This helps us connect those that are here today to those that have come before us, and how important it is to understand what they did for us. They’re going to get to educate tens of thousands of people about the B-29 because they poured their heart and souls into this airplane. “We’re excited for (the volunteers), and their continued work. “When you think about Doc and you think about Fifi and all these warbirds that we have, they’re labors of love,” he said. Tibbets IV emphasized his appreciation for the time and effort the volunteers put into restoring Doc and bringing this piece of history back to life. It’ll be a great time to chat and catch up over our hour-long flight.” “I’ve known (Tibbets IV) for years and we’ll each get a turn to fly.
“Doc is a piece of history, and the Tibbets name is historic because anyone who knows WWII knows about the general’s grandfather, Paul Tibbets Jr.,” said Novak. “When we have the opportunity to embrace that kind of heritage and that kind of history, it’s a real privilege and an honor.”īefore the flight, Doc’s pilot, Mark Novak, described the significance of having Tibbets IV on board. Bockscar, a Short History: The Enola Gay is remembered today as being the aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan nearly seventy-five years ago, and its infamous flight has been the subject of much debate. “It’s really about upholding the legacy of those who have come before,” he said. Now, 72 years after the historic WWII mission and nearly 10 years after the passing of his grandfather, Tibbets IV, who is traditionally a B-1 Lancer pilot and currently a B-2 Spirit pilot, once again boarded a B-29 to honor his grandfather. It was a great opportunity for me to be with him.” He and I got to fly Fifi together, which was awesome. “He had given up aviation and had not flown in any aircraft in a very long time. “The only time I ever flew with my grandfather was with Fifi,” said Tibbets IV. Paul Tibbets Jr., who piloted the B-29 Enola Gay when the aircraft and its crew dropped an atomic bomb on Japan, helping end World War II. In 1998, Tibbets IV, flew Fifi with his grandfather, retired Brig. Taking control of the aircraft means he has now flown the only two currently operational B-29s, Doc and Fifi. Paul Tibbets IV, the 509th Bomb Wing commander.
(AFNS) - Wichita’s beloved B-29 Superfortress, Doc, took to the skies yet again June 9, 2017, from McConnell Air Force Base, this time with an added aspect of historical significance and Air Force heritage. KEY WORDS: Enola Gay Crew in 1960,enola gay crewman richard nelson,enola gay crewman william parsons USN,enola gay crewman paul tibbitts,enola gay crewman jacob besler,enola gay crewman thomas ferrebee,enola gay crewman theodore van kirk,enola gay crewman dutch van kirk,enola gay crewman morris jeppson,enola gay crewman george caron,enola gay crewman george stiborik,enola gay crewman robert shumard,enola gay crewman robert lewis,enola gay crewman wyatt duzenberry Post navigation None of them has been to Japan since the war, and few have met since separation.” They earn above-average salaries, all but one are married and they have 26 children among them. Four remained in the service (one died in 1953) and the others are all successful in their business carees. “The men of the Enola Gay were hand-picked experts, chosen for intelligence, emotional stability and discipline, qualities they have put to good use in their post-war careers. However, by 2003 the aircraft was restored and put on display at the Steven F. In 1949, the plane was given to the Smithsonian institute only to be disassembled in 1984. This article was partially written in order to squelch the spreading rumors that reported that the atomic bomber crews from 1945 had all slowly gone mad. After the Enola Gays memorable flight, the aircraft would remain in service for a few more years. Here is a collection of thumbnail portraits accompanied by outlines concerning what each crew member did on that August day in 1945, and what these me had been doing during the fifteen years that followed.