We would like to thank Newsweek for keeping the history alive with this article published a few years ago about the A6M3 Zero aircraft and about our Zero specifically. Newsweek interviewed Steve Barber who helped the CAFSOCAL acquire this rare warbird. Read all about it by clicking here.
Steve Barber and the Zero
There are many, many volunteers that contribute to the Commemorative Air Force, and many of those are members of, and work hard to enrich the Southern California Air Wing here in Camarillo. Few, however, can match the dedication, time involved, and effort in building a strong foundation of volunteers, aircraft, and facilities. It is very safe to state that the CAFSOCAL would not be what it is today without Steve Barber.
As a dedication to his memory, we are posting his memorial video here for the public to enjoy, as many of us have enjoyed remembering Steve. Please feel free to email membership@cafsocal.com with any additional stories, photos, or videos of Steve that other friends and family of Steve would like to see.
Thank you Steve for all that you have done for our organization and wing – you will be dearly.
Thank you for coming out to see our Pearl Harbor presentation honoring the heroic actions and pivotal attack that occurred on December 7th, 1941.
On Saturday, December 4th, 2021, we will be presenting the timeline of events of this significant historical battle.
We hosted a talk by Francis Gary Powers Jr., son of famed U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers.
After the talk, the author was available for questions and the signing of his latest book;
Spy Pilot
Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 Incident, and a Controversial Cold War Legacy
By Francis Gary Powers Jr. and Keith Dunnavant
Based on newly available information, the son of famed U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers presents the facts and dispels misinformation about the Cold War espionage program that his father was part of and was featured in Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies.
Wings Over Camarillo air show was a blast! It was great to see so many enthusiastic people out to see the show – Check out the KTLA Coverage
Memorial Day is a Federal Holiday observed on the last Monday in May. Today we honor and mourn the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. For the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing this is a special day as it aligns with our mission: To Educate, Inspire, and Honor Through Flight and Living History Experiences.
We are blessed with outstanding volunteers who help run the museum, keep the aircraft in tip-top condition, and execute on our mission. Today, we are happy to post a special edition of our members newsletter named Flight Line, thanks to Dave Flood and Casey de Bree.
Memorial Day,
May 31, 2021
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place.
And in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard among the guns below.
We are the dead,
Short days ago we lived,
Felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved,
And now…we lie in Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe!
To you, with failing hands,
We throw the torch.
Be yours to hold it high!
If you break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep,
Though poppies grow,
In Flanders Fields.
~John McCrae
~Laurence Binyon
We have moved our membership tracking and payments online. Now you can manage your membership from you smart phone, laptop, or desktop.
To get started, just renew your 2021 membership by visiting the new page: Renew Your Membership This is located under the JOIN menu tab, on the drop down at the bottom.
Once you are in the system, you will be able to access the Members Only content and update your information quick and easy.
Also this year, we have added the renewal option of auto-renew, so come next year you will be automatically charged and renewed. You will need to choose this renewal option and you can cancel at any time.
Happy Holidays – Wishing you a very happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!
Now that it’s 2021, look for updates for when the museum will open back up to the public.
We are very excited to share the annual 12 Planes Of Christmas fundraiser running through December 31st, 2020.
This year plane #5 is our beloved F8F Bearcat!
Now you can share in the historic preservation of this aircraft by making a donation through this fundraising campaign.
The Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force would like to wish you a safe and happy 4th of July, 2020! We will be open when it is safe to do so for our members and our volunteers, but until then please stay safe and healthy, and we hope you enjoy these videos from times past.
The first is an old Ford Trucks commercial where the China Doll steals the show
Next is a great airshow recap video from 2017 El Centro
