out on the line the p 50 ones are warming up for the longest fight -- the p-50 ones -- p-51s are warmingp for the longest flight on record. about the time our wings are passing iwo jima the p shooters are taking off. scheduled to join them 3.5 hours later off the shore of japan. after a rendezvous, the p 51 heads for an assembly point. reports of the controller back at guam -- >> pilot to crew. we are to start our climb. check oxygen equipment. >> tell buggy he better get out to his doghouse. >> the crews prepare for the vital business ahead. until they come off target and head home it is all business. the central fire control system is warmed up. super human brainpower at the flick of a switch. each flexes his sites and tries a coordinated fire control with a few short bursts to clear the guns. after pushing up the bombers arrive close to assembly point. oxygen masks are adjusted and ready for instant use. which now turn off to wait for the finest return on rally point. lead bombers begin to circle, dropping the new smoke markers for assembly. the project officer observes this tactical