Picture taken by Lt. Ralph E. Cheney from the USS SLC CA25 of the "USS HORNET" carrying the "Doolittle Raiders" to Japan on April 18th, 1942

Picture taken by Lt. Ralph E. Cheney from the USS SLC CA25 of one of the B-25's Headed for Japan

Excerpts from the 1942 Diary of Ralph E. Cheney, Lt. while on board the USS SLC CA25 that was part of the Task Force escorting the USS Hornet and the Doolittle Raiders to the mainland of Japan. April 11. We are NE of Midway. April 12. Went out on 125 mile scouting hop. Ran into bad visibility. April 13. Joined up with Hornet, 16 B-25's on her deck. Tokyo here we come. April 14. Crossed date line. April 15. Very dismal. No flying for anyone. April 16. Quite cold. Refueled CV's and CA's. Weather turned bad in afternoon. April 17. 800 miles from Tokyo. Fog closing in this evening. Cannot see other ships. B-25's are crowded aft on the CV. Probably will launch them tomorrow. April 18. B-25's were not launched at GQ. First one finally launched at 0820, last one at 0921 with no mishaps. Very rough sea. Patrol vessel sunk by Nash prior to launching. April 25. Arrived in port today. What a history making trip.

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