Podcast · Leisure & Travel

CAF Warbird Tube

by Commemorative Air Force · English · Leisure & Travel

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to produce CAF Warbird Tube. A weekly video podcast that features the people, places, and planes that shaped American history. Each week we host a different guest and different topic to explore as part of the CAF's mission to Educate, Inspire, and Honor. Yo

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 1 min
Latest: 14 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 1 minNew

The U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1938

Graduating just three years before Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1938 was scattered across every theater of World War II. From the Pacific carrier battles to submarine patrols and naval aviation, discover the remarkable untold stories, sacrifice, and leadership of these Annapolis graduates thrust directly into the greatest conflict in history. We sit down with author and historian Justin Laborde, Ph.D., to discuss Scattered Far and Wide: The Naval Academy Class of ’38 at War....

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S2026 · E272 · 5 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
The Legendary Lindbergh Legacy with Erik Lindbergh
What is it really like to carry forward one of the most iconic names in aviation history? In this episode, we sit down with Erik Lindbergh, grandson of pioneering aviator Charles Lindbergh, to explore his family’s incredible legacy, personal stories, and the future of flight. Erik shares a unique perspective on aviation's past, present, and future. Watch this episode at https://youtu.be/xZJ4hzP8uQo. Aired on: September 30, 2026Guest: Erik LindberghHost: Steve BussProducer: Bob ScoreProduced b...
S2026 · E271 · 28 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Baa Baa Black Sheep: The True Story Hollywood Got Wrong
Few fighter squadrons of World War II have achieved the legendary status of the Black Sheep. In just four short months in late 1943, the Marines of VMF-214, led by Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, established, for themselves and the Vought Corsair, a reputation that would live on long after the war. That reputation was so formidable it led to the short-lived and controversial TV series Baa Baa Black Sheep in 1976. But where does the true history end and Hollywood begin? In this ...
S2026 · E270 · 14 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Battle of Britain: Inside the Fight for the Skies
Join CAF Warbird Tube for a compelling examination of one of history’s most consequential air campaigns, the Battle of Britain. Military aviation historian and author Andy Saunders explores the air war of 1940 from both sides of the English Channel, examining the aircraft, pilots, tactics, and rapidly changing conditions that shaped the battle. At the center of the discussion is the Luftwaffe’s Messerschmidt Bf 109E. Although the formidable “Emil” possessed impressive firepower and performa...
S2026 · E269 · 8 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Restoring the American Heritage Museum’s PBY-5A Catalina That Sank 3 U-Boats
During World War II, the PBY Catalina became one of the Allies’ most important long-range patrol aircraft—hunting enemy submarines, protecting convoys, and rescuing downed airmen. But few surviving Catalinas have a story as remarkable as PBY-5A BuNo. 2459. Accepted by the U.S. Navy just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, BuNo. 2459 was among the first PBY-5A amphibians ever built. It was soon deployed to Iceland for combat operations over the North Atlantic, where it became the first PB...
S2026 · E268 · 31 Aug 2026 · 57 min
The Texas Town That Trained Britain’s WWII Pilots
During World War II, thousands of young British airmen crossed the Atlantic to learn to fly in the United States. The first and largest of their American training schools was in an unlikely place: Terrell, Texas. Beginning in 1941, before the United States had even entered the war, Royal Air Force cadets arrived in North Texas to train under wide-open skies, far from the bad weather and dangers of wartime Britain. Between 1941 and 1945, more than 2,200 British and American cadets traine...
S2026 · E267 · 24 Aug 2026 · 1 hr
The People’s Mosquito: Rebuilding Britain’s Wooden Wonder
The de Havilland Mosquito was one of the most remarkable aircraft of World War II, yet today, not a single UK-built example remains airworthy. In this episode of Warbird Tube, we sit down with John Lilley, Chairman of The People’s Mosquito, to talk about the ambitious effort to change that—and return Britain’s legendary “Wooden Wonder” to the skies. To watch this video online, go to https://youtu.be/vrOx232_Whk. Aired on: August 18, 2026Guest: John Lilley, Chairman of The People’s MosquitoHos...
