Five Warbirds, One Mission – Memorial Day 2025
Five historic aircraft filled the skies over Palm Springs during the 2025 Memorial Day program at the Palm Springs Air Museum—each representing a different chapter of American aviation history and military service. My photographs of these aircraft in flight capture not only their striking forms against the desert backdrop but also the enduring legacy they carry.
The lineup included:
– C-47 “What’s Up Doc?” – A D-Day veteran honoring airborne operations and troop transport.
– P-51 Mustang “Bunny” – Flown in tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen and their place in aviation history.
– P4Y-2G Super Privateer – The last flying example of this rare patrol bomber, once used by the Navy.
– PBJ (Navy B-25 Mitchell) – A Navy-modified medium bomber that served in the Pacific theater.
– T-28 Trojan N372C – A Cold War-era trainer that transitioned into combat roles in Southeast Asia.
Each aircraft flew as part of the museum’s commemorative program, honoring those who served and sacrificed in conflicts from World War II through the Vietnam War.
I’m especially pleased that five of these images were featured yesterday in the “BREAKING NEWS from LAST 24 HOURS” section on ZUMA Press, a strong acknowledgment of the visual and historical power of these aircraft in flight.
Departing March Air Reserve Base
In the Palm Springs Air Museum T-33 Shooting Star taking off from March Air Reserve Base this last Tuesday after the Southern California Air Show 2023 over the weekend. We were the first aircraft to arrive for the show and last out.
Chinooks
Something we do not see everyday… three black Chinook helicopters at the airport in Palm Springs. I was not there, just happened to catch it on the ramp cam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAz9CRoE_jg
T-33 Shooting Star
Flying in the Palm Springs Air Museum T-33 Shooting Star over the Air Museum on the way to March Air Reserve Base for the So Cal Airshow this coming weekend, April 22 & 23 2023.
T-45C Goshawk
A T-45C jet trainer from VT-9 Tigers at Naval Air Station Meridian in Mississippi departing Palm Springs this past Thursday.
T-33 Shooting Star
The T-33 Shooting Star from the Palm Springs Air Museum being flown by Michael Pfleger. Taking off en route to the airshow at Naval Air Facility El Centro.
Pretty Polly
“Pretty Polly” the P-63 Kingcobra from the Palm Springs Air Museum, being flown by Patrick Nightingale. Taking off en route to the airshow at Naval Air Facility El Centro.
Treetop Flyer
Kim Middelton taking off yesterday for a 2 ship T-6 flyover for an event for the Palm Springs Air Museum.
2 T-6 Flyover
The other morning I sent 2 T-6 Texans out for an event flyover from the Palm Springs Air Museum. Photo from my buddy Bob Saxon.
P-51 Mustang Engine Run
An after maintenance engine run on the P-51 Mustang “Man O’War” at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Flying Over Snow In A Mustang
Riders in the Palm Springs Air Museum aircraft yesterday had a spectacular view of the snow covered Jan Jacinto Mountains. This is the P-51 Mustang “Bunny”.
Bunny
“Bunny” the P-51 Mustang from the Palm Springs Air Museum going out on a ride flight. The last flight for today before bad weather coming in.
T-6 Texan
The T-6 Texan from the Palm Springs Air Museum taking off with a rider in the back seat getting a World War II flying experience.
The Barron Hilton Stearman
A ride flight taking off in the Palm Springs Air Museum Stearman. This airplane was previously owned by Barron Hilton. Very fun, the rider sits in the front seat. Open cockpit flying is an experience!
World War II L-5’s
Two World War II Stinson L-5 Sentinel aircraft that visited the Palm Springs Air Museum over this past weekend.
Bunny Takeoff
“Bunny” the Palm Springs Air Museum P-51 Mustang dedicated to Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Bob Friend in takeoff. Pilot Tom Nightingale.
B-25 In The Morning
This Sunday morning at 0725hrs, the B-25 Pacific Princess warming up on the ramp at the Palm Springs Air Museum for departure.
Dassault Falcon 6X
A Dassault Falcon 6X on the ramp at the Palm Springs Air Museum departing last Friday. It was here for the inaugural event for the Tailwinds Foundation, providing financial support for aspiring aviation professionals. Impressive airplane, top speed 594mph and a range of 6,329 miles
ICON Sport Flying
Last Thursday and Friday, a visitor at the Palm Springs Air Museum for a special event. An ICON A5 amphibious. Sports car bucket seats. Made me think of a Porsche with wings. Actually the interior was created by BMW designers and Lotus. The exterior by a Nissan designer. Getting a wipe down after getting hosed off from doing demonstrations at the Salton Sea.
Stearman Ride Flight
A rider taking a fun flight in the Palm Springs Air Museum Stearman this past weekend. Yes the rider sits in front.
Julie Clark T-34 Mentor
Julie Clark in her T-34 Mentor at the Palm Springs Air Museum T-34 Fly-In this past weekend. Now 74 years old, consistently named air show “Performer Of The Year”. Rated in over 66 types of aircraft, Julie was one of the first women pilots to ever fly for a major airline.
T-33 Afterburner (OK Not)
The Palm Springs Air Museum T-33 Shooting Star going into afterburner. Ok maybe not afterburner. But going on out on one of two ride flights this past Saturday.
Come To Fight Come To Win
A United States Marine F/A-18C from VMFA-323 departing the airport in Palm Springs.
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