Historic Arrival of First Round-the-World Flight

This striking photograph, taken on September 9, 1924, captures a significant moment in aviation history: the arrival of the first round-the-world flight by a U.S. military team. Known as the World Fliers, this expedition was led by Lieutenant Lowell Smith and involved a squadron of Douglas World Cruisers. Their journey, which began in Seattle, Washington, covered over 26,000 miles and spanned several months, making stops in cities across the globe, including Alaska, Asia, Europe, and finally back to New York.

In the image, you can see the excitement surrounding the World Fliers return to New York City, a hub of innovation and ambition during the Roaring Twenties. This milestone not only showcased the technological advancements in aviation but also symbolized the growing cultural fascination with air travel. The flight demonstrated the potential for aircraft to connect distant lands, paving the way for future advancements in global travel and commerce.

The photograph is part of the Bain News Service collection, which aimed to document significant events and figures of the time. It highlights not only the aircraft itself but also the publics response to this groundbreaking achievement. The World Fliers adventure marked a turning point in aviation history, inspiring future generations of aviators and fostering the spirit of exploration that characterized the era.