Doolittle Raiders ride during RODEO

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Emerald Ralston
  • RODEO 2009 Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  On the flight deck of a C-17 flown by a crew from Dover Air Force Base, Del., over the mountains of the northwestern Washington landscape, sat two men. They serve as an inspiration to many and have gone down in history as the Doolittle Raiders.

Retired Lt. Col. Richard Cole, copilot to Col. Jimmy Doolittle with Crew One in the 1942 raid of Tokyo, and retired Maj. Tom Griffin, navigator from Crew Nine, were involved in the first raid on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Of the 80 men who raided Tokyo that day, they are two of the 69 who returned.

Colonel Cole and Major Griffin were invited on a C-17 aircraft July 23 during the 2009 Air Mobility RODEO competition for an orientation flight to show them a little of today's military operations.

"Bringing them here, even though they were bombers, celebrates the whole spirit of what they did in the war," said Lt. Col Steve Ritter, aircraft commander. "Their 'get it done' attitude ties right in to the spirit of RODEO."

Colonel Ritter also said he hopes the Doolittle Raiders understand how much he, and many others, appreciate what they did.

"Being there before the raid, knowing they might not make it, is inspiring," Colonel Ritter said. "We appreciate them and all the men and women who participated in WWII. We see the men and women participating out there now in our fight and they get the job done like the raiders did."

The flight served as a way to show these gentlemen how and what the Air Force operates today.

"It's an honor to be part of this crew," said Maj. Natalie Resitvo, flight surgeon. "I think it's important. We have the opportunity to show how far we've come as a military based on the chances they took."

Maj. Doug Rottier was escorting the Doolittle Raiders and said he was enjoying the task and the experiences they shared.

"These men serve as great role models for today's military," Major Rottier said. "Things like what they did in their time just don't happen anymore. It is great that they're here - these guys have seen about as much as anyone could see. It's also great for our Airmen to see some great role models and that is what these Raiders represent."

The orientation flight lasted about two hours and offered views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier and the overall landscapes around the area.

Both men also commented on what a great time they've had at RODEO and the excellent flight they experienced on the C-17.

"It was a kick in the pants!" Colonel Cole said with a laugh.