CAF SoCal Wing Host Living History Presentation: "Spitfires”
Camarillo, CA (February 24, 2026) – They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses - all of them trained as pilots. Because they were women, they were denied the opportunity to fly for their country when the United States entered the WWII. But Great Britain, desperately fighting for survival, would let anyone - even Americans, even women-transport warplanes.
On Saturday, February 28, the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at Camarillo Airport will host author Becky Aikman as she follows the stories of nine of the women who served, drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and records, along with her own interviews, to bring these forgotten heroines fully to life in her vivid, richly detailed account of war, ambition, and a group of remarkable women.
Weather, operations, and maintenance permitting, CAF SoCal plans to fly one of its historic warbirds during the event. Visitors may also explore CAF SoCal’s iconic, flyable aircraft on display, including the legendary Supermarine Spitfire, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, and its famed adversary, the F6F Hellcat. For the adventurous, rides for hire will be available in select vintage military aircraft. Light refreshments will be provided.
Join us to hear author Becky Aikman share the heart-pounding true story of the daring American women who piloted the most dangerous aircraft of World War II through the treacherous skies of Britain on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Note: Please contact Lucien Pillai, PIO CAF So Cal, regarding available imagery. pio@cafsocal.com Event Details: https://www.cafsocal.com/presentation-jan-24th-2025-crosbys-curse/
About the CAF Southern California Wing:
The CAF Southern California Wing is a volunteer organization with members from many different backgrounds. The wing is dedicated to preserving the history of WWII aircraft for generations to come. This CAF location is assigned 12 authentic military aircraft maintained and operated by their volunteers. In addition to flying aircraft, the wing has a wide-ranging collection of World War artifacts displayed in a Hangar Museum. Their opening hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday, 12 PM to 4 PM. They are closed on Monday through Thursday and on some holidays. The newly expanded wing, at over 55,000 square feet, includes three hangar complexes to house their museum, flying aircraft, warbird restorations, and gift shop.
The CAF Southern California Wing is located at the Camarillo Airport at 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. Their website is www.cafsocal.com, and their phone number is (805) 482-0064.
About the Commemorative Air Force
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the world’s largest flying military aircraft museum. For more than 60 years, the CAF has been dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition, education, and remembrance. Fulfilling its mission, the organization maintains airplanes in flying condition - take the airplanes to the people to experience firsthand the aircraft’s sight and sound in flight. The CAF is a non-profit educational association with more than 11,000 members and a fleet of 165 vintage military aircraft distributed throughout the U.S. For more information, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.
