By Kevin Wilkins
The CAF Airbase Arizona’s Flying Legends of Victory Tour will launch its 2026 season April 24–26 in El Paso, Texas, concluding September 29–October 4 in St. George, Utah. The tour features the B-17 Sentimental Journey, B-25 Maid in the Shade, and select appearances by the unit’s C-47. The cross-country tour brings some of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World II directly to communities across the United States, offering a rare opportunity to see — and in some cases fly aboard — genuine combat veterans. Based at Falcon Field in Mesa, Arizona, the museum annually sends its aircraft on the road each spring and summer in fulfillment of its mission to educate, honor, and inspire through living aviation history. Rather than remaining static museum exhibits, these meticulously maintained warbirds travel to approximately 15 cities, supported by dedicated volunteer crews from CAF Airbase Arizona.
Among the featured aircraft is the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey. Originally manufactured and delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1944, she served in the Pacific Theater during the war. Following the conflict, the aircraft continued flying in training, testing, and air-sea rescue roles before eventually being declared surplus and converted into a fire bomber. In 1978, Sentimental Journey was purchased by a Commemorative Air Force member and donated to the newly formed Arizona unit of the CAF. Painstakingly restored, she is today maintained in excellent condition and operated entirely by volunteer crews.
Joining the B-17 on tour is the North American B-25J Mitchell Maid in the Shade, built in early 1944. Remarkably, she is one of just 34 B-25Js still flying out of nearly 10,000 produced. During the war, B-25s were widely used for low-altitude strafing and skip-bombing missions. Maid in the Shade has documented combat history includes operations from Serraggia Airbase in Corsica between November 1 and December 31, 1944. Assigned to the 57th Bomb Wing, 319th Bomb Group, and 437th Squadron, she flew 15 combat missions — 13 over Italy and two over Yugoslavia.
At each tour stop, visitors can explore these aircraft through ground tours and, when available, reserve seats for flight experiences. Because ride opportunities are limited, advance booking is strongly recommended. With its 2026 season stretching from El Paso in April to Geneseo in July, the Flying Legends of Victory Tour once again fulfills its mission of preserving history by keeping these legendary aircraft flying and accessible for future generations. For more information about the tour, click HERE.
It’s a great experience, watching Air Shows that have Warbirds participating; especially, WW1 & 2 Prop-Driven War Birds.
We … ‘Lucky Southerners’ … Used To Have An … ALL War Bird Summer show … ”The Flying Legends”.
I say ‘Used’; the Well known Museum Airfield ‘D’ … managed to drive them away; and they now Live & Fly some Hundreds of Miles Away To The North; C’est La Vie …
It’s a pity the B17 & B25, As Good And As Welcome As They Are, cannot be accompanied by the likes of the … Marauders & Boston’s; the Medium Bomber Workhorses who also Served … and took many casualties.
But, let’s be grateful for that we have, while we have it.
Keep up the Good Work.