Shortly after the B-32 was trialed for combat, Far
Eastern Air Force (FEAF) Headquarters directed the only squadron using
them, the 386th, to conduct a series of photo-reconnaissance missions
to monitor Japanese compliance with initial cease-fire terms.
The first of these was flown on 16th August 1945 by
Hobo Queen II without enemy opposition. The following day four Dominators
led by Hobo Queen II returned to Tokyo, but this time were tracked by
Japanese radar as they approached the city. Flak batteries tore holes
in one, and it would spend the rest of its days being cannibalized for
spare parts beside an Okinawa taxiway.
Hobo Queen itself was written off on 10th October 1945
after it suffered a nosewheel collapse at Okinawa on take-off.
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