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The Tampa Bay Wing takes pride in its partnerships with Trig Avionics, Lakeland Linder Airport, Sun-N-Fun Aerospace Expo, SheltAir Aviation, and Double M Aviation. The support from our partners enabled the Tampa Bay Wing to manage two aircraft assignments within a year. Precious, a Fairchild PT-19, and Ike's Bird, an L-26B Aero Commander, are now housed in our hangar at Sun-N-Fun.

The Tampa Bay Wing is home to Ike's Bird, the 1955 Aero Commander L-26B, a former Air Force One for President Eisenhower.



At the Tampa Bay Wing,

The Sky is not our limit,

It is our Destination!





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The Tampa Bay Wing received official Wing status in January 2023. In May of 2024, we received our first aircraft assignment, a 1942 Fairchild PT-19 Primary Trainer. This is the aircraft that all WWII pilots trained in, including the Women's Airforce Service Pilots, WASP. Our PT-19, Precious, was stationed at Avenger Field, the WASP training base. In February 2025, we accepted our second aircraft assignment, Ike's Bird, a 1955 Aero Commander L26-B. This aircraft has had the call sign Air Force One. Two aircraft assignments in less than two years is quite the accomplishment. In 2024, the Tampa Bay Wing was the fastest-growing Unit in the CAF, 49%. Come join us and preserve aviation history.

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On February 27, 2025, the Tampa Bay Wing received its second aircraft from CAF HQ, an L-26B called Ike's Bird, part of a batch of six purchased for the White House. President Eisenhower used this 1955 Aero Commander aircraft for various short trips around Washington, D.C. Known to be a licensed pilot, he often flew this aircraft himself. Ike's Bird follows our first aircraft assignment accepted in May 2024, a Fairchild PT-19 named Precious.  

 

 

The Tampa Bay Wing operates from Lakeland Linder International Airport, where our aircraft are hangered at Sun n Fun hangars. We plan to showcase our aircraft and take part in airshows and other events, offering the public rides in a former Air Force One aircraft. 

 

Join the Tampa Bay Wing.  In 2024, we were the fastest growing unit in the CAF.  We grew by 49%! We are a group of aviation enthusiasts who help maintain these historic aircraft. You do not have to be an aircraft mechanic or pilot to join but have a desire to preserve and present the Tampa Bay Wing and CAF-HQ aircraft to the public. Get a close-up experience with our aircraft.

 

 

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