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Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 5:15 AM
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Collings Foundation WWII Wings of Freedom Tour visits Northern Nevada

Collings Foundation WWII Wings of Freedom Tour visits Northern Nevada
Joseph Maino, The Fernley Reporter

Hearing the engine roar of three World War II bombers over their house, Minden residents Chris Nerska and his twin daughters, Alex and Josie knew the air show was in town.

The Collings Foundation Wings of Freedom tour is visiting Northern Nevada this weekend. The show began Friday at the Minden-Tahoe Airport in Minden.

Photos by Joseph Maino
The Nerska family, Alex, Chris and Josie, stand in front of the B-25 Mitchell bomber, the same type of plane worked on by the girls' great grandfather during World War II.


In honor of our World War II Veterans, the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour brings extremely rare bomber and fighter aircraft for local living history display as part of a 110-city nationwide tour. Among the planes featured are a P-51 fighter plane and the B-17, B-24 and B-25 bombers.

The Nerska family has a special connection with the B-25 Mitchel bomber, because Nerska's grandfather worked on the plane during World War II. Just four months after Pearl Harbor, the historic Doolittle raid used the B-25 Mitchel bomber to attack Japan. This daring attack restored America's confidence and morale during the war's early dark days.

Chris Nerska tries out the B-17's machine gun.


Event goers may take pictures of the airplane's exteriors and explore the cramped cockpits and gunner's stations. Thirty-minute flight experiences are available starting at $450.

Hundreds of Northern Nevada residents are expected to attend the 3-day event, which runs through Sunday, June 19.

The B-17 Flying Fortress was a four engine, heavy bomber used by the United States Army Air Corp for strategic daylight bombing.


The B-24, known for its long range, fast cruising speed and ability to carry a large number of bombs, was used by every branch of the service during World War II.


Best known for taking part in the daring Doolittle raid on Japan after Pearl Harbor, the small, two engine B-25 Mitchell Bomber was the first such airplane to take off from an aircraft carrier.


The B-25, B-17 and B-24 WWII Bombers.


 

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Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp Comment author: Alan Reeder Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS! Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: Jack & Nancy Cook Comment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS. Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: JeffDickerson Comment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied. Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AM Comment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion case
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