Take a Flight In the only flying PBJ-1J Mitchell Bomber B-25 "Semper Fi" Camarillo Airport CAF SoCal

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7 жыл бұрын

March 25, 2017 I had the Privilege to Fly in the "Only Flying" PBJ-1J (B-25) Mitchell "Semper Fi" at the CAF So Cal Wing - Camarillo California: Manufactured by North American. Some of the back and forth movement is from my GoPro on my head. To see more footage of my Flight taken with my GoPro click on the link • Flight In the Only Fly... Thank You for Watching & Please Subscribe.
Thank you to the Excellent Crew
Captain: Marc Russell
Co-Pilot: Mitch Ballard
Crew Chief: Russell Babbit
Thank you to my wife Gail Whisenant for filming all the ground footage.
Restoration Crew:
Crew Chief:
Col. Marc Russell
Ken Barger, Jo & Jack Brinkerhoff, Scott Drosos, Dave Fish, Mike Hohls, Tim Kutzbach, Dan Newcomb, George Sands, Thomas Van Stein, Alan Nicholson, John Cutright, Dave Neel, John Syrdahl, Jerry Burkhardt, and Russ Babbit.
Commemorative Air Force So Cal Wing Museum at Camarillo Airport in California. To read up on the PBJ you can click on the link that I listed: www.cafsocal.com/our-aircrafts...
or can go onto the Commemorative Air Force So Cal Wing's website: www.cafsocal.com/

Пікірлер: 1 300

@normansaulnier2083 4 жыл бұрын

I was the crew-chief of a B-25 during the Korean war in Texas. Ours were used for training navigators. Every morning I taxied one after the other out to a run-up area to test for air-worthiness. It was a real thrill to taxi it for a mile or so and take it through its paces and bring it back to the flight line without clipping any wing-tips. I also flew in one from Texas to Mass. on a leave. A memorable experience. It's still a beautiful plane, isn't it?

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

I agree with you a beautiful plane in deed, sounds like you had a great job taxing those Mitchell's. Thank you for your service 👍

@podunkman2709 3 жыл бұрын

Yes but not with electronic cokpit.

@normansaulnier2083 3 жыл бұрын

@@podunkman2709 explain, please

@podunkman2709 3 жыл бұрын

@@normansaulnier2083 What u do not understand? They mounted nowadays navigation panels to historical plane. As it would be not possible to fly with that era equipment.

@normansaulnier2083 3 жыл бұрын

@@podunkman2709 I understood what you said. I wondered why you posted your comment.

@sparkytrumpet1 5 жыл бұрын

Last year at the Oregon International Airshow at HIO I had the honor of taking care of all the needs of Lt Col Dick Cole. He was Jimmie Doolittle's copilot on the lead plane off of the Hornet carrier. At our Air Show he was 102 yrs old, an amazing person with so many stories to tell. This was a weekend I'll never forget. RIP Lt Col Cole! You indeed were part of the greatest generation!

@worldadventureman 3 жыл бұрын

17:56 right there is where the front gunner had to put his hands up onto the rudder pedals to help pull the plane out of a slow downward spin that my Dad and his crew found themselves in after returning from a bombing run over Germany. They had just started to cross the English channel when the first marker shell went off right outside my Dads side window from an ack ack gun. The shock knocked him unconscious and some of the shrapnel came through the fuselage into his leg. During action the navigator took up a position further back to man the bomb sights and the co pilots seat was pushed all the way back. When my Dad was knocked out, the navigator came forward but found the seat was jammed, so he couldnt sit in it and operate the pedals. So that's when the gunner came through and was trying to pull the pedals with his hands while the navigator stood trying pull on the stick. My Dad said he came too with his head laying against the side window and the first thing he could see was the smoke in a circle from their damaged plane and puffs of smoke following all the way down as the ack ack gunners were still trying to knock them from the sky. They managed to get the plane under control and finally crashed landed in England. They all made it but that was the last time my Dad flew in action. In the 70's his navigator visited us from Australia and we went down to a museum that had a B25 and the curator allowed us all in the plane, while Dad the Sid re-told their stories. Although Id heard that story many times before, every time the weather was damp and my Dads leg would play up.

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your fathers story, he and the others are very lucky they survived. Did your Dad fly after the war?

@worldadventureman 3 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation No he said there were so many pilots coming out of the air force that there were no jobs as civil pilots and i think he wanted to put that behind him. Yes incredibly lucky. I knew an ex B52 rear gunner when i lived in Atlanta and his stories were just horrific.

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

@@worldadventureman Ya my best friends Dad was a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot and after the war he never wanted to fly again, he said he was given a job to do in the war and he did.

@waynegreene6405 2 жыл бұрын

🥰

@jcurbin305 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, guys. For giving these old war birds new lives. It's awesome.👍👍

@EdWhisenantAviation 2 жыл бұрын

And thank you for watching 😎👍

@johnslaughter5475 4 жыл бұрын

I recently had the opportunity to go through a B-17 and a B-25. It's amazing how little room there is inside. Going aft through the bomb bay was a real squeeze. To think of the guys who spent hours in these planes during actual missions makes one realize just how much they really gave for our country. Then, to make it even harder was when taking flak or fire from a fighter. Thank you to the greatest generation.

@EdWhisenantAviation Жыл бұрын

Hello John, very sorry I just now saw your comment, thank you and take care 👍😎

@paulkerr782 Жыл бұрын

With absolute zero creature comforts

@EdWhisenantAviation Жыл бұрын

@@paulkerr782 So true Paul. Thank you for watching 👍😎

@gabbyhyman1246 Жыл бұрын

Try crawling around in a B 36 sometime. 😆

@EdWhisenantAviation Жыл бұрын

@@gabbyhyman1246 I've seen B-36 from the outside but I don't think I've been inside one. Is it tighter or a little larger than a B-25/PBJ-1?

