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8003 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308 |
George Hyatt (703) 765-5308 Gail Neyland (703) 765-5308
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"Operation Vittles"
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The History
The Berlin Airlift, has gone down in history as the first military airlift used as an instrument of United States national policy. After World War II the allied occupation of Germany resulted in a division of East and West sectors. The west was under the provisional control of Great Britain, France and the United States, the East, under Russian control.
Although geographically Berlin is more than 100 miles inside former East Germany, the city had been divided into sectors which were governed by the US, England, France and the Soviet Union. Each country was responsible for the area over which they were given dominance. While Communism had been established in East Germany, the democratic rule of the western sectors flourished as an island within the rest of the country.
The Soviets repeatedly attempted to gain complete control of the city, then on June 15, 1948 they declared the Autobahn leading into Berlin from West Germany "closed for repairs."
Three days later, road traffic between the sectors was halted and on June 21 all barge traffic into the city was stopped. On June 24 the Russians announced that due to "technical difficulties" there would be no more rail traffic to and from Berlin. The following day they declared that the Russian sectors would not supply food to the sectors of the city that were under Western administration. In response to the Soviet actions, the United States military government in Europe decided to mount an airlift of supplies into the city until the crisis was solved. On June 26, 32 flights by United States Air Force and Europe C-47s transported eighty tons of food from Wiesbaden in West Germany into Tempelhof Airport inside the city to begin the Berlin Airlift.
The Grumman HU-16C Albatross
The extraordinary Albatross is a 65 foot long flying boat with a 80 wing span capable of landing on water and land. Its primary role in military applications was for Sea/Air Rescue operations because of the unique ability to land on rough seas. The lesser known role in the "Cold War", was for deep penetration behind enemy lines to extract operatives and bring them back to freedom.
The Story
The viewer will experience the grueling configuration behind the scenes in making this difficult journey. We will educate the viewer, step by step, on the rigorous planning, flight preparation and equipment necessary to insure survival should something go wrong. They will gain insight into the use of High Frequency communications equipment, flight planning, navigation and Air Traffic Control reporting procedures for transatlantic flights. Go through safety orientation and inspection of survival gear with Canadian authorities and learn the pros and cons of dealing with customs officials from several different countries.
During a walk around tour and preflight inspection, curious Customs Agents will hear the story of how the DaSilvas rescued their giant seaplane from the bone yard at Davis Mothan. They will receive a brief history of its service in the U.S. Navy and listen to Captain DaSilva and son Jack talk about all the work that went into restoring the aircraft to its now pristine condition.
After viewers become familiar with the Albatross, they will be brought on board for the unforgettable voyage across the North Atlantic.
The Journey
With cockpit cams and audio interface, viewers will become part of the crew. They will experience interaction between pilot, copilot, Air Traffic Controllers and receive a birds eye view of takeoffs, landings, controls and instruments. Tail and float cams will capture incredible images of fire and smoke coming from exhaust tacks and final approaches into Goose Bay, Labrador and Keflavik, Iceland where the audience will receive a brief tour of these areas.
After departing Keflavik, the crew will begin discussion about the role of the Shorts Sunderland during the Berlin Airlift. The careful insertion of archival footage of takeoffs, landings and the unloading of supplies from the Shorts Sunderland will enhance discussions. Jack will read excerpts from history books and Gina, our onboard teacher and historian will field questions from the rest of the crew.
Discussions will be interrupted as Captain DaSilva makes positions reports and announces reaching the Faeroe Islands. (Aerial shots, weather permitting)
Communications with ATC will increase as the Albatross approaches the coast of Ireland. Tail, float and cockpit cams will be turned on to capture the approach into Shannon. Upon arrival, the Crew will clear customs and viewers will watch as refueling and routine maintenance take place. After a brief tour of Shannon the flight will continue across the North Sea to Germany.
As they approach the mainland, Captain DaSilva will request a lower altitude from ATC. Upon approval, side doors will be opened and a spectacular aerial tour of Northern Germany will begin. Anticipationwill build as the shadow of the Albatross passes over Plowed fields and lush green forests on its approach into Berlin.
Upon arrival at Tempelhof, Captain Renee Lancelle of the German Navy will greet the crew. Captain Lancelle will explain the history of Tempelhof and the crew will be briefed on upcoming events. Procedures for takeoffs and Landings on Lake Wannfe will be discussed and viewers and crew will be treated to a First class tour of Berlin.
In preparation for the Berlin Airlift celebration, camera crews will set up along the shoreline of Lake Wannfe where a million people are expected to gather. Ground crews will capture landings, crowd reactions, and interviews will take place with those who remember the events that took place some 60 years ago. ( Captain DaSilva and or Lancelle will translate )
As celebrations finally come to a close, crewmembers and new friends will exchange information and say their good byes. With another adventure in tow and fond memories in heart, the DaSilva’s will fire up their mighty Grumman Albatross and head west.
On the long journey home they will reminisce adventures of the past and discuss plans for future expeditions to far away places. Graphic descriptions of last year’s Arctic adventure and unforgettable journey to the Dry Tortillas will leave viewers yearning for the next DaSilva Family Adventure aboard the Albatross.
A Family Adventure
Bill and Gina DaSilva own the Mighty Grumman Albatross that will embark on a yearlong adventure around the world exploring the most exotic reaches on the planet. Captain Bill DaSilva, a commercial pilot for Northwest Airlines, is taking his family on this experience of a lifetime and sharing it with over 200 million people via television, Internet and through earned media. Gina DaSilva, a speech pathologist and educator, will continue schooling their two boys, Jack and Kurt on the road. The Albatross is one of the largest amphibious planes in the world and was used for search and rescue missions in Korea and Vietnam, saving an untold number of lives. At present we are fitting the Albatross with the latest global communications, computers, cameras and a complete mobile production facility.
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Washington, DC |
Los Angeles | |||
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(212) 288-7440 |
(703) 765-5308 |
(310) 822-7462 | |||
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Austin |
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(972) 942-3121 |
(800) 301-0885 |
(610) 432-4040 | ||
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Chicago/Phoenix |
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(602) 284-4032 |
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