A PBY-5A (33979) of NAS Seattle refuels from the seaplane tender USS Pine Island in Alaskan waters, July, 1949.
A bunch of newly hatched PBY drivers, NAS Corpus Christi, 1944.
NAS Seattle, 1939. Most of the aircraft are P2Ys, but a lone PBY can be seen on the ramp.
The only PBY sold to a civilian in the pre-war years was this example. Nicknamed “Guba”, it was used for research in the South Pacific.
Men of VPB 43 on duty in the Aleutian Islands.
VPB 43 had its share of arctic mishaps. What appears to be scratches on the photo is actually a blizzard of snow.
The bent wing leads one to conclude this PBY was taking off or landing in a crosswind and spun off the runway. This was repairable given that the outer wings on the PBY were removable. Note the depth bombs mounted under the inner wings.
Less repairable is this VPB 43 PBY that experienced engine trouble, landed in the sea, and while being towed back to the harbor had the towline break. Adak Island, May, 1945.
Same aircraft. As can be seen, this PBY’s flying days were done.
Men examine the wreckage to gather up classified material and personal belongings. Nature would soon take care of the rest.
Hi Bill! I don’t suppose any of the pictures have your dad involved/included in them?
Hope you’re doing okay. Take care,
Joe
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Joe,
Great to hear from you and I hope all is well. Alas, I have zero photos of dad and the PBY. He was never much of a picture taker or poser.
Take Care!
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