After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, President Roosevelt wanted to "send a message" to the Japanese in order to boost American morale. This message came in the form of an unconventional plan to launch twin-engine bombers from a U.S. aircraft carrier and conduct a bombing mission into Tokyo. Lieutenant Colonel James "Jimmy" Doolittle, an experienced Army test pilot, took on the mission. In order for the B-25 bombers to take off from a carrier deck they had to be stripped down of equipment and armaments to decrease their weight. The bombers were also equipped with double their usual fuel load in order to reach Japan. The task force departed on their mission in April, 1942. However, at approximately 750 miles from Japan, the task force was spotted by a Japanese patrol ship. The U.S.S. Nashville managed to sink the patrol ship, but not before the ship's crew had sent out a radio warning to Japan of a possible attack. Knowing this, LTC Doolittle made the decision to launch immediately. The "Tokyo Raiders", as the bombers were called, made their way to Japan and successfully bombed multiple military and industrial targets. Doolittle's Raid was publicized all over the United States. Although it was a small victory, the raid increased American morale after enduring the losses of Pearl Harbor. Doolittle's Raid also sent Japan a clear message...the U.S. was ready for a fight.