Group Displays Its Collection of Vintage Planes

Clear skies, 70-degree temperatures and the sounds of an upbeat Irving Berlin song created an ideal setting for history buffs who came to Camarillo Airport on Saturday to tour a display of World War II aircraft.

The Memorial Day weekend event, which will continue from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and Monday, includes an eyeful of colorful war birds restored and maintained by the Southern California Wing of the Confederate Air Force.

“It sure does bring back some memories,” said Somis resident Maurice Boutell, a Navy veteran of World War II.

As smoke belched from a Grumman Bearcat fighter headed out for a fly-by, Boutell’s voice cracked as he described having to abandon ship in the Pacific when the USS Franklin was bombed. Of the 3,000 men aboard, more than 800 died, he said.

Firsthand stories and seeing the planes up close are the major draws for parents and children who come to the tarmac outside the group’s World War II-era hangar, member Bill Main said.

“The young people are curious about what happened then,” Main said. “The history books don’t give enough information, so when they come here they really understand there was a World War II. Believe me, if Mr. Hitler had taken over, it would have been a whole different story.”

“It’s a chance to actually see what you see on TV,” said Camarillo resident Carol Swinney, who came with her husband, Ralph, and their sons, Jason, 17, and Travis, 10.

The display offers a chance to walk into the belly and cockpit of the China Doll, a C-46 Curtiss Commando transport; touch the guns on a Japanese Zero; and take a photo next to a bright yellow North American trainer.

There are war-era Jeeps and an acrobatic plane, as well as a North American Mitchell bomber and keepsake souvenirs, including patches, flight suits and calendars.

For $100, visitors can ride in a vintage airplane.

“We’re honoring all of the ones who originally flew these planes, and we are trying to make people aware,” said Bob Theiss, a member whose father, Lawrence, was a veteran.

The event is free but donations are encouraged because the chapter is raising funds to build a new hangar.