| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | N5865V |
| Military Code: | MB11 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | North American B-25 Mitchell |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | North American B-25 Mitchell |
| Aircraft Version: | North American PBJ-1J Mitchell |
| C/n (msn): | 108-34263 |
| Operator Titles: | Commemorative Air Force |
| Display Paint: | USA - Marines |
| Aircraft Name: | Semper FI |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | CamarilloMap |
| Region / Country: | California, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: - IATA: - Local: CMA Other: - |
| Photo Date: | 25 October 2024 |
| Photo by: | Alastair T. Gardiner |
| Photo ID: | 764237 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
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This B-25 was intended for the USAAF as 44-30988 but entered service in March 1945 with the USN as 35857. Its service life was short being retired in March 1947 but by July was flying for the Saint Louis Flying Service as N5865V. Then followed a long list of owners and operators before arriving at the Commemorative AF SoCal Wing to begin a decades-long, deep restoration. In May 2016 the first post-restoration flight took place with the plane painted to represent VMB-611 B-25 35243/MB 11, which was lost along with its seven man crew during a strike on the Kibawe Trail near Davao in May 1945. This photo is copyright © Alastair T. Gardiner, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 1 January 2025, and has since been viewed 409 times. |