S2026 · E266 · 17 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
She Was Flying When Pearl Harbor Was Attacked | The Cornelia Fort Story.
This is the remarkable story of one of America's pioneering women aviators. We sat down with Judith Stanford Miller, M.Ed., M.A., writer and producer of the documentary "Crosswinds: The Courageous Life of Cornelia Fort," to explore the life and legacy of the trailblazing pilot who, as a civilian pilot instructor, came nose-to-nose with a Japanese Zero as the Pearl Harbor attack began on Dec. 7, 1941. To watch this show, go to https://youtu.be/u0L5bsvTee4. Aired On: August 12, 2026Guest: Jud...
S2026 · E264 · 3 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Inside the Life of General Robin Olds
General Robin Olds wasn't just a fighter ace—he became a legend. A triple ace with victories in both World War II and Vietnam, Olds flew the P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, and F-4 Phantom while earning a reputation as one of the U.S. Air Force's most fearless and influential fighter pilots. In this special episode of CAF Warbird Tube, Robin Olds' daughter, Christina Olds, joins us for an intimate conversation about the man behind the famous handlebar mustache. She shares personal stories...
S2026 · E261 · 27 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Inaugural DC-3 Society Operator Conference & Showcase
Get an inside look at the inaugural DC-3 Society Fly-In & Showcase coming to historic Flabob Airport in Southern California this August! On this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we sit down with Lyndse F. Costabile, Interim Executive Director and Director, Corporate Relations for the DC-3 Society, Andy Maag, on the Board of Directors, and Moreno Aguiari, President of the DC-3 Society Board of Directors, for a preview of this exciting event dedicated to one of aviation's most iconic aircraft.&...
S2026 · E262 · 20 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Meet the Woman Leading the Next Chapter of the National WASP WWII Museum
The Women Airforce Service Pilots changed aviation history. Now, the National WASP WWII Museum is looking toward the future. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, Dr. Rachael McClain shares her plans to build on the legacy established by WASP Deanie Bishop Parrish and Nancy Parrish while expanding educational programs and connecting new audiences with one of World War II's most inspiring stories. Discover how the Museum at historic Avenger Field is ensuring the achievements of the WASP continu...
S2026 · E260 · 6 Jul 2026 · 40 min
OH-23 Raven: The Forgotten Korean & Vietnam War Helicopter
The Hiller UH-12, known to the U.S. military as the OH-23 Raven, played a vital role during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Used for observation, liaison, training, and medical evacuation missions, this versatile helicopter helped pioneer military rotorcraft operations while proving equally valuable in civilian service. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, guest Nick Infantino, founder of the Commemorative Air Force New England Wing, shares the story behind the Wing's newly assigned Hiller...
S2026 · E259 · 30 Jun 2026 · 58 min
Inside the AC-47 Spooky
The AC-47 “Spooky” was more than a gunship during the Vietnam War—it became a symbol of protection, survival, and hope for troops on the ground in some of the war’s darkest moments. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we explore the restoration and future of "Spooky 86," the Commemorative Air Force’s AC-47 assigned to the Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing. Fresh from a major repaint and preparing for its first national touring season with the CAF, the aircraft is part of an ambit...
S2026 · E258 · 22 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
Behind the Scenes of Oshkosh 2026 | Exclusive AirVenture Preview
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s greatest aviation celebration—EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026! Join us on this special episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we welcome Rick Larsen, EAA’s Vice President of Communities and Member Programming, to give us an exclusive preview of what’s in store this July. From thrilling airshow performances and historic warbird displays to new features, special anniversaries, and can't-miss aircraft, Rick shares insider info on what aviation fans can expec...
S2026 · E257 · 15 Jun 2026 · 50 min
From Normandy to the Bulge | Restoring a Historic WWII C-47 Skytrain
Before dawn on D-Day, C-47 Skytrains filled the skies over Normandy carrying paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions into occupied Europe. Months later, during the Battle of the Bulge, those same aircraft flew desperately needed supplies through brutal winter weather to surrounded Allied troops in the Ardennes. One of those aircraft still survives. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we explore the restoration of C-47A Skytrain 43-15200—better known by its wartime nose ar...
