P-51 Gunfighter to Join B-29 Doc in Columbia, MO, in July

When the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour arrives in Columbia, MO, from July 16-18, it will be accompanied by another renowned historic warbird, the iconic P-51 Gunfighter during this mid-week stop.

July 3, 2024 Moreno Aguiari Warbirds News 1
Aircorps Art Dec 2019


PRESS RELEASE

When the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour lands in Columbia, MO, July 16-18, another well-known historic World War II-era warbird will join the mid-week tour stop. The North American P-51 Mustang known as “Gunfighter” will be in Columbia with B-29 Doc for flight experience rides Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17.

CAF P 51 Gunfighter Photo via CAF
Image © CAF

“Gunfighter” is a P-51 D Model Mustang, serial number 73264, built in the Inglewood, California, North American plant and was delivered to the USAAF in March of 1945, which is the same month and year B-29 Doc was delivered to the USAAF. Gunfighter was shipped to England in 1945 and assigned to the “Mighty Eighth” Air Force. When the war in Europe ended in July of 1945, the aircraft was assigned back in the U.S. at Olmstead Field in Pennsylvania before it was retired in 1956 (the same year Doc was retired from military duty).

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The CAF’s P-51D Mustang ‘Gunfighter’. (photo by George Land)

“The connection between the P-51 Mustang and the B-29 is extremely special,” said Josh Wells, B-29 Doc executive director. “The P-51 was a fighter that provided top-cover and long-range escort for U.S. bombers in the Pacific. The arrival of the P-51 provided additional firepower and protection that helped the Allied airpower advance and defeat Japan during World War II. We are excited to welcome the P-51 Gunfighter team to the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour in Columbia and showcase the unique connection between these two historic airplanes.”

B-29 Doc, one of 1,644 B-29 Superfortress aircraft built by the Boeing Company in Wichita, KS, during World War II, and will also be available for B-29 Doc Flight Experience rides during the tour stop in Columbia.

“We’re honored to be joining forces with Doc,” said Larry Lumpkin, Gunfighter Team Lead. “Both of these aircraft played a pivotal role in World War II, and it’s an incredible opportunity for people to experience what it was like to fly in these iconic planes. We’re excited to work together to pay tribute to the brave men and women who flew these aircraft during the war.”

Flight experience tickets for B-29 Doc and P-51 Gunfighter are on sale now at www.b29doc.com/rides. This will be a ride-flight-only tour stop and public access for ground and cockpit tours will not be available.

Doc Second Visit Nick Chismar 09
[Photo by Nick Chismar]

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B-29 Doc

P-51 Gunfighter

Event Details for the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour in Columbia, MO

B-29 Doc and P-51 Gunfighter will arrive at Columbia Regional Airport on Monday, July 15, and will be available for flight experience rides on Tuesday, July 16, Wednesday, July 17, and Thursday, July 18. Ride flight tickets are on sale now via www.b29doc.com/rides.

 

About P-51 Gunfighter Gunfighter is one of the world’s most famous P-51 Mustangs. The aircraft has been offering ride flights and thrilling crowds at air shows for more than 40 years. Its mission is to honor the sacrifices of those who have served and inspire the next generation of aviators. The aircraft is a P-51 D Model Mustang, serial number 44-73264. Of the approximately 15,000 P-51s produced during WWII, less than 150 airworthy examples exist world-wide in museums, flying or under restoration. Gunfighter is owned and operated by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). The CAF is the largest operator of historic aircraft in the world with over 175 aircraft and 13,000 members. For more information, visit www.p51gunfighter.com or follow us on social media.

MG 0430 Richard Mallory Allnutt photo Arsenal of Democracy Flyover Preparations Culpeper Manassas VA May 06 2015
Gunfighter waiting. (photo by Richard Mallory Allnutt)

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Moreno-Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari

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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About Moreno Aguiari 3372 Articles
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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