#30: Phasing Out

Towards the conclusion of World War II, the Douglas SBD Dauntless, like many other wartime aircraft, began to be phased out of service. This transition was not unique to the United States, as even nations like New Zealand, which had acquired 28 Dauntless planes, eventually replaced them with the F4U Corsair.

After the end of World War II, the French briefly continued to utilize the Dauntless, but its operational life was limited. By 1947, the venerable aircraft had been officially retired from active service. Despite its years of vital contributions to missions across the globe, the Douglas SBD Dauntless had reached the end of its military service, marking the close of a significant chapter in aviation history.