The Nome nugget., 1920-07-31
LOCAL NEWS HAPPENINGS
VISITING AIR OFFICER DEPARTS

Capt. Howard T. Douglas, U. $. A. who arrived here July IS from the interior in connection with the govern ment airplane flight from New York to Nome. was among the number de- parting on the Victoria. Capt. Doug las will proceed to St Michael and thence up the Yukon, retracing his journey over the route of the air ex- petition. Capt. Douglas was commis- stoned to proceed over the course to arrange for and report on landing fields. secure supplies. etc, needed by the flyers. With his departure, It. Case. a former airman, who saw ser- vice in France with the American forces, will have charge of the lanI- ing field at Ft. Davis and assist in the flight arrangements.
 Discussing the possibilities of com mercial flying in Alaska. Capt. Doug las expressed the view that 1t is en- tirely feasible. There is nothing nowadays that is impossible in flying either in winter or summer" Ques- toned regarding the outlook for air mail service. Capt. Douglas stated that whatever IS done later in this line will probably depend on the report which he will take to Washington. 'The flying operation now in progress is being carried out by the Army Air Service and is without doubt the most pretentious aerial effort ever attempt ed on this continent" Capt. Douglas asserted. of successful it will be an outstanding landmark in the progress of military aviation and doubtless the forerunner of commercial flying in the far North.
 "The four planes which left New York July 15 are of the battle plane type and identical with those now used in army military work. The 4.5OO miles which lie between the eastern and this center of popula- tion of the Northwestern corner of the continent. comprises vast areas hitherto unexplored. The army will prove by tfeir flight the feasibility of transporting aerial units over un- explored territory"
 Capt. Dauglas said that in arrang- ing the flight only small number of the landing fields considered were charted in the office of the Air Service at Washington and in order to fully establish the route and arr range for supplies he was sent ahead to report on natural landing condl- tions and, in many cases, to arrange for the construction of airdomes.
 The expedition is being conducted by men especially chosen for their fly ing abilities and aggressiveness. Capt. St Clair Streets. the commander is m army flyer with fine record in France during the war. Three lieu eS""ht'' hihleiy fSeSoHu Lieut.. EITlck 1T. Nelson. Second Lieut.. c. F.. Crumrine, and Second Lieut.. Ross c. Kirkpatrick are the pilots of the re- ma aiming three planes.
 Capt. Douglas himself spent 1s months in air service overseas and took part in five major operations, serving with two French and three American army corps. Following the armistice he was in command of the Srd Air Corps when the American forces were holding the Coblenz bridge head. At present he is connected with the training and operations group of the Air Service at Washington.
 Capt. Douglas expressed warm ap- preciation of the welcome and hospi- tality rendered during his stay and re. 1uested the Nugget to extend his thanks to the people of Nome for their kindness and many courtesies.. Just before leaving Capt. Douglas was pre- sented with nugget and old ivory watch fob by Mayor Rice and Coun- 'ilman NJ. W. Griffith on behalf of the City and people of Nome.