CAF Warbird Tube
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. You can learn more about the Commemorative Air Force at www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.
Episodes
76 episodes
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 wi...
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 Co...
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 La...
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 pe...
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 ...
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 ...
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 exp...
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 ...
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 to...
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 ...
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 legen...
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
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 &am...
CAF Warbird Tube - Back to Basics: Restoring the Vultee Valiant
The Vultee BT-13 Valiant—nicknamed the “Vultee Vibrator”—was the backbone of pilot training during World War II. Nearly every U.S. Army Air Forces combat pilot first learned to fly in this trainer, including thousands who trained at Walnut Ridg...
CAF Warbird Tube - P-51 Mustang: 85 Years of an Icon in the Skies
Eighty-five years ago, the North American P-51 Mustang took flight for the very first time—ushering in a new era of fighter aircraft. Known for its speed, range, and unmistakable roar, the Mustang became one of the most decisive aircraft of Wor...
CAF Warbird Tube - The CAF's P-40 Warhawk Today
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk remains one of the most recognizable fighters of World War II. In this episode of Warbird Tube, we examine the current condition of the Commemorative Air Force’s P-40, a regular performer in the exciting TORA! TORA! TOR...
CAF Warbird Tube- Sandbar Mitchell: Resurrection of a Forgotten B-25
Abandoned on an Alaskan sandbar for more than four decades, the B-25 Sandbar Mitchell is rising again. In this episode, we’re joined by Patrick Mihalek, Museum Director and Head of Restoration at the Warbirds of Glory Museum, to hear how his te...
CAF Warbird Tube - P-61 Black Widow Restoration
In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we’re joined by the Mid Atlantic Air Museum to explore their remarkable restoration of the Northrop P-61 Black Widow—a WWII-era night fighter designed specifically for after-dark missions. This twin-engine a...
CAF Warbird Tube - C-121 Constellation (Clips from EAA AirVenture 2025)
Join us at EAA AirVenture 2025 as we catch up with the Lewis Air Legends crew of the legendary C-121 Constellation, Bataan. Step inside this award-winning warbird, recognized multiple times by Warbirds of America for its meticulous restoration ...
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CAF Warbird Tube – Nine Yanks and a Jerk: The Story of a B-24
Join us on CAF Warbird Tube for a fascinating conversation with Scott Culver, author of Nine Yanks and a Jerk, the gripping true story of a B-24 Liberator crew during World War II. Discover the history behind this remarkable bomber, hear Scott’...
CAF Warbird Tube: Major Richard Bong – America’s Ace of Aces
Join us for a special episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we dive into the extraordinary life and legacy of Major Richard Bong, America's top fighter ace with 40 official victories, not just of WWII but all aerial conflicts. Our guest, acclaimed aut...
CAF Warbird Tube - Celebrating 80 Years of the FG-1D Corsair "530"
Join us for a special episode of CAF Warbird Tube as we honor the 80th anniversary of the FG-1D Corsair "530," a proud member of Airbase Georgia’s historic fleet. Discover the story of this iconic warbi...
CAF Warbird Tube - B-17E Desert Rat Update Summer 2025
Join us for an inside look at the ongoing restoration of the iconic B-17E Desert Rat, one of the rarest surviving early-model Flying Fortresses. In this episode, we’ll share exciting updates from the restoration team, including the latest miles...
CAF Warbird Tube - WWII Aircraft of the Aleutian Islands
Often referred to as the "Forgotten Battle," the Aleutian Islands Campaign witnessed some of the harshest conditions of World War II. In this episode of CAF Warbird Tube, we welcome historian, author, and Alaska historic trip leader Karen Abel ...
