The Crociera Aerea del Decennale or Aerial Cruise of the Decennial, between Orbetello - Chicago - New York - Rome, was held between 1 July and 12 August 1933. It was organized by Italo Balbo to mark the first decade of the Regia Aeronautica or Royal Air Force and as an opportunity for propaganda in the World Fair that was held in Chicago for the city's centennial.
Taking part were 25 SIAI-Marchetti S.55X seaplanes, organized into 8 squadrons. On board were 52 official pilots, 1 officer and 62 NCO engineer specialists. They returned to Italy in 24 aircraft, one having been lost in a tragic accident in the Azores (Horta Bay).
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A Chicago street near the lakefront was renamed Balbo Avenue and a monument was erected near Soldier Field commemorating the arrival of the 25 seaplanes.
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