The R4D Comes to France: A Promise Kept, A Tribute Fulfilled
France (June 25, 2025) - Last year, to commemorate the 80th D-Day Anniversary, legendary transport aircraft like That’s All, Brother, Placid Lassie, and Western Airlines took to the skies over Normandy and La Ferté-Alais. Noticeably missing from the lineup was the R4D Ready 4 Duty assigned to the CAF Dallas/Fort Worth Wing (DFW Wing).
In 2024, a critical engine issue caused the aircraft to scrub the mission to Europe. That’s when DFW Wing Leader Chris Volpe made a vow: Ready 4 Duty would return to France in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of VE-Day.
From that promise, the Navy to Victory Tour was born. The ambitious European tour kicked off in April at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. After a few stops in the United States and Canada, the crew crossed the Atlantic. The tour carried them across the U.K., the Netherlands, and France. When the aircraft landed in the city of Cherbourg, it was an emotional moment for the R4D crew, as it had been 40 years since the R4D last visited Europe. The French Wing members have eagerly awaited the aircraft’s arrival and welcomed the crew with open arms and were excited to kick off the R4D’s time in France.
After navigating a stretch of rough weather over Normandy,*Ready 4 Duty* dropped paratroopers over historic drop zones and flew in formation with U.S. Air Force MC-130s over Sainte-Mere-Eglise and Utah Beach. On June 6, 2025, three Frenchmen were aboard for the Utah Beach flyover: Francis Bergeon from CAF Airbase Arizona, Adjutant Officer John Rouxel, and CAF French Wing Unit Leader Stephane Duchemin. Next up was the iconic Le Temps des Helices Airshow at La Ferte-Alais. The R4D flew in formation with Gruesome, and other vintage aircraft, while joint French and U.S. CAF crews welcomed hundreds of visitors aboard the aircraft. Aerial demonstrations were led by aircrew members François Bergeon and Jeremy Lashbrook. At the French Wing tent, PX items from the Navy to Victory Tour flew off the tables, many of which were signed by the friendly crew who made everyone feel part of the journey.
The crew wrapped up the week with the event, Navy to Victory France, co-organized by the CAF French Wing and the Musee Volant Salis. During the celebration, DFW Wing Leader Chris Volpe surprised the French Wing with a heartfelt gesture: the French flag was painted on the nose of the R4D, opposite the other flags. After a quick discussion, Volpe and Stephane Duchemin agreed to place it beneath the aircraft’s pin-up art. A brief ceremony and a splash of champagne sealed the moment. “It’s a great honor,” Stephane said. “Chris’s trust in our unit means the world to us.” Saturday brought public visits, a “spotters day,” and a masterclass by renowned Dutch aviation photographer Kris Christiaens. That afternoon, the R4D flew again—this time with Curt Lewis and Larry Reu at the controls and Jonathan Swift as crew chief.
Later that evening, the excitement continued with a full-dress reenactment photo shoot featuring Klondike Group actors, a grand banquet beneath the wing of the B-17 Pink Lady, live 1940s music from a Navy-uniformed singing duo, and a rare nighttime engine run of the R4D and P-51 Miss Ava—the latter thrilling photographers with bursts of fire from her exhaust.
Sunday brought more public visits and a special birthday celebration for French Wing Leader Stephane Duchemin. Champagne, heartfelt speeches, and meaningful gifts wrapped up an unforgettable weekend. After one final thank-you flight for a group of dedicated volunteers, it was time to say farewell.
On Monday, June 16, Ready 4 Duty departed for the UK, to continue participating in more events. The aircraft is leaving a lasting impression on all who have crossed its path.
Since 2019, the R4D is the sixth U.S.-based CAF aircraft to be welcomed by the French Wing. And this flawless tour stands as proof: CAF aircraft belong in Europe—our skies are waiting.
