Sentimental Journey Returns to Boeing Field for 90th Anniversary of Historic First Flight

Seattle, WA – July 3, 2025 – One of World War II’s most iconic aircraft is coming home. As part of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Arizona’s "Flying Legends of Victory Tour", the beloved B-17 Sentimental Journey will land at Boeing Field on July 28, 2025—exactly 90 years after the prototype of the “Flying Fortress” first took to the skies from the same airfield.

This commemorative landing marks a powerful tribute to aviation history and a full-circle moment nearly nine decades in the making. On July 28, 1935, Boeing’s experimental Model 299 bomber made its maiden flight from Boeing Field, showcasing innovative features like multiple machine gun mounts and earning the nickname “Flying Fortress.” Although that prototype tragically crashed a few months later, its impact was lasting—the U.S. Army Air Corps ordered 13 improved YB-17s, and the legend of the B-17 was born.

Now, 90 years later, Sentimental Journey will return to the very runway where the B-17 story began. For aviation enthusiasts, veterans, and the public alike, this moment isn’t just a nostalgic look back—it’s a rare opportunity to witness living history in flight.

“Bringing Sentimental Journey back to Boeing Field is like bringing her back to her birthplace,” said a representative from CAF Airbase Arizona. “It’s more than just a tour stop—it's a salute to the pioneers of flight and the heroes who flew these bombers into combat.”

Sentimental Journey has been in the care of the CAF since 1978 and is one of only a handful of airworthy B-17s left in the world. Based out of Mesa, Arizona, the aircraft is the pride of Airbase Arizona and draws thousands of spectators annually as it tours across the country. Visitors can see the aircraft up close and, in many locations, even take a ride aboard this powerful piece of World War II history.

This anniversary event will offer a poignant moment for reflection and celebration—a reminder of the ingenuity that launched the B-17 legacy and the dedication of those keeping that legacy alive.

For more information about the tour, visit: https://www.azcaf.org.