In the tranquil town of Atwater, California, a piece of World War II naval history touched down.
The Castle Air Museum expanded its already impressive collection with the addition of a storied TBM Avenger.
The WWII-era U.S. Navy aircraft, renowned for its role in the Pacific Theater, arrived at the museum’s restoration hangar at 3040 A Street.
It promises to enliven the museum’s narrative of military aviation heritage.
The TBM Avenger was specifically designed to drop torpedoes to sink Axis Powers’ ships during the war.
“The museum’s TBM Avenger is being donated to the by a very generous donor who believes in preserving such aircraft for future generations to learn of the costly price paid for freedom,” said Joe Pruzzo, Executive Director of Castle Air Museum.
“The aircraft being donated to the museum suffered an engine failure at Daytona Beach Airshow about 2 years ago and ditched in the shallow waters on the beach.”
Former President George H.W. Bush flew this same type of aircraft from the Aircraft Carrier USS San Jacinto, which he named after his wife, Barbara.
The Grumman/General Motors TBM Avenger was built to help the United States and the Navy achieve victory in World War II, according to officials.
Only a few of these aircraft remain from the thousands produced.
They serve as historical artifacts to educate future generations about the sacrifices made to secure freedom during the 1940s, a period described by officials as the “jaws of tyranny.”
This type of aircraft made its debut at the Battle of Midway, a pivotal moment for the Allies in the Pacific against Imperial Japan.
The commemoration of this battle, which occurred from June 4th to June 6th in 1942, marks its 82nd anniversary this year.
The TBM Avenger will require some time for repairs from its water landing around 2022 during a performance at the Daytona Beach Airshow in Florida.
Only after these repairs can it be displayed at the museum.
Relevant articles:
– Castle Air Museum in Atwater getting historic WWII Navy aircraft, KMPH
– Museum, AFCEC (.mil)
– Castle Air Museum, antique-airplanes.com