Still Soaring After All These Years: The Dwindling Fleet of Flying B-25 Bombers

Still Soaring After All These Years: The Dwindling Fleet of Flying B-25 Bombers - Last of the Legends

The North American B-25 Mitchell holds a special place in the annals of aviation history. Nicknamed the "Mitchell" after General Billy Mitchell, this medium bomber was a workhorse of Allied air forces during World War II. Though other legendary warbirds like the B-17 Flying Fortress and P-51 Mustang continue gracing the skies at airshows today, the number of surviving B-25s has dwindled to less than 100 worldwide. For history buffs and vintage aircraft enthusiasts, catching a glimpse of a B-25 in flight is increasingly rare treat.

Seeing the shark-nosed silhouette and hearing the throaty roar of a B-25 is a one-of-a-kind experience. Many of the remaining Mitchell bombers are meticulously restored and maintained by dedicated collectors and nonprofits. Keeping these complex and temperamental warbirds operational is an immense challenge requiring significant investments of time, money, and mechanical expertise. For the mechanics, crew members, and pilots who keep B-25s flying at commemorative events and in movies, it’s clearly a labor of love.

Florida resident Lewis Bateman purchased and restored B-25J "Pacific Prowler" over a span of 30 years before his death in 2018. His widow Cheri continues his legacy by displaying the aircraft at airshows when she can secure funding and commitments from volunteers. “My husband put his heart and soul into this plane, I feel like it’s my responsibility to preserve this history,” Cheri told reporters.

Meanwhile, the Rocky Mountain Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) flies "Maid in the Shade," the only remaining PBJ-1J variant carrying U.S. Navy markings. This airframe was recovered from remote New Guinea in the 1970s. "Our volunteers go to amazing lengths to preserve this plane's legacy despite scarce resources," said CAF Col. Stan Musick. "Seeing generations captivated when Maid flashes that World War II style never gets old."

At the National Warplane Museum near Buffalo, New York, B-25J "Panchito" regularly thrills spectators. This bomber holds the distinction of being among the most heavily armed in existence, with a total of 12 .50 caliber machine guns in its arsenal. According to the museum's website, Panchito "brings the sights, sounds and feelings of World War II aviation history come alive."

Still Soaring After All These Years: The Dwindling Fleet of Flying B-25 Bombers - Preserving Pieces of History

For aviation enthusiasts, restoring and preserving historic aircraft like the B-25 Mitchell bomber is a labor of love. These vintage warbirds provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing people to see, hear, and even ride in the same planes that once helped tip the scales of world history.

Organizations like the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) are dedicated to honoring military aviation history by maintaining squadrons of meticulously restored World War II aircraft. Across the U.S., CAF units host rides, conduct ground tours, and perform flight demonstrations for the public. As Colin Colbourn of CAF’s Rocky Mountain Wing explained, “Our volunteers all have day jobs, families, and plenty of other demands on their time. Yet they still invest thousands of hours annually to keep our B-25 flying because they understand how powerfully it brings history to life for new generations.”

Even for those without mechanical skills, volunteering for tasks like fundraising, promotion, and archiving artifacts enables people to directly support vintage warbird preservation. “It’s been incredibly meaningful to meet living World War II veterans and find ways to honor their service before they’re gone,” said Cheryl Thrasher, a volunteer with the Victory Girl nonprofit that assists in displaying the Pacific Prowler B-25 at airshows. “Preserving these artifacts makes their stories so much more vivid and real.”

For warbird owners like Lewis Bateman, who purchased the dilapidated Pacific Prowler in 1988, full restorations demand a monumental commitment of time, money, and passion. His 30-year endeavor involved painstaking work reverse-engineering missing B-25 components. “It really consumed my husband’s whole life,” recalled his widow, Cheri Bateman. “But he just felt so strongly about bringing a forgotten piece of history back to life.” Cheri now continues Lewis’ preservation mission to honor his memory, aided by devoted volunteers.

Maintaining the airworthiness of temperamental vintage aircraft like the Mitchell requires ongoing investments, often funded primarily through visitor donations at museums like the National Warplane Museum near Buffalo, New York. As volunteer aircraft mechanic Sam Boyden described, “It’s always a challenge to find authentic parts and materials. But preserving even one complete B-25 ensures future generations can still see a fully operational WWII bomber up close, not just static displays in museums.”

Still Soaring After All These Years: The Dwindling Fleet of Flying B-25 Bombers - Trained for Combat, Built for Endurance

The North American B-25 Mitchell is remembered as one of the most versatile and durable medium bombers of World War II. Nicknamed the "Mitchell Bomber" after General Billy Mitchell, this aircraft was specifically engineered for the combat needs of Allied forces. While other bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator played crucial bombing roles, the B-25's speed, maneuverability, and rugged build made it exceptionally well-suited for the diverse missions it was tasked with.

Initially deployed for high-altitude precision bombing runs, the B-25 proved capable but was hampered by limited bomb load capacity at higher altitudes. However, its versatile design enabled pilots to adapt the Mitchell for new roles including low-level strafing, skip bombing, and torpedo attacks. The Mitchell truly excelled once adapted for low-level missions, using terrain masking to evade enemy interceptors. Its tight turning radius allowed pinpoint strikes, while the strong airframe could withstand the violent turbulence and high G-forces of ultra low-level flying.

This rugged resilience proved vital for the audacious Doolittle Raid in 1942, when 16 B-25Bs launched off aircraft carriers for unprecedented strikes on the Japanese mainland. Despite lacking fuel to reach friendly airfields after bombing Tokyo, most of the B-25 crews miraculously survived crash landings or ditching at sea thanks to their aircraft's hardiness. "That plane could take a beating unlike anything else in the air," recalled Doolittle Raider copilot Lt. Richard Cole decades later.

In the Pacific Theater, B-25s excelled at "skip bombing" missions, utilizing a 50-100 foot attack profile. After dropping down to skim just above wave crests, pilots released bombs timed to bounce and detonate against hulls of Japanese ships. Marine Corp and Army Air Corps Mitchell units sank numerous vessels using this technique before Japan adapted. The bombers' durability withstood intensive antiaircraft fire during these perilous runs. "We took some hard hits, but I was amazed at how much damage the B-25 could handle when we made it back," said Major John R. Smith, reflecting on his 30 skip bombing missions.

Later mark B-25s were modified as deadly "gunships," bristling with up to 18 machine guns for ground attack duties. Their armor protection and self-sealing fuel tanks enabled pilots to Strafe fearlessly. The Mitchell's robust survivability in combat zones made it ideal for medevac and resupply as well. Frank Klibbe, an Army Air Corps crew chief, noted, "We loaded those B-25s to the max with ammo and rations, but they just kept delivering right to the front lines. It's like nothing could take those planes down."

Still Soaring After All These Years: The Dwindling Fleet of Flying B-25 Bombers - Workhorses of World War II

With over 9,800 B-25 Mitchell bombers produced by North American Aviation, this rugged and versatile aircraft became one of the true workhorse mediums of Allied air forces during World War II. While the long-range heavy bombers like B-17s and B-24s conducted vital strategic bombing campaigns, B-25 squadrons bore the brunt of tactical missions ranging from ground attack to resupply.

Outfitted with a powerful permutation of Wright R-2600 radial engines, the Mitchell’s sturdy airframe could haul substantial bomb loads and withstand the constant punishment of low-level combat flight. “No other plane could handle the constant stress of hauling three tons of bombs just 50 feet off the deck like our B-25s,” recalled Lt. Hank Ormsby of the 386th Bombardment Squadron. Designed for utility over comfort, the Mitchell’s Spartan interior enabled diverse mission reconfigurations. Crews even jury-rigged additional machine guns in the exotic field modifications of the deadly “commerce destroyers.”

Baptized by Jimmy Doolittle’s raid over Tokyo in 1942, the Mitchell’s medium bomber versatility rapidly evolved as pilots innovated new tactics. The mobility and tight turning radius of B-25s allowed audacious masthead attacks on Japanese shipping. “Our pilots perfected ultra-low level runs, releasing bombs at just 15 feet to bounce into hulls,” explained Captain Jeff Houser, commander of the 345th Bombardment Group. “You needed a tough, responsive plane to pull off precision skip bombing.”

Indeed, the Mitchell’s sturdy handling characteristics and damage resistance enabled relatively inexperienced crews to execute highly dangerous missions. “Most of us were still teenagers when we started flying the B-25 into combat,” said Brownie Brownell, an 18 year-old copilot with the 41st Squadron in New Guinea. “That rugged plane brought most of us back alive.” The versatile Mitchell even served as one of the first true “gunships,” when General George C. Kenney pioneered strapping up to 14 machine guns to create the lethal “ commerce destroyers” that decimated Japanese shipping.

Maintaining the steady combat effectiveness of Mitchell units despite extreme conditions required ingenuity and grit from ground crews. Corporal Tom Brantley summarized his 315th Squadron’s devotion: “No matter what that B-25 came back looking like, we would patch her up to fly the next day’s mission - it was just that kind of workhorse.”

Still Soaring After All These Years: The Dwindling Fleet of Flying B-25 Bombers - Stories from the Skies

The dwindling numbers of airworthy B-25 Mitchells serve as time machines, transporting fortunate passengers back through the mists of history. For many, the visceral experience of riding aboard these meticulously restored World War II bombers ignites profound emotions and forges indelible lifelong memories.

