This 1947 film “Sustained Operations” was originally classified Restricted (:07), indicating it was only to be used internally at the U.S. Air Force. The film may be one of the very earliest released by the Air Force, which split from the Army in September, 1947. The film looks at new military concepts and specifically the logistics needed to support worldwide strategic forces, including B-29s which, at the time, were the only aircraft capable of delivering atomic bombs to targets. The film begins with footage of a teletype sending an order that sends B-19 bombers west, to deploy as a part of overseas forces (1:25). After the WWII’s end, the Air Force remained prepared and alert for future emergencies which included maintaining human performance as well as supplies of mechanical equipment (1:51). They knew in order to keep 30 planes in flight, one million gallons of gasoline would be necessary (1:58). The idea was to keep all planes in the air and to able to change destination at any time necessary without losing too much time or ground. In order to ensure immediate operational preparedness for B-29s, spare parts and emergency equipment totaling about 54 tons is carried with each Air Group (2:09). In addition to planes and their equipment, long range logistic support in the form of tanks and oilers are necessary (2:16) as well as the ground forces (2:26) and lines of supplies (2:35). The Air Group previously shown is heading to Kadena Air Force base in Okinawa (2:41) and this was the site of the last battle of WW2. The Wing Commander collects the Air Group and begins speaking at (3:32) to inform the men they are at Okinawa to be a part of the striking force for the Eastern Air Force (3:32) as well as to collect data on all supplies and air craft parts needed. Combat footage follows (4:14) and not only is flak and gunfire an enemy in the air, so is lack of supply during missions (4:29). A wide shot of a B-29 plane graveyard or boneyard is shown to demonstrate that had these planes not been grounded due to lack of supply or equipment malfunction, more bombs could have been dropped and more ground covered (5:07). To ensure all Air Groups preparedness, the Air Force had scientifically evaluated what they would need (5:29) and this led to the creation of the ‘flying kit’ (5:55). Each plane carries three kits aboard and they include any and all spare parts (6:00). On the runway, one plane lands off and the wheel is damaged (6:52). This would have normally grounded the plane however due to the supplied ‘flying kit’ the wheel is changed and the plane stays in motion (7:04). Sustained operations also include the ground crews which use the supplies (7:21). Men from the ground crew are seen at work on an engine (7:21) and in Okinawa they are seen preparing a B-29 for the first operational flight (7:42). Their duties include refueling, handling high explosives (7:50), preparing intricate guns (7:57), and servicing all of the equipment necessary for the bombers and fighters (8:02). A sign reading ‘Do Not Open, Briefing in Session’ (8:26) appears and leads to the Air Group’s briefing. They were to begin a 90-day training PDY maneuver (8:38). The planes are then seen taking to the runway (9:20) and in formation in the sky (6:37). The film concludes at (9:47) and it had been produced by the 4201st Motion Picture Squadron (1st Motion Picture Unit) of the US Air Force.

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