Remembering the Doolittle Raid Anniversary onboard the USS Hornet Museum

A Navy Major’s Memoir of the Doolittle Raid

 Museum’s Living Ship Series pays tribute to local WWII Veteran, Hornet CV-8 crewmember and

 Author Richard Nowatzki LCDR USN (Ret)

On Saturday,  April 19, the USS Hornet Museum’s Living Ship Day will commemorate the anniversary of the Tokyo Doolittle Raid during World War II. The event will feature veteran and former crewmember of the USS Hornet CV-8, Mr. Richard Nowatzki. 

Nowatzki was not only a witness to the Doolittle Raids of April 18, 1942, he also wrote a book, “Memoirs of a Navy Major.” He currently resides in Roseville.

He will share his memories of this historic event and of his time onboard the USS Hornet CV8 beginning at

1 p.m. His book will be available for purchase and Nowatzki will also autograph books.

Richard Nowatzki LCDR USN (Ret):

Born in Chicago in 1922, Nowatzki was a young seaman fresh out of boot camp, when he was assigned to the USS Hornet CV8 before it was commissioned in October of 1941. His normal battle station was as a sight-setter on a 5-inch anti-aircraft gun at the aft end of the ship. During the Tokyo raid sortie, Nowatzki positioned himself right next to the flight deck and watched as the 16 B-25’s were launched on their one way mission. He has many fond memories of the Army Air Corps fliers while they were enroute across the Pacific to the launch point of the Tokyo Raid. He remained part of the Hornet Crew until she was sunk in combat in October 1942.

 

The Doolittle Raid:

On April 18, 1942, 16 U.S. Army Air Force B-25 Mitchell bombers were launched without fighter escort from the

U.S. Naval carrier USS Hornet, each bomber had a crew of five men. The raid was planned and led by Lieutenant Colonel James "Jimmy" Doolittle, U.S. Army Air Forces.

 

The plan called for the bombing of military targets in Japan. The bombers would then continue to China where

they would land.

 

Also known as the Tokyo Raid, it was the first air raid to strike the Japanese islands and was in response to the

Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. The raid demonstrated that Japan was vulnerable to American air attack.

 

Living Ship Day aboard the Hornet offers something for everyone. The museum comes to life as an operating aircraft carrier with flight simulations between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. as aircraft are lifted to the flight deck and placed into launch position. Visitors can meet former crew, sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet, and enjoy the sights and sounds of naval aviation.  There will also be a Big Band performance at 11 a.m.

 

Among the day’s highlights are a musical performance from the Hornet Big Band and WWII Era Military Displays and historical re-enactments.

 

Living Ship Day demonstrations are held on the third Saturday of most months. Normal museum hours and admission prices apply. Ample free parking is available across from the pier. The USS Hornet Museum is located at 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3 in Alameda.