Historic WWII aircraft visits Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A historic World War II aircraft visited Marine Corps Air Station Yuma on Tuesday.
This historic aircraft is an A-26 Anvader, also known as Million Airess, which served in the Vietnam War, World War II, and the Korean War.
Roger Woolsey, the CEO of Million Air Aviation, says, "The A-26 is a really rare aircraft. Not only was she the fastest in her day, but we're told there are only 6 actual flying A-26s in the world today."
He shared what this iconic piece of American history is doing in Yuma.
"We're on a Million Air Tribute Tour honoring those men and women who served our country so much freedom to really say thanks so we've had a lot of WWII vets from 103 down to the upper nineties, they just won't be here with us much longer," says Woolsey.
The international tour has made stops all across the globe including Belgium, Italy, and Normandy, France on June 6 for the Annual D-Day Commemoration.
Woolsey says for many, It was surely a sight to see.
"I know that when we landed in Europe, many of the countries made such a big deal like an A-26 has not landed here in 60 or 70 years, it was quite incredible," he adds.
The A-26 is an extremely versatile airplane.
It's equipped with a glass nose for better vision of down below, rear-facing turrets, and serious bomb-carrying capabilities.
In its time, it was the world's fastest bomber plane and the first to use remote-controlled features.
Woolsey says, "She can actually outrun a fighter, which is just outstanding at the time. Secondly, she's the longest serving bomber in the U.S. Military arsenal."
Woosley says to him, the aircraft is a living piece of World War II history.
"She really reaches into the past and brings it alive. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but an experience is worth a thousand pictures," says Woolsey.
If you would like to see it in action, the Marine Corps says that this historic aircraft will be featured in next year's airshow on March 15, 2025.
