Air Service "Flying Circus" flyers, shown at Kelly Field, Texas . Major George E Stratenmeyer (Center, Standing) in command. On April 9th, 1919, the Rockwell Field Aerial Flying Circus left San Diego with 18 airplanes loaded in nine railroad cars on its way across the West to raise money for the Liberty Loan program of the government. The Flying Circus consisted of six of America’s most famous pursuit pilots, three British “Aces” with over 100 German “kills” between them, and some of the top aviators of France. Aircraft flown by the Circus included five German Fokkers, four French Spads, four British S.E.5s, and five Curtiss JN-4H planes This was the first Air Service flight demonstration team.