"As soon as I heard those massive Wright Cyclones roar, smelled that oil and gas, I was eight years old again, imagining myself airborne against the Axis," recounted 89-year old USAF veteran Henry Mullins, after his dream ride aboard Panchito. "This old bomber just erased 75 years in a heartbeat."

Others vividly recall personal connections to family members who flew Mitchells during the war. "My grandpa was a B-25 tailgunner who died before I was born. Stepping aboard his plane and gazing out at the tail brought him to life for me," explained Jacob Myers, visitor to the National Warplane Museum. "I could almost feel him back there battling dragons for me."

For civilians, the experience opens a profound window into the realities of aerial warfare. "Banking steeply around pylons at 170 mph just 30 feet off the ground, I gained true empathy for the kids who did this day after day under fire," said 54-year old rider Darla Ross. "It gave me immense admiration for their courage."

Those fortunate to ride in the bombardier's transparent nose section get an unforgettable perspective. "With the huge engines just feet behind vibrating your seat, you're immersed in what those young bombardiers endured, yet surrounded by epic views," described machine gun door gunner Kirk Meade. "It's exhilarating and terrifying - you feel incredibly alive yet insignificant."

Some riders get a taste of real aerial combat at reenactments like the annual Thunder Over Michigan event. "We got jumped by 'Zeroes' and I started frantically 'firing' my machine gun," laughed Mark Bowman, an enthusiastic passenger. "With all the banking and rolling, it gave me a tiny taste of being a real wartime gunner - what an adrenaline rush!"

Wide-eyed children emerge equally enthralled by rides on the vintage warbirds, thrilled by visions of themselves as valiant aviators on perilous missions. Eight-year old Tyler Hunt gushed, "I got to help fly the plane and fire the machine guns. We blew up enemy boats and everything! It was the coolest birthday present ever."

Still Soaring After All These Years: The Dwindling Fleet of Flying B-25 Bombers - Keep 'Em Flying

For the dwindling cadre of pilots, crew members, and mechanics who keep vintage B-25 Mitchells gracing the skies, the challenge demands immense investments of time, money, and even deeper emotional commitment. Unlike gleaming static museum displays, only the sights, sounds, and kinesthetic sensations of an airborne Mitchell can fully catalyze the imaginations of new generations. By personally ensuring the continued flight of the remaining Mitchell bombers, these devotees aim to viscerally honor the past while inspiring future aviators.

"Kids' eyes just light up when they see that 75-year old Mitchell climb and bank - it's like watching themselves soar into the history pages," says Major Jim Roberts, pilot of the CAF's Rocky Mountain Wing B-25. "If we don't pass along this living aviation heritage, kids may lose touch with the human spirit it represents."

For crew members like tail gunner Mike reversing, keeping their rare skills sharp is a labor of love. "I flew 42 missions aboard a Mitchell gunship in the Pacific as a 19-year old. Now at 95, I'm still drilling to stay mission-ready so kids can meet a genuine WWII bomber veteran," he explains. "Once we're gone, only these planes can represent us."

Mechanics like Sam Boyden devote thousands of volunteer hours to resurrect long-grounded Mitchells from scrapyard relics. "Holding original B-25 parts crafted by those Rosie Riveters long ago always gives me goosebumps," Boyden effuses. "Even if it means months rebuilding one quirky component, I'm driven to give future fans that tactile time trip."

This shared sense of custodianship keeps pilots like Buck Harding sharp into their 80s. "Mitchells demand complete focus - they'll quickly punish complacency," cautions Harding. "Having today's kids meet me inspires me to stay mentally and physically mission-ready as the last of our breed."

Mitchell restorer Cheri Bateman echoes this ethos in continuing her late husband's 30-year Pacific Prowler rebuild for new generations. "Lewis sacrificed so much to revive this bomber. Now it's up to us volunteers to honor that by keeping her flying as a living legacy for history seekers."

Still Soaring After All These Years: The Dwindling Fleet of Flying B-25 Bombers - Where to See Them in Action

For history buffs hoping to glimpse the legendary B-25 Mitchell in flight, opportunities are increasingly scarce but well worth the effort. Catching one of the few remaining airworthy bombers performing is an unforgettable treat, bringing World War II vividly to life.

Events like the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin offer visitors the best chance to see the greatest variety of Mitchells still flying the skies. Sean Hayes, an aviation photographer, raved, “Seeing five beautifully restored B-25s together doing flybys and photo passes felt like taking a magic step back to 1944. The sound is just jaw-dropping as they bank and turn - it thunders straight to your core.”

