The Wandering Disciple

Slow but deadly, that is the motto of the SBD Dauntless built by Douglas Aircraft. A workhorse of World War II, the Dauntless is the only US combat aircraft to see service from the start until finish of the war. It was also one of the most destructive weapons in the Navy, sinking 300,000 tons of the Japanese fleet including 18 warships and five carriers. The SBD performing here during the Florida International Air Show is the Lady in Blue from the Commemorative Air Force. Taken: October 15, 2021 at Punta Gorda Airport (Punta Gorda, FL) Photo of the Day: October 24, 2021

Did you know that Goodyear makes more than tires? Goodyear had an aviation division and was responsible for helping the war effort by making warbirds like the legendary Corsair. The Goodyear Corsair’s are identified with an FG designation instead of the more widely known F4U. While this particular airframe never saw combat duty, today it is preserved by the Commemorative Air Force and travels the country to provide a flying history of military aviation. (Photo: October 15, 2021)

The B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” flies over South Brohard Beach in Venice, Florida. With over 11,000 B-29’s produced by Boeing, FIFI is the last remaining airworthy B-29. FIFI is operated and maintained by the Commemorative Air Force and travels the country during the Air Power History Tour. (Photo: March 6, 2016)

The B-29 Superfortress "Fifi" departs Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport at the conclusion of the Airpower History Tour.  Several aircraft from World War II stopped at the airport for the tour demonstrating military aviation from WWII.  The tour departed Sarasota for Naples on Monday morning.  (Photo: March 3, 2014)

A look inside the B-29 Superfortress "Fifi". From this spot you can see the flight deck and the front bombardier position.   "Fifi" is the last remaining flying B-29. Almost 4,000 B-29 bombers were built by Boeing for World War II and only twenty two are still remaining. (Photo: February 28, 2014)

Sarasota, Florida: World War II aviation history made a stop on the Suncoast this weekend as the Commemorative Air Force stopped by with their Airpower History Tour. The tour consists of four aircraft the PT-17 Stearman, Stearman Speedmail, C-45 Expeditor and B-29 Superfortress. The PT-17 Stearman was manufactured by Boeing and used as a trainer for the US Army Air Corps and the US Navy. The Stearman entered service in 1935 and was produced until 1945. It was the primary training aircraft for the aviators during World War II. The limited model Stearman Speedmail was produced by Stearman to provide luxury transports and deliver mail. The Speedmail on display was owned by the Richfield Oil Company to advertise the Jimmie Allen Flying Club.  The C-45 Expediter is a military transport plane built by Beechcraft to transport military staff. On display is the “Bucket of Bolts” a C-45 in the British Royal Air Force. The highlight of the tour is the “Fifi”, the last remaining...