‘Lady Satan’ is enroute to Florida, from Upland, California, ahead of a brisk storm system currently sweeping Southern California. The boys left today at 3:15pm, and arrived at Blythe around 5:15pm. 
Mike Polley and Chris Le Fave take essentials for the 5 day flight– a flight jacket, protein bars and an extra set of underwear. All other gear (spare parts, bazooka guns, historic flight log, etc.) have been shipped ahead.
An earlier post talked about the uniqueness of this L-5B, the only surviving VM04 aircraft to leave Iwo Jima in flyable condition. Considerable research has gone into tracking down military records to confirm the airframe serial numbers and ‘Lady Satan’s military history, and while doing so, we have contacted several members of the original Marine VM0-4 unit with whom we hope to meet with when ‘Lady Satan’ reaches the east coast.
Mike and Chris make it to Stellar, AZ on Wednesday, a private airpark smack in metropolis Phoenix, where they visit with good friends. This shot is on takeoff- headed to Cochise, AZ. So far, light winds, high clouds. The L-5 just recently got new observation glass (the ‘greenhouse windows in the roof), and was fitted for the replica bazookas (they don’t fire though)..
The bazookas create lots of drag, and, cause more than a little consternation for FAA officials, and so they’re used only for static display.
As of 9:30, ‘Lady Satan’ has left Cochise, and is headed to T27, near El Paso, Texas!
Chris Le Fave, co-pilot/observer, writes this about today’s flight…
“ As of day 2 we made it to Pecos TX where we will sit out the 35 MPH winds until Friday. 85 degrees and very friendly. We have internet acess today but we may not have anymore as we go east.
66 years ago today this airplane (02766) was on a transport ship being ferried back to Hawaii after serving for two months on Iwo Jima under the command of 1st Lt. Thomas P. Rozga. Tom is the man we are going to see in Florida. It is an honor to take this plane to her pilot!
Today we made it to Cochise Arizona on our first leg and had to land short on the runway because the USAF Academy cadets were towing and flying gliders in the
middle of the runway. No Problem. We did get there too early and no one was there to give us fuel. After a few minutes, the nice lady who runs the pumps got dressed and came out of her trailer to unlock the fuel. At her side was her small white airport dog that decided that while we were getting pictures, he would pee on the right landing gear. Holy water….I guess?
Next leg, I flew to West Texas airport, East of El Paso. We were greeted by the welcoming commitee of locals that just happened to be at the picnic benches and enjoyed seeing the plane. After fueling and grabbing two homemade sandwiches from the airport fridge, we headed to Pecos. We have had a good tailwind the whole way. The longest stretch without fuel was the West Texas to Pecos and we had no problem with plenty in reserve.
Upon arrival in Pecos, we were greeted by the 3 airport “Porchdogs” a golden, a black lab and a mutt. They did not pee on the airplane once Mike and I fed them our leftovers, They agreed to guard the plane til morning. We will try and push through the rest of Texas Friday if we can.
We are switching off Pilot/Copilot as we have both decided that 1.5 hours in the back is about all your butt can handle. Picture this though. In WWII, The intial squadron of VMO-4 flew from Quantico VA to Miramar, CA in the same airplanes. The poor enlisted man in the back had to be in the back the whole 3,000 miles. Ouch! We owe alot to these guys.
"WORLD'S LARGEST FAMILY-OWNED, PUBLIC-USE AIRPORT"
middle of the runway. No Problem. We did get there too early and no one was there to give us fuel. After a few minutes, the nice lady who runs the pumps got dressed and came out of her trailer to unlock the fuel. At her side was her small white airport dog that decided that while we were getting pictures, he would pee on the right landing gear. Holy water….I guess? 