CAF Admin, Author at CAF SoCal

Presentation: Leyte Gulf 80th October 26, 2024

Presentation: Leyte Gulf 80th October 26, 2024

Thank you for coming out to see our presentation honoring the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf and about one of the most important aircraft of the related air battles, the F6F Hellcat, and the highest scoring Navy ace of WWII, David McCampbell.

The largest naval battle of World War II and by some criteria the largest naval battle in history. The carrier-based fighter with the highest kill ratio of any aircraft, ever. Third overall and the top scoring naval ace of WWII. Sounds like the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On Saturday October 26th the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at the Camarillo Airport will conduct a presentation commemorating the 80th anniversary of this historic engagement. The discussion will include the four major components of the larger battle and the air war that raged over the surface actions, a dive into the magnificent Grumman F6F Hellcat and the role it played in the battle, and a look at the intense Pacific Theater combat experiences of David McCampbell, Commander of Air Group-15 aboard the USS Essex during this momentous clash of titans.

Thank you for your help to “Keep ’em Flying!”

CAF Admin2026-09-19T11:20:52-07:00September 24th, 2024|News|

Presentation: Surf When You Can, September 14, 2024

Presentation: Surf When You Can, September 14, 2024

Thank you for coming out to see our presentation with Retired Navy Captain Brett Crozier. The video replay is below.

Retired Navy Captain Brett Crozier graduated from the United States Naval Academy and embarked on a thirty-year career in the Navy, flying dozens of combat missions over Iraq and leading at the highest levels of operational command. He served as the Commanding Officer of a combat F/A-18 strike fighter squadron and ultimately commanded the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt before retiring from the Navy in 2022. On Saturday September 14th the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at the Camarillo Airport will host Captain Crozier as he takes us on the grand adventures of his extraordinary career and introduces the incredible people he met along the way. Copies if his book “Surf When You Can” will be available. The event will conclude, weather, operations, and maintenance permitting, with CAF SoCal conducting a ride flight in their PBJ. Come hear Captain Brett Crozier share his inspiring lessons from a lifetime of honor, service, and leadership.

Thank you for your support to Keep ’em Flying!

CAF Admin2026-09-19T11:20:52-07:00August 27th, 2024|News|

Presentation: F-35 with Oli Payne, July 6th

Presentation: F-35 with Oli Payne, July 6th

Oli Payne / F-35 Presentation, July 06, 2024

Thank you all who came out to see this amazing presentation – check back for the video replay coming soon.

Though still a young man, Oil Payne has had a long and fascinating journey through aviation. Now a Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force, Oli’s journey has landed him as the UK F-35 Test Lead, managing and supervising UK F-35 test activities at Edwards AFB. On Saturday July 6th the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at the Camarillo Airport will host Squadron Leader Payne as he chronicles his distinctive adventures in flight, culminating with a few tales of the F-35. Come hear about RAF Squadron Leader Oli Payne’s captivating ride through aviation to the pinnacle of high performance military aircraft.

Thank You – your support helps us “Keep ’em Flying”

CAF Admin2026-09-19T11:20:52-07:00June 19th, 2024|News|

WWII Documentary Sundown to Eleven Now Streaming

WWII Documentary Sundown to Eleven Now Streaming Free on YouTube

Sundown to Eleven, the new documentary from director George Retelas, is now streaming free on YouTube. The film stars Richard “Dick” Miralles, the last surviving member of the U.S. Navy’s Air Group 11, who passed away on November 13, 2025, at age 101. Its release fulfills Miralles’ final wish: that the film debut publicly on Pearl Harbor Day to honor his fallen WWII comrades.

The documentary follows Miralles as he embarks on a deeply personal final mission—uncovering the fate of “Sundowner” fighter pilot Frederick R. Schrader, who was shot down in his Hellcat during the Pacific War. With the help of a passionate crew of volunteers from the USS Hornet Museum and the support of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Miralles’ returns to Pearl Harbor eight decades after his service. Along the way, he revisits battle sites, takes to the skies in a Dauntless dive-bomber, and reflects on the cost of service and the power of remembrance. Blending the suspense of a cold case with the soul of a cross-country odyssey, Sundown to Eleven is a moving tribute to the enduring sacrifice of Gold Star families.

Watch the film for free on YouTube, Sundown to Eleven (65 min):
https://www.youtube.com/GeorgeRetelas

Promotional stills and posters available for download:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dwMyxVtunUKCO99Tnw0F5dZbFjCZV4K1?usp=drive_link

CAF Admin2026-09-19T11:20:52-07:00January 14th, 2026|News|

P-51 Price Increase

P-51 Price Increase

Effective April 1, 2019, the price of a 20 minute ride in Our P-51 Man-O-War is $1895. The additional time rides have been adjusted accordingly

CAF Admin2019-03-30T17:45:36-07:00March 30th, 2019|News|

YAK3 Presentation

YAK3 Presentation

Join us for another instalment in the Living History Presentation series.

Hear from our historians, maintenance personnel and pilots about the YAK3 fighter and take your chance to get a closeup view of the cockpit.

Saturday, April 27, 2019
11AM- 2PM
CAF SoCal hangars at the Camarillo airport

Flyer

CAF Admin2019-04-28T15:50:15-07:00March 31st, 2019|News|

The Utility Aircraft Presentation

The Utility Aircraft Presentation

Here’s a link to a video created by member Lon Magdich of the Living History Presentation on the Utility Aircraft in January

CAF Admin2019-03-03T19:15:12-07:00January 23rd, 2019|News|

Pacific Air War Presentation Video

Pacific Air War Presentation Video

Here’s a link to a video created by member Lon Magdich of the Living History Presentation on the Pacific Airwar

CAF Admin2019-03-03T19:17:10-07:00January 18th, 2019|News|

CAFSoCal Presentation: The Utility Aircraft

CAFSoCal Presentation: The Utility Aircraft

The Utilities

The unsung hero aircraft of World War Two.

Join us for a presentation showcasing the impact of the utility aircraft in the war effort and their usage after the hostilities.

Focused on our three utility aircraft, the Navion, F24 Forwarder and Aircoupe.

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session at the aircraft and an opportunity sit in the cockpit of these aircraft and get a pilot’s eye view of the instrumentation.

Saturday, January 12, 2019
1PM- 3PM
CAF SoCal hangars at the Camarillo airport