The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through Flight, Exhibition and Remembrance.
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) was founded in 1957, a time when the U.S. military was scrapping the fleet of aircraft that had played a decisive part in winning World War II. With the rallying cry “Keep ‘Em Flying”, the initial goal of the CAF was to preserve, in flying condition, at least one example of each aircraft flown by the American Forces from 1939-45.
Over the decades that followed, the CAF became the world’s largest owner and operator of vintage military aircraft. Today, the organization owns 162 historic planes valued at over $50 million, of which 144 are in airworthy condition. The airplanes are dispersed among 80 CAF units, located in 26 states.
The CAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with annual revenues in excess of $24 million. Aided by a huge volunteer effort from more than 12,000 members, the CAF’s aircraft and educational programs reach millions of Americans each year. The CAF’s mission is “Education, such that generations of Americans will value and support the contributions of military aviation in assuring our nation’s freedom.”
CAF Objectives
1. To acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States and selected aircraft of other nations for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans.
2. To provide museum buildings for the permanent protection and display of these aircraft as a tribute to the thousands of men and women who built, serviced and flew them.
3. To perpetuate in the memory and in the hearts of all Americans the spirit in which these great planes were flown in the defense of our nation.
4. To establish an organization having the dedication, enthusiasm and esprit de corps necessary to operate, maintain and preserve these aircraft as symbols of our American military aviation heritage.
