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AT-6 Nella Reunion

( July 31, 2024) – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) proudly showcases an illustrious piece of aviation history—the AT-6 Texan known as Nella. This venerable aircraft is more than just a beautifully restored warbird; it is a testament to the courage, dedication, and pioneering spirit of World War II's Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). As Nella tours across the nation, it serves as a tribute to these pioneering women and a living, breathing piece of history. Nella draws crowds of aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and families at each stop, eager to witness this iconic aircraft. Among these visitors, the family members of the WASP hold a special place.

Nella’s tour is particularly poignant when family members of the WASP come to see the aircraft. These visits are often emotional and filled with stories of bravery, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the women who flew during the war. The children and grandchildren of the WASP share tales passed down through generations, creating a bridge between the past and present.

Unleaded Fuel

At this year’s EAA AirVenture, the CAF’s authentic WASP trainer aircraft, the AT-6 Texan, known as Nella, had a reunion with two daughters of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) member Jane Doyle.

Jane Doyle joined the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in 1943 after graduating from the University of Michigan. Jane’s daughters, Laurie and Cathy, had a chance to honor and remember their mother at Oshkosh this year. Laurie took her daughter and grandkids to DuPage to see Nella on its way to AirVenture. Cathy stopped at the EAA Aviation Museum for the “Portraits of Epic Flights” exhibit. There was a portrait of her mother and Nella, and she took a picture with it. Cathy then went to Saginaw, MI, where she flew on a C-45 while proudly wearing her Nella sneakers!

Betsy, a niece of WASP Nancy Mayes, class of 44-W-10, visited Nella on the Air Power History Tour at Cincinnati Lunken Airport on July 25.

To see the AT-6 Nella on the CAF AirPower History Tour, visit https://www.airpowersquadron.org for schedules and ride information.

To learn more about the CAF WASP Squadron, including how to join and support the legacy of the WASP, visit CAF https://cafwaspsquadron.org/.

To take a closer look at the lives and accomplishments of some of the WASP, visit CAF RISE ABOVE WASP at https://cafriseabove.org/the-wasp/wasp-profiles/.