CAP Assists at TICO Warbird Airshow March 22-24

CAPtail
Tail CAP plane

Civil Air Patrol members from the Florida wing converged at Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville, Florida to assist with the TICO Warbird 2013 Airshow. The three day airshow was dedicated to all veterans of the military services with a special recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress “Memphis Belle.”

Valiant Air Command, a non-profit organization dedicated to research and warbird restoration, sponsored the show to share the story of these aircraft and their crews who gave their lives to protect this country. To serve that purpose year round, they have a museum opened seven days a week which has been recently certified by the USAF National Museum. The Command’s signature aircraft is the Tico Belle (seen below), a workhorse in several wars starting with World War II. The aircraft is fully restored and available for rides.

Valiant Air Command's C-47 "Tico Belle."
Valiant Air Command’s C-47 “Tico Belle.”

Civil Air Patrol members came from Orlando, TICO, Seminole, UCF FL-242, Central Florida, Patrick, Osceola, and Palm Bay Squadrons, and Deland and Merritt Island Flights. They directed traffic, helped with parking, manned cordoned areas for safety and security, assisted with helicopter rides, worked the main gates, sold tickets, and manned a CAP booth and aircraft display.

CAP assisting the "Sky Soldiers, Army Aviation Heritage Foundation as they gave rides on the UH-1H Iroquiois "Huey", an Army aviation troop transport.
CAP assisting the “Sky Soldiers” Army Aviation Heritage Foundation as they gave rides on the UH-1H Iroquois “Huey”, an Army aviation troop transport.

The photos on this blog were taken by Sandy Parks of the Friday crew. Some of those photographed were busy executing their jobs and unavailable to give out their names. If you recognize anyone not identified, please leave a comment and the information will be updated. Not pictured, but much appreciated is CAP organizer Capt. Sue Martin.

Thomas Wolf, TICO Squadron, showing the cockpit to an airshow visitor.
Two CAP members selling tickets at Gate 2.
Two CAP members selling tickets at Gate 2.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress at TICO Warbird 2013 Airshow.
Boeing B-17G “Chuckie” Flying Fortress at TICO Warbird 2013 Airshow. Aircraft is from Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
CAP plane parked at information tent
CAP plane parked at information tent
North American B-25 "Mitchell" bomber. A medium bomber named in honor of Genral Billy Mitchell and used in the 1942 Doolittle Raid.
North American B-25 “Mitchell” bomber. A medium bomber named in honor of General Billy Mitchell and used in the 1942 Doolittle Raid.
Cole Frank, Orlando Squadron, working the VIP parking area.
Cole Frank, Orlando Squadron, working the VIP parking area near private aircraft parking.
Silvio Bohuszewicz, TICO squadron, securing the VIP and flight line area.
Silvio Bohuszewicz, TICO squadron, securing the VIP and flight line area.
Joshua Martin and Capt. Tac Kong of Deland Flight.
Joshua Martin and Capt. Tac Kong of Deland Flight.
Ian Spirduso, Central Florida Squadron, and Andrew Briggs, Palm Bay squadron, worked at Gate 1.
Ian Spirduso, Central Florida Squadron, and Andrew Briggs, Palm Bay squadron, worked at Gate 1.
USAF Thunderbirds F-16s performed after duties were complete for most CAP.
USAF Thunderbirds F-16s performed after duties were complete for most CAP.
With duty done, time to watch the Thunderbirds perform.
With duty done, time to watch the Thunderbirds perform.
Civil Air Patrol worked together with the Valiant Air Command to help make the Airshow days run smoothly. The Tico Belle tail seen through the CAP aircraft strut.
Civil Air Patrol worked together with the Valiant Air Command to help make the Airshow days run smoothly. The VAC “Tico Belle” tail seen through the CAP aircraft strut.

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