Formation Flying

In December 1941 the USAF 39th Fighter Squadron was sent to the newly completed Bellingham airport before proceeding to Australia. The squadron held its annual reunion in Bellingham this week and was welcomed today in a homecoming celebration at the Heritage Flight Museum.

Today was also the Museum's monthly Fly Day. The flying display included three T-6s and a P-51 Mustang.

There were two computer flight simulators set up for visitors to use inside the hangar. They were simulating the P-39 -- the airplane flown by the 39th Squadron in 1941. The man on the left of the photo is "Del" Dellinger, one of the 39th Squadron veterans. On his right is 13-year-old Spencer who was flying in virtual formation alongside.

You can see a short video of the Mustang taxiing out.