30 January 2025
Advancing ages may mean this year is the last surviving veterans from World War II can be honoured – the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory. One WWII aircraft, aptly named Ready 4 Duty, will make a transatlantic flight to take part.
Ready 4 Duty is a 1944 Douglas R4D-6S, US Navy version of the DC-3 and C-47, and the last of its kind still flying. It’s operated by the Dallas ‘Wing’ of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF).
The aircraft will embark on a 12-week, 12,000-mile ‘Navy to Victory’ tour that includes appearances at aviation and ceremonial events across the southern and eastern US, Iceland, UK, France, and the Netherlands from April to July.
“Safely operating an 80-year-old aircraft for such an extended journey is no mean feat,” said Christopher Volpe, the tour’s lead coordinator.
“But helping to build a lasting legacy for veterans makes all of the preparations and sacrifices worth it.”
According to Volpe, the advancing age of World War II veterans, the youngest of whom are now 97, factored heavily into the decision to conduct this intercontinental tour.
“The window to honour these men and women while they’re still with us is closing rapidly,” said Volpe. “For them, their families, and society at large, we’re committed to paying tribute to them on this 80th Anniversary of the Allied victory.”
The iconic aircraft will also transport artifacts from surviving US WWII-era warships, such as USS Yorktown, Battleship Texas, and USS Laffey. They include a helmet from LST-325, torpedo blister steel from Battleship Texas, and steam valve wheel from the Laffey.
