Important Update: Sunday, August 17 2025 is canceled due to inclement weather.
Due to inclement weather and the early departure of warbirds (to avoid the weather and prevent potential damage), we regret to inform you that the event scheduled for Sunday, August 17, has been cancelled.
We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, flexibility, and support as we navigate these uncontrollable circumstances.
Stay safe, and thank you for being a valued part of our community.
Gathering of Naval & Marine Corps Aircraft
Victory At Sea
August 16 & 17 | Fagen Fighters WWII Museum
Learn More
Victory At Sea Schedule
Event Tickets
Victory at Sea
Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th
Discounted Advanced Price
Adults (18+)……………………...… $20
Children (ages 0-17)……………... Free
WWII Veterans……………………. Free
Same day tickets
Adults (18+)………………… $25
Children (ages 0-17)……………... Free
Navy & Marine Aircraft
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime awakening of your senses as radial engines come alive!
Event Sponsors
Activities For Kids
Face Painting
Located in the Quonset Hut from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Collect Pilot Autographs
Buy a $1 aircraft collage in the gift shop, then try to spot at all the planes at the event or collect signatures from the pilots and crew!
Link Trainer Experience
Original WWII link trainer flight simulator experience, located in the trainer hangar! Free!
Come and go, self-help, photo opportunity for kids and families! Located near the reenactment camp
WWII Photo Op
Purchase a blank dog tag in gift shop and bring to dog tag production in the quonset hut from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On-Site Dog Tag Production
Featured Speakers
Donald M.
McPherson
WWII Ace Hellcat Pilot
Donald McPherson, the last living WWII Ace, grew up on a farm located just west of the small town of Adams, Nebraska, and he is notably the youngest of seven children in his family. At the age of 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a naval pilot during World War II for an impressive three years aboard the USS Essex (CV-9). Throughout his service, Don earned the rank of ensign and distinguished himself as a World War II Navy Ace, successfully shooting down five enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Truly, he is an American Hero! He still resides in Adams, where he actively engages with his community as a dedicated father, proud grandpa, and loving great grandpa. This year, he will celebrate his incredible milestone of turning 103 years old on May 25th, 2025.
Former Naval Aviator
Ryan Christopherson
Ryan Christopherson grew up in rural Minnesota and graduated from Clarkfield High School in 1989. Wrestling became his passion and helped him secure a spot at the United States Naval Academy that summer. After four competitive years filled with wrestling, Airborne Static Line Jump Club, and academics, he graduated in 1993 with a Mechanical Engineering degree and a naval flight school slot. In spring 1994, he began flight training in Pensacola, Florida, starting with T34C Turbo Mentors at Whiting Field. He then attended Intermediate and Advanced Jet school in Kingsville, TX, flying the T45A Goshawk and earning his wings of gold after aircraft carrier qualifications.
Initially assigned to the ES3A Shadow jet in Coronado, CA, he completed one deployment with the USS Abraham Lincoln. After the ES3A was decommissioned, he transitioned to the F14D at Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, VA, with the VF31 Tomcatters, completing two more deployments, including an 11-month tour during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. After fulfilling his Navy obligation, he returned to Minnesota to farm with his family and began flying the F16C Fighting Falcon with the Air National Guard in Sioux Falls, SD. He retired in 2013 after 20 years of military service.
With almost 3,000 hours of military flight time, he completed over 400 carrier traps on the USS Lincoln and nearly 500 total arrestments during various detachments. Christopherson retired as a Major in the Air Guard Reserve after five deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, participating in the Opening Night Strikes in 2003 and flying advanced aircraft. He now enjoys flying his 402 AirTractor spray plane, which, though slower, is still thrilling.
Airshow Announcer
Ric Peterson
Ric is a renowned airshow announcer and award-winning broadcast journalist with over 30 years of experience. He is a key figure in the aviation community. For a glimpse of his talent, listen to his podcast, Show Center The Airshow, where he co-hosts with Rob Reider and Matt Jolley, sharing stories, interviews, and humor.
Expereince Historic Flight
Fagen Fighters
Fairchild
PT-26
Climb into the cockpit of a meticulously restored WWII trainer aircraft, and be surrounded by the sights and sounds that once filled the skies during the 1940s. Feel the thrill of taking off and soaring over the beautiful Granite Falls, Minnesota river valley.
Book your flight at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum’s gift shop, in the trainer hangar, the day of the event only (Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th).
