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The Tampa Bay Wing takes pride in its partnerships with Trig Avionics, Lakeland Linder Airport, Sun-N-Fun Aerospace Expo, SheltAir Aviation, and Double M Aviation. The support from our partners enabled the Tampa Bay Wing to manage two aircraft assignments within a year. Precious, a Fairchild PT-19, and Ike's Bird, an L-26B Aero Commander, are now housed in our hangar at Sun-N-Fun.

The Tampa Bay Wing is home to Ike's Bird, the 1955 Aero Commander L-26B, a former Air Force One for President Eisenhower.



At the Tampa Bay Wing,

The Sky is not our limit,

It is our Destination!





https://www.facebook.com/CAFTampaBay

The Tampa Bay Wing received official Wing status in January 2023. In May of 2024, we received our first aircraft assignment, a 1942 Fairchild PT-19 Primary Trainer. This is the aircraft that all WWII pilots trained in, including the Women's Airforce Service Pilots, WASP. Our PT-19, Precious, was stationed at Avenger Field, the WASP training base. In February 2025, we accepted our second aircraft assignment, Ike's Bird, a 1955 Aero Commander L26-B. This aircraft has had the call sign Air Force One. Two aircraft assignments in less than two years is quite the accomplishment. In 2024, the Tampa Bay Wing was the fastest-growing Unit in the CAF, 49%. Come join us and preserve aviation history.

HomeMembership Info
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History is preserved by dedicated individuals working in a group with a common goal. The Commemorative Air Force-Tampa Bay Wing is a group of aviation enthusiasts who desire to preserve our military aviation history. CAF-Tampa Bay Wing is not just for pilots; its' base is developing the skills of all volunteers to protect our history with hands-on application. History comes alive when an individual can touch history. The CAF is a living museum with over 175 flying aircraft nationwide. This does not happen without over 13,000 volunteers involved in 83 Wings.

 

The CAF-Tampa Bay Wing membership is open to all volunteers over the age of 18. Our members come from different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets, and all are aviation enthusiasts. The Wing's goal is to keep aviation history alive through hands-on experiences. If you are reading this, it is evident that you, too, are an aviation enthusiast looking for a place to get hands-on experiences with history. Joining the CAF, know that you are preserving military aviation history. You can join anytime during the year; the dues are prorated for that year, and renewal is next March 1. Membership fee is $55.

 

The CAF has a Cadet program for aviation enthusiasts aged 13-17. Learning about history comes alive with hands-on experiences, and the lessons last a lifetime. The CAF-Tampa Bay Wing annual dues are renewed on March 1 each year. You can join anytime during the year; the dues are prorated for that year, and renewal is next March 1. The Cadet Membership fee is $25.

To encourage full participation in the organization, students ages 18-23 will be offered the opportunity to take advantage of a discounted Colonel membership at $125/year. 

 

To join the CAF-Tampa Bay Wing, you must first join the CAF and then join the Tampa Bay Wing. The link to the CAF membership page is to the left. Use the New Member Signup to join the Tampa Bay Wing. We look forward to having you on our team.

 

CAF COLONEL: $225 PER YEAR 

Membership Options (commemorativeairforce.org)

 

As a CAF Colonel, you are eligible to:

 

  • Join a CAF Unit or Aircraft Support Team
  • Experience the CAF "behind the scenes" through access to CAF aircraft and events
  • Fly in CAF aircraft on a space-available basis as qualified crew
  • Receive a CAF name tag, wings, and commission
  • Giftshop discounts
  • Gain early access to upcoming events and ways to
  • Receive the CAF Monthly magazine, The Dispatch*

Active Military, Guard, and Reserve personnel can join the CAF at the Colonel level for a discounted rate of just $125. Dues will remain $125 annually while on Active Service in the military. Proof of active duty must be shown to receive the active military discount.

 

CAF CADET: $50 PER YEAR

Membership Options (commemorativeairforce.org)

 

Open to students ages 12-23 only. Cadets will need proof of age, such as a driver's license or student ID.

As a CAF Cadet, you are eligible to:

 

  • CAF name tag, wings, t-shirt, and certificate
  • Free admission to the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center
  • CAF Gift Shop discounts
  • CAF Monthly magazine Digital Dispatch delivered to your email