@seemslegit6203 3 жыл бұрын

The PBJs in a nutshell: "How many 50 cals do you want?" " *yes* "

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching 😎👍

@PieAndChips 3 жыл бұрын

PBJ was just the U.S Navy designation. They weren't all armed to the teeth.

@petermyers9442 2 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation Wasnt there an SNJ variant as well ?

@EdWhisenantAviation 2 жыл бұрын

@@petermyers9442 Yes in WWII they had a North American T-6 Texan USAAF & the US Navy SNJ Variant. Thank you for watching, I hope this helps out.

@gac914 5 жыл бұрын

My dad was a waist (side) gunner in B25's during WWII. He flew in the 5th and 13th Army Air Corp in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was injured twice -- once from flak exploding and getting by the flak curtain, and embedding flak pieces in his chest. He had Japanese steel in his chest for the rest of his life, they couldn't get it out. He also had a major crease in his skull as a result of the landing gear folding up upon landing. He said the last thing he remembered were parts of the air strip coming up through the bottom of the plane. I wish he were alive today to see this video, and probably spark a lot of memories, All those guys, no matter what type of plane, had some MAJOR cajonies to go up in those things and fight for our freedom! May God bless them all for their service!!!

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

You said it. God Bless your Father & all the men who flew during the war, yes very brave. Thank you for your very comment & for watching :)

@guymorris6596 Жыл бұрын

Thank you to your father for his dedicated and courageous service.

@Revolution1117 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this. Kudos to the restoration team & mechanics for an absolutely beautiful restoration of this iconic warbird (with a few extra tricks). Semper Fi!

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment & for watching 👍😎

@edwardglamuzina3421 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, these guys are living the dream, very fortunate to experience this. On the other hand think of those that did this every day under different circumstances knowing that they might not come back. God bless them.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Yes these guys are living the dream & yes God bless these men that sacrificed for us. Thank you for your comment & for watching :)

@markhugo8270 5 жыл бұрын

WOW! The WWII guys would have "soul their souls" for an instrument panel like this one. I think you've taken a classic, and made it even better. It's so elegant inside and out.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Yes she's very elegant a lot of love went into this restoration. Thank you so much for your comment and for watching :)

@unboxid2997 3 жыл бұрын

Medium Bomber B-25J Mitchell, Supported US & allies Troops in combat over Pacific & Europe War 1941 - 1945. A total of 9,816 Mitchells were built, greater than any other American twin-engined bomber. 1 of them is still can flew away.. awesome..

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

You said it very well, thanks so much four your comment & for watching 😎👍

@johnneedy3164 3 жыл бұрын

A wee bit of electronic, could you imagine going back when they used this plane and a pilot of that time seen this 😀

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

The pilots would have been excited to see it I'm sure, ya they install new electronics to keep everyone safe. Thank you for watching John 😎👍

@worldadventureman 3 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation My Dad flew one during WW2. He would have loved to have seen this for sure. All in all he had a pretty good war to hear him tell it.

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

@@worldadventureman That's pretty awesome to be able to say your Dad flew one of these or anything in the war and was able to talk about it.

@bill2953 3 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation Awesome is the right word, Ed. My dad's stories of flying P-40's and P-51's in CBI kept us rivited at the dinner table for a long time.

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

@@bill2953 It's amazing how some guy's tell stories and other's never talk about it, my friends dad flew P-40's in the war, came home and never wanted to fly or fly in a plane again. Your dad telling stories are good memories for you and your family. History 😎👍

@rjrestorationstation4402 5 жыл бұрын

My 6th grade teacher (Mrs. Johnson) flew B-25’s from manufacturing plant to coastal points of departure. She was part of a group of women pilots. Great stories. Thanks for your video...👍

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

That's some pretty cool history, thank you for sharing that & for watching :)

@Vaderd2k926 5 жыл бұрын

R & J Restoration Station Now that’s an interesting story. I would love to hear more about that. I never heard of women pilots shuttling warplanes. Incredible, and another example of the courage and spirit of the Greatest Generation. Many thanks and God bless Mrs Johnson and her compatriots.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

@@Vaderd2k926 Yes God Bless :)

@paulmcmillan3915 5 жыл бұрын

She was probably part of WASPs, or Women Air Force Service pilots whose enviable job was to ferry planes from the manufacturer to the front.

@thatfeeble-mindedboy 5 жыл бұрын

Att: vaderd2k ... One of the most gratifying things I ever watched on the history channel was a bunch of former wasp pilots now quite elderly ladies describing their opinions and assessments, and reliving the days that now are like a dream. Hearing and watching a frail 90-year-old woman telling a story in a vintage Texas accent, about when she was delivering the ‘new’ D model P 51 Mustangs from The North American plant in Fort Worth just as fast as they could make them, and her supervisor telling her everyone is in a hurry, and don’t dawdle… SHE interpreted this to mean throttle and manifold pressure! Lol, and what it was like to be ripping over the Texas countryside at something like 350 kts or better, and recalling the time she and three or four others were delivering mustangs, flying in formation, and deciding “we just wanted to see what these things could do…“. I laughed so hard… Her fellow pilot standing next to her who hadn’t said anything up to then just interjects “I didn’t like them… Sitting on top of that radiator made it SO HOT..”( like she was complaining about how many cupholders her minivan had) Had to be one of those instances where the rest of your life seems so mundane compared to those days during the war when college age girls like her got to do something that they would never have a chance to do ever again. Can you imagine? Someone says “Hey girlie!, We need someone to fly these Mustangs from Fort Worth to Galveston… Since you’re not really doing anything much, why don’t you sign up? We will teach you to fly, It’s your patriotic duty, and of course we will pay you… whadya say?” LOL

