Presentation Feb 28th 2026 – “Spitfires”
They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses – all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the WWII. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone – even Americans, even women-transport warplanes. On Saturday February 28th the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at the Camarillo Airport will host author Becky Aikman as she follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life in her vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women. Weather, operations, and maintenance permitting, CAF SoCal will fly one of their warbirds for you.
CAF SoCal’s iconic, flyable aircraft will also be on display, like the venerable Supermarine Spitfire, the agile Mitsubishi A6M Zero, and the Zero’s nemesis the F6F Hellcat. For the adventurous, rides for hire will be available in several different vintage military aircraft. Light snacks will also be on hand for those wishing a quick bite.
So, mark your calendars to hear author Becky Aikman share the heart-pounding true story of the daring American women who piloted the most dangerous aircraft of World War II through the treacherous skies of Britain. Saturday February 28th, 11:00am at the Commemorative Air Force museum at the Camarillo Airport, 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, California. For more information visit the CAF website at cafsocal.com. Experience living history.
