<P>... my thoughts turned at this point to my courageous red - haired mother, whose quiet confidence had been a source of strength to me since boyhood, and particularly during the soul - searching period when I decided to give up a medical career to become a military pilot . At a time when Dad had thought I had lost my marbles, she had taken my side and said, "I know you will be all right, son ." </P> <P> The name was painted on the aircraft on 5 August by Allan L. Karl, an enlisted man in the 509th . Regularly - assigned aircraft commander Robert Lewis was unhappy to be displaced by Tibbets for this important mission, and became furious when he arrived at the aircraft on the morning of 6 August to see it painted with the now - famous nose art . </P> <P> Hiroshima was the primary target of the first nuclear bombing mission on 6 August, with Kokura and Nagasaki as alternative targets . Enola Gay, piloted by Tibbets, took off from North Field, in the Mariana Islands, about six hours' flight time from Japan, accompanied by two other B - 29s, The Great Artiste, carrying instrumentation, and a then - nameless aircraft later called Necessary Evil, commanded by Captain George Marquardt, to take photographs . The director of the Manhattan Project, Major General Leslie R. Groves, Jr., wanted the event recorded for posterity, so the takeoff was illuminated by floodlights . When he wanted to taxi, Tibbets leaned out the window to direct the bystanders out of the way . On request, he gave a friendly wave for the cameras . </P> <P> After leaving Tinian, the aircraft made their way separately to Iwo Jima, where they rendezvoused at 2,440 meters (8,010 ft) and set course for Japan . The aircraft arrived over the target in clear visibility at 9,855 meters (32,333 ft). Captain William S. "Deak" Parsons of Project Alberta, who was in command of the mission, armed the bomb during the flight to minimize the risks during takeoff . His assistant, Second Lieutenant Morris R. Jeppson, removed the safety devices 30 minutes before reaching the target area . </P>

Where did the b 29 take off from