General Italo Balbo piloted one of 25 seaplanes that made up an Italian Regia Aeronautica transatlantic journey in 1933 from Orbetello, Italy, to the Century of Progress International Exposition in Chicago, Illinois. The voyage was well received in many nations, but especially in the United States, where Balbo and his fleet earned the nickname "Italian Air Armada." Balbo saw the mission as a trailblazing move toward commercial flights over the Atlantic since it was a public relations victory for Fascist Italy. Balbo received a gold key to the city of Chicago as well as entrance into the Sioux tribe as the "Chief Flying Eagle". When the Italian fleet arrived in New York City, it was welcomed by millions of people, and Balbo was invited to lunch with President Roosevelt. The city of New York organized a parade in honor of Balbo.
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Transportation