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 a 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 hosts an annual airshow which makes these great aircraft and important personalities directly available to the public.

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 operation seven aircraft, acquired the entire hangar as a museum, helped form a number of other CAF units and expanded its operation into Duluth where it has acquired a hangar and formed a squadron of local members to support the PBY Catalina. 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 described our historical mission and took effect in 2002. 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 histories of those who served and witnessed WWII and one of the critical missions of the Wing is to preserve those personal stories.

New members and volunteers are always encouraged and welcome to become a part of the Minnesota Wing. The newest addition to the Minnesota Wing family is the Lake Superior Squadron. This group was originally formed in as a detachment for the sole purpose of helping to maintain one of the Wing’s PBY Catalina flying boats.The group has grown since then and was awarded Squadron status in the summer of 2002.

The Squadron not only houses and helps maintain the “red” Catalina, it also is building a museum and hosts several events per year. Don’t for get to check out their web site as well, by visiting www.cafduluth.org.