This brief, silent footage (probably shot by a USAF news cameraman) shows activities of the US Air Force in Japan during or shortly after the Korean War. This film in particular features the christening of a new B-29; likely the RB-29 “Silver Wind”. The aircraft is a part of the 56th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (WRS). It was to fly daily strategic weather reconnaissance missions in and around Japan and Korea. Shipping surveillance was also conducted. The area targeted for that kind of activity was between Formosa and the USSR. A notable Japanese actress, believed to be Keiko Tsushima, assists in the christening of the new aircraft. The film opens as Keiko, dressed in the traditional kimono leads USAF officers into an elegant dining hall at the Yokota AB in Japan (:18). The walls are lined with bamboo with ornate Japanese decoration dangling from the ceiling (:34). The Japanese and American flag hang side by side (:37). Guests settle around the long dining table (1:09). US and Japanese servicemen march side by side in preparation for the christening of the RB-29 (2:28). A Japanese press photographer sneaks off camera right (2:38). USAF servicemen and their wives march in for the ceremony (3:04). Keiko enters leading the crowd with a bouquet (3:19). USAF men and Japanese officials salute (4:13) in front of the RB-29. A close shot shows the craft was nick named ‘Silver Wind’ and it was of the 56th WRS (5:01). Keiko takes the podium (5:10). She grabs the bottle hung on the nose of the craft (5:30) reading to smash it. The plane is christened and photographs are snapped of the event (6:04). Service men and family members in attendance filter out of the hangar (6:38).
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