@victoriataylor5457 5 жыл бұрын

What a tremendous thrill , & what a view. I wondered, what it would have been like back then ,to be flying in this B-25; fighting over the pacific. What the Pilot , Co Pilot, and Gunner were thinking. Can one even imagine the thoughts they must have had . Scary , but they were all so brave & so heroic. This Pilot Marc & Co Pilot Mitch landed it so smoothly. Thank you so much Ed for this opportunity to at least get the feel of that experience.. wow this is History ! My grandson is a Cpt .in the US Air Force and one week end he took me over to the base & gave me a tour I got to see where they keep all the planes I got to climb up the steep ladder, & sit in the pilots seat ,of I think a CR - 135, (theres so many of them ) but inside it looks pretty much the same as this , but a little newer, it had the same basic structure , It was alot of fun, and intresting. Too bad he couldnt have taken me for a flight. I love the restorations that the guys of the Commemrative Air Force Do, Ive got a big colored picture of FI- Fi and the flying fortress , sent to me from them , Ive been a past member, & I think I will renew my membership,

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Hello Victoria, first off thank you so much for your very nice comment, I'm so glad that I was able to show what it was like flying in one of these aircraft and we can only imagine what it was like during the war. Yes Marc & Mitch or both very experienced in flying these WWII bombers and they both are Airline pilots as well. That is great that your grandson is a Cpt .in the US Air Force and you got to tour inside the KC-135 and yes FiFi is an extraordinary part of the USA's history and I flew in it back in 2010 at the Long Beach Airport & I have video of my Flight on KZfaq & yes the CAF would love your membership renewal. Again a HUGE thank you for your comment & for watching and hopefully you get a flight with your Grandson and please tell him thank you for his service for me.

@hansikatz 4 жыл бұрын

Look for a book titled "We Band of Brothers", written by a pilot of the Air Apaches (345th BG, 5th Air Force) who flew B-25 strafers in the Pacific. It's an older book, from 1984, but can be found on Amazon. It's a great read from someone who walked the walk.

@rburrows7786 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful. It’s amazing to think that Doolittle and his guys flew these off an aircraft carrier

@EdWhisenantAviation Жыл бұрын

A Stunning Achievement for sure. Thank you for stopping by 👍😎

@kenk8215 5 жыл бұрын

My grandfather was a B-25 instructor during WW2. I've heard hundreds of his stories. Thank you for giving me the ability to see what it is actually like to be inside one while it is flying. Great video. P.S. He had very bad hearing and now I know why!

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome and thank you for the touching comment. God Bless your Grandfather for his service and I'm glad that you got to feel a little bit of what it was like.

@case1680 5 жыл бұрын

My dad was a B-25 instructor also during WWII. He flew out of Marfa Texas I believe. He passed away in 1991 and I didnt get to hear very much about his experiences much.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome, ya it's an experience for sure but I can only imagine what it was like during the war. God Bless your Grandfather and hang onto those stories :)

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Yes they are very loud in person.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

@@case1680 Sorry to here he passed, my Dad passed in 1999 and he worked in several movies and TV shows for 40 years and he never wanted to talk about it and when he passed away I sure would have loved to here stories of things he experienced and people he worked with.

@passwordbosco407 5 жыл бұрын

My absolute favorite aircraft of WWII. I saw an interview years ago with a former B-24 pilot that said he could always tell a B-25 pilot because they were all deaf. HA ! Rest in peace hero's, and thank you for your service and love of America. Things are different now....

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Yes the B-25's are very loud that's for sure HA! just kidding & yes rest in piece heroes and thank you for watching :)

@DragerPilot 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, that is true. My father was a B-25 pilot and he starting losing his hearing at about 40 yrs. by 75 he was totally deaf. The VA agreed it was as a result of the B-25 and the high pitched scream of the navigational radio beams.

@rodgoddard5113 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Ed, would have been an awesome experience. Hats off to the guys who restored this B25, great tribute to those who flew them in WW2.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Rod, you said it very well, take care 😎👍

@fredcameron5143 3 жыл бұрын

Had a B25 pilot pass away here at Olive Branch, N.C. on June 6, 2021. His name was C.Heath Baucom 99 yrs old, was a WW 11 veteran & served in a B25 bomber group in the South Pacific Theater of the war. He was born September 24, 1921, a quiet, kind, peaceful man and respected by everyone.

@rodgoddard5113 3 жыл бұрын

@@fredcameron5143 sincere condolences to Mr Baucom's family, may he rest in peace.

@1handybunk1 4 жыл бұрын

Dad was an european theatre b-25 pilot and Moms second after Pop passed was a Pacific theatre b-25 pilot . A really great shipping shredder. Talk about throw weight and speed!

@edwardzamorski3711 2 жыл бұрын

The guys that restored her are the real hero's

@Dochorahan 6 жыл бұрын

Had the privilege of seeing it fly at Wings over Dallas 2017. The pilots of this PBJ-1J put on the best B-25 SHOW of the lot of B-25s flying that day. These guys flew lower and faster than the others!

