First Alaskan Flight The first flight from the continental U.S. to Alaska was made by four DH-4Bs under the command of Capt. St. Clair Streett. The flight departed Mitchel Field, Long Island, N.Y., on July 15, 1920, and arrived at Nome, Alaska, on Aug. 24. The same planes and crews returned to Mitchel Field on Oct. 20, thus completing a round trip of 9,000 miles. A large part of the flight route was over uncharted mountain peaks, isolated glaciers and dreary swamps. By 1920 standards, this was a remarkable achievement, particularly when considering the almost complete lack of navigational instruments of the period. For this flight, Streett was awarded the Mackay Trophy for 1920. Click here to return to Endurance Flights Overview. Find Out More Related Fact Sheets De Havilland DH-4 Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.