Command Experience: Tibbets was a highly experienced B-29 pilot who had already demonstrated his leadership and technical skills during the top-secret Manhattan Project. His ability to handle complex missions effectively made him an ideal choice.
Meticulous Planning: The atomic bomb missions required meticulous planning and execution. Tibbets had a reputation for thorough preparation and attention to detail, which was crucial for the successful deployment of the world's first nuclear weapons.
Trust and Rapport: Building rapport and trust with his crew members was essential for a mission of such magnitude. Tibbets had earned the respect and loyalty of his team through his leadership style, allowing them to work together seamlessly under extreme pressure.
Familiarity with the B-29: The Enola Gay, the B-29 aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb, was under Tibbets' command. His familiarity with its systems, capabilities, and performance gave him an edge in executing the precise maneuvers required during the mission.
Leadership and Calm Under Pressure: Tibbets' demonstrated leadership qualities, calmness under pressure, and quick decision-making made him an ideal candidate to lead a mission of unprecedented historical importance.
It is essential to note that the choice of Colonel Tibbets was not based on any personal grievances against Japan or the Japanese people. Rather, it was a careful selection of a highly qualified pilot with the skills, experience, and temperament to carry out a critical and momentous mission in history.