Vintage planes will do flyover for 70th anniversary of D-day

Published 9:49 am Friday, June 6, 2014

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of D-day, Historic Flight Foundation is flying a rare four-plan formation of vintage World War II P-51 Mustangs over Seattle and the 30 other nearby cities, including Bainbridge Island, on Friday, June 6.

This unique formation will serve to honor this important day in U.S. history, and raise awareness for a series of commemorative events and activities at Historic Flight Foundation scheduled for June 7.

More than just a historical tribute, at least one plane in the formation — the lead Mustang — flew four sorties on June 6, 1944 over the beaches of Normandy, France. Nicknamed “their little friend” by Allied bomber crews in World War II, the P-51 Mustang emerged in 1942 as the primary fast, high-altitude fighter that could escort bombers deep into enemy territory and turn the tide of losses sustained during long-range missions.

The formation will depart Paine Field at noon to fly over Lake Forest Park, Woodinville, Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, New Castle, Kent, Federal Way, McChord Air Force Base, Gray Army Airfield, DuPont, Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Gig Harbor, Vashon Island, Belfair, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo and Kingston.

For details, visit www.historicflight.org/hf/.