Pilots in three T-28 Trojan warbirds are scheduled to execute flyovers at Keeter Stadium during the first three days of the 2022 American Legion World Series.
Warbirds are vintage military aircraft now operated by civilian military organizations or individuals. The T-28s headed for Shelby are retired military trainers now owned by the Museum of Flight in Rome, Ga.
The first flyover is planned as part of the Parade of Champions on Aug. 11, opening day of the tournament. All eight of the regional teams vying for the national title will line up on Veterans Field between the third and fourth games of the day. The pilots will execute another flyover at the stadium Saturday afternoon as part of USAA Military Appreciation Day.
The Museum of Flight, established in 2010, has displays and a collection of flight and military memorabilia in addition to the warbirds, which are flown in air shows around the southeastern United States.
The T-28 Alpha and T-28Bravo served in Operation Farm Gate, code name for a mission in Vietnam. The T-28Charlie is attributed as the first T-28 to land on an aircraft carrier, the USS Tarawa.
Flyover events:
August 11 – During the Parade of Champions – Approximate time 6:30 pm
August 12 – Time to be determined.
August 13 – Approximate time 3:30 pm