World’s Only Marine PBJ WWII Bomber Flies After 23 Years

The Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing announces that the North American PBJ Mitchell named Semper Fi returned to flight on May 15, 2016, after a 23-year restoration. Semper Fi is the only original PBJ flying in the world.

During World War II the Marine Corps operated surplus B-25 Mitchells with the designation “PB” for patrol bomber. The Marines used the aircraft extensively in the South Pacific to routinely heckle and attack Japanese bases, as well as intercept enemy shipping.

The last time the CAF’s PBJ flew was on May 16, 1993. That year the CAF Southern California Wing engaged a team of volunteers to perform the extensive restoration on the PBJ, which became a near-rebuild, in order to return the warbird to its authentic WWII configuration and then get it back in flying condition. Battling corrosion problems, difficult-to-acquire parts and hefty expenses, the restoration crew carried on under the leadership of Crew Chief Marc Russell.

CAF president, Stephan C. Brown, says, “I am happy for the Southern California Wing’s members. This has been an ongoing project for more than two decades, and it’s great to see their hard work pay off.”

Brown attended the PBJ’s first flight. “This is what the CAF mission is about: honoring military aviation and inspiring others to work hard and accomplish their goals.”

Semper Fi is painted in the distinctive markings of Marine Bombing Squadron 611 (VMB 611), a unit that flew the PBJ extensively. The VMB 611 participated in raids on the Japanese fortifications at Rabaul and Kavieng, then moved to the Philippines to provide close air support missions for the U.S. 8th Army. On May 30, 1945, VMB 611 suffered a great loss when the commanding officer and three crewmembers were shot down. That afternoon PBJ MB-11 went searching for the downed aircraft, only to suffer the same fate. The aircraft and crew were never seen again. As a tribute to these men who were lost in an effort to rescue their fellow Marines, the CAF Southern California Wing painted their aircraft in the same paint scheme as MB-11.

This aircraft’s restoration is one of the largest restoration projects undertaken by the Commemorative Air Force. Its success is not only being celebrated by the organization but by the entire warbird community. In addition to the amount of work completed, the rarity of this particular aircraft is especially exciting, as they have returned the last flyable U.S. Marine PBJ Bomber to the sky. To support the CAF Southern California Wing’s efforts and contribute to the ongoing operation of the aircraft, donations can be made at: https://goo.gl/sxyi7U .

The CAF Southern California Wing is a volunteer organization, with members from many different backgrounds. The wing is dedicated to preserving the history of WWII aircraft for generations to come. This location is assigned ten authentic military aircraft that are maintained and operated by volunteers.The wing’s newly expanded 55,000 square-foot three-hangar campus houses an aircraft hangar, restoration hangar and museum. The museum is open to the public, Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., showcasing a collection of rare World War II artifacts.

The CAF Southern California Wing is located at the Camarillo Airport at 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. Visit them online at www.cafsocal.com or call (805) 482-0064.