2023 12 Planes of Christmas

For Immediate Release:

Local Restoration project participates in worldwide fundraising campaign

The Superior, WI based Lake Superior Squadron is participating in a worldwide fundraising effort to support its ongoing PBY Catalina restoration project.    Every year, the Commemorative Air Force’s “12 Planes of Christmas” campaign helps raise restoration funds for many of the 175+ aircraft the CAF operates.  

The Lake Superior Squadron’s 1945 PBY Catalina flying boat is raising funds to restore the interior of the plane.   Our goal is to raise enough funds to cover about half of this effort, an achievable goal to keep our small team busy.  We are happy to have donors from across the US and worldwide support the restoration of this historic plane, the last PBY in service with the US Navy.  

This restoration’s final goal is to bring history to life, supporting our mission to educate, honor, and inspire future generations about the plane and the people who served in them.   The plane is being restored in a configuration to honor Lt Howard Ady and crew, whose timely sighting of Japanese carriers attacking the US at Midway Island was a critical factor in this decisive victory of the Pacific War.   PBYs served worldwide and were operated by many allied countries.  PBYs were unique in their ability to serve in offensive, support, and rescue roles. Performing Night Bombing, Search and Rescue, Scouting, Transport, as well as many other duties.  PBYs performed a number of unsung jobs that helped soldiers, sailors, and airmen win the war.  The versatility of this long-range flying boat allowed it to serve long after many considered it obsolete.

People can help support this restoration by visiting the website at www.lakesuperiorsquadron.org or by going to our Fundrazr site at fundrazr.com/e2JYL8

The Lake Superior Squadron is based in Superior, WI and has been a member of the Twin Ports community since 1999. It is a unit of the Commemorative Air Force, which was formed in 1961, and consists of 85 units in 3 different countries. The Commemorative Air Force operates more than 175 aircraft, making it one of the largest air forces in the world.

Sincerely,

Brian K. Janssen

CAF-LSS Development Officer

communications@lakesuperiorsquadron.org

507-530-2622