May Dinner Meeting

Guest Speaker: Mike Polley

The Story of the B-25  : Pacific Princess

Join us on Wednesday, May 13 for a special evening of aviation history as Mike Polley, owner and operator of the historic North American B-25J Mitchell “Pacific Princess,” shares the remarkable story behind one of the most famous flying B-25 bombers still operating today.

Based in Chino, California, the Pacific Princess (Serial Number 43-28204) is one of the few airworthy B-25 Mitchell bombers remaining in the world. Built in Kansas City in June 1944, the aircraft was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Forces near the end of World War II before eventually transitioning into civilian service.

Following the war, the aircraft took on an entirely new role. In 1959 it was converted into an aerial firefighting aircraft, fitted with a 1,000-gallon retardant tank and operating for years as a fire bomber protecting communities from wildfires.

But the Pacific Princess may be best known as “the movie star of the B-25 fleet.” The aircraft has appeared in several major film productions, including:

• Catch-22 (1970) – appearing as the aircraft “Booby Trap”

• 1941 (1979) – used during filming at Long Beach Airport

• Pearl Harbor (2001) – appearing as “Whirling Dervish”

During the production of Pearl Harbor, the aircraft accomplished an extraordinary feat—successfully taking off from the decks of the aircraft carriers USS Lexington and USS Constellation to recreate the famous Doolittle Raidlaunch sequence.

Beyond Hollywood, the Pacific Princess has also played an important role in honoring America’s WWII veterans. The aircraft has participated in numerous commemorative events including:

• Leading a Missing Man formation during the 50th Anniversary of the Doolittle Raid (1992)

• Launching from the USS Carl Vinson during the 50th Anniversary of the end of WWII (1995)

• Participating in the historic 17-ship B-25 formation flight to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force for the 2010 Doolittle Raiders Reunion

Today, the aircraft is co-owned by Mike Polley and Carl Scholl of Aero Trader, one of the world’s leading B-25 restoration experts. Together they continue to preserve and fly this historic bomber so future generations can experience the sound, power, and history of the legendary Mitchell bomber.

During this presentation, Mike will share:

• The fascinating history of the Pacific Princess

• Stories from the aircraft’s Hollywood film career

• What it takes to maintain and operate a flying B-25 today

• The importance of preserving historic aircraft for future generations

This will be a must-see presentation for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who loves warbirds.

Dinner Meeting Schedule

Happy Hour: 5:30 PM

Dinner: 6:00 PM

Guest Speaker Presentation: Following Dinner

Join us for another great evening of aviation history, camaraderie, and living history aviation at the Commemorative Air Force Inland Empire Wing..

Schedule

When: Second Wednesday of each month

Happy Hour: 1730

Dinner & Meeting: 1800