The Port of Bremerton will host the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom tour from Monday, June 17, to Wednesday, June 19. These historic war planes will be returning to the Bremerton National Airport to give visitors the opportunity to explore, learn more about and even fly in World War II aircraft.
Wings of Freedom has been coming to Bremerton since 1993 for this event. Visiting with the tour are the B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine,” B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft,” B-25 Mitchell “Tondelayo” bombers, P-40 Warhawk “Jaws” and P-51 Mustang “Betty Jane” fighters.
The Port’s CEO, Jim Rothlin, believes there will be a great turnout for this event.
“I am excited for our community to get the opportunity to see such rare planes that were vital to our history. The flight experiences are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said.
The B-17 is one of only nine in flying condition in the United States, while the B-24 is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the world. The B-25 is best known for being used in the daring Doolittle raid while the P-51 Mustang was awarded the prestigious Grand Champion award for restoration. New to the tour is the P-40 Warhawk, the fighter well known as the frontline fighter for the Flying Tigers.
The rarity of the B-17, B-24, B-25, P-40 and P-51 – and their importance to telling the story of World War II is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide. Visitors can find out more at www.collingsfoundation.org.
The nationwide Wings of Freedom tour, which is celebrating its 30th year, visits an average of 110 cities in over 35 states annually. Since its start, tens of millions of people have seen the B-17, B-24, B-25 P-40 and P-51 display at locations everywhere. The tour is one of the most extraordinary and unique interactive traveling historical displays of its kind, according to organizers.
Hours of ground tours and display are:
- Monday, June 17, 1 to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 18, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 19, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Airplane tours are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
30-minute flight prices:
- B-17 or B-24, $450/person
- B-25, $400/person
The 30-minute flight experiences are normally scheduled before and after the ground tour times above.
For reservations and information on flight experiences, please call 800-568-8924.
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