General Hap Arnold and the 1934 Flight of B-10 Bombers to Alaska: Legacy for US Airpower Efficacy and far North Operaions

General Henry “Hap” Arnold’s enthusiasm, vision and organizational skills helped guide and realize a transformation of airpower from a supporting function for infantry to an essential component of modern warfare. His leadership drove aircraft modernization and US mastery of strategic bombing and led to the era of US dominance in air superiority. The flight of 10 Martin B-10 Bombers that he led to Alaska in 1934 represented an inflection point in US military aviation. It would result in important consequences for US airpower in the Arctic and for the wider role and mission of airpower and the Arctic in US military strategy.