The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has officially chartered the Hawaii Wing, marking the organization’s first wing in Hawaii.
Based in Honolulu at the Pacific Flight Academy at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (PHNL), the new wing is located just miles from Pearl Harbor, one of the most historically significant sites in American military history.
“The formation of the Hawaii Wing is an exciting milestone for the Commemorative Air Force,” said David Oliver, CAF President/CEO. “Hawaii holds a unique place in both American and aviation history, and having a permanent CAF presence there creates incredible opportunities to connect new audiences with the stories and aircraft that helped shape our world.”
In less than three months, the Hawaii Wing has assembled a roster of 15 CAF Colonels and is actively working toward 30 members, the benchmark required to qualify for aircraft assignment under the CAF’s New Unit Initiative, according to CAF officials.
Unit Leader Brian Columbus, a commercial pilot with a passion for aviation and preserving history through flight, is leading the effort.
While this is the first official CAF Unit in Hawaii, CAF aircraft have visited the islands on several occasions for commemorative events and film projects. Most notably, in 2020, the CAF’s FM-2 Wildcat participated in the 75th anniversary commemoration of the end of World War II in Hawaii, flying alongside historic warbirds during aerial tributes honoring the Greatest Generation.
For more information: CAFHQ.formstack.com/forms/HawaiiWingInterest or CommemorativeAirForce.org
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