The Commemorative Air Force’s B-25 Devil Dog regularly headlines airshows across the nation with its electrifying 45-degree passes just feet off the deck. “It’s a time machine back to those massive Pacific air battles,” said awestruck 10-year-old spectator Tyler Hunt. “If you look closely, you can see the pilot waving at you - it makes you feel like part of the whole war!”

Organizations like the Rocky Mountain Wing of the Commemorative Air Force offer coveted rides aboard meticulously restored B-25s like Maid in the Shade for a lucky few visitors and donors. Retired Marine pilot Hank Mullins described being flooded with memories climbing aboard. “Fifty years just melted away as those mighty Wright Cyclones coughed to life,” he recalled. “Looking out at the glass nose and caressing those 50 caliber barrels, I was that gutsy kid gunner again.”

Living history events like the meticulously recreated 1940s Weekend at Reading, Pennsylvania offer visitors the magical chance to immerse themselves around an operational World War II airbase. Highlights include tours of authentically outfitted B-25 bombers, chatting with real veterans, and watching rare taxy demonstrations. “It’s the closest you can get today to stepping back onto an Army Airfield in ‘42,” enthused history teacher Brad Jeschke.

For a first-hand taste of actual combat action, the Mid Atlantic Air Museum’s World War II Weekend is a must. Visitors watch reenactors playing American ground troops defending against scale-model Stuka dive bombers and strafing by the museum’s flyable Mitchell. "When that B-25 came roaring low out of the morning mist firing those machine guns, I swear it was like being in Band of Brothers," exclaimed painting contractor Neil Torres. "It's something every American should experience."

Of course, nothing beats catching one of the dwindling fleet of original World War II-era Mitchell bombers still flying, like the Gulf Coast Wing’s Georgie's Gal. “It’s incredible that 75-year old plane is still going strong,” said retired airline pilot and Georgie’s Gal volunteer crew member David Hunt. “Being aboard it takes you directly back to the war in a way no museum artifact could. The smell of the oil, the vibration, the sights and sounds - it brings history alive.”

Still Soaring After All These Years: The Dwindling Fleet of Flying B-25 Bombers - The Future of Vintage Aviation

The dwindling numbers of operational World War II aircraft like the B-25 Mitchell bomber raise natural questions about the future of vintage aviation. As skilled mechanics retire and parts become scarce, how much longer can these legendary planes keep gracing the skies?

For lovers of aviation history, the prospect is bittersweet. While no one can halt the inevitable march of time, today's passionate devotees aim to extend the flight careers of treasured warbirds as long as safely possible. Their efforts ensure future generations inherit the ability to experience, not just imagine, iconic vintage aircraft in action.

"We realize we're just buying a little more time to pass along this heritage we grew up with," reflects Buck Harding, an 86-year old B-25 pilot with over 6,000 Mitchell hours. "Hopefully, kids that see them fly today will catch the inspiration bug, get skilled up, and grab the baton when it's their turn."

Organizations like the Commemorative Air Force leverage deep ranks of volunteers and modern networks for fundraising and securing parts. "We've got folks with metalworking skills hand-fabricating replacement parts that haven't been available for decades," notes Colin Colbourn, maintenance officer for the CAF Rocky Mountain Wing. "There are also early experiments using 3D printing to replicate components."

Restoration experts see promise in emerging technologies but caution limitations remain. "3D printed materials still aren't durable enough for certain components," observes veteran B-25 mechanic Sam Boyden. "And many repairs depend on accessing the dwindling stock of quality aircraft-grade alloys from the era."

Yet Boyden remains guardedly hopeful. "If we share knowledge effectively and inspire enough young folks to gain the needed hands-on skills, I could envision select B-25s staying viable into the 2040s."

That flicker of life is treasured, buying time for today's children to forge formative memories. "I'll never forget my wild ride in the nose bombardier's seat at age seven," reflects Darla Ross, now a 34-year old aerospace engineer. "Years later as a female aerospace student, whenever challenges arose, remembering that B-25 mission kept me determined to contribute to preserving that legacy someday."

Passionate ambassadors like flight engineer Mike Reversing, who distills his World War II combat experience into vivid life lessons for youth, aim to spark similar inspiration. "I want every awestruck kid's face I meet to someday push that throttle forward on the vintage warbird that first lit their imagination," the 96-year old veteran affirms.

This dream of transmission between generations is shared by pilots like Major Roberts, who leads the CAF's educational outreach. "If we get today's youth as infatuated with our aerial time machines as we were at their age, with the right skills transfer, their generation can shepherd these planes through their centennials and beyond," Roberts predicts. "Imagine a 2044 where admiring kids can still meet the living descendants of the admirable kids who once crewed these warbirds against the Nazi threat in 1944."