Presentation July 11th 2026 – American MiG Pilot

Presentation July 11th 2026 – American MiG Pilot

American MiG Pilot: Inside the Top Secret USAF “Red Eagles” MiG Squadron by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rob “Z-Man” Zettel is a book detailing his experiences flying Soviet MiG-21 and MiG-23 fighters in the USAF’s secret “Constant Peg” program during the Cold War.

On Saturday July 11th the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at the Camarillo Airport will host “Z-Man” as he recalls his first-person, cockpit-level account of the risks and realities of training against these adversary aircraft, providing an insider’s view of the top-secret unit that trained U.S. fighter pilots to fight the MiGs they would face in combat.

Weather, operations, and maintenance permitting, CAF SoCal will fly one of our warbirds for you. So, come join us on July 11th to hear author Rob Zettel share his “I was there” story of his intimate involvement in this highly classified (at the time) fighter pilot training program. Recently published in February 2026, “Z-Man” will have copies of his book available for sale.

Date: July 11th, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: CAF Museum, 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo Airport, Camarillo, CA 93010

CLICK HERE For Information & Tickets

The Commemorative Air Force of Southern California is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and while admission to the museum is always free, donations help us preserve aviation history.

Lucien Pillai2026-07-05T19:14:44-07:00June 22nd, 2026|Event, Featured, News|

Presentation May 30th 2026 – F-35B Test & Operations

Presentation May 30th 2026 – F-35B Test & Operations

On Saturday, May 30th, the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at the Camarillo Airport hosted Royal Navy pilots Commander Stephen ‘Lothar’ Collins, Officer Commanding the 17th Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES) at Edwards Air Force Base, and Lieutenant Commander Mark ‘Hux’ Huxtable, 17 TES Test Pilot. Lothar and Hux shared stories of modern UK F-35B carrier ops, the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group ‘21 cruise, and an F-35B ejection off the carrier (by one of our presenters).

Regrettably, due to the sensitivity of their operations and active status, we were asked not to record this event. Thank you for understanding.

The Commemorative Air Force of Southern California is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and while admission to the museum is always free, donations help us preserve aviation history.

Lucien Pillai2026-07-05T18:45:59-07:00April 26th, 2026|Event, News|

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 hosted author Becky Aikman as she followed 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. Becky Aikman shared 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.

Below is a link to the presentation’s program.

‘Spitfires’ Program 02/28/2026

Lucien Pillai2026-07-05T18:46:21-07:00January 20th, 2026|Event, News|

California Capital Airshow

California Capital Airshow

We are pleased to once again participate in the California Capital Airshow, on this the 100th Anniversary of Mather Airport.

With a spectacular fireworks display and the USAF Thunderbirds performing, the show promises to surpass its own high standards achieved over the years.

CAF SoCal warbirds, the AT-6 SNJ “290”, P51 D “ManO’War” and B25/PBJ “SemperFi” will be on display at the airshow.

Visitors can tour the interior of the PBJ bomber, talk with our crew and book rides on the SNJ and the P51 on show days.

As always, flight slots are limited and we encourage those interested to book their flights for the show ahead of time.

It’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

CAF Admin2018-09-28T20:36:59-07:00September 5th, 2018|Event|

Minden Airshow

Minden Airshow

The US Navy Blue Angels may think they’re the featured event at the Minden-Tahoe Airshow in October, but our fans (including our beloved Blue Angels) would agree that the Hellcat and Bearcat tribute to the Blue Angels will be the real highlight of the show!

Additionaly, our P51D Mustang ManO’War will be present for static display.

Those wishing to enhance their airshow experience and get a personal connection to these venerable WWII era warbirds can do so with a flight aboard ManO’War.
If you missed us at the Truckee/Tahoe Airshow, here’s your final opportunity in 2018 to soar over the Sierras aboard the thoroughbred Mustang.
Flight times are limited and pre-booking your flight is highly encouraged.

CAF Admin2018-10-20T16:28:21-07:00September 5th, 2018|Event|

Supermarine Spitfire Operational History

Supermarine Spitfire Operational History

Living History Presentation Series
Spitfire: 80 Years a Legend

Presented Saturday, August 4th CAF SoCal Hangar

Presentation Video:

CAF Admin2018-08-06T21:32:45-07:00August 5th, 2018|Event, News|

CAFSoCal Presentation Series: VMB611 and the PBJ

CAFSoCal Presentation Series: VMB611 and the PBJ

Living History Presentation Series
VMB-611 & Doolittle PBJ

Saturday, September 1, 2018
12:30PM
CAF SoCal Hangar

Our PBJ, the Marine Corps version of the venerable B-25, is the only flying example in the world today.

On Saturday, September 1st, CAF SoCal is hosting an event focused on the PBJ and Marine Bombing Squadron-611 (VMB-611).

A trio of CAF SoCal guest speakers will walk you through the history of the PBJ and VMB-611, a 23-year long restoration, and the celebration of the Doolittle Raid’s 75th anniversary.

So mark your calendars to learn about this historic aircraft, its historic return to flight, and its participation in the historic Doolittle 75th anniversary.

Experience living history.

CAF Admin2018-09-05T13:48:46-07:00July 29th, 2018|Event|

CAFSoCal Presentation Series: The YAK-3 Fighter

CAFSoCal Presentation Series: The YAK-3 Fighter

“Avoid combat at lower altitude with Yak fighters lacking an oil cooler intake beneath the nose!” That directive from Luftwaffe leadership said it all – its fighters were no match for Russia’s newest fighter, the small but lethal Yak-3.

On Saturday, July 22nd at 11AM, CAF SoCal is hosting an event focused on this late addition to the air war over the Eastern Front.

Introduced in the summer of 1944, the Yak-3 was just in time to have a significant role in Operation BAGRATION, the Soviet strategic offensive fought between June 22nd and August 19th. This operation was a decisive Soviet victory that completely destroyed German Army Group Centre.

The guest speaker is CAF SoCal’s own Steve Barber, Wing leader and Yak-3 pilot. So mark your calendars to learn about the dominant fighter on the Eastern Front, the Yak-3.

Saturday July 22nd, 11am at the Commemorative Air Force museum at the Camarillo Airport.

Experience living history.

CAF Admin2017-07-17T14:42:42-07:00June 21st, 2017|Event|

Mustang Rides at Truckee/Tahoe Airshow

Mustang Rides at Truckee/Tahoe Airshow

CAF SoCal aircraft will be participating in the 2017 Truckee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival, July 07-09, 2017 and our P51 Mustang will be there giving rides for an experience of a lifetime!

Following a lengthy overhaul period, our P-51D Man’O’War is available for flights again, with a completely overhauled Rolls Royce Merlin engine and propeller.

Reserve your P51 Ride today!

Book Online HERE
or
Call 805-482-0064

Man’OWar’s dance card at the home hangars in Camarillo is full and getting longer. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the warbird that established air supremacy in the skies of Europe and take a ride aboard a P-51D Mustang over the breath-taking scenery of the Truckee/Lake Tahoe.

CAF Admin2017-06-20T21:02:40-07:00June 19th, 2017|Event|

Father’s Day Warbird Rides

Father’s Day Warbird Rides

Give Dad a treat he won’t soon forget!

This Fathers Day Weekend, Saturday June 17th and Sunday 18th, we have added additional flight times in the AT6 Texan/SNJ as well as the B-25/PBJ Mitchell bomber for rides at the CAFSoCal museum.

Book your ride soon as seats are limited

Purchase Online for the PBJ Bomber or the AT6/SNJ Trainer

or call (805) 482-0064

or stop by at the museum

[Show slideshow]