@EdWhisenantAviation 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome I'm glad that you got to see a great Flight of this PBJ in action. Thank you for watching :)

@artgrijalva6555 4 жыл бұрын

I happened to take a ride on this aircraft...wow was it amazing. This happened at NAF Seeley at the Blue Angels airshow in March 2019. Being a former crew chief on C130s between 71/75,I never thought I'd fly on a military aircraft but here I was. WOW!!

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

First off thank you so much for your service & second I'm glad you got to experience a Flight On-Board this Historic Aircraft. Thank you for your comment & for watching 👍

@guymorris6596 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service from myself, honorably discharged from the US Army since 1991.

@richardlayman3951 5 жыл бұрын

The Mitchell looks great in this color scheme. Good show Gentlemen it is a joy to behold.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Richard :)

@bluzzjazz Жыл бұрын

Great plane for sure. The B-17 Flying Fortress was amazing engineering for the time.

@EdWhisenantAviation Жыл бұрын

The B-17 is an incredible aircraft for sure, thank you very much for watching 👍😎

@thedynamicgolfcrew2511 5 жыл бұрын

u just gotta love the classic sound power and beauty of WW2 air crafts

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with you 100%. Thanks Charles for watching :)

@RWBHere 4 жыл бұрын

Thank-you for the excellent video! The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) have been flying a B25 Mitchell bomber. We have seen it flying in formation with their Lancaster, Hurricanes and Spitfires. They make quite a site, and an unforgettable sound.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

That would be awesome to see these fly in formation with a Lancaster, Hurricanes and Spitfires. I've never seen a Lancaster fly. Thank you for watching :)

@indridcold8433 4 жыл бұрын

I got to see and touch one of these at the Navy air museum. It was beautiful. Little did I know it was not flight worthy.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Cool you got to see & touch one, ya not very many are flying now days compared to how many they made, Thank you for your comment and for watching 👍

@robertcocciardi5062 5 жыл бұрын

Just awesome! love the old prop bombers.. nothing but really classic firepower of history.. thank you for all your team and their dedication to this B25..

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Robert for your nice comment & for watching :)

@jduff59 6 жыл бұрын

She's just plain beautiful! That's a lot of love, sweat and tears worth of work and worth every bit, thanks for allowing us to se her.

@EdWhisenantAviation 6 жыл бұрын

Yes you are correct, a lot of people have no idea how much time, hard work and money it takes to restore something like this. Thank you so much for your comment and for watching :)

@luisricardobossert5460 4 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation n70000

@flaviojunior4218 3 жыл бұрын

And to think that the guys who flew these beauties at war, were just over a third the age of these gentlemen.

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

So true & amazing when you think about it. Brave young men. Thank you for your comment & for watching 😎👍

@margaretroselle8610 6 жыл бұрын

Thoroughly enjoyable video.....what a grand old bomber.Oodles of personality.Thanks so much!

@EdWhisenantAviation 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Margaret for watching and glad you enjoyed it and yes lot's of personality for sure :)

@TheHDAviation 7 жыл бұрын

What a classic, that must have been an amazing aircraft to fly in. Love the views from the gunner position and from the cockpit!

@EdWhisenantAviation 7 жыл бұрын

Yes it was for sure an amazing aircraft to fly in and has to be one of my best flight experiences. Thanks so much for watching.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

@eclemensen Sorry, ya no pictures from the top, thank you for watching :)

@dryan8377 5 жыл бұрын

My dad was a USAF pilot of the B-25 in the 50's. Flew C-47's after that in supply runs in the early 60's. Miss him. He would love the new avionics on this bird.

@eddiedavis151 4 жыл бұрын

Just watched the video, fantastic. Great to see these old war birds still flying. This is how they should be kept, in the air not static displays

@metocvideo 5 жыл бұрын

The way that the modern glass screen avionics have been incorporated into the instrument panel is very well done.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

They did a great job, thank you for watching :)

@FSSRKeyno 7 жыл бұрын

wowzer!!!! Beautiful plane, city, and day for flying!!!! Thanks for sharing amigo.

@EdWhisenantAviation 7 жыл бұрын

Yes it is a Beautiful plane, city, and it was a great day for flying. Your welcome I'm glad I was able to share. Thanks so much for watching.

@waynegreene6405 2 жыл бұрын

Bloody beautiful mate and no background music to bugger up the sound of the engines. Loved it.

@EdWhisenantAviation 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for watching and for your nice comment Wayne and ya no music just music from these beautiful engines 👍😎

@jerryhubbard4461 5 жыл бұрын

A few years back near my house at the bottom of Lake Murray in South Carolina, they pulled a Mitchell B-25 from the lake in about 100 feet of water. I was a site to see. They took it somewhere in Georgia to be restored. I crashed into the lake on a training mission during WWII.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

That's amazing and they will restore it, I wonder if for a museum or for flying? Thank you for watching and for your comment :)

@Biffo1262 5 жыл бұрын

This, the DeHaviland Mosquito and the Blenheim are my all time favourite twin engine bombers. I get a glittering in my stomach when I see any old war bird fly but those three are something special.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

I have to agree with you it doesn't matter how many times I see a warbird starting up and flying I still get excited. Thanks so much for watching :)

@williammawk1720 5 жыл бұрын

The B=26 Marauder was also a fabulous two engine bomber.

@williamc.1198 5 жыл бұрын

Great looking aircraft! As a kid at Randolph A.F.B., I remember Air Force B-25'sw used there for multi-engine pilot training. As a sailor, I crewed several recip-powered aircraft: EC-121M, SP-2H, C-1A, US-2B. Sure miss those old radial engines!

