The Gulf Coast Wing SNJ served as an instrument trainer at Pensacola Naval Air Station for the duration of WWII. But her roots are in Texas, having been manufactured in Dallas in 1943. Known as the "pilot maker" AT6 Texan/SNJ was the final rung of the training ladder for combat fighter pilots in WWII. After months of work in trainers with less power and lower performance, those who cut the mustard were moved on to the Advanced Trainer 6 Texan (or SNJ if you were a Navy pilot) - the final hurdle before moving into combat aircraft.

The Gulf Coast Wing 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, (like the one at our local high school) scout troops (we've done engagements at home and on the road) public schools (we did three days of school district tours near Oklahoma City last October) Civil Air Patrol and even universities (we have begun a partnership with our local community college district's new aviation program.)

The Kelly green trim on her bright aluminum fuselage stands out on the newest addition to the Gulf Coast Wing: a 1943 North American Navy SNJ Advanced Trainer. The aircraft arrived back in Texas, the state of her birth, this past summer. She is ready to to take up the next stage of her CAF career with the Gulf Coast Wing and the Living History Flight Experience program. This bird's engine though, is approaching her recommended time-to-overhaul.

We plan a complete engine rebuild at a cost of roughly $50,000 for the SNJ. This is not something that can be considered a "nice to have" -- the SNJ has only one engine and should it fail, there is no option but to land where ever you can find a spot flat enough and long enough on which to put it down. So we need to proactively ensure the aircraft has the most safe and reliable engine.

We are asking for donations to cover $10,000 worth of components of the rebuild. Just like your car, the accessories that go with the engine require overhaul and/or replacement too: starter, oil cooler, carburetor, spark plugs, and on and on. A contribution to the SNJ engine overhaul fund will allow us to complete all the work including ancillary equipment over the winter, and be ready to fly into action in Spring of 2021. Donate now and receive a gift from the Gulf Coast Wing! 

Crew Chief: donate $100 or more and receive a B-17 Supporter Patch

Wing Man: donate $200 or more and receive a Supporter Patch and a Challenge Coin

Pilot: donate $500 or more and receive a Supporter Patch, a Challenge Coin and a Texas Raiders crew cap

Squadron Leader: donate $1000 or more and receive a Supporter Patch, a Challenge Coin, a Texas Raiders crew cap and a certificate for a flight in the Gulf Coast Wing SNJ advanced trainer

We appreciate your support of our mission to Educate, Inspire and Honor.