Oxford, Conn. – May 17, 2019 – Next Month, D-Day Squadron will support a C-47 and DC-3 aircraft’s return to the skies over Normandy in honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day and as a tribute to the last remaining military members from World War II.
Collins Aerospace will update 12 Winslow life rafts, essential emergency support for pilots and crews of the Squadron, as they fly the original "Blue Spruce" route to reach Europe the same way that was achieved during the World War II. A Collins Aerospace representative will assist in life raft training during the mission kick-off week occurring in Oxford, CT, from May 12th-19th.
“It really is exciting to be a part of such a unique mission and special moment in history,” said Jennifer Reed, vice president and general manager of Evacuation, Water and Lighting for Collins Aerospace. “We can think of no better way to serve our worldwide audience than to support a mission that has so many partners around the globe. It really is reminiscent of the multitude of nations that came together to support one another in 1944.”
The international scope of the D-Day Squadron mission will be realized when it meets with its European counterpart, Daks over Normandy, to participate in multiple events in Duxford, UK, on June 2nd-5th. The combined fleet of historic aircraft will form an aerial armada, the scope of which has likely not been seen since the war, to cross the English Channel on June 5th and fly over Normandy, France, dropping over 200 paratroopers on landing zones used during the actual invasion. The D-Day Squadron and Daks over Normandy will then participate in multiple events at Caen-Carpiquet Airport from June 5th-9th.
“As each day draws these events closer, I am in awe of the magnitude of the planning, preparation and logistics behind this operation,” stated Lyndse Costabile, Corporate and Donor Relations for the D-Day Squadron. “This effort would never get off the ground—literally—without the unwavering support of partners like Collins Aerospace, and I can’t thank them enough for their participation in such a monumental effort.”