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service & for watching :)

@c.j.cleveland7475 2 жыл бұрын

There's nothing that sounds like a radial engine!! We live in the landing pattern of the local airport and you can always tell the radial engines apart from the inlines.😁👍

@stratmanjoe 5 жыл бұрын

What a majestic, old warbird. It’s a sight to behold. Thanks guys!

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your nice comment & for watching 👍

@stratmanjoe 4 жыл бұрын

Ed, you got to fly on the 909 didn’t you?

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

@@stratmanjoe Yes, I flew in 909 back on April 28th, 2007 out of Long Beach Airport in California a flight I will never forget and it's always on my mind after the crash. Very sad.

@PriceCase 6 жыл бұрын

While on tour with Fifi the B-29 in 2016, I had the privilege of riding in this plane. Years earlier I had a first sergeant who was a tail gunner in a B-25 in the China-Burma-India theatre in WWII, and for years I hoped to get back in the tail gun station. Dream come true, and what a view!!!

@EdWhisenantAviation 6 жыл бұрын

That's great your dream came true & thank you for your service. I love seeing FIFI when it comes to California, I flew in her out of Long Beach. Highly recommend people flying in FIFI. Thank you for watching and for your comment :)

@99carnot 7 жыл бұрын

Beautiful restoration of this rare classic. Thanks for posting! Liked!

@EdWhisenantAviation 7 жыл бұрын

Glad I had the opportunity that I could post video of this amazing Aircraft. Thank you for watching.

@marktoombs6276 4 жыл бұрын

Your very welcome my friend? What a great bird !

@sski 5 жыл бұрын

The views from the bombardier position are amazing! Those R-2600's spinning those props look awesome from that angle. Best ride in the boat!

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your comment & for watching :)

@philliplawerence5784 5 жыл бұрын

Yea, the nose can be a good view, but there are a few caveats: The seat's not that big, the bomb sight really gets in the way, the mockup 30cal obstructs part of the view, it can be difficult just getting in and out, and if you're taller than 5'10" get ready to bump into everything. Otherwise, it can be a good view without the workload of being the driver. And just as a personal comment, I think the best view can be had from the nose of the old Navy P-2's.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

@@philliplawerence5784 Great describing the view, I'm smaller than 5'10" so I got around pretty good :)

@jakeythefurry9522 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome Video! I took the first plane ride of my life in the B-25 "executive Sweet" after the 2019 Wings over Camarillo Airshow, Quite truly an experience i'll never forget!

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

That's awesome, I'm so glad you got to fly On-Board Executive Sweet, I flew in it also & the Collings Foundations "Tondelayo"

@corneliuscrewe677 Жыл бұрын

I didn’t know there were any PBJ’s left at all before seeing this video. One of my favorite aircraft designs.

@cathy9160 5 жыл бұрын

What a thrill and an experience to go up in this vintage plane i would be so excited.these pilots must be so proud to fly this beautiful plane.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Yes it's an amazing experience, Iv'e been lucky enough to have flown in 4 different B-25's and these pilot's our so proud and honor are WWII Veterans for the sacrifice for our country may we never forget. Thank you for your comment & for watching :)

@garygrn 5 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you. My dad was a tail gunner in the CBI so this gives an added dimension to his stories.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

WOW! I can only imagine what that was like being a tail gunner, that's some great history being in the CBI. If he's still around please thank him for his service. My Father-In-Law is 94 and he was in the Battle of the Bulge and has many stories but has only told a few. Thank you for watching :)

@markhilbert9005 Жыл бұрын

Thanks to all the guy`s who keep these awesome machines up & running beautiful Airplane !

@Teddykhil 5 жыл бұрын

Bloody fantastic resto of times gone by. But it's guys like this and others that bring back the old girls of the sky. Well done to ALL that was involved in this restoration of a great bomber. AAAA

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your very nice comment & for watching :)

@chirellealanalooney7895 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this great video! That plane was beautiful, and I love the sound of those engines!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Your very welcome & thank you for your comment & for watching 👍😎

@mikemcelveen2973 5 жыл бұрын

My great uncle Phil Davis piloted one of these in WW2. What stories he had to tell. You had to yell at him during conversation so he could hear you. Lol! He passed in the late 70s when I was 12. Man I'd love to talk to him today. Enjoyed this video. Thank you!

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Your great uncle was a hero & I could only imagine the stories he could have told. So glad you enjoyed watching & thank you :)

@jlucasound 5 жыл бұрын

What a view from the turret! You are a fortunate man. What a ride. Thank You, Sir. That is one hell of a workhorse.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your kind words and for watching :)

@chirellealanalooney7895 4 жыл бұрын

I am so sorry, but I still can't get over the fact that the tail end of that beautiful plane isn't scraping the ground. Just amazing! I Love It! Thank you so much!!!

@unclej8022 4 жыл бұрын

It's a very rare view from the front gunner seat of the Mitchell B 25 bomber. Awesome 👍

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Yes indeed, I was lucky to get up in the gunner seat during flight, thank you Uncle J for your comment & for watching 👍

@inquirer1016 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this fine video. It feels like I was in the cockpit with you guys. What a magnificient plane and it was amazing that it was able to take off from the USS Hornet deck enroute to Tokyo back in WWII. The plane doesn't look that fast on take off. The propellers looks like it was bending in flight.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment and for watching :)

@65gtotrips Жыл бұрын

The Mitchell’s are just a badass looking plane !

