Watch Five Legendary F4F Wildcats Assemble at EAA AirVenture 2025 in Oshkosh
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A Rare Reunion in the Skies
This July, EAA AirVenture returned to Oshkosh, transforming Wittman Regional Airport into a crowded yet welcoming world of aviation history. Among the week’s shining moments was an unbelievable sight: five F4F Wildcat fighters descended together, marking a rare gathering of these historic warbirds in flight or landing formation. This spectacle drew cheers from veterans, enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike, as each Wildcat represented a story of service and survival.
EAA AirVenture, held annually since the 1950s, is known as the world’s largest aviation celebration, and in 2025, it hosted nearly 704,000 attendees. It remains a place where aircraft from every era take center stage, and the arrival of multiple Wildcats felt like a living tribute to the early years of U.S. naval aviation.
The Wildcat Takes Center Stage
The F4F Wildcat entered service before World War II and became one of the first carrier-based fighters for the U.S. Navy. Its sturdy construction and ability to absorb battle damage earned it respect despite facing faster opponents. At AirVenture 2025, the formation of five Wildcats touched down together, showing the endurance of both plane and pilot legacy.
Such a group arrival had not occurred in many years. Even vintage aircraft buffs rarely see more than one Wildcat at a show. Video and social posts captured viewers’ amazement, with comments calling it “UNREAL” and “incredible.” For many, the sight was a moving reminder of how these machines shaped aerial combat and how they continue to inspire today.
Those who saw the Wildcats arrive were watching more than old aircraft—they were seeing living history.
Keep going for the video below:
