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Commemorative Air Force will offer ride alongs

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From March 18-23, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron’s red-tailed Mustang, named Tuskegee Airmen, will offer a once-in-a-lifetime backseat ride in the rare P-51C fighter airplane at the Torrance Airport and at General William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster.

For 30 minutes, you’ll be transported back to the days of dogfights over Europe feeling and hearing the powerful Rolls Royce engine as you fly over the countryside. Your pilot is certified for WWII vintage aircraft and will inform you on the unique history of the airplane which features a bright red tail in honor of the famed Tuskegee Airmen who flew red-tailed fighters as they protected U.S. bombers on missions over Germany.

The Squadron, a volunteer-driven non-profit organization that is part of the CAF, completed two $1 million restorations of the Mustang. The second restoration was finished in 2009 and the airplane has been on the air show circuit ever since.

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF, based in Midland, Tex., is dedicated to honoring American military aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 8,000 members and a fleet of 156 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 74 units located in 27 states for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org or call (432) 563-1000. For more information about the CAF Red Tail Squadron, visit www.redtail.org.

For details on the dates and location of the ride along, call Marvona Welsh at (812) 240-2560.

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