@EdWhisenantAviation Жыл бұрын

I agree with you 100% and they fly like Fighters, thank you for watching 👍😎

@mikehampson1380 5 жыл бұрын

Beautiful restoration job on this B-25, love to hear the sound of Radial Engines when running! Nothing like it.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

I have to agree with you on the sound & yes they did a great restoration it came out very nice. Thank you for watching :)

@nomoresoldiers 5 жыл бұрын

Just lovely well made vid. Perfect for an old disabled Dude like me with an old Guillows kit of this ship. Going to make a scalemodel as accurate as my patience allows. Allready got going on it. Thank You ! In Honour of all Flying Men

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment & for watching, very sorry about you being disabled & good luck on your model, it should look pretty cool when your finished it's a beautiful aircraft.

@yannberte8291 4 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation My father was flying on a B26 Marauder nicknamed "the widow maker"... as a bomber navigator and captain in a frenchie crew. He was based on Big Spring Texas airfield ! I kept its nav log and I'll always proud of him !!! Thanks u so much for this vidéo it makes me feel good even if it's a Mitchell one ;-) From France !!!

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

@@yannberte8291 Thank you so much Yann for sharing your Fathers story and yes I'm so glad that you are proud of him I wish more people would be proud of what the military does to keep us safe around the world. Love the B-26, I just wish I would have seen one fly in person. Thank god for the brave men like your father. Take care & stay safe 😎

@yannberte8291 4 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation If I remember correctly, he told me that in proportion to the number of B26s engaged in the Normandy landings there were more aircraft lost in the sky of the American territory ... For the record, one day when I was a child I absolutely wanted a model airplane and instead of choosing a plane from the US Air Force I chose a Japanese ZERO ... He laughed a lot and I still didn't understand why! Now a big thanks to all these war correspondents who knew how to keep the morale of the troops with their nice letters and an emotional thought for these WAKs that we forget too often and without which nothing would have been possible. Now in meetings I've seen Corsairs aso but never a B26 :-( Sooo take care of u and thanks for your initiatives !

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

@@yannberte8291 Very sad all the planes & crewmen lost during the war, that's great about the ZERO, my son made me a little German Bi-Plane from the war & everyone asked why didn't you build him Corsair, P-51, P-40 Etc. Was nice talking to you and stay safe 👍😎

@sherzaiasim 5 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful sexy powerful intimadating aircraft flown by gutsy pilots, love the sound of engine idle, kudos to the veterans and thank you for sharing the history

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

You said if perfect, thank you for your comment & for watching :)

@Eireann. 2 жыл бұрын

The sound of those old beauty's fills you with confidence.

@capnpete1154 5 жыл бұрын

I never get tired of the sound of a radial engine! I wish I could have that as my ring tone!

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Yes that would be a great ring tone, thank you for watching :)

@davidvance6367 4 жыл бұрын

Capn Pete B 25's in Rabaul busted the Japanese bases to bits

@roberthoffhines5419 4 жыл бұрын

Even though they probably wouldn't let you back there, I always thought the tailgunner blister looked like the coolest seat in this model Mitchell. I built up a model when I was 11 and would daydream about how cool it would be to sit back there between those beautiful twin rudders.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Hello Robert, on this flight I could't go to the back, but if you watch my video Titled: GoPro Take a Flight Inside the North American B-25J Mitchell "Executive Sweet" Camarillo Airport at 9:20 it shows me going all the way to the Tailgunner's position, it's really cool.

@mattkaustickomments 4 жыл бұрын

Me too! Built a B-25 & and B-26 ... 1st & 2nd favorite bombers & used to daydream about being aboard them all the time!

@roberthoffhines5419 4 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation awesome! will do, THANKS! Dream come true stuff!

@lostinpa-dadenduro7555 5 жыл бұрын

I love the paint scheme. 👍

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching :)

@robertdug495 5 жыл бұрын

The guns and cannon they mounted on this bird for strafing was incredible!

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Yes they did a great job, thank you for your comment & for watching :)

@iwasabombardier 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Ed, I have just watched your excellent video flying in that gorgeous B25. I know how you must have felt. I am 79 years old and will be 80 in January 2020. For my 70th birthday,my family all chipped in and got me a 75 minute flight in a Tiger Moth with the Cambridge Flying club. I have always been mad about aircraft and still build and fly radio controlled model aircraft. The flight in the moth was absolute magic, and to add to the icing on the cake, I flew that baby around for 60 minutes of the whole flight.I did not want to come down. Glad you enjoyed the flight.Anthony.

@tonyloechte9994 5 жыл бұрын

Simply awesome. Those engines sound beautiful.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your comment :) I love the sound also.

@soonerjontheconservative636 5 жыл бұрын

I can't imagine what it would have been like to fly it off an aircraft carrier. what hero's they were.

@robertdejong2148 5 жыл бұрын

Right on the money!!

@bartschwartz9233 Жыл бұрын

Almost stripped of non needed iteams to reduce weight and no catapult in those days

@garymorris1856 5 жыл бұрын

Great to watch. An absolutely beautiful aircraft, really cool. Thanks for posting.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Gary, I'm glad I was able to experience this flight and post it :)

@FlyingJournalism 3 жыл бұрын

Plane is so tall, I have a picture of my daughter standing underneath the propeller👍👍 awesome video

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

Yes they are pretty high, glad you got a picture, good memories. Thank you for watching. 👍😎

@tomstclair961 5 жыл бұрын

It should be mandatory! Every jet fighter pilot of today must take a flight in a real hands on aircraft like this so they can appreciate the luxuries of the new fly by wire aircraft of today.. lol lol. It is a beauty gang. I love the B 25. It is such a cool looking plane with the tricycle gear sitting way up high and the twin tale.. it sounds awesome too.. when I was a kid this aircraft was my first model I ever built.. then the p-51. Love them all. And love and respect all you guys that flew em and maintained them. Thanks for this awesome video guys.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

I agree with you on the hands on Aircraft & a big yes on the love and respect to all the guys that flew and maintained them. Thank you Tom for your nice comment & for watching 😎

@tomstclair961 5 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation 👍😉🇺🇸🇺🇸🍺

@user-il4br8du1s 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the video.A dream come true.

