As you may have noticed while scrolling through Facebook, local events often pop up. That’s how I discovered the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Air Power History Tour, which took place in Titusville, FL, from March 10-12, 2023. One of the event’s main attractions was "Diamond Lil," the only fully restored and flying B-24 Liberator, which was the 25th built out of 18,482. While it was fascinating to see, I knew my real interest lay in experiencing a flight, but I wasn’t sure which aircraft to choose.
After speaking with someone about ticket options, I learned about the RC-45J, an aircraft ordered by the Navy in 1940, specifically used for aerial photography. As a photographer myself, I immediately knew this was the plane for me. I got even more excited when I found out that our pilot for the day, Laura, had been flying for 32 years. Being able to sit in the co-pilot seat for this adventure made it even more special.
When I asked Laura about her favorite aircraft over the years, she shared, “Each one has something unique about it, so I can’t pick a favorite. I just love to fly.” She also humorously mentioned that while many people think fireworks are spectacular to watch from the sky, they’re actually pretty underwhelming.
The ride itself was unexpectedly smooth, and the aircraft smelled nostalgically like an old Army/Navy store, which made me smile. We reached our altitude, and I was treated to incredible views of landmarks like the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, Playalinda Beach, and even caught sight of my own fence at home! It was peaceful and awe-inspiring.
After my flight, I toured the B-24 Liberator. Inside, I saw the signatures of “Rosies” (Rosie the Riveters) who had helped assemble these planes during WWII. It was a humbling reminder of the rich history tied to these aircraft.
I was surprised to see that I was one of the youngest attendees, as most others were much older. It saddens me that more people my age don’t seem to share an interest in our history, but I hope my passion for learning and exploring encourages others to dig deeper into events like these.
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