The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Southern California Wing, located at the Camarillo Airport in Camarillo, California, is a dedicated organization committed to preserving and showcasing historic military aircraft, particularly from World War II. Established in 1981, the wing operates as a museum and active flying unit, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience aviation history firsthand.
Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing – WWII Aviation Museum
+1 (805) 482-0064
Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 16:00
Admission fee
Gift shop
CAF hangars are located at the Camarillo Airport in Camarillo, CA. The airport is just off Highway 101 in Camarillo. Take the Las Posas exit and go south to Pleasant Valley Road. Turn right and take a right onto Eubanks Street (2nd light) into the airport. They are on the corner of Eubanks and Airport Drive.
Aircraft collection
North American B-25J Mitchell (N5865V) 35243/MB 11 USAAF
| N34YC
N341MR/140731/MR-001 N131CW/42809 N53594/44-78663 N215CM – N641BP/249319/44 N1078Z N7825C/122674/S-201 N712Z/X-133 NL44727/414292/QP-A N886MD N30801/44-30801 N5865V/35243/MB 11 N6411D/00 N89014/SB-290 N47TB/44-89136 NX749DP/NH749/L N529SB/6 | Beech T-34A Mentor
Beech T-34B Mentor Convair C-131D Samaritan Curtiss C-46F Commando Douglas C-47B Skytrain Fairchild F-24R Forwarder Fairchild PT-19A Cornell Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 22 Zero North American P-51D Mustang North American NA-145 Navion North American TB-25N Mitchell North American PBJ-1J Mitchell North American SNJ-4 Texan North American SNJ-5 Texan Republic P-47N Thunderbolt Supermarine Spitfire FR.XIVe Yakovlev Yak-3M |
Curtiss C-46F Commando (N53594) 44-78663 USAAF
WWII Aviation Museum. At Camarillo the ex Israeli air force C-47 (Being restored to flight) and the B-25J 44-30801 (flyable) do not belong to the museum BUT are kept outside on the museums ground.
Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat (N7825C) 122674/S-201 US Navy
Aircraft Collection:
The CAF Southern California Wing boasts an impressive collection of both airworthy and static display aircraft, including:
- North American PBJ-1J Mitchell: Named Semper Fi, this is the only surviving original PBJ-1, a naval variant of the B-25 Mitchell bomber.
- Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 22 Zero: A restored Japanese fighter aircraft from World War II.
- Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat: A carrier-based fighter aircraft used by the U.S. Navy during World War II.
- Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk. XIVe: A British fighter aircraft renowned for its role in the Battle of Britain.
- Messerschmitt Bf 108 D-1 Taifun: A German single-engine aircraft used during World War II.
In addition to these, the wing houses several other historic aircraft, some under restoration, and also hosts privately owned aircraft on display.
Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing and Educational Programs:
The museum features a range of exhibits, including historical artifacts, models, and displays related to military aviation. The CAF Southern California Wing also offers educational programs, such as the Cadet Aviation Science & Leadership Training program for high school students, aiming to inspire and educate the next generation about aviation and aerospace.
Pictures Les Spearman