@EdWhisenantAviation 6 жыл бұрын

Your very welcome & thank you for watching :)

@tomstclair961 2 жыл бұрын

Well done gentleman. True aviators!! 💪💪💪💪🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

@EdWhisenantAviation 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your great comment & understanding, a lot of people have no clue how much Blood, Sweat & Tears go into an aircraft like this. True Aviators indeed 👍😎

@emmano6340 3 жыл бұрын

What an amazing opportunity to fly in one of these, thanks for the video ! Hope I can fly in those birds someday too

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment & for watching and yes I hope you get a chance to fly in one of these one day 👍😎

@shananagans5 4 жыл бұрын

It is kind of amazing that these were built just 37 years after humans managed a first clumsy but controlled flight. In another 30 years we are landing on the moon. My great granny was born in the late 1870's. When I was a young child in the mid 1970's, she told us stories about traveling west in a covered wagon. Granted, she had a long life but she traveled west for 3 months in a wagon pulled by oxen when she was a child. As an elderly woman, she saw the moon landings and traveled 8 miles a minute in a commercial jet. One lifetime: Old West to cruising 500 mph at 35,000 feet.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

I love what you wrote, thanks so much for your comment & for watching :)

@Cannontime 4 жыл бұрын

How bright the future much have looked..

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

@@Cannontime People from that timeline have seen a lot, thank you for watching :)

@robertjones1543 4 жыл бұрын

My fathers grandmother was alive at the time of custers last stand

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

@@robertjones1543 It makes it seem like it wasn't that long ago.

@RTD1947 7 жыл бұрын

Beautiful footage, nice job.

@EdWhisenantAviation 7 жыл бұрын

Thank so much Rick :)

@TheFunkhouser Жыл бұрын

Being in that front glass house! Amazing views! WOW 😎😳😍

@EdWhisenantAviation Жыл бұрын

Yup a front row seat for sure 👍😎Thank you for watching 👍😎

@jonathankuyt3094 5 жыл бұрын

Growing up in Fort Smith, North-West Territories, Canada (mid-late seventies), they had several retired Mitchells they had converted to water-bombers to fight forest fires. We used to drive out to the airport to see them take off when there was a call out. Gorgeous planes!

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

I bet it was pretty cool watching these old War Birds taking off, thank you for sharing & for watching.

@jonathankuyt3094 5 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation Surprisingly I found a video of these bombers......You Tube is amazing. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pM-pirGp0LjQgac.html

@jonathankuyt3094 5 жыл бұрын

A couple of articles of interest: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/northwestern-air-lease-celebrates-5-decades-in-the-sky-1.3176753 I guess the first plane they tried for this operation was a Lancaster. Some photos with other articles: warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=40156&start=135 One of the former pilots son comments on this thread.

@hephaestus198 5 жыл бұрын

Majestic bird, there is some "sporty" style in its design, still valid today I am sure the designers had a lot of fun creating it.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

I have to agree, thank you so much for your comment & for watching :)

@Fastbikkel 4 жыл бұрын

The B-25 is the first bomber i ever built (1/72 scale). I have this "special" connection. Apart from that, i think the colorscheme on this one looks beautiful on this already amazing aircraft.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your comment & for watching, glad you enjoyed 👍😎

@jameskeyes1131 4 жыл бұрын

So small compared to a B-17 but a beautiful shape. Love the blue color too. Best looking bomber of WWII.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Yes & fly's like a Fighter plane, B-25 is very cool, thank you for watching James :)

@sunshine4530 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing. I knew these birds were noisy, now I know HOW noisy they really are. Still my favorite plane, so much history.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Yes they are very loud especially while On-Board, one of my favorite also. Thank you so much for watching 👍

@rogerb5615 4 жыл бұрын

Yes .... Redefines LOUD, but in a good way. In the late 1950s and early 1960s I used to listen to DC-3s, -4s, -7s, and Connies making their way overhead at cruise altitude - maybe 10K ft - and even at that distance, their sound was like music.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

@@rogerb5615 So true 👍

@user-nr6sh4os2o 6 жыл бұрын

Perfectly restored aircraft! Veteran! Great video!

@EdWhisenantAviation 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching. Yup she's beautiful in person.

@user-nr6sh4os2o 6 жыл бұрын

I like!

@aaaht3810 5 жыл бұрын

That's one nice looking bird. Love the engine startup.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you liked, thank you for watching :)

@TheRoguelement 5 жыл бұрын

Can you imagine these bad ass bombers were stripped down and launched off a WW2 Carrier deck I was watching his roll out and OMG the fact they actually made it work is amazing I could not see a Mitchell jumping off the deck ..

