Lake Superior Squadron Seeks to Restore Rare Flying Boat and Honor WWII Heroes
Historic PBY Catalina Aircraft Selected for National “12 Planes of Christmas” Campaign
SUPERIOR, Wis. (Month, Day, 2025) — A rare World War II patrol aircraft with deep roots in American military and regional history has been selected for the Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) prestigious 12 Planes of Christmas campaign. The campaign supports the preservation of America’s historic military aircraft.
The PBY-6A Catalina, known as 79 Yankee, is undergoing a multi-year restoration at the CAF Lake Superior Squadron, with a goal of returning the aircraft to flying status and sharing the stories of the war’s often-overlooked aviation heroes. The squadron aims to raise $30,000 to support the reconditioning of the landing gear hydraulic systems, a key step toward moving the aircraft again and ultimately returning it to flight by September 2026.
“Few aircraft carry a story as powerful as the PBY,” said Brian Janssen, Unit Leader of the Lake Superior Squadron. “These flying boats and the crews who flew them played some of the most heroic — and least recognized — roles of the war. Restoring 79 Yankee isn’t just about rebuilding an airplane; it’s about bringing those stories back to life for future generations.”
A Plane With an Extraordinary Legacy
The PBY Catalina flew critical missions across the globe during WWII — from scouting and long-range patrols to rescuing downed airmen and sinking enemy submarines. 79 Yankee is believed to be the last PBY to serve the U.S. Navy, making its preservation a project of national significance.
When complete, the aircraft will display the colors of Lt. Howard Ady’s aircraft, whose PBY crew made the crucial sighting of Japan’s carrier fleet during the Battle of Midway, a turning point in the Pacific war. The project also honors PBY crews who saved sailors after the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, risking their own lives to pull survivors from shark-infested waters.
“These were the quiet heroes of the war,” Janssen said. “Their courage deserves to be remembered not just in history books, but in the air where these aircraft truly tell their stories.”
Aviation History With Local Connections
After the war, PBYs continued to serve across the Upper Midwest and beyond, fighting forest fires and flying survey missions that supported mining and regional economic development.
Bringing 79 Yankee back to flying condition means returning a piece of local and national heritage to public view and creating a unique flying classroom for students and families.
A Community Effort to Save History
79 Yankee suffered severe structural damage during a windstorm, and restoration crews are now preparing to mate the fuselage with a donor wing, restore landing gear systems, and continue paint removal — a complex, multi-phase effort undertaken by volunteers, CAF mechanics, and community support.
A dollar-for-dollar challenge match is planned to help maximize donations during the campaign.
“Every contribution helps get us one step closer to seeing this magnificent aircraft taxi, take off, and inspire children throughout our region and nation,” Janssen said.
Over the last decade, CAF’s 12 Planes of Christmas campaign has garnered over $2.8 million in contributions, with last year’s campaign raising more than $500,000. These funds have been instrumental in bringing numerous rare aircraft back to flight, furthering the CAF’s mission to Educate, Inspire, and Honor.
To support the PBY-6A Catalina and learn more about the 12 Planes of Christmas campaign, visit Plane #5 – PBY Catalina “79 Yankee” (N7179Y) by Commemorative Air Force
About the Commemorative Air Force
Founded in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and flying historic military aircraft. With more than 175 aircraft—the world’s largest flying collection of WWII-era warbirds—the CAF honors the legacy of the men and women who built, maintained, and flew them. Learn more at www.commemorativeairforce.org.
