Mission Statement
The CAF was founded to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States, and selected aircraft of other nations, for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans.
More than just a collection of airworthy warplanes from the past, the CAF's fleet of historic aircraft, known as the CAF Ghost Squadron, recreate, remind and reinforce the lessons learned from the defining moments in American military aviation history.
Want to be a part of this great mission? Join the Air Force you've never heard of and keep the CAF flying. This is our creed and more. It's who we are, what we do and why we do it. Help history soar!
CAF Objectives
1. To acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States and selected aircraft of other nations for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans.
2. To provide museum buildings for the permanent protection and display of these aircraft as a tribute to the thousands of men and women who built, serviced and flew them.
3. To perpetuate in the memory and in the hearts of all Americans the spirit in which these great planes were flown in the defense of our nation.
4. To establish an organization having the dedication, enthusiasm and esprit de corps necessary to operate, maintain and preserve these aircraft as symbols of our American military aviation heritage.
Description
Air Group One formed as the "San Diego Squadron" of the CAF in 1981. Two years later it was reformed as a CAF Wing and renamed "Air Group One." Its hangar is located at 1905 North Marshall, Hangar #6 on Gillespie Field in El Cajon, California.
Air Group One's hangar and WWII museum currently displays an SNJ-5 Texan "Sassy," an L-3, and our L-5 Sentinel "Betsy" is currently in restoration at our hangar.
Air Group One is a purely volunteer-driven organization. The members and volunteers dedicate their efforts to a variety of local projects, such as the maintenance and restoration of WWII aircraft, memorial flyovers at special events, contribution of museum displays to educate the public, and providing support and presence at Southern California air shows.
Air Group One presents monthly member and volunteer gatherings, youth educational events and symposiums as well as annual events, such as the highly-anticipated World War II air show, "AirShow San Diego" formerly Wings Over Gillespie.
Air Group One hosts a fundraising pancake breakfast at our hangar on the fourth Saturday of the month at 8:30 am, followed by a general meeting (open to all). We invite you to join us to share an interest in history, aviation and community outreach endeavors.
