POCATELLO The public can now explore and even fly over Pocatello, where a piece of history has landed.
On Monday afternoon, members of the Commemorative Air Force piloted a B-25 Mitchell, which was seen by city employees and elected officials landing at Pocatello Regional Airport. Before it leaves this coming Monday, locals will have the opportunity to see the plan, which is well-known for its involvement in the Doolittle Raid. Additionally, those who purchase tickets will be allowed to board the aircraft on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
We are quite fortunate to have it. Airport manager Alan Evans stated, “This is a piece of history that you just don’t get to see every day.”
Following its catastrophic attack on Pearl Harbor, this B-25 bomber, known as the Maid in the Shade, participated in Doolittle’s Raid, the United States’ first airstrike against mainland Japan during World War II.
An group called the Commemorative Air Force is devoted to conserving military aircraft from World War II and the history of American military aviation. Evans and Mayor Brian Blad met Col. Jerry Washburn on the tarmac as they touched down.
Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. are the times when people can get a close-up look at the aircraft. A family of four can purchase tickets for $20, or $10 per person.
For $375 each seat or $590 per jump seat, passengers can purchase seats in the radio compartment. Check out the available flights here.
The flight load master, Col. Christopher Ostler, stated that flying in a bomber is not the same as traveling commercially.
In every way, this is not like flying commercial. This World War II aircraft is eighty-one years old. “It’s an experience of a lifetime,” Ostler added.
The flight experience will be somewhat basic, according to Evans, the airport manager. The noise level will be high. That’s how things actually were in the early days of aircraft. It was simply an amazing experience.
Sunday is the last day to see the aircraft before it takes off on Monday afternoon.
Click here to reserve flights or trips.
