Corsairs Over Connecticut

Flight Journal, Apr 2005 by O'Neill, Jerry

TO CELEBRATE the 60th anniversary of WW IFs end, in June 2005, nine Chance Vought F4U Corsairs will return home to Connecticut for the Veterans Salute-a celebration to honor the men and women who worked on the home front and served in the military during the War. Designed and built entirely in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and powered by a Pratt & Whitney engine with a Hamilton Standard propeller, the Corsair represents the people and manufacturers who created the Constitution State's mighty "Arsenal of Democracy."

This event will take place at historic Igor Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford from June 2 to 5, 2005. Visitors will be "transported" back to Bridgeport as it was at the height of WW II. Unique "set pieces" will be arranged throughout the weekend, including a re-creation of the Chance Vought Corsair factory complete with aircraft parts, engines, propellers, shop equipment, "Rosie the Riveter" and real Corsairs. A "war bond rally" and a factory "test flight" are also planned. Other displays will include WW II aircraft, military vehicles and historical "reenactors."

Website info: www.veteranssalute.com, or email at airdales@cox.net.

-Jerry O'Neill