New England Wing Seeks Public's Help Naming Rare WWII-Era Trainer
Nashua, NH (May 28, 2026) –– The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) New England Wing invites aviation enthusiasts, supporters, and history fans to help name one of the most historically significant aircraft in its collection, a rare Fairchild PT-23 primary trainer.
The public voting campaign, titled "Name the Plane," invites participants to choose a name for the aircraft from a list of suggested options inspired by aviation history, New England heritage, military training traditions, and other creative themes. Supporters may also submit their own write-in suggestions. Voting is open through July 4, 2026.
To encourage participation, the New England Wing will randomly select voters to receive commemorative prizes, including hats, shirts, and water bottles, as well as a grand-prize flight in the PT-23 after the plane's new name is officially unveiled. (To Vote, get more information, including rules, go to www.NECAF.org/name-the-plane-page.
"Every great aircraft has a name," said New England Wing leaders. "Aircraft such as FIFI, Diamond Lil, Gunfighter, and Nella have become beloved ambassadors of aviation history. We believe our PT-23 deserves a name that reflects its remarkable story and helps connect people with its legacy."
The aircraft holds a unique place in aviation history. Developed during World War II, the Fairchild PT-23 served as a primary trainer for Army Air Forces pilot cadets. Derived from the PT-19, the PT-23 incorporated a Continental R-670 radial engine when demand for training aircraft outpaced the availability of PT-19 engines.
Known as the "Cradle of Heroes," the PT-23 was often the first aircraft aspiring military aviators flew. Thousands of pilots who would later fly fighters, bombers, and transport aircraft during World War II began their aviation careers in trainers like this one.
The New England Wing's PT-23 is especially significant because it was the first PT-23 built. The aircraft demonstrated the design's capabilities and helped pave the way for the type's acceptance into military service. Today, fewer than 100 PT-23 aircraft remain in the air worldwide.
After World War II, hundreds of PT-series trainers were sold as military surplus. Many found second careers as agricultural aircraft before being abandoned or scrapped. Because their engines were valuable and interchangeable with those of other aircraft types, many airframes were stripped and lost over time. As a result, surviving PT-23s have become increasingly rare examples of America's wartime pilot training program.
The New England Wing continues to preserve and operate the aircraft as part of the Commemorative Air Force's mission to educate, inspire, and honor those who served. Through aircraft preservation, living history programs, educational outreach, and flight experiences, the organization helps connect new generations with the stories and technology that shaped aviation history.
In addition to preserving historic aircraft, the New England Wing partners with organizations such as the Civil Air Patrol, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local youth organizations, and its own Cadet Program to introduce young people to aviation, history, engineering, and STEM careers.
The Wing also maintains a Living History Detachment dedicated to preserving the stories of the men and women who served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and to expanding efforts to share the experiences of veterans from later conflicts, including Korea and Vietnam. Supporters interested in helping choose a name for the PT-23 can participate in the online voting campaign through July 4. Donations to support the aircraft's ongoing restoration and preservation are welcome but not required to vote.
For more information about the Commemorative Air Force New England Wing, including its aircraft, educational programs, and warbird ride experiences, visit the Wing's website www.nacaf.org and social media channels FB @CAFNewEnglandWing, In @caf_new_england_wing.
