Who is the CAF? 

On September 6, 1961, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) was chartered as a nonprofit Texas corporation in order to restore and preserve World War II-era combat aircraft.  By the end of the year, there were nine aircraft in the CAF fleet.

Today, the Commemorative Air Force is comprised of over 11,000 members, several hundred of whom serve as pilots and flight or maintenance crew members committed to preserving American aviation heritage.  The CAF is responsible for operating a fleet of more than 150 airplanes known as the Ghost Squadron. 

The CAF is an all-volunteer organization, made up of members from all walks of life.  Membership is open to all men and women, age 18 or older.  You need not be a veteran nor a pilot to join the CAF.  Privately funded and totally self-supporting, the nonprofit, tax-exempt group is dedicated to preserving American military aviation heritage.

Where is the CAF? 

The International Headquarters of the CAF is located in Midland, Texas.  We have members in every state and 28 foreign countries.  In 26 states and four foreign countries, our members have joined together and formed "units" to foster camaraderie and, in many cases, actively support one or more of the classic military aircraft operated by the CAF.

Why? 

The CAF was founded 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.

An airplane on display in a museum tells a story without a doubt, but it involves only the eyes and is an impersonal, uninvolved look at man’s creation.  How much more complete the story if it fully engages the senses – the sight of the plane with prop turning; the smell of the oil; the sound of the engine roaring; the smooth, riveted skin that bears the craft aloft.  How much more complete the story when a veteran approaches to reconnect with the aircraft that bore him safely home – recalling the comrades lost, the missions flown.

An estimated 1,000,000 people each year view the aircraft of the Commemorative Air Force at air shows across the nation, giving those visitors the rare opportunity to connect in a personal way with these extraordinary pieces of our country’s history.  The CAF has approximately 157 airplanes in its fleet, making it the world’s eighth largest air force.  At any one time, approximately 100 of these historic planes (some the only examples left in the world) are flying; the others are in restoration or maintenance.

Keep ‘em flying. 
            This is our creed and more. 
                        It’s who we are, what we do and why we do it.

Eagle Valley Squadron

Welcome to the Eagle Valley Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force!
Recently, the CAF has expanded it's mission to include Korean War, Vietnam War and Gulf Wars. 

Having just formed in April of 2008, we have a lot to do!  We are looking for new members to join, work and share their enthusiasm.

This new squadron is based at the Red Wing Regional Airport, Bay City, Wisconsin.

Its long term vision :

  • A permanent presence at the Red Wing Airport
  • A Hangar/Museum
  • Aircraft acquisition with a Vietnam/post WWII Theme
  • The first CAF unit with an operational helicopter - Huey UH-1
  • A Memorial Garden with monuments honoring our veterans
  • A Permanent Annual Air Show
  • A long term partnership with our community hosting events and honoring our Veterans.

Our next meeting is listed on the Calendar Tab of this website.
Everyone is welcome to come and see what the CAF is all about.