Robert J. (Andy) Andrews
                                                                   26th Fighter Squadron
                                                                                Author

                                           Deployment Of 41 P-80 Aircraft From Okinawa To Japan

The year was 1949, the place was an island in the Pacific Ocean named Okinawa that in 1945 had been a bloody battlefield during WW II, and the base was Naha Air Force Base (AFB) which is located on the southern tip of Okinawa. The principal unit was the 51st Fighter Wing and its assigned units -- the 51st Fighter Group, and under the Group were three fighter squadrons -- the 16th, the 25th, and the 26th. The three squadrons were equipped with P-80A “Shooting Star” jet fighters, and the P-80A was the first operational jet fighter in the United Sates Air Force..

Somewhere along the path in the chain of command including the Far East Air Forces, Twentieth Air Force, 51st Fighter Wing, 51st Fighter Group, or perhaps even one of the fighter squadrons, someone came up with an idea of a maximum performance mass-flight of P-80s from Okinawa to distant Japan. So maybe the guy with the original idea said, “Why don’t we go direct from Naha AFB to Yokota AFB in Japan (Yokota is near Tokyo). The direct distance was measured at 966 statue miles, and all over water, so the concept was developed and approved by the various commands and supporting organizations.

The mission requirements materialized and the plans were generated which dictated that a large number of P-80’s from the 51st Fighter Group’s three fighter squadrons would conduct a mass-flight of jet fighter aircraft on an extended over water flight, and further, that the commands would evaluate the capability of long range deployments of jet fighter aircraft. In 1949 there was no capability for aerial refueling for operational jet fighters; therefore, the flight profiles had to be planned to rely only on the fuel carried aboard each aircraft.

The plan called for the launching of 10 flights consisting of 4 P-80s per flight with one aircraft as a spare aircraft in the event of an abort - the total planned was 41 aircraft. Also because of the one critical factor of limited fuel, it was determined for safety reason that the flights would be launched with at least a 5 minute separation between each flight of four aircraft, and that would also allow sufficient spacing for the expeditious recovery and landing of the each aircraft.

Each aircraft was flight tested many times by the assigned pilot to determine the exact fuel flow relative to power settings, airspeeds at various altitudes, and with various winds aloft. Cruise control was critical for this mission because of the long over water distance involved.

To maximize the range of the P-80, all the aircraft were refueled during the night before take-off when the fuel and ambient temperatures were relatively cool, the aircraft were then towed to the end of the runway and just prior to engine startup, additional jet fuel was packed into each aircraft to top-off its 7 fuel tanks. As four aircraft at a time would startup their engines, taxi on the runway, and takeoff, others were being towed closer to the end of the runway -- fuel conservation was critical. In 1949, the P-80 had 165 gallon tip tanks; whereas, later models and the T-33 had much larger tip tanks for increased range.

Also, as a safety factor, our flight profile planning included the possible use of en-route alternate airports. Itazuke AFB, located in southern Japan, was our first alternate airport if our fuel was at or below a certain amount as our course put us adjacent to Itazuke. Our second alternate was Komaki AFB which is about midpoint between Itazuke and Yokota, and our fuel there had to be right on schedule or we would have to divert to Komaki. Prior to mission departure from Naha AFB, Yokota AFB, alternate airports, weather and radar stations, and air-sea-rescue facilities were notified of the detailed plans of the mission.

In the early morning hours of June 29th, the decision was made to “launch the 51st.” Since both the pilots and maintenance ground crews had trained for weeks for this day, the ground support equipment, refueling trucks, auxiliary power units, maintenance ground crews, and the P-80s were moved without flaw to preselected positions on the taxiway adjacent to the runway. The final briefing was conducted with the 41 pilots and they were then transported to their aircraft, aircraft fuel tanks were topped off, the first four P-80s were positioned on the runway, auxiliary power units were connected, engines were started, pilots checked their aircraft systems, and the first flight of four took-off and climbed out on course for Yokota AFB, Japan. The remaining flights were towed toward the runway, and at five minute intervals, the subsequent flights of four aircraft took off and headed in-trail to Japan. The take-off phase was successful and without incident, and the spare aircraft, number 41, also proceeded on course with the 10th flight.

