In 1993, Jack Brooke and his daughter, Cindy, of Hansville, began a tradition of organizing a volunteer effort to bring the Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom tour of World War II heavy bombers to Bremerton.
The WWII veterans, including many from North Kitsap who are mainstays in supporting the tour, now in its 12th year, are shrinking in numbers.
Jack passed away in 2004, but his daughter is carrying on the charge of keeping the history alive with others of the next generation of history keepers. She encourages people of all ages to come see these “flying museums,” and take the rare opportunity to talk with the veterans who share their precious memories, appreciated by new generations.
The Wings of Freedom Tour brings rare bomber aircraft to Kitsap County for a local living history display as part of a 130-city national tour by the Collings Foundation.
A World War II vintage Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Nine O Nine,” Consolidated B-24 Liberator “Witchcraft” and North American B-25 Mitchell will fly into the Bremerton National Airport and be open to the public for tours and flights June 13-15.
The aircraft will be available for exploration inside and out and provide a way to learn more about aviation history. The B-17 is one of only nine in flying condition in the U.S.; the B-24J is the sole remaining example of its type flying in the world; and the B-25 is one of only a handful in flying condition.
The bombers were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in postwar prosperity and very few were spared. Local veterans and their families are encouraged to visit and share their experiences and stories with the public
A $10 donation for adults is requested, $5 for children under 12 for access to up-close viewing and tours inside of the aircraft. Visitors may also take the opportunity for a 30-minute flight aboard these rare aircraft. Flights on either the B-17 or B-24 are $425 per person; $400 on the B-25 for the front fuselage and $325 for the waist gun section of the plane. (Flight experiences are a tax-deductible donation.)
For reservations and information on flight experiences, call (800) 568-8924.
The Wings of Freedom Tour will be exhibited outside the main terminal and Avian Flight Center at Bremerton National Airport, 8900 Highway 3 between Gorst and Belfair. The aircraft will be open for tours 3-5 p.m. June 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. June 14 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 15.
For more information, go to www.collingsfoundation.org or contact the Avian Flight Center at (360) 674-2111 or Cindy Brooke at (360) 638-2567.
