CAF Warbird Tube

Commemorative Air Force

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to produce CAF Warbird Tube. A weekly video podcast that features the people, places, and planes that shaped American history. Each week we host a different guest and different topic to explore as part of the CAF's mission to Educate, Inspire, and Honor. You can learn more about the Commemorative Air Force at www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

  1. 6d ago

    Battle of Britain: Inside the Fight for the Skies

    Join CAF Warbird Tube for a compelling examination of one of history’s most consequential air campaigns, the Battle of Britain. Military aviation historian and author Andy Saunders explores the air war of 1940 from both sides of the English Channel, examining the aircraft, pilots, tactics, and rapidly changing conditions that shaped the battle. At the center of the discussion is the Luftwaffe’s Messerschmidt Bf 109E. Although the formidable “Emil” possessed impressive firepower and performance, it faced one limitation that would prove critical over Britain: its restricted range. The author of more than 20 books on air warfare, Saunders draws upon decades of experience as a historian, researcher, editor, and museum curator to bring the human experience behind the history into focus. What did pilots endure during the summer of 1940? How did tactics evolve as each side learned from the other? And what do firsthand accounts reveal about a battle that has since become the stuff of legend? To watch this as a video, go to https://youtu.be/jcMhm9jZ7RI. Aired on: Sept. 9, 2026 Guest: Andy SaundersHost: Steve BussProducer: Bob Score Jr.Produced by: Commemorative Air ForceSend us Fan Mail Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com.  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org. Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

    Battle of Britain: Inside the Fight for the Skies
  2. Sep 8

    Restoring the American Heritage Museum’s PBY-5A Catalina That Sank 3 U-Boats

    During World War II, the PBY Catalina became one of the Allies’ most important long-range patrol aircraft—hunting enemy submarines, protecting convoys, and rescuing downed airmen. But few surviving Catalinas have a story as remarkable as PBY-5A BuNo. 2459. Accepted by the U.S. Navy just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, BuNo. 2459 was among the first PBY-5A amphibians ever built. It was soon deployed to Iceland for combat operations over the North Atlantic, where it became the first PBY credited with sinking a German U-boat. By the end of the war, the aircraft had accounted for three U-boats destroyed. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, Rob Collings, President of the American Heritage Museum, shares the extraordinary history of BuNo. 2459 and the years-long effort to return it to its authentic 1942 wartime configuration. From reconstructing its nose turret and locating exceptionally rare original equipment to recreating its historic combat markings, the award-winning restoration required painstaking research, craftsmanship, and dedication. Discover the story behind this remarkable aircraft, and what it takes to preserve a warbird that didn’t merely witness history. It helped make it. You can watch this video at https://youtu.be/SL1dPz35wKg. Aired on: September 2, 2026Guest: Rob CollingsHost: Steve BussProducer: Bob Score Jr.Produced by: Commemorative Air ForceSend us Fan Mail Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com.  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org. Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

    Restoring the American Heritage Museum’s PBY-5A Catalina That Sank 3 U-Boats
  3. Aug 31

    The Texas Town That Trained Britain’s WWII Pilots

    During World War II, thousands of young British airmen crossed the Atlantic to learn to fly in the United States. The first and largest of their American training schools was in an unlikely place: Terrell, Texas.  Beginning in 1941, before the United States had even entered the war, Royal Air Force cadets arrived in North Texas to train under wide-open skies, far from the bad weather and dangers of wartime Britain. Between 1941 and 1945, more than 2,200 British and American cadets trained at the No. 1 British Flying Training School, forging a remarkable connection between a Texas community and the young men preparing for war.  Today, the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum preserves this little-known chapter of aviation history. And one important piece of that story has come home for good.  “Ole 42,” a Boeing Stearman that was based at the school, has been donated to the museum by retired U.S. Navy aviator Phil Webb after years of touring. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, Denis Rottler, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, and Carl Best, Board Member and caretaker of Ole 42, take us inside the museum, introduce us to the Stearman, and share the remarkable story of the British airmen who came thousands of miles to Texas to earn their wings. To watch this video, go to https://youtu.be/q4FXttg6G4U. Aired On: August 26, 2026Guests: Denis Rottler, Carl BestHost: Steve BussProducer: Bob Score Jr.Produced by: Commemorative Air ForceSend us Fan Mail Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com.  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org. Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

    The Texas Town That Trained Britain’s WWII Pilots
  4. Aug 3

    Inside the Life of General Robin Olds

    General Robin Olds wasn't just a fighter ace—he became a legend. A triple ace with victories in both World War II and Vietnam, Olds flew the P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, and F-4 Phantom while earning a reputation as one of the U.S. Air Force's most fearless and influential fighter pilots.  In this special episode of CAF Warbird Tube, Robin Olds' daughter, Christina Olds, joins us for an intimate conversation about the man behind the famous handlebar mustache. She shares personal stories, family memories, and behind-the-scenes insights into one of military aviation's most iconic leaders.  Discover how Robin Olds shaped fighter pilot culture, led combat missions in Vietnam, inspired generations of aviators, and why his legacy continues to captivate pilots, historians, and aviation enthusiasts today.  Whether you're passionate about World War II aviation, the Vietnam War, the F-4 Phantom, the P-51 Mustang, or the history of the U.S. Air Force, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. If you prefer to watch this episode, go to https://youtu.be/ghgyMsBLMcg. Aired On: July 29, 2026Guest: Christina OldsHost: Steve BussProducer: Bob ScoreProduced by: Commemorative Air Force Send us Fan Mail Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com.  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org. Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

    Inside the Life of General Robin Olds
  5. Jul 27

    Inaugural DC-3 Society Operator Conference & Showcase

    Get an inside look at the inaugural DC-3 Society Fly-In & Showcase coming to historic Flabob Airport in Southern California this August! On this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we sit down with Lyndse F. Costabile, Interim Executive Director and Director, Corporate Relations for the DC-3 Society, Andy Maag, on the Board of Directors, and Moreno Aguiari, President of the DC-3 Society Board of Directors, for a preview of this exciting event dedicated to one of aviation's most iconic aircraft.  Learn what attendees can expect as DC-3 owners, crews, historians, restorers, and enthusiasts come together to celebrate the aircraft that revolutionized commercial aviation and played a vital role during World War II. Discover why, nearly 90 years after its first flight, the legendary DC-3 continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts worldwide!  Check out the video of this episode at https://youtu.be/-tKybobLrLY. Aired on: July 10, 2026Guests: Andy Maag, Moreno Aguiari, Lyndse ConstabileHost: Steve Buss Producer: Bob Score Produced by: Commemorative Air Force Send us Fan Mail Thanks for watching CAF Warbird Tube — where history takes flight. You can join us live for upcoming broadcasts by registering at www.WarbirdTube.com.  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is dedicated to Educating, Inspiring, and Honoring through flight and living history experiences. Programs like this help preserve and share the stories of aviation history — and we couldn’t do it without your support. To learn more or get involved, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org. Thanks for helping us keep history flying.

    Inaugural DC-3 Society Operator Conference & Showcase

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to produce CAF Warbird Tube. A weekly video podcast that features the people, places, and planes that shaped American history. Each week we host a different guest and different topic to explore as part of the CAF's mission to Educate, Inspire, and Honor. You can learn more about the Commemorative Air Force at www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.

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