S2026 · E254 · 8 Jun 2026 · 57 min
B-17 Tail Gunner to POW: The Story of Tailspin
For decades, Gene Moran rarely spoke about what happened in the skies over Germany. In Tailspin, author John Armbruster brings that story to life—from a catastrophic fall from a shattered B-17 to the harsh realities of life as a prisoner of war. Along the way, the story becomes something more: a shared journey between two men confronting trauma, loss, and the challenge of telling the truth about war. In this Warbird Tube episode, we talk with Armbruster about the process of uncove...
S2026 · E253 · 1 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Saving the Halifax: A Race Against Time
More than 6,000 Handley Page Halifax bombers were built during World War II. Today, only a handful remain. At the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, an extraordinary team of volunteers, historians, and restoration experts is working to bring one of these legendary heavy bombers back from history—piece by piece. Using recovered wreckage, rare original parts, and components sourced from around the world, they are rebuilding a Halifax to honor the crews who flew them into combat over Europe....
S2026 · E251 · 18 May 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
53 Days Without Rescue – The Untold Story of Starvation Island
For 53 brutal days during World War II, a small group of American servicemen fought to survive on a remote Pacific island with almost no food, constant danger, and little hope of rescue. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we sit down with bestselling military historian and author John R. Bruning to discuss his gripping book, Fifty-Three Days on Starvation Island: The World War II Battle That Saved Marine Corps Aviation. This episode explores the desperate struggle faced by Marines and aviat...
S2026 · E249 · 11 May 2026 · 51 min
Bringing a Thunderbolt Back to Life | Inside the CAF’s P-47 Restoration
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the most powerful fighters of World War II—but keeping one flying today is a mission of passion, skill, and persistence. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we go behind the scenes of the Commemorative Air Force’s P-47 restoration project at Airbase Georgia. CAF member Philip Beegle III and warbird pilot Doug Jeanes share what it really takes to bring this iconic aircraft back to life—from challenges in restoration to the deeper meaning of prese...
S2026 · E248 · 27 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Inside the Massive Effort to Restore a Lancaster Bomber
The Avro Lancaster is one of the most iconic bombers of the Second World War, but keeping one alive today is no small task. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, host Steve Buss sits down with Don Christopher to take you inside the remarkable Lancaster restoration project underway at the Canadian Aviation Museum. From tracking down rare original parts to solving major structural challenges, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the work required to preserve one of history’s most important ...
S2026 · E247 · 20 Apr 2026 · 1 min
A Memory Owed: Telling the Untold Stories of Bomber Command
In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, filmmaker Zoë Lewin and writer-director Martin Hemingway-Moseley take us inside their award-winning short film A Memory Owed (2025), a deeply personal story that bridges two worlds. Set between a perilous 1944 RAF Bomber Command night mission and a present-day meeting between a 91-year-old veteran and his young caregiver, the film explores how the past continues to shape the present. Inspired in part by Lewin’s own family history, A Memory Owed captures th...
S2026 · E246 · 30 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Country Music Star & Warbird Pilot Aaron Tippin
Country music star Aaron Tippin is widely known for patriotic hits like “You’ve Got to Stand for Something” and “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly.” But beyond the stage, Tippin is also a passionate aviator with a deep appreciation for historic aircraft and the stories they represent. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, Tippin joins the conversation to talk about his lifelong connection to aviation, his experience flying warbirds, and why preserving historic aircraft remain...
S2026 · E245 · 23 Mar 2026 · 47 min
CAF AirPower History Tour Preview 2026
