ARMY CONDUCTS AIR DRILL ALONG ATLANTIC COAST
Mitchell Field, New York (JFK+50) On August 20, 1923, the Associated Press reports "twenty-one Army bombing and observation airplanes...left Langley Field, Hampton, Va. at 6 a.m. today" heading up the Atlantic coast to Bangor, Maine.
The aircraft, flying in squadron formation, includes four observation planes. All but one of the aircraft stopped here at Mitchell Field to refuel. One of the planes developed engine problems and returned to base.
The purpose of the air drill, directed by Brigadier General William "Billy" Mitchell*, is to be prepared to protect cities in the United States from attack by enemy ships.
The seventeen Martin bombers in the squadron were equipped with dummy bombs, smoke screen apparatus and machine guns.
*William "Billy" Mitchell (1879-1936) was born in Nice, France & grew up in Wisconsin. WM served in the Spanish-American War & WWI. Known as the father of the U.S. Air Force, BM was found guilty in a 1925 court martial for accusing senior Army & Navy leaders of incompetence.
SOURCE
"21 Planes Flying Up Coast To Maine," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 20, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
