CAF - Gulf Coast WIng

This website is dedicated to the men and women of the Gulf Coast Wing and the Tora! Tora! Tora! group who volunteer their hard work and sacrifice to keep our aircraft flying. Without them, it would be impossible.

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress "Texas Raiders"

The Horizontal Stabilizers are Re-installed!
For more pictures, click here...

"Texas Raiders" is in her new home! Read the news release!
See the preparation!
See the move!

WE'RE ON THE MOVE - CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICTURES...
August 19 / August 26

For a map to the hanger, click here...

Members of Gulf Coast Wing are working hard not only to get "Texas Raiders" back in the air, we are also... (More)

The Gulf Coast Wing of the Commemorative Air Force needs your financial help in completing repairs to the wing spars of our B-17G Flying Fortress “Texas Raiders”. This magnificent aircraft has been grounded while repairs are made and systems are upgraded. With your assistance this proud bird can be flying in the near future.

28 Apr 2008

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. As work continues on TR, the aircraft is beginning to look more and more like a war bird, but much work remains. We are at a stage where we need MORE VOLUNTEERS in order to get the airplane airworthy again. Work crews currently meet on Tuesday evenings and on Saturdays at the hangar and they could use more help.

On Saturdays, the crew has a lunch prepared on site to conserve time and promote efficiency, so if you can spare even an hour to assist with tools, retrieve parts, clean or organize shelves, sweep floors, wash oily rags (washing machine on premises)...just about any job awaits your skills. Your help brings us closer to flight!

If you are not a South Texas or Houston resident, you can also help with a donation for the lunch-expenses. A $20, $30, $50 or any donation is tax deductible and the working crew members would definitely appreciate this.

Now that TR has a roof over her head, work on this project is much more tolerable than in the past.

Saturday work crews meet around 0800-0900 and work the better part of the day. Tuesday night crews meet around 1730-1830 and work on both TR and hangar projects.

F I N A N C I A L   H E L P   N E E D E D
The Gulf Coast Wing is a 501(c)3 Entity
All donations are Tax deductible
Click
here for full story,  photos and information on making donations

The FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD 2001-22-06) to all B-17s and "Texas Raiders" will be in maintenance until further notice.

For more information on the aircraft maintenance related to the AD go here.

To view the current roster of Work and Support Team Leads go here.


A6M2 Zero Copyright Phil Makanna


"Texas Raiders" Copyright CAF

Gulf Coast Wing

The Gulf Coast Wing is located at Hobby Airport which is southeast of Houston, Texas.  GCW boasts of a membership of approximately 145 persons.

CAF Objectives

  1. To acquire, restore, and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States , and selected aircraft of other nations, for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans.

  2. To construct or obtain museum buildings for the permanent protection, maintenance, and display of these historic aircraft, period artifacts, and documents as a tribute to the thousands of men and women who built, serviced, and flew them and to build and organize the "Combat Airman Hall of Fame."

  3. To perpetuate the spirit in which such combat aircraft were flown in the defense of our nation, in the memory and hearts of all Americans.

  4. To establish an organization having the dedication, enthusiasm, and Esprit de Corps necessary to operate, maintain, and preserve these aircraft as symbols of our American Military Aviation Heritage.

 

Volunteers

Many will be shocked to find
When the day of judgment nears,
That there’s a special place in Heaven
Set aside for Volunteers
Furnished with big recliners,
Satin couches and footstools.
Where there’s no
Committee chairperson
No group leaders or carpools,
No bazaar and bake sales,
Not one thing to fold or mail,
Telephone lists will be outlawed,
But a finger snap will bring
Cool drinks gourmet dinners
And treats fit for a king.
You ask, "who’ll serve these
Privileged few
And work for all they’re worth?"
Why, those who reaped the benefits
And not once Volunteered on Earth.
--Anonymous


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 Revised:
28-Apr-2008