The CAF AirPower History Tour is gearing up for another unforgettable season—and the big bombers are leading the way. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we share the latest updates on the tour’s anchor aircraft, including the B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil and the B-29 Superfortress FIFI. Get the inside scoop on aircraft status, upcoming tour stops, and how to experience history firsthand with ride flights in these legendary WWII aircraft. Whether you’re planning a visit, considering a ride, or...
S2026 · E244 · 16 Mar 2026 · 55 min
SUN ’n FUN 2026 Preview | CEO Gene Conrad
One of aviation’s biggest events of the year is almost here. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we sit down with Gene Conrad, CEO of the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, to preview what visitors can expect at the 2026 show in Lakeland, Florida. From incredible aircraft on the ramp to thrilling flying demonstrations in the sky, SUN ’n FUN has become one of the premier aviation gatherings in the world. Gene shares what’s new this year, highlights you won’t want to miss, and how the event cont...
S2026 · E242 · 2 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
The Garage-Built B-36 Cockpit
In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we dive into the story of Brian Pierson, a self-taught aviation enthusiast who has spent thousands of hours hand-building a full-scale flight deck for a Convair B-36H Peacemaker — right in his West Virginia garage. From a makeshift cockpit to rivet-by-rivet fabrication, Brian’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and obsession with aviation history. This isn’t a restoration — it’s a scratch-built tribute to a Cold War legend, with Brian using ph...
S2026 · E241 · 9 Feb 2026 · 1 hr
1946 – From War to Peace in the Skies
In 1946, aviation stood at a crossroads, as the world shifted from global conflict to peacetime skies. Join CAF host Steve Buss as he explores how war-built aircraft, pilots, and technology helped shape the postwar aviation boom—transforming tools of combat into symbols of progress, innovation, and hope. He examines how the legacy of World War II continued to shape aviation’s role in a newly peaceful world. You can watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/uq8iEkRCRKQ. Links ref...
S2026 · E240 · 2 Feb 2026 · 1 hr
The Deadliest Hellcats: Inside USS Intrepid’s VF-18
USS Intrepid’s Fighting Squadron 18 was one of the highest-scoring U.S. Navy fighter units of World War II—and its story is packed with skill, leadership, and raw combat power. Join Warbird Tube host Steve Buss as he sits down with author Mike Fink to explore VF-18: Flying High with Harris’ Hellcats. From the fearsome F6F Hellcat to ace Cecil “Speedball” Harris, this episode dives into how VF-18 dominated the skies and helped shape naval air combat in the Pacific. You can watch this episode o...
S2026 · E239 · 26 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
What It Takes to Fly the Biggest Warbirds Ever Built
What does it take to command bombers separated by half a century of technology? In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, host Steve Buss sits down with Mark Novak—one of the rare pilots to have flown both the supersonic B-1 "the Bone" and the legendary B-29 Superfortress. With more than 1,000 hours in the B-29, Novak shares what leadership, responsibility, and precision look like across generations of bomber aviation. From Cold War muscle to World War II icons, this is a rare, firsthand look at w...
15 Dec 2025 · 56 min
CAF Warbird Tube - Indiana Wing’s Stearman Story
Before they became aces, bomber pilots, or instructors, thousands of World War II aviators took their very first flights in a Boeing PT-17 Stearman. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we visit the Commemorative Air Force’s Indiana Wing to explore their beautifully restored PT-17—an aircraft that trained the heroes who won the skies. Learn what makes the Stearman such an enduring favorite and how this classic biplane continues to inspire new generations of pilots today. You can watch this ep...
15 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
CAF Warbird Tube – SNJ, The Navy’s Pilot Maker
Built in 1943, the SNJ-5 Texan N7300C trained generations of Navy pilots at Pensacola Naval Air Station. Nicknamed “The Pilot Maker,” the Texan earned its reputation for being both challenging and deeply rewarding to fly. Its powerful Pratt & Whitney engine, responsive controls, and forgiving nature taught aviators the finesse and confidence they needed to master combat aircraft. Today, this gleaming veteran—now operated by the Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing in Conroe, Texas—rema...

About CAF Warbird Tube

CAF Warbird Tube is a English leisure & travel podcast from Commemorative Air Force. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Commemorative Air Force
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 1 min
Latest episode: 14 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1707168624

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