The Air Heritage Museum is featuring a World War II aircraft carrier and a Douglas C‑47b Skytrain at the Naval Air Station Wildwood’s AirFest this weekend. The display runs from Saturday, September 5, through Sunday, September 6, 2026, and forms a central attraction of the two‑day air show.
Visitors to the Wildwoods can see the historic carrier, a rare example of naval aviation heritage, positioned alongside the iconic C‑47b, a transport aircraft that served extensively during the war. Both pieces are being presented to illustrate the evolution of military aviation and to give the public a tangible connection to the aircraft that shaped mid‑twentieth‑century conflicts.
The Air Heritage Museum, which curates the exhibit, says the goal is to bring the legacy of wartime flight to a broad audience. By placing the carrier and the Skytrain in a public setting, the museum hopes to spark interest in the stories of the men and women who operated these machines and to preserve knowledge of their contributions to Allied victory.
AirFest traditionally draws large crowds to the Wildwoods, and this year’s inclusion of the carrier and C‑47b adds a historical dimension to the aerobatic performances and static displays that usually dominate the event. Organizers expect the exhibition to enhance the weekend’s appeal, encouraging both aviation enthusiasts and casual visitors to explore the region’s rich aeronautical past.
The combination of live air show thrills and static historic displays underscores Wildwood’s ongoing commitment to honoring its local aviation heritage while providing an engaging weekend experience for residents and tourists alike.