen headsets to impact their participation in the Legacy Tour in any way. We are honored that the D-Day Squadron turned to Bose for assistance and hope the crew’s new A30 aviation headsets bring comfort and clarity to the remainder of their journey.”
The D-Day Squadron returns to the United States later this month. Many of the squadron aircraft that participated in commemorations across Europe and those who remained in the United States will make their way to Oshkosh in late July.
“The Berlin Airlift 75th anniversary commemoration was a success and thanks to Bose Aviation, the Western Airlines DC-3 crew felt right at home again equipped with A30s for a memorable Jelly Belly Candy drop, 75 years later,” shared Costabile. “We are looking forward to reuniting with our Bose family at this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., as a collection of DC-3 and C-47 aircraft fill the skies for scheduled DDay80 commemorations.”
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About the D-Day Squadron
Born from the 2019 mission to Normandy, the D-Day Squadron (DDS) is a large program of the Tunsion Foundation, an established 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its focus is on DC-3 operators, WWII commemorations, education and outreach programming. Programs that function under the DDS are education and outreach, a Young Historians Program and the membership arm of the DDS, the DC-3 Society. The overall purpose of the DDS is to promote DC-3 type aircraft airworthiness, serve members of the DC-3 Society and promote static and flying displays for future generations. The DC-3 Society was born to organize the collective efforts of enthusiasts, pilots, mechanics and operators to involve the next generation in “FLYING FREEDOM.” In May and June 2024, the D-Day Squadron completed its second mission to Europe commemorating DDay80 and Berlin75.
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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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