Press release
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to announce the triumphant return of the C-47 That’s it, brother.Flying to the U.S. After an unforgettable tour of Europe marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, the iconic aircraft is on its way home.
That’s it, brother. This is no ordinary aircraft. On June 6, 1944, this C-47 led the main airborne invasion of Normandy, transporting paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division on D-Day. This year, it travels to Europe to honor the brave men and women who served during a critical moment in history.
During the European tour Normandy Landing Squadron, That’s it, brother. Participated in many commemorations, reenactments and educational programs designed to honor those who sacrificed in the war and educate new generations about the significance of the D-Day landings and the Berlin Airlift.
A series of events were held in Normandy, France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings. That’s it, brother. played a major role in these ceremonies, including participating in the commemorative flight over the Normandy beaches, performing a reenactment skydive with paratroopers in World War II-era uniforms, and flying over Utah and Omaha beaches with five World War II veterans. These events served as a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication shown by the Allied forces during Operation Overlord.
After the Normandy Landing commemorations, That’s it, brother. Continue to Germany to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. This humanitarian mission took place between 1948 and 1949, where Allied aircraft delivered vital supplies to the citizens of Berlin during the Soviet blockade. That’s it, brother. The parade in Germany was a tribute to the spirit of cooperation and tenacity in air transport.
That’s it, brother. Landing On Tuesday afternoon, the aircraft will arrive in Presque Isle, Maine. From there, it will continue on to its home base in San Marcos, Texas. Once back in the U.S., the aircraft will be available for public tours, educational programs and special events nationwide.
“We are pleased to welcome That’s it, brother. “This aircraft is a flying museum and a testament to the brave men and women who served during World War II. Its journeys to and from Europe allow us to honor and remember their sacrifice in a profound way.”
About the Commemorative Air Force
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the world’s largest flying military aircraft museum dedicated to educating, inspiring and honoring through flight and living history experiences. Operating for over 65 years, CAF has a fleet of flyable vintage military aircraft for people to experience first-hand. The organization has over 11,000 members and a fleet of over 175 vintage military aircraft located throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.Commemorativeairforce.org.
About D-Day Squadron
Born from the Normandy mission in 2019 D-Day Squadron (DDS) is a large-scale project of the Tunsion Foundation, a well-established 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its focus is on DC-3 operators, World War II commemorations, and education and outreach programs. DDS-affiliated programs include education and outreach, the Young Historians Program, and DDS’s membership division, the DC-3 Association. The overall goals of DDS are to promote the airworthiness of the DC-3 aircraft, serve the members of the DC-3 Society, and promote static and flying displays for future generations. The DC-3 Society was formed to organize the combined efforts of enthusiasts, pilots, mechanics, and operators to engage the next generation in the “Freedom of Flying”. In May and June 2024, the D-Day Squadron completed its second European mission in honor of DDay80 and Berlin 75. For more information, visit www.ddaysquadron.org
