Warbird Information Exchange

Guys--

I was just forwarded an email from a US destroyer veteran who remembers a massive US Navy flyover that took place on August 16, 1945. He's hoping to find photos from that day and I was asked to try and help find them -- so now I'm roping all of you in as well. Has anybody ever heard of something like this? If so, do you have pictures (or know where they can be found)? There are shots on the NHC website taken as part of the formal surrender ceremonies on 2 September, 1945 -- but he swears this happened before then. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. I've copied the original message below...

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Subject: 16 August 1945 Flyover

Right after the cessation of hostilities and before he took MISSOURI into Tokyo Bay, Halsey with his usual flamboyance arranged a big photop.
All the carriers launched every plane they could, far more than in combat operations. Then the four circular task group formations were moved together until they touched (normally we were 15-20 miles apart).

The approximately 1500 planes massed and flew low over the ships with photos being taken both ways.

I have had considerable correspondence with the National Archives trying to locate those photos w/o success so far. Perhaps you could have better luck.

U mean this flyover?

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Trae

Thanks Elroy, but I'm not positive that's it. The NHC site has the same photo you posted labeled "2 September, 1945" but this vet was adamant he remembered another photo op as taking place two weeks earlier.

It's an amazing shot though, isn't it?

the TBM I take care of is somewhere in that picture, It was with VT-88 on the USS Yorktown CV-10.

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Matt Gunsch, A&P, IA, Warbird maint and restorations
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