B-29 'Doc' Arrives In Oshkosh

Molly McMillin July 24, 2017

“Doc” Shows Off in Cedar Rapids Before Trip To AirVenture

Credit: Molly McMillin

“Doc” was part of a squadron known as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The Superfortress flew to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for a special event sponsored by Rockwell Collins before the flight to Oshkosh.

“Doc” Draws Crowds at Cedar Rapids

Credit: Molly McMillin

 “Doc” starred at a special event at Rockwell-Collins. More than 2,000 people lined up for more than two hours to get on board.

World War II Veteran Remembers The B-29

Credit: Molly McMillin

Jerome Micka, 93, boards Doc in Cedar Rapids. Micka flew 29 missions on a B-29 on 16-hr. bombing runs from the B-29 base at Tinian in the Mariana Islands to Japan and back. Micka served as the central fire control gunner operating the electrically controlled gun turrets. His last mission was a relief mission dropping food, medicine and clothing to U.S. prisoners of war held by the Japanese in China. Another time, his aircraft was shot up and two engines were out when it made an emergency landing in Okinawa.

In the Air to Oshkosh

Credit: Molly McMillin

View from the bombardier’s position in the nose as the aircraft heads to Wisconsin for EAA AirVenture.

Inside The Cockpit On The Trip

Credit: Molly McMillin

Part of the crew on board “Doc” on the way to Oshkosh

Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh in Sight

Credit: Molly McMillin

 “Doc” near the Wittman Regional Airport before landing.

“Doc” Coming in for Landing

Credit: Maureen Spuhler

“Doc” is a popular sight as it lands.

Getting “Doc" in Place at AirVenture

Credit: Molly McMillin

“Doc”’s crew prepare the aircraft  for towing into place at EAA AirVenture

Visionary Behind The Aircraft Greets Doc

Credit: Molly McMillin

Tony Mazzolini, who brought “Doc” out of the desert for restoration, greets the aircraft after its arrival at the show.

Pilot Mark Novak

Credit: John Morris

“Doc” pilot Mark Novak talks with reporters after landing.

Saying Goodbye to the Crew

Credit: Maureen Spuhler

The B-29 known as “Doc” flew from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Oshkosh, Wisconsin on July 22, crowning a 16-year restoration effort after being rescued from years of abandonment at the U.S.  Navy’s China Lake desert weapons testing range. It will be on display at AirVenture all week, and is slated to fly in formation with the world’s only other flying B-29, ‘Fifi.’

More photos: B-29 Superfortress “Doc” Departs Wichita for Oshkosh 2017 by Way of Cedar Rapids

Molly McMillin

Molly McMillin, a 25-year aviation journalist, is managing editor of business aviation for the Aviation Week Network and editor-in-chief of The Weekly of Business Aviation, an Aviation Week market intelligence report.

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