The idea of establishing the organization came about when in 1957, Lloyd Nolen and a small group of ex-service pilots from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas invested their money towards the purchase of a P-51 Mustang.

[1][2] Aircraft enthusiasts in Arizona became interested in establishing a branch of the Commemorative Air Force in their home state.

After months of searching, Falcon Field was chosen as the new site for the Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum.

Falcon Field was established before World War II when Hollywood producer Leland Hayward and pilot John H. "Jack" Connelly founded Southwest Airways with funding from Henry Fonda, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, James Stewart and Hoagy Carmichael.

Also, on display are various artifacts related to the history of the warbirds, such as jackets worn by the pilots in World War II.