American Airpower Heritage Museum

Located along with the Commemorative Air Force Headquarters at Midland International Airport, the nationally-accredited American Airpower Heritage Museum (AAHM) houses 40,000 square feet of "hands-on" permanent exhibits that detail the story of World War II airpower. From the rise of German and Japanese militarism before World War II to the introduction of the atomic age, the AAHM provides interactive exhibits that illustrate aviation concepts and events from every theater of World War II.

In conjunction with AIRSHO, plan to visit the AAHM's newest addition to the facility ~ the Aviation Nose Art Gallery. Included in the 6,000 square-foot gallery will be the museum's 33 pieces of original nose art ~ the world's largest collection. The gallery includes an original video production, educational activity stations and theatrical effects to bring the nose art collection to life.

Also located in the museum building is the gift shop, specializing in aviation-related merchandise. Plan to visit the museum, free of charge during AIRSHO.

Commemorative Air Force History

The Commemorative Air Force (originally known as the Confederate Air Force) was formed in 1957 by five pilots who pooled their money to buy a P-51 Mustang. After purchasing two more aircraft in 1958, the group began to search seriously for other World War II aircraft. In 1961, the CAF was chartered as a nonprofit Texas corporation to preserve, restore and fly World War II era aircraft. What started out as a hobby for the group became an urgent mission to preserve history. Today the CAF currently ranks as one of the largest air forces in the world with over 140 World War II aircraft including fighters, bombers and transports. Membership in the CAF also has grown to over 9,000 members and over 70 wings, squadrons and detachments.

In January 2002, the Confederate Air Force officially changed the name of the organization to the Commemorative Air Force. The membership voted to change the name of the CAF in October of 2000. A new name was selected by membership vote at the general membership meeting October 5, 2001.

In 2005, the members voted to expand the organization’s mission to include all conflicts, past and present, in which Americans have flown in defense of this great nation.