Help us obtain a WWll Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat
Tax deductible
THE GRUMMAN F6F-3 HELLCAT FIGHTER AIRCRAFT IS ONE OF ONLY SIX (OF OVER 4,000 BUILT) TO SURVIVE FOR DISPLAY TODAY.
The Hellcat was serving with Fighting Squadron 21 at North Island, CA when ditched at sea on January 12, 1945. It was recovered twelve miles off San Diego in 1971. Despite 26 years under 1,800 feet of water, many of the systems were operational. Unfortunately, the aircraft was not preserved and deteriorated until acquired by the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL.
The Hellcat is approximately 80% restored and will be painted in the WWII color scheme of the aircraft flown by Navy ACE LTJG Arthur Ray Hawkins of Fighting Squadron 31 of the aircraft carrier USS CABOT (CVL-28) credited with downing seven Japanese aircraft. The museum’s goal is to restore the starboard wing and complete the restoration in the most accurate manner possible. The wing will be included with the aircraft.
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, located at the Cape May Airport in New Jersey, was recently offered this aircraft from The National Naval Air Museum. NASW will be required to cover costs associated with transporting the aircraft from Florida to New Jersey and complete the Hellcat’s restoration. The Foundation is asking for monetary donations to help cover costs associated with bringing this amazing aircraft to NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum. NASW Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Restoration and Transport Cost: Goal: $50,000
The Hellcat was serving with Fighting Squadron 21 at North Island, CA when ditched at sea on January 12, 1945. It was recovered twelve miles off San Diego in 1971. Despite 26 years under 1,800 feet of water, many of the systems were operational. Unfortunately, the aircraft was not preserved and deteriorated until acquired by the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL.
The Hellcat is approximately 80% restored and will be painted in the WWII color scheme of the aircraft flown by Navy ACE LTJG Arthur Ray Hawkins of Fighting Squadron 31 of the aircraft carrier USS CABOT (CVL-28) credited with downing seven Japanese aircraft. The museum’s goal is to restore the starboard wing and complete the restoration in the most accurate manner possible. The wing will be included with the aircraft.
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, located at the Cape May Airport in New Jersey, was recently offered this aircraft from The National Naval Air Museum. NASW will be required to cover costs associated with transporting the aircraft from Florida to New Jersey and complete the Hellcat’s restoration. The Foundation is asking for monetary donations to help cover costs associated with bringing this amazing aircraft to NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum. NASW Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Restoration and Transport Cost: Goal: $50,000
Fundraising team (4)
NASW Museum
Organizer
Rio Grande, NJ
Naval Air Station Wildwood Foundation
Beneficiary
Tiffany Bakley
Team member
Barbara Collins
Team member
Jason Black
Team member