A place like no other near Mesa in Arizona
The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona, also known as the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, was established in 1978 at Falcon Field in Mesa, becoming the 10th unit of the national Commemorative Air Force organization. The museum traces its roots to 1961 when the Commemorative Air Force was founded in Dallas, Texas, by a group of ex-service pilots including Lloyd Nolen who pooled their resources to purchase a P-51 Mustang in 1957. Arizona aviation enthusiasts later sought to bring a branch of the organization to their state, and after months of searching, Falcon Field was selected as the ideal location.
The airport itself has a storied past, originally founded before World War II by Hollywood producer Leland Hayward and pilot Jack Connelly, with backing from Hollywood icons like Henry Fonda, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, James Stewart, and Hoagy Carmichael. A dedicated group broke ground at Falcon Field in 1977, and the museum officially opened to the public the following year. Today, the Arizona Wing stands as one of the largest Commemorative Air Force units in the country, preserving and sharing the legacy of military aviation for generations of visitors.
The museum’s collection features one of the most impressive arrays of historic military aircraft in the Southwest, spanning conflicts from World War II through the Vietnam era. The crown jewel of the fleet is the B-17G Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey,” widely recognized as the most fully restored B-17 bomber currently flying today. This massive aircraft, with its four Pratt & Whitney engines and rich history, offers visitors a tangible connection to the skies of World War II Europe. Other standout aircraft include the dual-engine B-25 Mitchell bomber, the versatile C-45 Expeditor transport, the sleek SNJ trainer, the powerful F4 Phantom jet fighter, and Soviet-era MiG-15 and MiG-21 interceptors that represent the Cold War adversary.
Visitors enter through the Walk of Honor, a tribute recognizing the contributions of Arizonans to military aviation with bronze plaques installed along this dignified pathway. In front of the museum, a massive B-29 Super Fortress propeller stands as a powerful symbol, representing one of only four such propellers originally installed on these massive bombers. Also on the front lawn, a 3-inch Mark 33 deck gun—originally mounted on the USS Guam for aircraft defense—provides a striking reminder of the intensity of aerial combat. Inside, the exhibit floor showcases 100 years of military aviation through carefully curated displays and interactive stations, with docents and veteran volunteers sharing personal stories and historical context.
The best time to experience CAF Airbase Arizona is during the cooler months from October through April, when daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s make for comfortable outdoor viewing of the aircraft static displays and walkaround tours. Weekend events and open cockpit days draw larger crowds, so visiting on a weekday often provides a more intimate experience with the aircraft and volunteers. Summer months bring intense desert heat, but the museum’s indoor exhibits and air-conditioned displays remain fully accessible, and morning visits are recommended during this period to avoid the worst of the heat.