Darr H. Alkire

Airline career In 1929, Alkire took a three-month leave from the Army Air Corp while stationed in Hawaii to help Inter-Island Airways begin flight operations. At the time, Inter-Island had a Bellanca Pacemaker and two Sikorsky S-38 flying boats. The inaugural day of scheduled air-service in the Hawaiian Islands took place on Armistice Day, November 11, 1929. The ceremonies were attended by thousands of residents and led by Hawaii Territorial Governor Lawrence M. Judd and Inter-Island Airways founder Stan Kennedy. As champagne and floral leis christened the two Sikorky's for their voyage, Alkire flew overhead in the Bellanca capturing the scene on film. He then joined formation with 49 military aircraft for a fly-by as the two Sikorsky's departed. In 1930, Alkire married Maui born Alma Tate Robinson, who was mother to Barbara. They had two daughters together, Darryl Ann and Jacqueline. Alkire's B-24 Maui Maid was named in honor of Alma.

Later life Alkire retired from the Air Force in 1956 and moved back to Salt Lake City. In 1958, Alkire appeared on a Salt Lake City television interview series regarding the Cold War, titled "What Security in the Rocket Age?" Alkire died on July 22, 1977, and is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

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