Upcoming Events
Wings of Freedom GOP Convention Show
Monday September 1, 2008
Annual Open House
Saturday September 6, 2008
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Fall Bomber's Moon Ball
Saturday September 6, 2008
8:00 PM
About the Minnesota Wing
The history of the Minnesota Wing is as rich and as varied as any. And through those experiences of growth and the ability to change with the times, the Minnesota Wing continues to thrive and continue the mission of the Commemorative Air Force.
A Revolutionary Idea
In 1971, a small group of CAF members in Minnesota came up with a radical idea: to form a Wing, separate yet subordinate, in order to help "distribute" the mission of the CAF. On July 1st, 1971, the Southern Minnesota Wing was formed and officially became the first CAF Unit ever created. The Wing was granted Charter #2, since CAF Headquarters determined that Charter #1 should represent CAF Headquarters. With that simple idea, and gathering the support of 25 members, the Southern Minnesota Wing began its career as the northern maintenance arm of the CAF.
The original members of the Minnesota Wing adopted the image of the Archaeopteryx as the official symbol and mascot. The Minnesota Wing's purpose was to provide maintenance in the field for CAF aircraft and not possess or operate any aircraft. The Archaeopteryx, a pre-historic bird without ability of flight, seemed like a perfect symbol.
The Wing performed its maintenance duties with distinction and expertise, flying all over the country to assist aircraft with field maintenance and even performing engine changes on B-17s at Fleming Field. However, as time progressed, the Wing found itself in the possession of, and also the desire to operate, WWII aircraft of its own.
History is sometimes filled with irony. As soon as it was realized that the Archaeopteryx no longer fit the image of the Minnesota Wing, a research article surfaced with tests performed by a archaeologist who proved that not only could the Archaeopteryx glide for great distances, but it did possess the strength, skills and aerodynamics which unquestionably gave it the ability of flight.
Since those humble beginnings, the Minnesota Wing has grown to become one of the most successful Wings in the CAF. The Wing has over 200 dedicated members and many additional volunteers who help maintain the Wing, its aircraft, vehicles and all of its operations. The Wing participates in numerous civic events and functions per year and sponsors several educational activities which make these great historical resoruces available to the community.
Today, the Wing is embarking on even more and greater projects, expanding the efforts of preservation and education every day.
What once was a few members using a small room in a hangar as an office, has now grown to restoring and operating six aircraft, acquired the entire hangar as a museum, helped form a number of other CAF units and collected many historically important artifacts. Starting with only 25 members, the Minnesota Wing has now grown to number well over 200 members.
In 2001, the CAF membership voted to change the name of the organization to the Commemorative Air Force which better describes our historical mission. Also, the members of the Southern Minnesota Wing voted in April, 2002 to change the name of the Wing to the Minnesota Wing.
The Minnesota Wing has done many great things, but there are many more projects to be completed and started. Time is running out to preserve the first-hand oral histories of those who served and witnessed WWII and more recent conflicts. The Minnesota Wing has accepted recording and preserving oral histories as one of its critical missions.
New members and volunteers are always encouraged and welcome to become a part of the Minnesota Wing.