One of the rarest and most historical planes in the world made a stop in the Hub City. The B-25, otherwise known as the ‘Maiden in the Shade,’ took a 20-minute trip around Lubbock on Monday.
It was a short flight compared to what the bomber has been through.
“This airplane is 75 years old. It’s a combat veteran as she was built in 1943 and flew to Brazil in 1944,” said Marty Post, who helps maintain the B-25 bomber. “She flew 15 combat missions into Italy and was part of the final campaign for World War II.”
The B-25 bomber was once cutting-edge technology, but now, only 34 remain in the world as the years have worn them down. It has taken hours, and a lot of money, to get this bomber back to its former glory. However, even though the aircraft has been completely restored, some of the marks remain like handwritten notes from World War II soldiers.
“When people get off that airplane, they are overwhelmed,” said Post. “The biggest kick we get is when we have World War II veterans who we fly if they are able.”
Veterans like Justin Jones, a soldier who served during World War II, who were first in line to board the B-25 bomber. While enthusiastic about the flight, he said it brought back some painful memories.
“I was actually in Europe when D-Day happened,” said Jones. “I wish every American would read or think about that day because we lost so many good young men that day.”
Officials with the B-25 bomber hope the aircraft will serve as a reminder and as an opportunity to see it in action.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Post. “We hear all the time – ‘my dad flew an airplane,’ or ‘my grandfather’ – and this way, everyone can see what it was like for them back in the day.”
If you would like to see the B-25 in action, you can book a time and seat aboard the aircraft HERE.
