Tailhook Daily Briefing

Countdown to Midway: 30 May 1942

USS Yorktown (April 1942).

EUROPE:

Britain launches its first 1000-plane bomber raid - the target: Cologne, Germany.   

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA:

Myitkyina, Burma is again hit by B-17's. Again no activity is observed and the attacks are discontinued. HQ 7th Bombardment Group transfers from Karachi to Dum-Dum, India. 

ALASKA:

77th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 28th Composite Group, based at Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Territory of Alaska, begins operating from Umnak, Aleutian with B-26's.

PACIFIC OCEAN AREA:

7th Air Force begins flying B-17's from the Territory of Hawaii to Midway in the face of an expected attack on that. 394th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers from Hickam Field to Bellows Field, Territory of Hawaii with B-17's.

Countdown to Midway: 28 May 1942

Pacific Theater:

ALASKA (11th Air Force): A B-17 flies the first armed reconnaissance from the secretly constructed airfield at Unmak , Aleutian over the Aleutian Chain, but finds no sign of the enemy. XI Fighter Command elements are not deployed at Unmak (P-40's and P-38's), Cold Bay (P-40's), Kodiak (P-39's), and Elmendorf Field [P-38's and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Kittyhawks].

USA - Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson warns Americans along the west coast to expect a Japanese attack as retaliation for the Dollittle raid on Tokyo.

SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA (5th Air Force): B-26's attack the airfield at Lae, New Guinea.

New Hebridies - U.S. forces arrive at Espiritu Santo.

Countdown to Midway: 27 May 1942

"Countdown to Midway..." is a series of posts that set the background for and which will run in parallel time to the events leading up to and during the pivotal Battle of Midway, of which we celebrate the 65th Anniversary this coming week.  This battle is our Trafalgar.  I encourage comment and suggestions, especially if you are a Midway vet or know of a family member, friend or acquaintance that is. 

- Steeljaw Scribe


“The Inland Sea of Japan was still veiled in darkness when the anchorage at Hashirajima began to awaken. On board the aircraft carrier Akagi, white-clad crewmen, ghostly in the deep twilight on the forecastle, began raising the ship’s anchors. The clatter of the capstan was overlain with the bright sound of spraying water as the foredeck gang played hoses along the dripping anchor chains, washing them clean of the harbor’s mud. All around Akagi, just barely discernible in the gloom, lay dozens of great grey warships, many of them weighing anchor as well. Nautical twilight was at 0437. But the dark waters of the bay, sheltered by the mountainous islands, would remain shrouded in gray until well after sunlight dappled the hilltops. Akagi would sortie around dawn. The date was 27 May 1942.” – Shattered Sword (Parshall & Tully) 2005, p.3   

Flightdeck Friday: Countdown to Midway - IJN Carrier-based Air Order of Battle (AOB)

KIDO BUTAI

First Carrier Striking Force 

VADM Nagumo Chuichi Chief of Staff: RADM Kusaka Ryunosuke

 

Carrier Division 1 – VADM Nagumo    

Akagi (flagship) – Captain Aoki Taijiro, commanding
18 x A6M2 carrier fighters (aka Zero)
18 x D3A1 carrier bombers (aka Val)
18 x B5N2 carrier attack aircraft (aka Kate)
  6 x A6M2 fighters (6^th Air Group)

Countdown to Midway: Battlespace

Timeline: SUNDAY, 24 MAY 1942USN - Carriers Hornet and Enterprise move towards Pearl Harbor, where they will quickly be refitted and sent to Midway. The Japanese preparing to attack Midway mistakenly believe these carriers are in the Solomons.

The Cattle Baron's Ball '07

Every year for the past 6, Hans and Kathy Schmoldt open their home and have put on what has been affectionately dubbed the "Cattle Baron's Ball!"  It is a gathering of locals from Grand Junction and other Colorado cities, as well as Friends and Family of Hans and Kathy's and they serve up an open invite to all members of the Tailhook Association.

The Naval Aviation Community has no better friends than Hans and Kathy!  And trust me, when you hear of next year's Cattle Baron's Ball, in coordination with the Static Display Airshow for Mesa County's "At Risk Youth" you will absolutely want to be part of it!

This year was an exceptional party!  With a live country/ folk band playing, open bar serving, and a fresh pig roasting... entertainment was had by all!

Many more photos from this event can be found here [link]. Please know that all participants were forewarned (by a really small hard to read sign)that by entering the premises they grant permission to have their photos displayed in a public forum.  For those who missed that sign... better luck next year!  Also, I am asking for the assistance of those in attendance to provide names to all of the faces, so please feel free to comment on the photos both here and in the Gallery.

But most importantly we all found ourselves surrounded by "GOOD PEOPLE!"  Your Humble Scribe made countless new friends, and was afforded the opportunity to re-connect with Tailhookers I only have rare occasion to see and hob knob with.  In one weekend, I have accumulated enough stories and gouge to fill dozens of articles for TDB!

Some Teasers Are: 

• I learned it from "Crazy Larry!"
• Pride Goeth before the Landing Lights!
• A first hand account of the Hindenberg Disaster
• Historical perspective of a different kind of Aircraft Carrier, the USS Macon ( I may enlist SJS for assistance on this one for a Flight Deck Friday posting.)

One of this year's VIP attendees was none other than Mercury 7 Astronaut, Scott Carpenter.  It was an honor to meet Scott and chat awhile.  He covered all range of topics from the obvious Mercury 7 questions to questions about his deep sea experiences.  He was extremely cordial in the face of a barrage of "What was it like when...?" questions that we are all sure he has fielded thousands of times.  He answered them all as if it were the first time he had ever heard it.  What a Gentleman!

Back to the party!

