April 12, 2017
Between December of 1941 and August of 1945, a total of 59,337 men and women built B-25 "Mitchell" bombers at the Fairfax plant in Kansas City. Their efforts sent 6,680 B-25s out to fight for our freedom. Unfortunately, only about 140 of those airframes survive to this day. Of those 140, less than 40 continue to fly today.
One of those aircraft, "Semper Fi" had a rough life after the fight and was thought lost to history. The dedicated men and women of the Commemorative Air Force spent 23 long years breathing life back into this historic aircraft and ultimately brought her back to the skies. Technically not a B-25, "Semper Fi" is the only known flying example of a PBJ-1J, the Navy version of the B-25. We are elated to announce she is now coming home to be welcomed by some of the Rosies who originally built her here in Kansas City 72 years ago.
To commemorate this historic event, the B-25 History Project is organizing a reunion of former Fairfax B-25 bomber plant workers with the planes they helped build. We are gathering former bomber builders and current B-25 crews to honor them for their dedication, both past and present. This homecoming event promises to be fantastic! Follow our Facebook page for more details and announcements as the event grows near.
Come help us honor local Rosies and shake the hands of the men and women who "Keep 'Em Flying"
Who: Former Fairfax B-25 Bomber Builders and current crews
What: Homecoming of "Semper Fi", the only known flying example of a PBJ-1J
When: April 12, 2017 from 3pm until 6pm
Where: 6 Aero Plaza, New Century, KS 66031
Scheduled to appear:
Scheduled to appear:
- Approximately 10 former Fairfax B-25 bomber builders
- SoCal CAF PBJ "Semper Fi"
- MO Wing CAF B-25 "Show Me"
- Crew of "Sandbar Mitchell"
- WWII Military Vehicles
- Kansas City Women's Chorus
- Kansas City Betty's
- Presentation by Dr. Dan Desko, "History of the Fairfax bomber plant"
This event is open to the public. If you cannot attend the event, but would like to donate, please select the "Donate" button on the left of the page.