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Honoring a Legacy
The mission of CAF WASP Squadron is to share the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots in order to inspire others, especially girls and young women, to exceed expectations and find a greater appreciation of their potential.
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Impact of the WASP
The WASP paved the way for women pilots in the military, acting as “spiritual grandmothers” to female pilots of today. Their story impacts and inspires young women to achieve their dreams.
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AT-6 “Nella”
Named after the WASP mascot Fifinella, “Nella” is a fully-restored AT-6 Texan warbird that was flown by the WASP at their training facilities at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, TX during WWII.
The WASP and Nella
The CAF Wasp Squadron operates the AT-6 Nella seen below with Jan Doyle 44-W-4 in the rear seat (Oshkosh July 2017).
She appears as part of the Air Power History Tour and attends WASP Homecoming in Sweetwater, TX where she trained Wasp cadets from June 1943 until December 1944 and appears when able at special events. She offers rides as well as training time for those qualified.
The Squadron Education efforts include presentations, history recaps and classes as well as event appearances, following a Curriculum based on the SPUNKY guidelines for success.
She Tours with the Air Power History Tour, often parked next to the B-29 “Fifi”, making a visual representation of the WASP mascot , a female gremlin named “Fifinella”
The CAF WASP Squadron are CAF members that drive education using a three-tiered approach to inspire, aspire and mentor, focused on the WASP Guiding Principles: “be SPUNKY” – Be Self Confident, Be Positive, Be Unstoppable, Be Nice, Be Knowledgeable and Be Yourself. The Squadron creates and implements educational programs focused on the WASP Guiding Principles, in support of education efforts surrounding Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) and historical events honoring veterans.
Nella has ongoing needs
She is one of the busiest CAF aircraft, therefore she needs regular maintenance that includes, but is by no means limited to
Oil testing / Tail wheel every 250 – 300 hours
Engine overhaul every 1200 hours
Repacked parachutes every 6 months
Repainting every 3-5 years
Wing walk tape every 2 years
Aging radios
Missing (permanently borrowed) or staticy headsets
ADS-B mandated by FAA
Instruments: upgrade for Digital Touch replacing heavier vacuum models
Refurbishing those that are cloudy or non/performing
Replace all lights with LED’s for longevity and brightness
Seats – cushioning and cover material
Telling Their Story
By re-telling the WASP story, we will provide a real world example of how one can overcome sexism and the challenges it creates through self-confidence and determination.
Proven Impact
The CAF WASP Squadron works to honor and educate utilizing the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots.
WASP Squadron
The CAF WASP Squadron are CAF members. They use a three-tiered approach to inspire, aspire and mentor, focused on the WASP Guiding Principles.
Real World Artifacts
The Commemorative Air Force operates the world’s largest collection of flying World War II aircraft. The very airplanes the WASP flew bring the story to life with a tangible connection to the past.
The WASP Story
June 23, 2016Arsenal of Democracy
June 23, 2016Interview with WASP Mickey Brown
June 23, 2016Commemorative Airforce Honors WASP
In addition to the WASP Squadron and numerous WASP connected aircraft, the CAF has a separate program titled “RISE ABOVE” that honors both the Tuskegee Airmen and the WASP. This program provides immersive movie experiences with historical dramatizations, that can be seen in a traveling exhibit.
For details of the Rise Above Program CAFRISEABOVE.org