WWII era plane to deliver essential supplies to hurricane-ravaged areas

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — On Thursday, a World War II-era DC-3 transport will take flight once again for a humanitarian mission.

The vintage plane is from Vintage Flying Machines Collection in south Florida. It will make two trips from the Military Aviation Museum, in Virginia Beach to western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee to aid those affected by Hurricane Helene.

The joint crew consist of a pilot and a crew chief from the Military Aviation Museum and a co-pilot from Vintage Flying Machines Collection.

On each trip the plane will deliver 5,000 pounds essential supplies including urgently needed items such as: sleeping bags, tents, canned foods, bungie cords, gas heaters, alkaline batteries (D-cell), cat food, dog food, tarps, rakes, warm clothing (hats and gloves), newborn diapers, backpacks, crayons, kitchen trash bags, blankets, hand warmers, small containers of peroxide, vinegar, peanut butter, jelly and shelf-stable milk (non-refrigerated).

A total of 20,000 pounds of supplies have been donated since the relief drive began at the end of last week, and more is still needed.

“Many of the folks that help out and support our annual Warbirds Over the Beach event are
from the areas hardest hit by Helene. Hearing those stories had the Museum staff and our
volunteers wondering – what can we do to help?” Museum Director Keegan Chetwynd said.
“Members of the Hampton Roads community have responded with incredible generosity.”

Virginia Beach Firefighters were able to lend a helping hand Wednesday by loading supplies onto the plane.

Those wishing to donate can drop off items at a collection point installed at the
Museum’s main entrance from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. The Museum is located at 1341 Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach.

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