Aviation in Action: Turning the Tide in the Pacific

Instructor: Dave Tarrant

This class will meet in the Albert L. Lorenzo Cultural Center, Room 137.

This class is being taught on the anniversary of the year-long period between 18 April 1942 and 18 April 1943 that encompasses the gradual turning point of the Pacific War. The story begins with the legendary Doolittle carrier raid on Japan and ends exactly one year later with the death of Admiral Yamamoto at the hands of intercepting P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft. While maintaining context with sea and ground actions, the emphasis is on the role aviation played for both Japan and the Allies. This presentation will show how the Midway victory was but one in a series of interconnected events that collectively changed the course of the Pacific War.

About the Presenter: Dave Tarrant began his association with the MORE program as a presenter beginning in 2016, teaching history of technology-oriented classes. His expertise includes a deep knowledge of automotive, aviation, and military history. After a career spent primarily in the automotive sector, Dave was selected to rebuild the MORE program after the Covid-related shutdown. He was chosen for this role based on his combination of MORE teaching experience with management skills acquired through many years of leading teams in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.