Watch Highlights of WWII Naval Warbirds at the 2025 Wings, Tracks, and Wheels at Planes of Fame Museum

Celebrating Naval Aviation HistoryThe 2025 Wings, Tracks, and Wheels event at the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California, featured a special tribute to World War II naval aircraft. Known for honoring military aviation and history, this annual event included tanks, classic vehicles, and warbirds in flight. One of the highlights of the day was the flying demonstration of aircraft once used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during the war.

Three historic planes from the museum’s collection performed for the crowd. Each aircraft was flown to show the role naval aviation played in World War II. Visitors were able to see these planes not just on display but in action, taking off and flying just as they did decades ago.

Warbirds in Flight

The first aircraft to fly was the Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless. This dive bomber had been a key part of U.S. Navy operations in the Pacific and played a major role in battles like Midway. Its flight at the event gave the audience a look at one of the most important bombers of the war.

Next came the Grumman TBM Avenger. Known for its folding wings, the Avenger was a strong torpedo bomber used by both the Navy and the Marine Corps. After it taxied and took off, its wide wingspan and steady flight reminded many of its power during missions across the Pacific.

The final plane was the Grumman F8F Bearcat. This aircraft came near the end of the war and was one of the fastest piston-engine fighters ever built. Its flight ended the demonstration with a fast and sharp performance, showing how much technology had advanced by 1945.

Keep going for the video below: