Great Marianas Turkey Shoot

[JOMiller]

All,

Today is the anniversary of the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. The IJN sent a series of aerial raids against the US fleet off Saipan. USS Alabama was the first ship to pick up the attackers at the then unheard of range of 190 miles. After some initial confusion the "Big Blue Blanket" of Hellcats decimated the Japanese formations. The Rising Sun that had begun to set at the Battle of Midway two years before, slipped beneath the waves forever. Much fighting remained, and many good men would die, but the IJN ceased to exist as a combat effective force.

FLY NAVY,
Owen

[67N20]

Isn't this the one that the task force ships turned on their light so the pilots could find their way back?

[JOMiller]

Yes, and no........the following day June 20, 1944 would see
the "Mission Beyond Darkness" when a strike was launched
at dusk and absolute maximun range. What remained of the
IJN was decimated. MANY US aircraft ran out of fuel and had
to ditch on the return leg of the mission. And it was when ADM
Pete Mitchner earned the everlasting love of Naval Aviators
everywhere when he gave the order, "Turn on the lights".
God Bless 'em!

[corsair166b]

Ummm...not sure....but was'nt it Admiral Marc Mitscher?

[JOMiller]

Pete was his nickname....

[the330thbg]

Awesome info in here. Ships, losses, aircraft.., etc. Great site for you WWII buffs.

combinedfleet.com

[B 25 C]

My family and I were on the USS Alabama two weeks ago on D Day. Was a proud day for us.