Pacific War Veterans Gather On Long Island Beneath Plane That Ended WWII

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- As sailors descend upon New York City for the 24th annual Fleet Week event, two Long Island veterans were recognized in an emotional tribute in Farmingdale.

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Pacific War veterans gathered Thursday beneath the plane that put an end to World War II as the world's last operational B-29 arrives at the American Airpower Museum.

Photos: Fleet Week 2011

Garden City resident John Stubel, 93, was a B-29 crew chief who led a mobile repair unit which repaired the aircraft, after suffering Japanese fighter damage, and Walt Oelerich of Farmingdale was a Marine who stormed Iwo Jima in 1945.

On Thursday, the two men flew one more time in the historic bomber as veterans from throughout the region looked on during the exposition.

A memorial service was to take place below the B-29 Superfortress, the largest bomber of World War II. Afterwards, the plane was to depart with Stubel and Oelerich on board.

The B-29 and other aircraft will be based at the American Airpower Museum at Republic this Memorial Day weekend from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for public visitation.

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The Superfortress will return to fly in the Bethpage Air Show over Jones Beach Saturday, May 28th and Sunday May 29th.

For more information, click here.

American Airpower Museum
1230 New Highway
Farmingdale, N.Y.

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• Fleet Week