In a significant tribute to the valor and sacrifice of World War II veterans, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has announced that its historic Navy aircraft the Douglas R4D-6S, Ready 4 Duty, will undertake a remarkable 12-week transatlantic journey. This commemorative mission, aptly named the Navy to Victory Tour, will traverse 12,000 miles across the southern and eastern United States, Iceland, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands, from April through July 2025.

The Ready 4 Duty, a Douglas R4D-6S, is the U.S. Navy’s variant of the renowned DC-3 and C-47, and is the last of its kind still in operation. Built in 1944, this iconic aircraft will serve as a flying memorial, honoring the service of American and Allied sailors during the war. The tour marks an essential opportunity to recognize the advancing age of World War II veterans, many of whom are now in their nineties.

“Safely operating an eighty-year-old aircraft for such an extended journey is no mean feat,” remarked Christopher Volpe, the lead coordinator for the Navy to Victory Tour. “But helping to build a lasting legacy for veterans makes all of the preparations and sacrifices worth it.”

The tour will feature appearances at over a dozen aviation and ceremonial events, with the Shuttleworth Collection in the UK already confirming Ready 4 Duty’s participation in several key shows. The aircraft will be on static display at the Season Premiere Air Show on May 11, and will also take part in flying displays at their Military Air Show on May 31 and the Festival of Flight on June 28-29. Additionally, the Midlands Air Festival has confirmed the aircraft’s involvement in flying displays from May 30 to June 1, 2025.

Further tour stops are anticipated, with tentative locations including Prestwick, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath, Guernsey, Normandy (France), Le Ferte Alais (France), Paris (France), Glize-Rijen (Netherlands), and Lelystad (Netherlands). More details regarding these events will be released in the coming weeks.

Volpe emphasized the urgency of the mission, stating, “The window to honor these men and women while they’re still with us is closing rapidly. For them, their families, and society at large, we’re committed to paying tribute to them on this 80th Anniversary of the Allied victory.”

In addition to its commemorative role, Ready 4 Duty will transport artifacts from surviving U.S. World War II-era warships, including the U.S.S. Yorktown, Battleship Texas, and U.S.S. Laffey. This exhibition will mark the first time that artifacts from such a collective of warships will be displayed together, further enriching the tour’s historical significance.

David Oliver, President and CEO of the CAF, stated, “The Navy to Victory Tour is a heartfelt tribute to the countless Allied sailors and airmen who served with courage and conviction during the Second World War. This commemorative mission embodies the transatlantic bonds forged in the fight for freedom and remain a cornerstone of our shared history.”

The Commemorative Air Force, founded in 1957, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of military aviation, boasting an airworthy fleet of over 180 vintage military aircraft—the largest flying collection in the world. With a mission to educate, inspire, and honor, the CAF engages millions of Americans annually through immersive living history experiences.

For aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the Navy to Victory Tour promises to be a historic journey that honors the legacy of those who fought for freedom and preserves the stories of a pivotal moment in world history. For more information about the tour and the aircraft, visit dfwwing.com and commemorativeairforce.org.