“Twelve Planes of Christmas” Runs Through December
PEACHTREE CITY, GA. (Dec. 2, 2021) — The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia is participating in “Twelve Planes of Christmas”, an annualonline giving campaign to support the organization’s education mission of restoring and flying vintage military aircraft.
Located at www.supportcaf.org, this campaign provides the public with an opportunity to support CAF Airbase Georgia’s restoration of a World War II-era Boeing N2S-2 Kaydet biplane trainer manufactured for the United States Navy in 1941. The project is dedicated to “Rosie the Riveter,” the cultural icon representing women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, helping transform America into the Arsenal of Democracy. The Kaydet will be painted in Navy livery and become part of the organization’s mission and fleet of historic aircraft.
The campaign to raise $10,000 opened Dec 1 and continues through Dec. 31, 2021. These funds will be utilized to help a purchase a new engine and propeller. To support this project, please visit www.supportcaf.org.
The Kaydet, a two-seater biplane introduced in 1934 by Stearman Aircraft Division of Boeing in Wichita, Kansas, became an unexpected success during World War II. The Kaydets, designated PT-17 by the US Army Air Forces, had fabric-covered wooden wings, single-leg landing gear and an over-built welded-steel fuselage. More than 8,428 Stearman were manufactured for use by the United States to train military pilots. During 11 years of military service, more American military pilots learned to fly in the Stearman than any other similar airplane.
Kaydets were widely used products of the Arsenal of Democracy, America’s massive industrial effort to support the Allied struggle and victory over Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. In addition to sales to the U.S. Navy and the Army Air Corps, the trainers were sold to Canada, China, the Philippines, Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil for military and civilian uses.
“Airbase Georgia has an excellent record of restoring and operating WWII aircraft,” said Airbase leader Jim Buckley. “We have the volunteer expertise to do the work, but we need help in financing these critical projects. Contributions will make this restoration a success and add another great airplane to our fleet.”
About the CAF Airbase Georgia Warbird Museum
The CAF Airbase Georgia, based in Peachtree City, Ga., was founded in 1987. The Airbase, one of the largest units of the Commemorative Air Force, maintains and flies seven WWII aircraft including a P-51 Mustang, an FG-1D Corsair and rare types such as the SBD Dauntless dive bomber and P-63A Kingcobra. The unit, composed of more than 400 volunteers, is part of the CAF, a tax-exempt organization that relies on contributions of time and funds to carry out its mission. Membership is open to everyone ages 18 years and older.
For more information, go to https://airbasegeorgia.org.
Contact: Steve Forsyth
Public Information Officer, CAF Airbase Georgia
770-714-7750
sforsyth106@gmail.com