WASP Squadron

Discover the remarkable story of pioneering aviator Cornelia Fort in the Aug. 12th episode of Warbird Tube.

As a civilian flight instructor over Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Fort came nose-to-nose with a Japanese Zero as the attack began. In September 1942, she became the second woman accepted into the newly formed Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron. The WAFS later merged with the Women Airforce Service Pilots in August 1943.

Join Judith Stanford Miller, writer and producer of Crosswinds: The Courageous Life of Cornelia Fort, for a special conversation about Fort’s life, service and legacy.

📅 Wednesday, Aug. 12
🕖 7 p.m. Central
🎟️ Register to watch: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7772239246455583577

Where are these two WWII beauties off to now? ✈️

Find out where FIFI the B-29 Superfortress and Nella the AT-6 Texan and their friends are landing next at airpowersquadron.org/tour-schedule

Commemorative Air Force B29 B24 Squadron

✈ WASP SPOTLIGHT: Elizabeth "Betty" Evert Greene, WASP Class 43-W-5

Elizabeth "Betty" Evert Greene was born on June 24, 1920 in Seattle, Washington. When WWII broke out, Betty, along with 25,000 other young women, applied for the Women Airforce Service Pilots program. Betty was among the 1,074 that were accepted and graduated.

After earning her silver wings, Betty’s first assignment was at Camp Davis flying an A-24 Dauntless on radar tracking missions as well as both day and night missions flying a B-34 towing targets.

After WWII, Betty helped found Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and served as a pilot on missions in Mexico, Peru, New Guinea, and Africa to deliver medical supplies, ferry students and missionaries, and support disaster relief and community development. Betty was the first woman to fly across the Andes Mountains and the first female pilot in Nigeria. She was inducted into the WAI Pioneer Hall of Fame in 2017. She passed away in April 1997 at the age of 76.

Watch her WAI induction video here: https://youtu.be/tHEMonzKu44

(Pictured: Photos courtesy Texas Woman's University.)

Yes, we know it's Monday, but every day is when you fly Nella, an AT-6 Texan actually used by the legendary WASP at Avenger Field during WWII. Here, Steve Vogdes educates some young visitors in Elkhart on Nella and her role during the war.

🚨Now on display at ! ✈️

Don’t miss your chance to see the iconic AT-6 Texan “Nella” at EAA AirVenture 2026 in Oshkosh, WI!

Nella was flown by Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during training at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, TX from 1943–1944. These women played a vital role in the WWII war effort, freeing up male pilots and mechanics to serve overseas.

See Nella up close — and experience the story of the trailblazing women who forever changed aviation history.

👉Learn more about the WASP and Nella at cafwaspsquadron.org

A familiar face on her way to ! ✈

Retired airline captain and renowned aerobatic performer Julie Clark stopped in Saratoga, WY on her way to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, known as “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.”

Clark began her commercial flying career with Golden West Airlines before becoming one of the first women hired to fly for a major U.S. airline. She retired in 2003 as a Northwest Airlines Airbus A320 captain after a distinguished airline career. She was also an award-winning airshow performer and was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2025.

Julie will have some good company at Oshkosh - Nella the AT-6 Texan is there too and will be on display at the event!

Wishing Julie safe travels and a wonderful week at Oshkosh!

These photos of Nella the AT-6, taken by Kerry Hersch Photography in Toledo, Ohio, are absolutely stunning! Check out his page to see more.

Come meet us at our next AirPower History Tour stop! You’ll get to see Nella up close and have the opportunity to take a ride in this WWII aircraft that was used to train Women Airforce Service Pilots in the 1940’s. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to see this piece of history up close and learn about the WASP.

Learn more: https://www.airpowersquadron.org/tour-schedule

We’re looking forward to this week’s Commemorative Air Force Warbird Tube!

This week’s guest is Dr. Rachael McClain, the new Executive Director of the National WASP WWII Museum. As the Museum begins an exciting new chapter, Dr. McClain will share her vision for preserving the legacy of the Women Airforce Service Pilots and expanding the Museum’s impact for future generations.

Register to watch live this Wednesday, July 15 at 7 p.m. Central: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3856810169382624086

"Aim high, stay the course, be true to yourself."
– Mary Regalbuto Jones WASP Class 44-W-9

Today, we remember Mary Regalbuto Jones, a trailblazer in aviation. Born in Ohio in 1922, Mary began studying for her pilot’s license soon after high school graduation. In 1943, she enlisted in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program, where she earned her wings and served as an engineering test pilot—a role that was groundbreaking for women in aviation at the time and enabled male pilots to be available overseas for WWII combat.

In 1974, she was elected as the first woman to serve on the American Airlines Board of Directors. Throughout her career, Mary received numerous awards, including a letter of commendation from President Reagan, and she was dedicated to inspiring future generations of aviators.

Read more about Mary in the link in the comments.

Nella the AT-6 was honored to be included in the special flyover of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on July 4, honoring generations of service members and military families whose dedication and sacrifice have helped safeguard our nation. Check out the view from FIFI and our friends with the Commemorative Air Force B29 B24 Squadron!

Other CAF aircraft accompanying us on the flyover. How many can you name?