Commemorative Air Force Museum | Mesa

The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum (CAF Airbase Arizona) is one of the most comprehensive aviation museums in the southwestern United States, dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of American military aviation. Located at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona, the museum is part of the larger Commemorative Air Force network, which operates across the U.S. and is renowned for restoring historic aircraft to flying condition.

📍 Location and Setting

Address: 2017 N Greenfield Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215

Setting: Situated in a historic WWII-era hangar at Falcon Field, which itself was built in 1941 as a training base for British Royal Air Force pilots. The museum encompasses over 55,000 square feet of exhibition space, including hangars, an aircraft restoration workshop, an outdoor aircraft yard, and memorial installations.

🛩️ Aircraft Collection

The museum is home to an exceptional fleet of fully restored, operational vintage military aircraft, along with many static displays that span aviation history from WWII to the Cold War. The collection includes American and foreign military aircraft, with many available for public viewing both inside and out.

✈️ Flying Aircraft:

B-17G “Sentimental Journey”: This iconic WWII heavy bomber is one of the last airworthy B-17 Flying Fortresses in the world. Visitors can tour the inside or, for a fee, book a Living History Flight.

B-25J “Maid in the Shade”: A twin-engine medium bomber that saw combat in the Mediterranean during WWII.

C-47 “Old Number 30”: A military version of the Douglas DC-3, used extensively in WWII for troop and cargo transport.

SNJ-5 Texan: A U.S. Navy trainer aircraft, often used for pilot training.

C-45 Expeditor: A versatile utility transport aircraft, also used for pilot training and cargo missions.

A-26 Invader: A twin-engine attack bomber used in WWII, Korea, and early Vietnam.

Other notable aircraft include the Lockheed T-33 jet trainer, MiG-15, MiG-21, F-4 Phantom II, and several helicopters and reconnaissance planes, each telling a specific part of U.S. and global military history.

🧰 Restoration and Maintenance Hangars

The museum maintains a fully functional aircraft restoration and maintenance facility, visible to the public. Volunteers-including many veterans and aviation enthusiasts-work here to meticulously restore vintage aircraft to flight-worthy condition. Visitors can observe restoration in progress, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at aviation craftsmanship, mechanical ingenuity, and historical preservation.

🧭 Exhibits and Memorials

Beyond aircraft, the museum offers immersive exhibits focused on key military aviation themes:

🔍 Indoor Exhibits:

WWII Aviation History: Displays include flight gear, uniforms, maps, communication tools, and weapons from the era.

Women in Aviation: A tribute to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and their role during WWII.

Prisoner of War Experiences: Artifacts and first-person stories from veterans who were POWs.

Nose Art Gallery: Showcases hand-painted artwork from historic aircraft, reflecting the creativity and spirit of WWII aircrews.

🌳 Outdoor Displays:

Walk of Honor: A paved path lined with commemorative plaques honoring Arizona’s military aviators, squadrons, and fallen service members.

USS Arizona Steel Memorial: One of the museum’s most poignant features, this exhibit includes a steel bulkhead from the USS Arizona, salvaged from Pearl Harbor. It stands as a powerful tribute to the more than 1,100 men who perished aboard.

Deck Gun and B-29 Propeller: These large outdoor installations add visual and educational impact, helping visitors understand the scale and engineering of WWII weaponry.

🎟️ Admission and Visitor Information

Operating Days: Open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Closed: Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays

🎫 Admission Rates:

Children (0–4): Free

Children (5–12): $5

Adults (13–61): $15

Seniors (62+) & Veterans: $12

Active Military & Disabled Veterans: Free

Docent-guided tours: Included with admission, offered periodically throughout the day

✈️ Living History Flights

The museum offers unforgettable flight experiences in select aircraft for an additional fee. These flights are operated by experienced pilots and provide a rare opportunity to fly in aircraft that helped shape history.

Flights available: B-17, B-25, C-47, SNJ Texan

Flight duration: Typically ranges from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on aircraft and package.

Booking: Advanced reservation is recommended due to popularity and limited seating.

These flights are not simulated-they are actual air tours in combat-era aircraft, giving passengers the sound, vibration, and sensation of WWII aviation firsthand.

🧒 Educational and Community Programs

The museum strongly emphasizes education and community outreach:

School Group Tours: Tailored to educational curricula, these tours are led by trained docents who guide students through aviation history in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Veteran Storytelling Programs: Often include personal accounts from WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans who volunteer at the museum.

Special Events:

Family Fun Days

Open Cockpit Days

Flight Demo Days

Living History Events with reenactors and presentations

These programs foster a sense of appreciation for history, encourage learning, and honor the legacy of military service.

🛍️ Amenities

Gift Shop: Located in the main building, featuring aviation-themed apparel, books, model kits, patches, and unique memorabilia.

Restrooms: Clean and accessible facilities available onsite.

Free Parking: Ample space for cars and tour buses.

Wheelchair Accessibility: The entire museum is designed with accessibility in mind.

✅ Summary

The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum is more than a collection of aircraft-it's a living tribute to the bravery, ingenuity, and sacrifice of those who served in America’s military aviation forces. With its fleet of flying warbirds, engaging historical exhibits, active restoration hangars, and immersive flight experiences, the museum delivers a rich and educational encounter with history.

It appeals to aviation enthusiasts, military historians, families, students, and travelers seeking a deeper connection to the stories behind the machines that shaped the 20th century. Whether you're exploring a B-17’s bomb bay, watching restoration work, or taking off in a WWII bomber, the museum offers a uniquely powerful experience that leaves a lasting impression.