Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Celebrate Independence Day with Aircraft Expeditions as we bring you an unforgettable tribute to three legendary World War II transport aircraft at historic Flabob Airport in Riverside, California!
Few aircraft helped shape history like the Douglas DC-3 and its military variants. During this special 4th of July event, we feature three remarkable aircraft that continue to honor the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation.
"D-Day Doll" – Douglas C-53 Skytrooper
The D-Day Doll is one of the world's most historic surviving C-53 Skytroopers.
Originally built in 1942, she flew numerous transport missions during World War II and became part of one of history's greatest military operations.
On June 6, 1944, D-Day Doll participated in Operation Overlord, carrying American paratroopers toward Normandy during the Allied invasion of Europe. Flying through intense anti-aircraft fire, she helped deliver airborne troops behind enemy lines during the opening hours of the invasion.
Today she serves as a flying memorial, reminding future generations of the courage displayed by Allied aircrews and airborne soldiers during the liberation of Europe.
Virginia Ann – Douglas C-47 Skytrain
The beautiful Virginia Ann represents another chapter of the DC-3 family's remarkable military legacy.
Built as a Douglas C-47 Skytrain, aircraft of this type became the backbone of Allied military airlift operations during World War II.
C-47s transported:
• Airborne troops
• Cargo
• Medical supplies
• Ammunition
• Fuel
• Wounded personnel
They participated in nearly every major Allied campaign, including:
North Africa
Sicily
Italy
D-Day (Normandy)
Operation Market Garden
The Battle of the Bulge
The Pacific Theater
The rugged reliability of the C-47 helped earn it a reputation as one of the greatest military transport aircraft ever built.
Flabob Express – Douglas DC-3
The Flabob Express represents the civilian side of one of aviation's greatest success stories.
Although many DC-3s served commercial airlines after World War II, thousands began life supporting the Allied war effort before transitioning into passenger and cargo service.
The DC-3 revolutionized commercial aviation by making reliable, comfortable passenger travel possible while also helping launch the modern airline industry after the war.
Today, Flabob Express continues to preserve that incredible legacy, flying as a living reminder of the aircraft that changed aviation forever.
Footage Courtesy of AE Team Member Scott Manning
Celebrate Independence Day with Aircraft Expeditions as we bring you an unforgettable tribute to three legendary World War II transport aircraft at historic Flabob Airport in Riverside, California!
Few aircraft helped shape history like the Douglas DC-3 and its military variants. During this special 4th of July event, we feature three remarkable aircraft that continue to honor the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation.
"D-Day Doll" – Douglas C-53 Skytrooper
The D-Day Doll is one of the world's most historic surviving C-53 Skytroopers.
Originally built in 1942, she flew numerous transport missions during World War II and became part of one of history's greatest military operations.
On June 6, 1944, D-Day Doll participated in Operation Overlord, carrying American paratroopers toward Normandy during the Allied invasion of Europe. Flying through intense anti-aircraft fire, she helped deliver airborne troops behind enemy lines during the opening hours of the invasion.
Today she serves as a flying memorial, reminding future generations of the courage displayed by Allied aircrews and airborne soldiers during the liberation of Europe.
Virginia Ann – Douglas C-47 Skytrain
The beautiful Virginia Ann represents another chapter of the DC-3 family's remarkable military legacy.
Built as a Douglas C-47 Skytrain, aircraft of this type became the backbone of Allied military airlift operations during World War II.
C-47s transported:
• Airborne troops
• Cargo
• Medical supplies
• Ammunition
• Fuel
• Wounded personnel
They participated in nearly every major Allied campaign, including:
North Africa
Sicily
Italy
D-Day (Normandy)
Operation Market Garden
The Battle of the Bulge
The Pacific Theater
The rugged reliability of the C-47 helped earn it a reputation as one of the greatest military transport aircraft ever built.
Flabob Express – Douglas DC-3
The Flabob Express represents the civilian side of one of aviation's greatest success stories.
Although many DC-3s served commercial airlines after World War II, thousands began life supporting the Allied war effort before transitioning into passenger and cargo service.
The DC-3 revolutionized commercial aviation by making reliable, comfortable passenger travel possible while also helping launch the modern airline industry after the war.
Today, Flabob Express continues to preserve that incredible legacy, flying as a living reminder of the aircraft that changed aviation forever.
Footage Courtesy of AE Team Member Scott Manning
