In August of 2005, the Southern
California Wing of the
Commemorative Air Force (CAF) celebrated the 60th birthday of their
flagship, the C-46D Commando called "China Doll". Arriving into the
Army inventory too late for WWII, she served with the Army for a number
of years before being surplussed. Prior to coming into the CAF, China
doll served as a civilian cargo aircraft and pesticide sprayer.
Previous names included "Old '94" and "Humpty Dumpty".
In 2005, China Doll also became
the official ambassador aircraft
for
the City of Camarillo. The new artwork was revealed at the Camarillo
Air Show on August 28, 2005.
This was China Doll's big day on
Saturday of the air show. Balloons
and
streamers were all around.
The wing celebrated the big
event with a barbeque and recognition
night
for the dedicated people that have done what they have to preserve this
C-46 and keep her in flyable condition.
Copyright
notice:
All images on this site are copyright Van Gilder Aviation Photography.
Use of the images for non-commercial purposes is permitted providing
that the image remains unaltered. Please contact me if you wish to use
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