The Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, based at the Camarillo Airport hosted a Centennial of Naval Aviation event on Sunday December 4, 2011. The program featured a presentations by author Bruce Gamble and by US Navy Commander Mark "Mutha" Hubbard. Bruce Gamble has written several books about the Pacific air battles of WWII. Commander Hubbard is based at NAS Leemoore, California and commands several US Navy Squadrons. It was a great contrast to hear about the US Navy of 60+ years ago and the US Navy today. Following the presentations, there was a flight demonstration by the F8F Bearcat and the A6M3 Zero with individual passes and a formation pass. Hubbard flew the F8F and the Zero was flown by Steve McCartney. After they landed, Commander Hubbard got into the F-18F Super Hornet that he flew down from Leemore to return home. It was a great day and a great event.

Yakovlev Yak-3
Yakovlev Yak-3

Business end of the F-18 Super Hornet
Nose view of the F-18F Super Hornet

Zero and Bearcat
The Zero and the Bearcat on the ramp, fueled up and ready to fly.

SNJ, Mustang and Yak-3
The SNJ on the ramp with the P-51 Mustang and Yak-3.

Yak-3
Rear view of the Yak-3 with the F8F Bearcat in the background.

SNJ
Rear view of the SNJ with the F-18 in the background.

Zero
The A6M3 Zeke prepped to fly.

F8F Bearcat
Rear view of the F8F Bearcat.

F-18F Super Hornet
The F-18F Super Hornet from VFA-122

Mark Hubbard in the F8F
Mark "Mutha" Hubbard in the F8F Bearcat.

Mark Hubbard, F-18
Mark poses for a photo op prior to his departure.

Mark Hubbard with the F-18
Mark talks with visitors about the Super Hornet.

Mark pre-flighting the F8F
Mark pre-flighting the F8F Bearcat

Mark Hubbard and Steve McCartney
Mark Hubbard and Steve McCartney. Steve flew the Zero for the flight demonstration.

Artist
One of the CAF members is a great artist. Here he is working on a Corsair painting.

Bruce Gamble
Bruce Gamble talking about the war in the Pacific.

Thanks abunch hummer
The thanksabunch.org tribute Hummer with the F-18.

Zero
The Zero starting as the Bearcat warms up.

F8F taxiing
The F8F taxiing out to the runway.

A6M3 Zero
Steve brings the A6M3 Zero for a pass.

A6M3 Zero smoke pass
The A6M3 Zeke on a smoke pass.

Mark in the F8F Bearcat
Mark giving us a great angle in the F8F.

A6m3 F8f formation pass
The A6M3 Zero and the F8F Bearcat in a formation pass.

The A6M3 Zero and the F8F Bearcat in a formation pass.
The A6M3 Zero and the F8F Bearcat in a formation pass.

F8F Bearcat landing
The F8F Bearcat coming in for a landing.

F-18 Super Hornet departure
Mark departing in the Super Hornet for home.

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