CAF Airbase Georgia
Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime thrill by flying in the historic and ultra-rare SBD-5 Dauntless! This unique opportunity offers an unforgettable warbird experience that you will cherish forever. You are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Gulf Coast Wing CAF
Curtiss SB2C
Helldiver
Experience the sights and sounds of a warbird flight in the rare SB2C. Looking for a unique gift or a way to reconnect with your family’s past? Enjoy a Living History Flight aboard the Commemorative Air Force SB2C Helldiver.
Saturday Food Vendors
Papa D’s Diner
Pizza, wraps, and more!
Visit Website!
MN State Cattlemen’s Association
Steak on a stick, burgers, chips
Visit Facebook Page!
Chicken Connections
Chicken, Cheese Curds, etc.
Visit Facebook Page!
Mi Mexico
Authentic Mexican foods!
Visit Website!
A Good Lemon
Freshly squeezed lemonade.
Visit Website!
Sunday Food Vendor
Papa D’s Diner | Breakfast
Breakfast sandwich, burritos, eggs and bacon, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, and mini donuts!
Visit Website!
A Good Lemon
Freshly squeezed lemonade.
Visit Website!
Reenactment Camps
Witness history, walk through authentic WWII camps and engage with reenactors in WWII character.
Parking Information
Due to the wet ground conditions, the large general onsite parking area/field will not be available as originally planned.
For traffic traveling North on State Highway 23 (from the Marshall area) please turn East (right turn) onto 240th Ave / Yellow Medicine County 17 by the white original township building. A parking attendant will direct you at this point to your parking place. A bus, tram or cart will pick you up and transport you to the Victory at Sea ticket area on the airport grounds and will return you to your vehicle when you leave the event.
Those traveling South at the intersection of 212 and 23 in Granite Falls, will see signage directing you to park at the Yellow Medicine East High School parking lots in Granite Falls. Take Granite Street North at the stoplight. When the high school parking lots fill in, you will be directed to the next parking location via digital signage. Side street parking may be used around the parking lots with care not to block driveways. Then travel on foot to the bus loading area in the parking lot. Buses will be picking up those parking in town and transporting attendees to the airport grounds ticket area. Buses will return you to your vehicle when you leave the show.
Buses, trams, and carts will be operating throughout the event for your convenience
Parking on the grounds is available for handicapped persons with handicap parking signage, event sponsors, motorcycles, volunteers, performers, and reenactors.
Learn more about the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps
Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps marks a historic celebration honoring the 250 years of service and sacrifice by the United States Navy and Marine Corps in securing and defending American independence. Taking place from October 9-16 and November 7-11, this significant event coincides with the nation’s Semiquincentennial, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia and New Jersey will host a series of events reflecting the proud legacy of these military branches, including a parade of Navy ships and vessels, a breathtaking flyover by the Blue Angels, special museum exhibits, and tours of both modern and historic naval ships. This week-long tribute not only honors the past but also highlights the enduring commitment of the Navy and Marine Corps to the nation's freedom.
FAQs
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Outdoor seating is not provided. For your comfort and enjoyment, please bring lawn chairs for all outdoor seating.
Handicap seating will be available.
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The airport will be closed to all GA for the event. The nearest airports include: KMVE, KMML, KOLV, and KRWF.
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No coolers allowed on the museum grounds. Many food trucks and water stations will be on site the entire day(s) for your enjoyment and convenience.
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For the safety of the animal, the attendees, and the pilots we do not permit animals on the grounds.
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Due to the wet ground conditions, the large general onsite parking area/field will not be available as originally planned.
For traffic traveling North on State Highway 23 (from the Marshall area) please turn East (right turn) onto 240th Ave / Yellow Medicine County 17 by the white original township building. A parking attendant will direct you at this point to your parking place. A bus, tram or cart will pick you up and transport you to the Victory at Sea ticket area on the airport grounds and will return you to your vehicle when you leave the event.
Those traveling South at the intersection of 212 and 23 in Granite Falls, will see signage directing you to park at the Yellow Medicine East High School parking lots in Granite Falls. Take Granite Street North at the stoplight. When the high school parking lots fill in, you will be directed to the next parking location via digital signage. Side street parking may be used around the parking lots with care not to block driveways. Then travel on foot to the bus loading area in the parking lot. Buses will be picking up those parking in town and transporting attendees to the airport grounds ticket area. Buses will return you to your vehicle when you leave the show.
Buses, trams, and carts will be operating throughout the event for your convenience
Parking on the grounds is available for handicapped persons with handicap parking signage, event sponsors, motorcycles, volunteers, performers, and reenactors. -
Yes! Handicap parking is available in the main museum parking lot. Spots are limited.
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You can come on just Sunday for the price of regular museum admission. Please note that the event will conclude at 1:00 p.m.