As I mentioned earlier, Hans and Kathy open up there home for this spectacular event.  And what a spread!  Serving as natural backdrop, is the Colorado National Monument, an awe inspiring view!  Hans and Kathy's acres also include, patios, gardens, a bunkhouse and a large fire-pit the envy of any old west gathering!  We danced, sang and swapped lies for hours into the wee morning around this great gathering point.

And finally I cannot leave this tale without mentioning Hans' dedication to those who serve.  This man is a genuine unabashed, patriot!  And in a speech choked with emotion, Hans told us of one of his tables out on the patio set for a special reason, it touched us all, Tailhookers, Active Duty, and Civilian alike!

The Missing Person Table:

The table represents those missing from home from each of the five services, Navy. Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard as well as civilians. It symbolizes they are with us in spirit.

This "Honors Ceremony" tradition dates back to the Viet Nam War, however Americans should never forget our brave men and women who have answered our nations call, served and are serving the cause of FREEDOM in a special way... never forgetting the sacrifices that have been made...

Even though the initial purpose for the Missing Person Table was to honor those Missing in Action or Prisoner of War, it can also honor all those missing from home, but not our hearts, thoughts and prayers.  Those still serving or fighting on foreign soil are "Missing from Home."  Those who have been injured in combat and are in hospitals around the world are "Missing from Home." And finally, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice will always be "Missing from Home"  This table is for them...

Symbolism about the table:

• The Round Table: Represents an everlasting concern for our men and women missing.
• The White Cloth:  Represents the purity of their motives when answering the call!
• The Single Red Rose: reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith awaiting answers.
• The Vase with a Red Ribbon: symbol of our continued determination to account for all of our missing.
• The Slice of Lemon: on the bred plate reminds us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.
• A Pinch of Salt: symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their family awaiting answers.
• The Bible: represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country founded as "One Nation Under God!"
• The Inverted Glass: symbolizes their inability to share a toast honoring them...
• The Chair is Empty... They are missing!

Bless them all!

Colorado Tailhookers Show Kids a Good Time!

Dateline: 18 May 2007 Walker Field, Grand Junction CO.

The Tailhook Association Colorado Ready Room in conjunction with West Star Aviation put on a Static Display Airshow this Friday for the "At Risk" Kids of Mesa County.  A fun time was had by all! 

Doug Thompson of West Star Aviation, friend to all Military Aviators (yep even those "Blue Suiters") opened up his transient line for the Kids to come see some of today's Military Aviation Hardware, and get a chance to meet the pilots, shake their hands, collect some stickers, and maybe get a hug or two.

The kids, from all appearances had a blast!

VFA-122 flew in a couple of Rhino "F's" and were pretty much the stars of the show (like they're not used to that!).  But let me tell you, Stubby, Commodore, Diamond and Vasco were every bit up to the part!  Those kids couldn't wait to meet these fine aviators, get a picture taken with them, and maybe attain an autograph.

The open house included all sorts of other recreational activities for the kids, ranging from Face Painting to flying an actual (tethered) remote control airplane.  They also had the opportunity to tour the cockpit of one of the 737's the Navy uses for Training E-6 Pilots and crew.

Our Airforce friends also made an appearance, flying in with a T-1 and a couple of T-6's Texan II's (I won't comment here about punctuality...  really I won't... well maybe a little...) Their story,and they seem to be sticking with it is that they wanted to give the kids a chance to see aircraft actually moving!  Instead of having to be content with an "Aircraft Petting Zoo."...  "Yeah, that's it!"

And I have to mention one of the cooler aircraft on the ramp was flown in that morning by Rod and Jean Kauber.  A beautiful home built.  I was told that this beauty is actually 13 years old, but let me assure you,if you look up the term  'showroom quality" in your Websters, there is a picture of this bird next to it!  And that prop... wow!  Sheer Artwork!

I know I'm missing a few acknowledgements that are certainly due here, but I especially want to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of Hans "Big Gun" and Kathy "The Boss" Schmoldt who not only assisted in putting this together, but offered up their house for the "Cattle Baron's" Ball that evening... (But that's the next article!... Stay tuned...)

More Candids from the Open House below... please enjoy!  WE DID!

 

More Photos here [Link] and I could use your help identifying and putting names to faces, so please feel free to add comments to the photos as you view them.

Flightdeck Friday: Martin AM-1 Mauler

In 1943 the Navy issued a requirement for a new series of carrier-based attack aircraft, looking to combineheretofore separate missions of scout/dive bomber and torpedo bomber. The venerable Dauntless had been replaced by the problematic Curtis Helldiver and the TBF/M Avenger had assumed the torpedo and bomber missions. Drawing on lessons learned to date from CV-ops in the Pacific and anticipating increased demands on striking power from the carriers, the Navy’s proposal called for “Bomber Torpedo,” or “BT” proposals.

Funeral Service for Wally Schirra

There will be a funeral service for Wally at Rosecrans Cemetary:

1500, 21 May 2007.

• All guests should be in place by 1440.
• There will be a reception afterward at the San Diego Aerospace Museum.

Flightdeck Friday-Fleet Air Arm Edition: Hawker Sea Hawk

Hawker Sea Hawk F.Mk.1-6 

 

  

It may (but really shouldn’t) surprise some readers that the Royal Navy once boasted an air arm of flattops with airwings similar in composition to those of the US (mix of fighters, attack, ASW and of course, AEW) which saw action in various corners of the world. Alas, that heritage is receding rapidly in the mists of time and if current trends continue, the fate of even the new construction CVs appears to be in jeopardy.

Still, there is a rich tradition in the Fleet Air Arm (FAA) to be celebrated and we will endeavor to give it the recognition it is properly due. Presented today, for example, is one particularly long-lived example, the Hawker Sea Hawk.