Airborne Nazi Hunter Coming to Airpower Museum

The American Airpower Museum will host a World War II maritime patrol bomber similar to those that once hunted Nazi U-boats outside New York Harbor, the museum announced Wednesday.

As usual, the museum at Republic Airport filled with vintage WWII aircraft is holding special events on Memorial Day weekend and this year's treat is the PBY Catalina, known as the "Cat," operated along the Long Island coast line during World War II, searching for Nazi U-boats trying to torpedo Allied freighters and tankers.

The aircraft will offer a tribute to all U.S. Navy personnel and the Merchant Mariners who sailed in dangerous waters during World War II, museum organizers said. The Cat aircraft were the “eyes” of the American fleet when radar was in its infancy and it was instrumental in securing victory over Japanese aircraft carriers in the Pacific and German battleships in the North Atlantic by spotting them lurking in waters below.

The aircraft also rescued thousands of downed pilots as its seaplane hull enabled it to land and take off from the ocean.

“We are honored to be able to sponsor the arrival of this aircraft as it reflects the courage and valor of not just our naval aviators but all those who went into harm’s way on behalf of freedom,” said Jan Burman, President of Bristal Assisted Living, which is a major sponsor of the event.

Burman's colleague and Bristal Assisted Living partner, Steven Krieger said “We believe there is a moral imperative to pause and honor all those who have served our nation, and those who continue to do so. By sponsoring these types of iconic aircraft we can compel a new generation to start asking questions about the heroes in their own families.

The American Airpower Museum will host many of the aircraft flying in the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Air Show this coming Memorial Day Weekend.

The museum will be open between Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27 between  9 a.m. and 5 p.m. A gate donation will be requested of $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and veterans and $5 for children.

Flight experiences will be available on a legendary Flying Fortress B-17 World War II bomber throughout the weekend as well as a classic Waco biplane, T-6 Texan and C-47 Airborne paratrooper plane. Flight experience fees are posted at the museum.

The Bristal Assisted Living communities have facilities in East Meadow, East Northport, Lynbrook, North Hills, North Woodmere, Westbury, Massapequa and White Plains.  For information on The Bristal Assisted Living Communities, please visit their web site at www.thebristal.com