Warbirds Over the Beach
The Andrew Sisters
Warbirds Over the Beach is an annual event, at the Military Aviation Museum located in the heart of Pungo, Virginia. I first found out about the event and attended it in May of 2017 and 2018. Much of the work was created in a studio set up. In some of these I've tried to replicate how the images would have looked during that era, both in print style - like a faded sepia, or in portrait style - even like propaganda for the New Soviet Man or the Aryan model of the Reich.
The new Soviet Man.
Propaganda for the Third Reich.
The Women's Auxiliary Ferry Squadron (WAFS), and The Women's Flying Training Detachment (WFTD), merged in 1943 to create (WAP).
On Saturday nights they have a big event in the hangers with singers and a big band sound from the 1940s. An Andrew Sisters and Frank Sinatra act were the highlights of the evening.
The Andrews Sisters
When Frank Cubillo sings Frank Sinatra, close your eyes and you wouldn’t know the difference.
The mission of the Military Aviation Museum is:
“Our flying aircraft are more than metal, fabric and wood. They are time machines that provide a tangible link to the period in history that gave birth to the modern world, a time when the United States was forged into the nation we know today through industrialization, innovation and the social changes precipitated by conflict on a global scale. Each of our airplanes represent a culmination of technological and manufacturing achievements, each is a crystallization of the American spirit, and each is kept flying as a monument to the sacrifices made by the whole country in the cause of freedom.
Numerous reenactors - living historians - attend the event. Creating portraits of them was challenging and rewarding. And I learned a lot that I wouldn’t read in a book.
The Military Aviation Museum honors the heroes who built, flew and maintained America’s military aircraft. By sharing their stories through exhibitions and events, we promote an understanding of history, science, service and sacrifice that will inspire and educate visitors of all ages.”
This portrait has a great backstory to it. This is Captain Anthony Goebel, 8th Air Force, 352 Fighter Group, 487 Fighter Squadron, where he flew a P51D Mustang. His group was referred to, and their sign was, "The Little Blue Nose Bastards of Bodney." A designation given them by Herman Goering, when they decimated his Luftwaffe. He passed away on July 14, 2018. He was 101 years of age.
The men on either side of him are his sons.
The Museum is open to the public (there is a fee) and has a lot of special events throughout the year. To find out more visit their website: