Before stealth bombers flew from Missouri to Tehran and back, battle-worn B-52s pushed crews and machines to the brink in a history-making, out-and-back combat strike. It set the gold standard for global reach—and forever changed the face of modern warfare.
DOOM 34 is the first behind-the-scenes insider’s recounting of a high-stakes mission that changed the course of modern combat. It combines the fast-paced, breathless development of a highly classified, innovative weapon with the selection and training of untested aviators who executed this top-secret Black Ops mission in the run-up to Operation Desert Storm. This mission pushed the limits of human endurance and mechanical design.
Code-named “Senior Surprise” and nicknamed “Secret Squirrel,” the mission selected fifty-seven airmen (only one of whom had any combat experience) to fly seven B-52s that were well past their prime on a thirty-five-hour, nonstop flight that was plagued with unforeseen complications from the moment of takeoff.
Trey Morriss was the electronic warfare officer on the fourth B-52—DOOM 34—and, along with his seven crewmen, had a front-row seat to what went down.
Trey Morriss is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with thirty-one years of service, serving and supporting the legendary Eighth Air Force. His love of aviation runs deep--shaped by stories of his grandfather and uncle, who flew combat missions over Europe in World War II. Early in his career, Morriss took part in a top-secret, record-setting strike that opened Operation Desert Storm--the longest combat mission of its time and a turning point in modern warfare. He later flew 32 combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan following 9/11. Hes a decorated veteran and sought-after keynote speaker. He lives in Louisiana with his wife, and they cherish time with their five adult children and three grandchildren.
Prologue: Reunion, Chapter 1: The Day That Changed Everything, Chapter 2: The Guys, Chapter 3: Planning, Training, Waiting . . . , Chapter 4: Ready for Takeoff, Chapter 5: The Best Laid Plans, Oft Get Laid, Chapter 6: The Most Dangerous Dance Ever, Chapter 7: Watch Your Six, Chapter 8: Fight’s On!, Chapter 9: Wing and a Prayer (aka New Enemies), Chapter 10: No Slumber Party, Chapter 11: Eight Hours to Go, Chapter 12: Celebration, Epilogue: Finest Hour, Crew Roster, Acknowledgments
“Part thriller, part tribute— DOOM 34 is a firsthand ride through the classified chaos, human resolve, and split-second decisions behind America’s first strike in Desert Storm.”
— Honorable Rick Perry, former Governor of Texas and former Secretary of Energy and current Advocate for Veterans Mental Health
“DOOM 34 is an unforgettable firsthand account that perfectly captures both the precision and deeply human experience behind one of the most daring and secretive missions in U.S. Air Force history. Trey Morriss masterfully brings to life the harrowing 35-hour flight that launched Operation Desert Storm, offering readers an inside look at the courage, resilience, and camaraderie of the “Secret Squirrel” crews. With vivid storytelling, Trey honors the unsung heroes of DOOM 34 while reminding us of their enduring spirit of service and sacrifice. This is more than a military memoir—it’s a tribute to ordinary Americans & extraordinary Airmen who answered history’s call and delivered their finest hour."
— General Seve Wilson, USAF (Retired), Former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
“In my many years of serving with Airmen, I’ve seen adversity and triumph. Trey nails it with DOOM 34—a piercing, unapologetic account of grit, mission focus, and leadership forged under fire."
— General Robin Rand, USAF (Retired), Former Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command
“Having flown 25 missions over Europe in WWII—I know what guts and fortitude look like. Morriss puts you squarely in the DOOM 34 cockpit—a mission that changed warfare. His narrative of raw courage and sharp innovation is the real deal—nothing surpasses a first-person account."
— Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo, USAF (Retired), B-17 pilot, 100th Bomb Group
“DOOM 34 meticulously recounts the top-secret plan that commenced Operation Desert Storm. Morriss recounts the fraught weeks and months before the assignment with vivid recollection, with his storys most harrowing moments mostly confined to the 30-plus hours he and his crew flew to the Middle East and back. A riveting read from start to finish.”
— Philip Zozzaro, Booklist
