WWII Aces on Deck for Annual Fly-In

Flying aces from World War II will tell stories and give their perspective on the war as part of the 18th annual Camarillo Fly-In air show June 20 and 21.

More than 25,000 visitors are expected at the event, which will include air acrobatics and flights by experimental planes. The event is sponsored by the Confederate Air Force and the Experimental Aircraft Assn., a local organization of fliers who build their own airplanes.

Former P-51 Mustang ace Art Fiedler said the event gives veterans a chance to talk about what the war means for people today.

“The things that caused the war are certainly the kind of things that could happen today,” he said.

Fiedler also said the event gives veterans a chance to give a real-life perspective on the past.

“If you read a history book today,” he said, “it’s a far cry from the way things really were.”

About a dozen flying aces are expected to attend the event, including “Herky” Green, one of the top pilots in the North African theater.

Fiedler, who flew on 66 long-range missions in Northern Africa and Europe, said events such as the Camarillo Fly-In are an important opportunity for aging fliers to tell their story.

“The war was a long time ago,” Fiedler said.

“We’re a dying breed.”

The show begins at 7 a.m. June 20 at the Camarillo Airport. Admission is free, but there is a nominal suggested donation. Call 482-0064 for more information.