This week I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: taking a flight in the last flying B-24 Liberator in the world through the Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour.

What made the event event more incredible was flying with Air Force veteran Howard Johnson, who flew as a top-gunner in a B-24 throughout the Pacific Campaign. Howard said he remembers flying more than 30 missions in the aircraft while he was stationed in the Philippines.

The last flying dual-control P-51C was also at Lubbock Aero for the event. A B-17 Flying Fortress also tours with Wings of Freedom but was held-over in Fredericksburg, Texas, this week for repairs. It is expected to rejoin the tour in either Santa Fe, New Mexico, or Scottsdale, Arizona.

Be sure to check out the amazing gallery of photos below taken by freelance photojournalist Aaron Gonzalez.

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