The first pictures taken of the crews of the 24 Italian flying boats together ready for their great formation flight from Rome to Chicago and back which is expected to begin immediately . The flight will be under the command of General Pellegrini , and General Balbo the Italian Air Minister will accompany the fliers . They will travel via Amsterdam , Londonderry , Scotland and Greenland . General Balbo the Italian Air Minister ( centre ) with the offficers and crews of the flying boats at the Orbotello air base near Rome . In the background can be seen some of the Savoia-Marchetti SM.55X flying boats which will accompany Balbo on the flight . 15 June 1933