The Gulf Coast Wing SNJ is a true World War II veteran, which served as an instrument trainer at Pensacola Naval Air Station in the last couple of years of the war. Bright Kelly green trim reveals its assignment as a Marine Corps aircraft, but its roots are in Texas, having been manufactured in Dallas in 1943. Nick-named the "Pilot Maker" during the War, the AT-6 Texan/SNJ was the final rung of the training ladder for combat fighter pilots. After months of work in trainers with less power and lower performance, those who cut the mustard were moved on to the advanced trainer -- the final hurdle before moving into combat aircraft. The men who qualified in the SNJ moved on to assignments in aircraft such as Corsairs, Avengers, and Helldivers.

Our Task Ahead

The powerful SNJ is terrifically popular in the CAF Living History Flight Experience program. In 2024, this aircraft and her stable-mate, the World War II-era JRB Navy Expeditor debuted a new performance at airshows.  Dubbed “The Navy Trains for War” the performance describes and displays their contribution to aviation training during the war, including the demonstration of basic aerobatics, which of course were originally developed as combat maneuvers. 

Last year, we installed a freshly overhauled engine in the SNJ, with support from fans in a previous 12 Planes of Christmas campaign. The new engine is performing beautifully, and our SNJ has taken dozens of passengers into the air since then. But one last task remains: her radios are reaching the end of their useful life and need to be replaced with a new suite of modern avionics. We cannot complete the new “Navy Trains for War” program without this updated equipment which includes two new radios, a GPS and an intercom for communications and navigation. Raising $10,000 will help us fund the full avionics suite, which will top $20,000.

 Our Mission 

The Gulf Coast Wing of the CAF tours routinely from April to November each year to airshows, barnstorming events, civic events, and flyovers, carrying the history of WWII military aviation to the public. We engage with ROTC units, scout troops, Civil Air Patrol, and schools in support of the CAF mission to Educate, Inspire and Honor. The SNJ is wonderfully popular with the public and with the help of our supporters can continue her career bringing history to life, one amazing flight at a time.