World War II Wings in the Wind

Take a 'Sentimental Journey' at Modesto Airport display

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For those who want to take a sentimental journey, get a close-up look a vintage World War II-era bomber or both, there's a chance to do just that this week at the Modesto Airport.

The B-17 Flying Fortress "Sentimental Journey" is on display at Harry Sham Field, 617 Airport Way. The warbird has been restored as a flying museum and memorial by the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.

It is open for tours and even flights for the most adventurous through Saturday. Tours are $5, ages 13 through adult; $3 for children ages 5-12; and free for children under 5. Flights also are available for $425. All tour proceeds benefit Sentimental Journey restoration efforts.

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B-17 Flying Fortress comes to Modesto

This isn't Sentimental Journey's first visit to Modesto. It has made occasional stops here over the years while touring the country during the summer air show season.

The journey began for the bomber when it rolled off the assembly line in late 1944 and was accepted by the Army Air Corp on March 13, 1945. Manufactured too late to see service in Europe, the bomber was assigned to the Pacific Theater until WWII ended.

After performing a variety of missions for the military, it was acquired by the Aero Union Corp. of Chico in 1959, flying thousands of sorties against forest fires throughout the country as a civilian aircraft.

In 1978, the aircraft was donated to the newly formed Arizona Wing of the CAF. The volunteer organization worked to restore the bomber to its current condition and returns it to its home at Falcon Field in Mesa, Ariz., at the end of each season to undergo general repairs.

An average of 80,000 people tour Sentimental Journey during the summer months. For those hoping to see the aircraft in Modesto, it is on display from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday.

In another tribute to the same era, a 1940s USO Dinner and Dance is being held Saturday night at Modesto Airport's Hanger 1, 700 Tioga Drive.

Big band music will be provided by Knight Sounds and displays of vintage aircraft, vehicles and other items from the era. There also will be a silent auction as well as 1940s costume and dance contests.

Tickets are $40 and no tickets will be sold at the door. Presented by the Central California Valley Squadron of the CAF, doors open at 5 p.m. There is a no-host bar; dinner at 6:30 p.m. and dancing from 8 to 11 p.m. For more information, call 529-4989.