Look to the skies July 4 for Miss Mitchell

The Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing B-25J Miss Mitchell will fly over several areas in the Twin Cities metro on July 4, including White Bear Lake. The flyover is scheduled to arrive in the White Bear area from Delano around 10:45 a.m., give or take 30 minutes.

The B-25J “Miss Mitchell” served in the 310th Bomb Group, 57th Bomb Wing of the 12th Air Force in North Africa and Italy completing over 130 missions. Its legacy of no crew fatalities during all of its missions was a rare accomplishment. Prior to taking command of the 8th Air Force in Europe in 1944, the 12th Air Force was under the command of then Brigadier General Jimmy Doolittle.

After a 12 year restoration by the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, Miss Mitchell took her first flight on April 18, 1992 ~ exactly 50 years to the day of the daring Doolittle raid.

The non-profit Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing is home to six aircraft, a large motor pool fleet, and a unique collection of World War II artifacts that are on display at Fleming Field in South Saint Paul. Flyovers are made possible with donations. More information can be found at cafmn.org.

Merrina O’Malley and Pine City Pioneer