PBYs were unique in their ability to serve in offensive, support, and rescue roles. Performing Night Bombing, Search and Rescue, Scouting, Transport, as well as many other duties.  PBYs performed a number of unsung jobs that helped soldiers, sailors, and airmen win the war.

While there are many important stories of the PBY role in the World War II and beyond, we are restoring the CAF's PBY to tell the story of Lt. Howard Ady, whose PBY spotted the Japanese carriers at the Battle of Midway. Winning the scouting battle allowed the US Navy to strike first, enabling the SBD dive Bombers to land devastating attacks against 4 Japanese carriers.  To this end, we are painting the completed sections of plane in the 1942 colors of Lt. Ady's PBY.

The PBY is undergoing an extensive restoration. As a small unit, we break things down into achievable tasks, so this year's goal is to help with the supplies to recondition the interior of the PBY.

There are currently 6-7 layers of paint on the plane needing removal and the unit will be working on this time intensive task, but we will need supplies to strip paint, prep the aluminum (Alodine), Prime, and paint.    This year's goal is to raise about half of the expected cost of materials for interior of the aircraft, ensuring we can protect the aluminum for another 80 years!

We are very excited to announce every dollar you donate in 2023 will be matched up to our 25,000 goal!