Commemorative Air Force Announces Formation of New Hawaii Wing
HONOLULU (May 28, 2026)— The Commemorative Air Force has officially chartered the Hawaii Wing, marking the organization’s first Unit in Hawaii and expanding the CAF’s growing nationwide network dedicated to preserving and sharing American military aviation history.
Based in Honolulu at Pacific Flight Academy at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, the new Wing is located just miles from Pearl Harbor—one of the most historically significant sites in American military history.
In less than three months, the Hawaii Wing has assembled a roster of 15 CAF Colonels and is actively working toward 30 members, the benchmark required to qualify for aircraft assignment under the CAF’s New Unit Initiative.
Unit Leader Brian Columbus, an experienced commercial pilot with a passion for aviation and preserving history through flight, is leading the effort. “The formation of the Hawaii Wing is an exciting milestone for the Commemorative Air Force,” said David Oliver, CAF President/CEO. “Hawaii holds a unique place in both American and aviation history, and having a permanent CAF presence there creates incredible opportunities to connect new audiences with the stories and aircraft that helped shape our world.”
While this is the first official CAF Unit in Hawaii, CAF aircraft have visited the islands on several occasions for commemorative events and film projects. Most notably, in 2020, the CAF’s FM-2 Wildcat participated in the 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the End of World War II in Hawaii, flying alongside historic warbirds during aerial tributes honoring the Greatest Generation.
The Hawaii Wing’s location near Pearl Harbor positions the Unit to play an important role in aviation education, living history, and future commemorative events in the Pacific region.
The chartering of the Hawaii Wing also highlights the structured process behind forming a new CAF Unit. Prospective Units must build local membership, establish leadership, and demonstrate long-term sustainability before receiving an official charter. The Hawaii Wing successfully completed that process in record time, reflecting both strong local enthusiasm and dedicated leadership.
Individuals interested in learning more about the Hawaii Wing or joining the Unit can click here to get in touch with the Wing.
Communities interested in starting a new CAF Unit can learn more through the CAF New Unit FAQ page: CAF New Unit FAQs
For additional information about forming a CAF Unit, contact Craig Tuminaro, CAF Vice President of Membership, at ctuminaro@cafhq.org.
