Visitors to the Arkansas Air and Military Museum at Drake Field in Fayetteville experienced a rare piece of World War II history over the weekend with the arrival of the B-29 Superfortress known as 'Fifi.' The aircraft, one of the largest and most advanced of its time, was featured as part of the Commemorative Air Force’s Air Power History Tour, which also included other vintage warplanes.
'These events offer a chance for families to connect with the history of relatives who served,' said Todd Erskine, a tour leader and scanner with the Commemorative Air Force, emphasizing the importance of preserving military history.
According to Erskine, 'Fifi' was recovered in 1971 and meticulously restored, and it has toured intermittently for half a century. The Commemorative Air Force, established in the late 1960s, operates 80 units across the nation, each dedicated to keeping the stories of aviation history alive through events like this one.
Erskine described the preservation of historic aircraft as central to the organization’s mission, honoring the sacrifices and contributions of the World War II generation and the freedoms gained from their efforts.
The tour drew visitors from across the region to witness the aircraft up close and reflect on its role in one of the most pivotal periods in modern history.