Doolittle 2001

Air Classics, Aug 2001 by O'Leary, Michael

After the briefing, the fighters launched and made numerous passes while the B-25s were being prepared for the mass fly-by. The launch of the Mitchells was what the crowd had come to see and it was really spectacular. I stayed on the ground to watch and the noise and motion was great. One B-25 broke down on start up and the crew reluctantly had to shut down while another B-25 in the fly-by had a mechanical and had to land early. Once the formation passes were completed, the aircraft made individual passes cleared to 200 feet AGL. After the planes had landed and the engines were shut down, barricades were removed so spectators could get right up to the bombers, take photographs, and talk to the crews.

"Doolittle 2001 was a great, great event," said Joe Davis. "Fresno, its citizens, all are great sponsors, the Raiders, and the crews combined to create a bit of aviation history. I am not so sure it could ever happen again." Carl Scholl added, "Not only was Doolittle 2001 historic by its very nature, but it was fun. It was wonderful to with a large group of people with similar interests and just being with the Raiders was a humbling experience in itself."

As far as never happening again, I've learned that it is smart to never say never. As this is written, there are some interesting plans underway for Doolittle 2002 which will be the 60th anniversary of the raid and will also be the last reunion of the Doolittle Raiders. Stay tuned for details.