26714 “ AIR FORCE NOW: BOARDERS IN BLUE ” 1970s U.S. AIR FORCE NEWSREEL HISTORY OF USO NATO

This episode of “Air Force Now” dates from the late 1970’s. The relationship between the RAF and USAF is discussed as designated by NATO as well as the famed USO shows organized to entertain troops first during the Second World War. The USO shows briefly ended was in 1947, though they were brought back during the Korean War. The shows were conducted as an effort to provide the fighting forces a sort of home away from home; entertainment on the warfront. The episode features the popular American actress Brooke Shields. The film opens with the Air Force Now logo (:23). British and US flags wave alongside one another (:45). A USAF pilot suits up (:52). It is mentioned the USAF and RAF have worked together under NATO since 1949. The Grumman F111 appears in a hangar at the RAF upper Heyford (1:07). The RAF and USAF work together here. Base commander and squadron leader, Brian Swayne appears (1:17). Ground support conduct a refueling (1:35). Cross servicing is explained (1:42). The F-111 runs down the runway (1:54). A pair flies alongside one another (2:05). RAF controllers operate controls at base (2:08). A payload is unleashed (2:18). It is mentioned during times of war, the 19th Squadron of the RAF is responsible for the outer defenses of the base (2:30). Covered armored vehicles roll out from the hangar (2:42). Tires are changed (3:01). The narrator mentions the rapier missile units of the 19th squadron (3:09) are funded by the USAF. These were designed by the RAF. The missiles are spun to position (3:22). Sheep dot a green field (3:30). The superintendent of communications appears (3:50). RAF and USAF servicemen play darts at a pub lunch (4:17). Servicemen enjoy a dinner to bid a long term employee goodbye (4:35). Brian Swayne reappears to discuss NATO (4:54). The Florennes’s AB TLP-1 is moved down the runway (5:14). A claymation animation of eggs driving cars (5:38) interrupts the film. Brooke Shields enters (6:40) at the Pasadena Playhouse. She discusses the role of entertainers for the viewers (7:01). She then details the commencement of the USO shows (7:33). The Hollywood Victory Committee organized these shows in 1941. Early scenes of the USO’s are presented (7:52). These shows exposed the Hollywood entertainers to the dangers of working in the combat zone (8:02). Stages were often makeshift, like the back end of a truck (8:07). A female performer high kicks on stage (8:23). Bob Hope shakes hands with servicemen (8:34). He and a female performer perform a comedy skit (8:44). Troops in the hospital smoke and enjoy the show on the television (9:01). Servicemen and entertainers shake hands (9:06). Celebrations erupt at the close of WW2 in New York (9:10). The Korean War broke out in 1950 bringing the USO shows back (9:12). The stunning and ever charismatic Marilyn Monroe lands in Korea with Joe DiMaggio in 1954 (9:21). Bob Hope performs in Guantanamo Bay (9:25). A female performer in a jumper dances on stage in Vietnam (9:38). USO members arrives with food goods (10:01). USO members canoe on waters (10:17). A male performer meets with a patient at the base hospital in Spain (10:49). The singer signs an autograph (11:29). He takes the stage (11:30). Troops sing along (12:06). The film concludes over the USO logo (12:59). This film was presented by the Air Force (13:09).

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