WILMINGTON — To celebrate America 250 during the Azalea Festival, the World War II warbirds will be on display, be available for rides and conduct a commemorative demonstration this April.
The American warbirds, historic military aircraft known for their use in World War II dogfights, will be on display April 10 through April 12 at the Wilmington International Airport. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking and admission are free.
On display will be the TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, the largest single-engine bomber of WWII, U.S. Navy North American SNJ (the Army designation was T-6) and a Japanese Fuji LM-1, one of only five still airworthy. They will be joined by military aircraft and vehicles of the National Guard and possibly a C-130 Hercules from the US Coast Guard.
Headlining the display is a replica of the iconic Japanese A6M Zero fighter, built for the 1970 movie “Tora!Tora!Tora!”
A flight demonstration will also occur in an America 250 salute to Wilmington’s designation as America’s first World War II Heritage City During WWII, Wilmington Airport was Bluethenthal Field, the location of a U.S. Army Air Corps base for anti-submarine patrols off the North Carolina coast and fighter pilot training.
The event will take place at the National Guard hangars, 2240 Control Tower Drive, Wilmington, near the ILM Public Observation Area.
The Japanese Zero will conduct a simulated attack on the battleship USS North Carolina, moored just five miles off the end of the Wilmington Airport runway, to commemorate the Battle of Guadalcanal. The USS North Carolina fought off attacking Japanese Zeros in the battle, which took place from August 1942 to February 1943. This simulated attack will take place both Saturday and Sunday weather permitting and if all necessary authorizations are in place.
The plans will also be available for public rides. The TBM Avenger and North American SNJ rides are available for purchase in advance at the Capital Wing website and any flights not sold in advance will be available at the event for walk-ups.
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