US Air Force 79th Squadron Visits Restored D-Day C47 Plane in UK

The C47 transport plane "Night Fright," which flew from the UK on D-Day carrying paratroopers from the US 101st Airborne Division, is undergoing a costly restoration in Britain to return it to flying condition, preserving its historic role in the Normandy invasion. Members of the US Air Force 79th Air Refueling Squadron, which has historical ties to the plane, visited it in the UK and incorporated its wartime markings into their squadron insignia to honor their legacy. Meanwhile, the US Air Force Thunderbirds, an elite aerial demonstration squadron known for their daring, close-formation flying, are the subject of a forthcoming Netflix documentary executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama. The film, set to release in May 2025, offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the pilots’ training, the challenges of performing dangerous maneuvers, and the team’s history, including the risks involved in stunts such as the "high bomb-burst." Both stories highlight the enduring connection between current Air Force personnel and their historic predecessors, emphasizing the importance of honoring and understanding military aviation heritage.