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, that would have been an incredible sight to see & the poor crew praying & hoping that it works, I would have liked to have seen how stripped out the bomber was, and could you imagine the 1st & 2nd bombers taking off with a shorter deck, at least the 3rd, 4th etc. probably felt a little more at ease knowing that they made it. Thank you for your comment & for watching :)

@spiritzweispirit1st638 4 жыл бұрын

I Think That Aside From The Beautiful B-17's-The B-25's Are Just The Most Sweet and Awesome Desinged and The Coolest of The Armed Hot Rods!!👍🇺🇸

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

I agree they are awesome and fly like a fighter, thank you for watching 👍

@tonydee2069 5 жыл бұрын

Holy crap! I am more of a steam train guy.... into WW2 stuff too yeah... walked up to and sat in - sitting still aircraft.... but this is my first video of the whole circuit. Wow. the noise, the vibration, the jostling... and aircrew put up with this for 10-12 hour runs? 25 missions and your bones nerves and ears must have been ready for a pension! I am recommending this video to all my friends!

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Have you watched my Steam Train videos? I have to agree with you it must of been pretty intense. A huge thank you for watching and for recommending my video to your friends. Take care :)

@BobbyTucker 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the ride, the best flight I've gotten in years, never even looked at my watch either, lol. Thank's for sharing, I left a thumbs up, click on the bell and a sub.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your very nice comment and for the sub., glad you enjoyed the ride along 👍

@normanberry9639 4 жыл бұрын

My father was a navigator on one of these for the RCAF. Made many- a - mission and come back peppered up a few. Very tough birds they are. God rest his soul now he passed in 2003.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing Norman, sounds like your Father was a very brave Man & yes God rest his soul.

@davidb0126a 5 жыл бұрын

Nice fire marshal! :D

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

But did you like the plane? Thank you for watching :)

@davidb0126a 5 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation Oh, yeah! Loved it. Just got a little distracted I guess. :D

@warrensteffey8222 5 жыл бұрын

When I was stationed on the Yukon in the 60's they were using two B-25's to "sand-bomb" the frozen river to try and speed up breakup. Don't know the exact model, but when they offered to let me fly along I climbed in. No real place to sit, however, and I climbed out before they took off.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your service, bummer you didn't go for the flight, did you ever fly in one before or after that?

@BobbyTucker 4 жыл бұрын

Listening to those Radial engines running, "Tuned Perfection", that's such a sight and sound.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

Ya they sound really good, thank you for watching Bobby 👍

@BobbyTucker 4 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation , Mr. Whisenant, the pleasure is all mine.

@tommyhall2768 Жыл бұрын

Love the old war birds great job guys an good luck

@EdWhisenantAviation Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much 👍😎

@vinaviation9726 3 жыл бұрын

Woooow, what an amazing aircraft! Thank you so much for sharing this video...I really enjoyed it!

@EdWhisenantAviation 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Vin glad you enjoyed 😎👍

@Bay6Print 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, that was totally awesome, what a beautiful plane

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your nice comment & for watching :)

@graystoke555 5 жыл бұрын

I love this plane, my father flew them in China during WWII. The stories. Thanks for the post looking forward to more.

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, I bet he has a lot of stories I can only imagine, Thank you for watching :)

@TricksterDa 4 жыл бұрын

I was about ten years old, watching TV, when when I first saw the movie, 30 Seconds Over Tokyo, and fell in love with the B-25, especially the camera angles showing Van Johnson's plane flying low over the Pacific and then hugging the ground inland over Japan, all at high speed. To this day, I think the B-25 remains my favorite World War II bomber.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

I have to agree with you Richard, Iv'e been lucky to have flown in several different B-25's and they are an incredible to fly in, they fly like a WWII fighter aircraft very maneuverable. Thank you for your comment Richard & for watching 👍

@TricksterDa 4 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation I just subscribed and look forward to your next video.

@TricksterDa 4 жыл бұрын

@@EdWhisenantAviation the 25s maneuverability and relative compact size certainly must have influenced Doolittle's decision to even attempt such a mission. Do you know if the Navy and Army Air Force might have considered other such missions going forward? Maybe not, considering the Japanese would certainly have beefed up their air defenses and fighter patrols, making any subsequent missions very dangerous, almost suicidal considering the sacrifices in armament, limited fuel capacity and safe landing areas.

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

@@TricksterDa Excellent comment Richard 👍

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

@@TricksterDa Thank you Richard for subscribing, I sure appreciate it, I upload a train video once in awhile also so I hope that's ok, some of my viewers only like helicopters and aircraft, I like them all 👍😎

@steveevans7170 4 жыл бұрын

Canadian Warplane Heritage has a flying B25. Perhaps not the same model. Took a 40 minute flight in it a few years ago. Great experience 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇨🇦

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

So glad you flew in the B-25 and glad you had a great experience, they are one of my favorite planes to fly in 👍

@volwars 7 жыл бұрын

You certainly know how to make people jealous! Great video!

@EdWhisenantAviation 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your comment, I will never forget this flight.

@dancraver3815 5 жыл бұрын

I'm from a family of aviators of this error there all gone now but it's good to see one of there birds still flys

@EdWhisenantAviation 5 жыл бұрын

WOW! great history of family aviators, God Bless them, pretty cool to know that there planes are still flying honoring them. Thank you for your comment & for watching :)

@dandogful 4 жыл бұрын

Why do the propellers appear to look bent during flight?

@davidholden4715 4 жыл бұрын

Great fun. Thank you for the video. I work on a research farm just east of the PV Reservoir and look up with admiration when the Mitchell flys over on appoach. What a glorious sound!

@EdWhisenantAviation 2 жыл бұрын

So cool you get to see them flying, thank you for watching David 👍😎

@raymondcote6669 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. Reminds me so much if my flying with the reservists out of NAS Alameda back in the 1963 time frame. I flew as an observer up in the P2V nose, sans 50 cal and also helped

@EdWhisenantAviation 4 жыл бұрын

That's awesome, love the P2V, noisy brakes always squeaking. Thank you for your service 👍