As the nation reflects on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, CAF Airbase Georgia—one of the largest flying museums in the Southeast and a founding partner of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail—is advancing one of its most ambitious restoration efforts: returning a rare P-47N Thunderbolt to flight.
Built in 1945, this P-47 served with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard and the Nicaraguan Air Force before its final flight in 2006. Airbase Georgia began a full restoration in 2022. With only about 13 airworthy Thunderbolts remaining nationwide and in England, the project represents a nationally significant contribution to preserving America’s aviation heritage while strengthening Georgia’s leadership in WWII education and interpretation.
As a founding site of the Georgia WWII Heritage Trail, Airbase Georgia plays a central role in telling the aviation story of Georgia’s wartime home front and ensuring that living history experiences remain accessible to residents, students, and visitors across the state.
“Restoring this P-47 is about honoring the men and women who built, maintained, and flew these aircraft—and ensuring future generations can learn from and be inspired by them,” said Airbase Leader Joel Perkins. “Every donation brings us one step closer to seeing this Thunderbolt roar back to life as a flying tribute to American innovation, service, and sacrifice.”
Trail leadership underscored the statewide significance of the aircraft’s return to flight.
“The Georgia WWII Heritage Trail was created to connect people with the stories, sacrifices, and innovations that shaped our state during the war,” said Trail Chair Ed Coleman. “Airbase Georgia’s restoration of the P-47 directly strengthens that mission. Once flying, this aircraft will not only preserve history, it will bring it to life for communities ac