Weather being what it is, and with the limitations of communications systems and weather forecasting skills back in 1949, the weather at both alternate airports became very marginal as the flights cruised along their direct route to Yokota. There were pilots whose fuel gauges were below the required fuel remaining at the point of diverting to the alternates, but those pilots had to press-on to Yokota anyway, since that was their only alternative. Some also landed with near dry fuel tanks. Everyone made the flight successfully and a fighter pilot’s celebration took place at the “O” Club that evening of June 29, 1949.

Each pilot and all maintenance personnel involved with the operation received letters of commendation through command channels from the Commanders of the Far East Air Forces, Twentieth Air Force, 51st Fighter Wing , 51st Fighter Group, and the applicable fighter squadron. To review a few, the following comments were written by these commanders:

“The complete success of this mission is indicative of the superior degree of planning and supervision exercised by the responsible officers, of superior maintenance by the airmen concerned, and of the superior proficiency and air discipline by the pilots. The precision execution of this difficult and hazardous task established a new standard for the Far East Air Forces.” By George E. Stratemeyer, Lieutenant General, USAF, Far East Air Forces, Commanding.

“The 41 P-80s of the 51st Fighter Group established a new over water distance record for jet propelled aircraft and wrote a stirring chapter in the history of the United States Air Force. In these turbulent times, outstanding achievements such as yours serve to enhance public confidence in the capabilities of our Armed Forces, perhaps strengthen the voices of our diplomats at the conference table, and emphasize the vitality of our Democratic Way of Life. All elements of this command join me in saying “WELL DONE.” By A. C. Kincaid, Major General, USAF, Twentieth Air Force, Commanding.

“Statements such as General Stratemeyer and General Kincaid have made will serve to more than ever confirm my feelings that the the 51st is the best Fighter Group in the Air Force.” By R. M. Montgomery, Colonel, USAF, 51st Fighter Wing, Commanding.

To: Commanding Officers, 16th, 25th and 26th Fighter Squadrons, “The successful completion of a mission such as the flight to Japan requires an integrated squadron effort predicated on a high level of initiative, enthusiasm and training of Airmen and Officers alike. The performance is especially impressive in view of the maintenance difficulties overcome in the period immediately after the typhoon “Della”. The performance of your squadron reflects the highest credit on your leadership and professional ability. It is desired that all pilots who participated in this flight as well as any other personnel you deem deserving, be commended individually for his performance.” By John T. Shields, Colonel, USAF, 51st Fighter Group, Commanding.

“To: 1st Lt. Robert J. Andrews, 26th Fighter Squadron. It is with great pride that I forward this commendation to you in appreciation of your loyal and energetic support. I wish to express to you my sincere congratulations for the superior planning, flying skill, and determination that you displayed in executing this historic over water flight. This is a personal commendation to you and will be included in your 201 file.” By Frank J. Keller, Major, USAF, 26th Fighter Squadron, Commanding.

Robert J. (Andy) Andrews
Author, Participant in the 1949 F-80 Flight, and active member of the 51st FIWA

Comments, suggestions, additions, etc. are solicited, please. Request the names and addresses of other participants, and their interpretation of the flight. Did some pilots make a flameout landing at Yokota? My memory kinda recalls that perhaps 4 successfully did so. I do remember that I was getting close to the fumes. The only pilot I can remember is myself and I’m beginning to have problems with that. My only records are copies of the letters of commendation by the various commanders and the flight entry in my Form 5. Fifty-four plus years ago is a long time to retain everything in brain files.

Please send to Robert J. Andrews, 2865 Valencia Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80917, phone (719) 596-8696, e-mail andypanda2@mac.com.

Cheerio, and Check Six,

Andy Andrews