Douglas R4D set to celebrate anniversary of Allied victory

The aircraft, which is the U.S. Navy’s version of the famous Douglas DC–3 and C–47, is set to fly from its home base in Texas to Europe, making more than a dozen appearances on the way at aviation and ceremonial events in the southern and eastern United States, Iceland, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands. The planned journey stretches from April through July and is an endurance test for the antique aircraft and its crew.

“Safely operating an eighty-year-old aircraft for such an extended journey is no mean feat,” said Christopher Volpe, lead coordinator of the Navy to Victory Tour. “But helping to build a lasting legacy for veterans makes all of the preparations and sacrifices worth it.”

Volpe said the age of World War II veterans, the youngest of whom are now 97 years old, helped to drive the group’s decision to take on the intercontinental itinerary. “The window to honor these men and women while they’re still with us is closing rapidly,” Volpe said. “For them, their families, and society at large, we’re committed to paying tribute to them on this 80th Anniversary of the Allied victory.”

During the tour, Ready 4 Duty will carry artifacts from World War II-era warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, battleship USS Texas, and destroyer USS Laffey. The items were assembled specifically for the tour. The CAF said the exhibition marks the first time that artifacts from so many U.S. World War II warships have been on public display together.

“The Navy to Victory Tour is a heartfelt tribute to the countless Allied sailors and airmen who served with courage and conviction during the Second World War,” said CAF President and CEO David Oliver. “This commemorative mission embodies the transatlantic bonds forged in the fight for freedom.”

This is not Ready 4 Duty’s first rodeo. In 2024, the aircraft participated in the D-Day Squadron flight to Europe in celebration of the eightieth anniversary of the D-Day landings. The aircraft is a centerpiece of the Dallas/Fort Worth Wing of the CAF, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of World War II aviation.