Days shy of flying the Arsenal of Democracy in Washington, D.C., the D-Day Squadron has launched its DC-3 Society.
Having met each flyover mission, outreach event, airshow performance, and display with success since its inception four years ago, the operators and crew of these historic DC-3s began to experience a growing volume of interest in this legendary aircraft, as well as the many veterans it represents. With a mission to organize the interest of DC-3 operators, enthusiasts, and crew while maintaining airworthiness and displays for future generations, the DC-3 Society also focuses on representing everything the DC-3 has accomplished in war and peace, according to D-Day Squadron officials.
“I am privileged to be associated with the DC-3 Society. This launch represents the culmination of hundreds of volunteer hours. We are all passionate about the history these aircraft embody and the legacy that they represent,” expressed Paul Bazeley, owner of Aerometal International, the first affiliate partner to the society, and founding DC-3 operator member. “As chair of the maintenance committee, I look forward to being involved in further efforts with the society to safeguard the ongoing preservation and operation of these historic machines.”
Over the years, D-Day Squadron officials say they witnessed a plethora of young people whose minds and curiosity were sparked with the site of a DC-3.
At events, airshows, and through displays, various DC-3s get a chance to showcase its legendary aeronautical design, agility in flight, and ability to educate the public how it served major events in our world history.
“It’s not just a DC-3, it’s flying history,” officials said.
“I feel that it is necessary to ensure that young children and students understand World War II and our nation’s history as a whole,” shared Michael Naya, Jr., a freshman studying history at Kean University in Union, N.J. “In the words of George Santayana, ‘Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.’ I feel that we often go throughout our lives thinking we did very little, although that is not true. Every individual young and old has a story.”
Through the work of the DC-3 Society, a Young Historians program was established under the D-Day Squadron to continue sharing the compelling stories of the DC-3 and our veterans.
“To be a founding member of the Young Historians Program is a true honor, as well as preserving the memories of our final World War II veterans has been a privilege,” Naya added. “To be a historian alongside the D-Day Squadron is one of the most important opportunities I’ve been given. All of those involved with the D-Day Squadron are in turn writing their own stories and thus making history and an impact along the way.”
As part of the new DC-3 Society, members will have access to a private web forum, tailored support for aircraft airworthiness and maintenance, private Facebook Group access, special gifts from the D-Day Squadron, newsletter, invitation to special events, as well as product and service discounts through an industry affiliate partner program.
“Our veterans are our window to the past, and developing a stronger force behind the DC-3 is a chance for us to continue honoring those who made sacrifices for the freedoms we have today,” said Lauren Roberts, membership coordinator for the DC-3 Society and veteran of the business aviation sector. “Our members not only benefit from their participation in our DC-3 type society, they are a part of making history come to life, for young to elder audiences we are engaged.”
The C-47 which is one of the best cross wind landing aircraft ever made. Big rudder, differential power, wing down and a landing is guaranteed. I had many occasions flying in the Far East, Vietnam to make
landings on short runways not aligned into the wind. we also flew the DC-3 but it was
not as good in strong crosswinds as their rudder was smaller than the C-47’s. Flying the C-47 mostly for
the Navy for 5 years gave me a great appreciation for the versatility of that aircraft.
As a medivac aircraft I even had a baby born on the way to Cubi Pt. Philippines. It was fun to fly.
Excellent Move! I also love the DC-3, got a chance to fly the C-41A that the Colorado Air Museum had for awhile. The C-41A was one of the first five DC-3’s that the military bought for evaluation, eventually redesignated the C-47’s. I LOVED that plane! I was supposed to become one of it’s alternate pilots, but it was sold before that could happen. Still infatuated with the plane. It was/is a Sweetheart.