One of fewer than 15 TBM Avengers will be on display at Concord Municipal Airport on July 7-8. Courtesy photo/Commemorative Air Force

CONCORD — To celebrate America 250, The Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will bring its rare World War II TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, Doris Mae, to the Concord Municipal Airport on July 7-8.

Less than 15 TBM Avengers are still flying anywhere and this is one of them. The TBM Avenger was the largest single-engine bomber of WWII and participated in every major campaign in the Pacific Ocean.

When the warbird is not flying, and with airport approval, small groups can be escorted to the ramp by Capital Wing docents to get up close to the TBM Avenger and walk around. Pictures of Doris Mae are encouraged as this may be the only time in a lifetime the public gets to stand in front of a rare piece of living history.

Warbird rides in the TBM Avenger will be available to the public. Due to the limited number of flights available it is suggested that flights be purchased in advance. Rides can be purchased at the Capital Wing bookings website CapitalWingCAF.org and any unsold flights will be available for sale at the airport.

“For many people, flying in a warbird is a true bucket-list item, a rare chance to step into the past and experience these historic aircraft,” said Peter Ballard of the Capital Wing. “These aren’t museum pieces sitting behind ropes, they’re living pieces of our nation’s heritage. We’re excited to bring that experience to New Hampshire and give people a chance to connect with the past in a way they’ll never forget.”

The TBM Avenger will appear subject to aircraft availability, weather, maintenance and pilot availability.

For the crew of the Capital Wing TBM Avenger, the appearance in Concord is a kind of homecoming. The pilot is a New Hampshire native, born and grew up in Newport and a former Naval aviator with more than 31,000 hours of flight time. The rides coordinator was born in Concord and grew up in Laconia. Some may recall hearing him on radio station WLNH where he was a disc jockey for a period of time.

The TBM Avenger is in New Hampshire performing a flyover for a military funeral at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery.