Was with VP-47 1952-1954... AT3 crewman on BA-10.. Pilot was Lt. Cdr Max L. Hoffines, a wonderful pilot.. would fly to hell and back with him.
Phil Wampler, e-mail, 23.06.2020 20:06
I served in VP-50 from 1952 till 1955 at Alemeda NAS and Iwakuni Japan dischared12/1/55
Phil Wampler, e-mail, 23.06.2020 19:42
Hi norm just found your message on my iPad what a surprise I hope you doing ok Phil Wampler
John A. Hardwick, e-mail, 11.01.2018 01:06
I was with ATU 501 Corpus Christi tex from late 1955 to spring of 1957. I flew in the pbm5s2 sea planes for most all that time did a lot of nav. hops. enjoyed every min. of it . to bad they dident save a few of them
Bruce Barth, e-mail, 20.11.2016 21:27
Naval Aviation Historian would like to hear from anyone who served on Ebeye (Kwajalein) from 1944 to 1946 flying Martin PBM Mariners. Any and all information on PBM activities and operations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help. Bruce Barth www . vpmma .org
Kenneth Simmons, e-mail, 01.11.2015 18:27
This is an addon to my comment about (2012) my uncle Earl. E. Simmons. He was a radioman on PBM's. Trained at NAS Corpus Christi (1944) then later went to NAS Alameda and was discharged in 1946. He may have been attached with VPB-99.
Evan Smith, e-mail, 26.05.2015 05:32
My father was stationed in MARSHAL Islands during the Atomic Testings of 1952 IVY & 1954 Castle. He was a photographer in the USAF 1352nd. I have a great photo he took while looking out of the back left window. Does anyone know of flying during these missions? I would love to hear your stories and memories. Thank you
Rick Dombrowski, e-mail, 26.03.2015 11:11
I was stationed with ATU-700 at NAS, Corpus Christi, TX from '53 to '55. I was a brand new ADAN who became quite adept at wiping drip pans and cowling with side tours to galley and coop cleaning chores. Initially volunteered to fly observer in the PBM-5 with later assignments on the PBM-5S2 which had four-bladed reversible props. We lost a day/night NAV flight which was later found on a hillside in Mexico. I had some experience with the SNB aircraft segment of the squadron. Also did a stint with the beaching crew. Left the Navy as my time expired in June, '55.
Stephanie Henderson, e-mail, 16.03.2015 23:23
Hello, fellow friends and retired soldiers/officers. I am researching for a close friend, her late father's career as a Navy Pilot during the Korean War. His name was ENSIGN Charles W. Drawhorn and was assigned to the VP-47 squadron out of San Deigo, California.
I have for supporting documents: an obituary, Korean War Navy photo and obituary photo & headstone photo.
Just wanting to know if there are any fellow "PBM Aviator's" out there that would have known him or could share some fond stories about him.
He was released from active duty in 1951 and returned to Baylor Medical School. He did his internship at U.S. Naval Hospital, San Deigo, California where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant, USNR(MC)
He went on to becoming a well know family doctor in Southeast, Texas for over 40 years upon his return.
I am retired ARMY/20 years....so I just have a few questions on the VP-47 squadron, how many in a crew, what beach did they land and take off from. Where did they stay....stuff like that.
I already requested his medals & ribbons via online request at the NAVPERS 1650/96 Transmittal of and/or Entitlement to Awards from St Louis, MO.
It takes awhile. So be patient! After/about 72 days something will come by mail and then the medals about 2 weeks later from TN. I can help anyone out in that area.
Please email if you know of this gentleman. Thanks for your ear and time.
Respectfully, Stephanie/RET SFC/US ARMY (RET)
john lipe klock jr, e-mail, 25.02.2015 23:31
John is my father he was on a flight crew on the Uss midway and also stationed in Trinidad during the Korean war he was also a piano player in the base band if you ever knew him please contact me his son at johnklock@ymail.com he talks of that time in his life would love to put him in touch
Bill Case, e-mail, 22.01.2015 20:51
I was assigned to ATU 501 from late 1955 to late 1956 and flew on the PBM-5 as radio and radar operator flying many navigation training flights over the Gulf. I was also assigned to the radar shop keeping the radar systems operating. In January of 1956 I was transfered to VR-23 Atsugi Japan where I completed my Navy enlistment.
Lyle Schoonover, e-mail, 06.11.2014 19:57
My dad, Lyle Schoonover, was an Aviation Ordinance Mate 3/C with the Crew No. 229, on the PBM-5, San Diego, North Island, Calf. September 1945, Bomber Squadron, as a nose gunner. He and crew 229 trained together at Corpus Christi, Texas, May - September 1945. I have a list of the 229 and a photo of them in front of their PBM-5. Contact me if interested.
Gary Larson, e-mail, 01.11.2014 06:38
My father, Arden Chester Larson,(aka Art or Chester) was a navigator on PBM's from the USN Norton Sound sea plane tender in 1945 era WWII. Died in 1994. Is there anyone that remembers him or served with him? please contact me.
sue satzinger, e-mail, 01.08.2014 09:04
Saw the post by Jack Sandberg. My father, Arnold K. Satzinger was a pilot in the VPB-25 squadron. Any information would be most helpful for my research on his activities during WWII.
Larry Lynch, e-mail, 22.04.2014 02:11
Larry: Truly hope you receive email. This is Bill (Robby) Robinson. I was in VP47 with Fred. Several of us guys were adopted by your Mom & Dad. "Honey & Buster" Me,Little Mac, Larry Reid, Gene Carlberg.
If you get this please call or email. 509-758-1653,or Wildwilly@cableone.net Bill
Hubert A Smith AMSAN?AMS2, e-mail, 16.03.2014 22:09
I served in VP 50 from 52 to 56 and have a pic of SE-6 coming up the ramp from the last PBM operational flight. From this point in my life it is easy to forget the sub zero preflights and starting engines with a crank when it was cold. Also have given up on my hatred of hualing in sea anchors when the salt water froze on my cuffs. Dumb pilot never could make up his mind whether he wanted them in or out.(Big Smile). I have many interesting and exciting things in my life, but none of them compare to my time as a crewman in the PBM. What young man would not enjoy target shooting with a 50 or out smarting a devious Chicom Captain on the ECM. Every day had a new learning experience. Then there were the balmy summer days on bouy watch with a hook in the water out of the afterstation hatch. Finally; as I look back, and realize I was a player in a very historic type of plane and era in the Navy, All the bad parts blow away and become nothing. Smitty
Barry, 26.02.2014 13:54
The R.A.F. ordered an initial batch of 28 in 1943. The first delvery of 10 airframes went to 524 Squadron and after 8 months it was decided to cancel all further orders and return the aeroplanes back to the U.S.A. I am unaware of the reason for this except that perhaps with the existing fleet of Sunderlands and Catalinas there was probably no need for another type.
alain peulet, e-mail, 14.01.2014 23:18
I'm in love with US flyingboats (French Marlin) and started building the Mach2 french kit ... And now just received the Minicraft one ! Anybody can help for detailed plans , Ginter Naval Fighter is nice but I need more . I send this message from France and need infos about many US planes from 50's till 70 . Thanks
Bruce Barth, e-mail, 14.10.2013 01:39
Naval Aviation Historian would like to hear from anyone who served on Ebeye (Kwajalein) from 1944 to 1946 flying Martin PBM Mariners. Any information on PBM actives and operations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help. Bruce Barth
John Sandiford, e-mail, 09.08.2013 20:44
I cannot get a hold of Donald Swartz. I keep getting bounce backs. I did substitute the = with the @ sign, but no luck. My father and Donald were both in VPB-28 in Jimanok.
Norm Barnhart, e-mail, 03.07.2013 14:53
I was radioman on VR-24's PBM in Port Lyautey, NAS in 1952,and '53.
Kate Watts, e-mail, 12.11.2012 06:03
My dad was an Aviation Radio Man 3-c on PMB-3 FAW 16 VP 211. He was stationed in Galeao, Bahia, Aratu Brazil. 1943-1945 I am creating a computer presentation about my father's military history. He died in 1985 at the age of 60. I would like to have more information about the duties and roles that various crew members on the PBM had. What was daily life like on a PBM-3 Thanks for any information you may be willing to share. I would like to honor my father this Christmas with a very special gift to our family.
Justin Settle, e-mail, 05.08.2012 03:47
My Grandad is Charlie Settle, tail gunner on a PBM in VPB-28. Served in the Phillipines in 44, 45. Black Cat Squadrons. Please contact me if you remember him- it would make his year!
Ken Simmons, e-mail, 22.05.2012 04:36
My uncle Earl Simmons was a aircrew radionman on PBM's I think he was with a training squadron at Corpus Christi during 1944-45. Then the war end, and he got discharge at Alameda. Trying to get an idea of what PBM's ATU commands where at Corpus during that time period
Larry Lynch, e-mail, 14.05.2012 16:04
My elder brother served as an air-crewman on PBM-5 aircraft attached to VP 47 out of Alameda/Iwakuni. His plane crashed into the sea off the east coast of Korea on Dec 26, 1952. He and nine others were lost and four were rescued. The Navy Dept. never gave our family any details of the crash nor were any remains of my brother ever found. His name was Frederick Charles Lynch and he was from Fowler, California. I would really appreciate any info anyone may have of the incident, or who may have known him. Thanks in advance.
Howard Eberly, e-mail, 17.04.2012 01:27
I was on Guam in VR-23, when we received 3 PBM-5As to be used as transports for the Trust Territories. We had to take off the gun turrets, armor plate, etc. to make them suitable for our mission. We later flew one of them out of Itazuki, Japan to Inchon Harbor where the Korean invasion was taking place. We took McArthurs envoy up to confer with the Commander of the invasion forces. Very interesting trips. The last existing 5A is at the air force museum at Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson. I had been trained to be a fighter pilot, but the Navy, in their infinate wisdom put me in transports. Probably saved my life. The 5A was sort of a strange looking piece of iron, but very comfortable and easy to fly.
Harry Derr, e-mail, 17.03.2012 06:25
mail back to me
Harry Derr, e-mail, 17.03.2012 06:25
mail back to me
Jack Sandberg, e-mail, 31.01.2012 23:55
I was with VPB 25 and flew all over the Pacific running missions looking for the last of the Japanese. Saw a lot bring brought in by the Marines. They were scared to death. Ended the war going to Okinowa but were run out by the Japanese Kamakazis and Baca bombs, (Suicides)ended the war stationed in Lingguyan Gulf where we flew missions in the China sea looking for who might be left. Not many got away. My rate was aom3/c and was the bow gunner for almost years counting the training and over seas. Anybody remember VPB 25?
Chuck Lockhart, e-mail, 30.01.2012 02:21
I Served with VP-892 and VP-50 from 1951 thru 1954 as a radioman on the PBM. It was a great experience and I cherish the Crew that I flew with. Not many of us are left. Would like to hear from any who remember.
Jim Hommel, e-mail, 14.12.2011 09:54
Nothing romantic. Rode the base PBM on "milk runs" from NAS Agana to Saipan and Tinian a few times when off duty. 1952 - 1953. ACAN in base ops flight plannin.
Don Swartz, e-mail, 15.11.2011 01:23
I was In VPB 28 in the Philippine Island Palawan and Jinamoc Any one around from then?
Bill Graves, e-mail, 09.11.2011 19:58
My father flew PMs in the Pacific late in the war. His plane and one other spotted the Yamoto BB and several other ships in the task force. They then radioed for an air strike which lead to the Yamoto's sinking. The other PBM landed after the battle and picked up an American airman who had been shot down. My father's plane flew cover from overhead. I've still got his log book with the entries in it. His PBM was shot down on another mission while looking for Japaneese shipping west of Nagasaki. All survived and were picked up by another PBM the next day . JATO assist was needed to get the plane airborne due to heavy swells.
Tom Munday, e-mail, 20.10.2011 01:13
Stationed at NOB, Trinidad,BWI, 1952-1954. Served as Air-crewman with VP-34. Last operating squadron of PBM's in Atlantic fleet. Lost EC-10 March 22, 1953 with crew of 11, in Bermuda Triangle during Operation Springboard. Primarily trained for ASW, provided search & rescue missions. Kept the Caribbean safe during Korean War.
adcs patrick mc closkey, e-mail, 06.10.2011 23:46
I SPENT THE YEAR OF 1951-1952 ON NAVAL STATION KWAJALEIN IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS WE HAD THREE PBM5A'S AT ONE TIME .IT WAS A GREAT ADVENTURE OURS WERE DEMILITARIZED SO WE HAD NO TURRETS .FLYING IN THE NOSE PROVIDED AN AWESOME VIEW WE HAD THE ONLY SEAPLANES IN THE WHOLE MID-PACIFIC SO SOME OF OUR MISSIONS WERE FABULOUS 15 HOUR PATROLS WERE COMMON .ONE OF THE GREATEST TIMES IN MY NAVAL AIR CAREER
Don Swartz, e-mail, 05.10.2011 17:59
I was in VPb 28 in the Philippines at Cavite Flew patrols in !945. Anyone around from that Squadron? I was in Lt. Lucks crew. Our plane crew captain was Chief Whitby very well known Chief.an old salt If you were in "Whits" crew you had many privalages.
Harry L. Derr, e-mail, 28.09.2011 06:20
I served at tail-end of WWII from Sept.1945 through Dec.1948. We were in PBM-5A's but much later we were assigned to newer Martin air craft. I was assigned to VP-208 at NAS,Jax,Fla. and went with the squadron from there to Gytmo.Bay, Cuba to San Juan to Port of Spain, Trinidad. I was a 3rd class AMMF, expert gunner, etc. and put in over a thousand hours chasing German sub reports, Air sea Rescue,weather watches, watching Castro and his boys as well as several other potential revolutioniaries in the Carribean. We had several changes is squadron name or designation: VPB-208, VPMS-8 and others.
Donald Swartz, e-mail, 25.09.2011 18:56
Flew many patrols only one exciting mishap lost the starboard engine on take off.Landed safely. Not like D10 at Banana River where they lost engine and crashed several fatalities.
Donald Swartz, e-mail, 25.09.2011 18:48
I was at Banana River March 1945 Lt Luck was our pilot Are copilots were Ens Wages and Ens Armstrong. Our crew ended up in the Philippines mostly out of Cavite And Jinamoc. We did mostly patrols and search and rescue missions. Any one around from VPB 28. Send me an email.
Sam, e-mail, 16.09.2011 18:39
Help, I am trying to track down specifics on a propeller that I believe may have been used on PBM-1 or early PBM-3's. The Prop. I am trying to determine the engine and aircraft it was used on is:
Three Bladed Curtiss Electric
DWG NO 89304-12
MFG - NO - B - 9155
CONT NO 61777
Hub is stamped: C - 17 - A ("A" I think)
Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerly, Sam t6sam@rcn.com
Bill DeArmond, e-mail, 21.08.2011 19:14
FYI-A group of Brazilians headed by Vilfredo and Heloisa Schurmann have found the wreckage of U-513 that was sunk on 19 July 1943 by a PBM of VP-74 piloted by Roy Whitcomb.
Charles R Schilder, e-mail, 08.07.2011 21:39
I served with VP-42 from 1950 to 1952, based in Iwakuni, Japan and San Diego. Got shot up by three Chinese Migs off the China coast during a routine patrol watching ships go into North Korea. Would like to hear from any old squadron mates.
ROBERT E. KUBICEK, JD, e-mail, 27.06.2011 20:14
AT THE END OF WW11 I WAS ON SAIPAN WITH VPB 18. ITS MISSION WAS TO FLY AIR/SEA RESCUE FOR THE B-29'S RUNNING UP AND DOWN THE MARIANNA CHAIN IN BOMBING RAIDS ON TOKYO. WE MADE NO RESCUES. THE WAR HAD JUST ENDED. BUT WE DID FLY UP TO TOKYO BAY CARRYING FRIEGHT AND SEVERAL NAVAL OFFICERS ABOUT A MONTH AFTER SURRENDER. THE HIGHER RANKING OFFICERS WANTED TO SEE "DOWN-TOWN" TOKYO. OUR DESTINATION WAS YOKOSUKU AT SOUTHERN END OF THE BAY. THEY INSISTED A "SLIGHT" NAVIGATIONAL ERROR COULD PUT US AT NORTHERN END OF BAY. OBLIGINGLY, AND WITH AS MUCH INTEREST AS THEY, WE FLEW OVER TOKYO BUT CAREFULLY AVOIDED FLYING OVER EMPEROR'S PALANCE (AN UNAUTHORIZED NO NO) WAS SURPRISED AT THE DEVASTATION. NO BUILDINGS STANDINGS EXCEPT THE JAPANESE DIET BUILDING (ANOTHER NO NO )OUT OVER THE BAY SAW THE SUNKEN JAP SUPER BATTLESHIP SCUTTLED IN SHALLOW WATER AND LANDED AT SOUTH END OF BAY. OUR ONLY CONTRIBUTION TO THE WAR EFFORT!! NAVY HAD A 6 MOS ROTATION SYSTEM AT TIME EVEN THO WAR ENDED CREWS AND PLANES HAD TO BE BROUGHT BACK STATESIDE. GOING BACK LOST STRB ENGINE AND LANDED AT ENIWETOK ATOLL FOR REPLACEMENT ON WAY BACK TO KANEOHE. ANY ONE REMEMBER THAT TIME ?
Jean Coleman, e-mail, 14.06.2011 02:53
I was a crew member on sugar able 7 from 1950-51 I enjoyed flying in them especially the bow turret. Great views!!
Bruce Barth, e-mail, 08.05.2011 00:33
Aviation historian would like to hear from anyone who served with CASU(F)-18 on Ebeye (Kwajalein) in 1944 or 1945 doing maintenance on Martin PBM Mariners. Any information on (PBM) maintenance actives would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.
John A. Emerson, e-mail, 20.04.2011 16:52
I was a pilot in VP-46 for two tours to WestPac duiring Korea. Would like to hear from any squadron mates
Joe Harper, e-mail, 20.04.2011 09:05
My name Joe Harper and I flew in Squadron 28. Would like to find anyone living or relatives of the deceased crew members.
Joe Harper, e-mail, 19.04.2011 16:06
My name Joe Harper and I flew in Squadron 28. Would like to find anyone living or relatives of the deceased crew members.
Myron East, e-mail, 28.03.2011 19:06
My dad, Myron East, Sr., was a PBM Co-Pilot in WWII. After Basic and Advanced Flight Training in Pensacola, FL, he was engaged in Florida Operations at Banana River, FL, Texas Operations at Corpus Christi, TX, and then was with Squadron 99 in Adameda, CA, Squadron 100 in Kaneche, HI, and Squadron 26 in Tokoyo. Dad died at 45 in 1966. I was young and disinterested in his militay service before dad died. Of course, I've a thousand questions for him now. I remember a story of his flying through a Tyhoon and another of his being amoung the first US servicemen to occupy Japan after the war, landing in Tokoyo Bay. Anyone out ther know him or serve within the same units about the same time? Thanks. --Myron East, Jr.
Doc, e-mail, 14.03.2011 01:51
I forgot to add to my previous msg. that we were training to go to No. Africa and the planes were PBM-5D' as I recall. So many guys had been discharged that thw plane maintence (A&R?) were on port and starboard liberty. When they airliftd me to JAX Naval Hospital, I lost a lot of gear.
Doc, e-mail, 14.03.2011 01:39
I was an ARM3/cand re-upped on 1/2/46. Got my first boot leave when I re-enlisted. Yes, there were some boots who didn't to go home. After leave, I was stationed at Banana River NAS. On a training flight in April, we made an unexpected, hard landing, sprung leaks, got me in the hospital with two spinal fractures. I was discharged 7/1/46. Our crew there was C13.
Donald Courtney, e-mail, 28.02.2011 03:18
VP-731: I served as radio operator (AL-3) on SF3 on my first overseas tour of duty with VP-731 and as first radio operaton on SF-9 during my second tour of duty. Philapines, Okinawa, Peskadores, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea
George Fogg, e-mail, 27.02.2011 06:57
VPB-21(VPMS-11) Islands,China, Japan, 45 early 47. Will miss Pensacola reunion this year. Hope it's a great one. Not many of us left.
c. frank inabinet, e-mail, 12.02.2011 18:44
I was stationed in Trinidad with vp-34 1950-1952. AD2. Once changed an engine in the bay San Juan, Puerto Rico..Made lots of 10-12 hr flights to Norfolk, Bermuda, Argentia. All things considered it was a great aircraft!
Hubert (Smitty) Smith, e-mail, 10.02.2011 18:22
Does anyone but me remember when "my bird" Sugar Easy 7 in VP-50 came in from night ops at Iwakuni and got hung up on the breakwater. High tide. Water smooth between higher parts of the wall. (Radar Op thought it was the opening to the harbor) Over confident radar operator. Good thing it got hung up because it was going nowhere but down with a 20 ft gash in the hull.
Paul Wright, e-mail, 09.02.2011 03:15
My father "Lloyd F Wright" 91 years old from Findlay Illinois and still living was a turret gunner on a PBM flying missions along the China coast ( served 1943 / 1946 ).......My E-mail is pwgunner@hotmail.com.... feel free to contact me.
Ray B Jones, e-mail, 04.02.2011 00:32
I served as aircrewman/flight engineer with VP47 on a PBM 5 We were at Sangley Point when the Korean war started we immediately deployed to duty in the Korean area for the next six months. After returning home we returned for a second tour of missions.Our plane sunk in a storm in the Pescadories Islands. I would appreciate hearing from anyone that were in VP47 during the Korean War time
JERRY KAMIYA, e-mail, 02.02.2011 11:49
I flew in ATU-501 from 1958 to 1962. When I arrived in Corpus Christi, TX they were just phasing out the PBM'S and bringing the P5M's of which I flew as crewmember. I remember training Argentinian Pilots, who had purchased the PBM'S. to fly and land the planes. I remember watching one Argentinian trainee coming in to land, dropped to fast and bounced off the water and flipped in the bay. Search and Rescue guys had to pull crew members out from under water, luckily no one got killed. Our primary mission in the P5'S was training navy navigators, flying all over the gulf coast. My most memorable time was when Pres. Kennedy ordered the Navy to surround Cuba in the first red alert warning for Russia to stop bringing in missles to Cuba. Sooo impressie to see the entire island surrounded by Navy Ships and seeing U.S. aircraft from Navy and Air Force flying all around the island. As we taxied into the bay, I also got to see the first nuclear submarine the Nautalis silently cruise by our plane. WOW, just sooo impressive.
Reid Kirk, e-mail, 18.01.2011 02:20
I served in 1956 at NAS Corpus Christi. I was an AD2 assigned as a flight engineer on a PBM-5 in a training squadron....ATU 501. Flew many trainig hops, as we trained new pilots to mulit-engine aircraft. Hour after hour of touch and go landings. Navigation hops that took us to Gitmo, Key West and Floyd Bennet Field Brooklyn NY. Lost an engine on one of those hops, had to make an emergency landing at Tampa Bay CGAS. Flew in parts, made the repair (one cylinder and valve change) and made it back to Corpus. I was too young to know we hardly knew what we were doing mechanically.....but the old girl flew us home.
John Preston, e-mail, 01.12.2010 23:53
After WW2I flew PBM's out of Kaneohe Bay NAS, returning them to San Diego via Alameda NAS.On our pre-transpac test flights we would fly out to French Frigate or down to Palmyra and overnight. At Palmyra we'd put one float on the beach and tie up to a palm tree. Ah, them was the days.
john c. preston, e-mail, 01.12.2010 23:46
I was a combat aircrewman during ww2. After the war I flew in PBM's and went to the Antarctic on the seaplane tender Currituck. We flew specially fitted PBM-5s mapping the coastline. Our counterparts on the Pine Island lost a PBM.(Google uss currituck antartic photos/crash of george one.
Hubert (Smitty) Smith, e-mail, 18.11.2010 19:58
I was one of the first AMs to fly as a crewman (ECM operator) in a PB-M. Flew from 53 to 56 in VP-50 and until last flight at Alameda. Truely one of the most interesting parts of my life and filled with love/hate. I loved flying and being a crewman. I hated operating sea anchors in freezing water and cranking a flywheel starter in 15 degree weather.
Richard Florence, e-mail, 07.11.2010 23:05
I had the good fortune to be on BA 3, VP47 1951-1952.Lt. James Amos wass PPC, with other officers compiling the crew. One young officer, was Ens. Richard Zeisel, later retired as Captain. Other officers I recall were LtJg James Campbell, Ens. Lee Marshall and Ensign Karcher. Some enlisted men were as follows: Bob Amaral Am3,Warren SappAD1,Charles Medicus AL2 Radio/radar,Glenn Taylor ADAN, AOC Allen and myself, Richard Florence AO3. I was aircrew, flying out of the Pescadores islands,(Taiwan) and Buckner Bay Okinawa. I remember some very challenging times out of The Pescadores, Buckner and Sangley Point PI as well. One thing that stands out in my memory, was teh call that Mr. Amos wanted his coffee on the flight deck. Mr.Amos would call out, "After Station, secure the put-putt(Auxiliary Powere Unit)! That meant for the ordnance men in the galley to get that coffee going! I only missed the call one time! That was enough. I got the message. I was fortunate, as I was able to learn a lot form the "seasoned crew of BA3.: Great time.
Buoy made!
Richard Florence AO3 VP 47 1950-1952
George Dean, e-mail, 28.10.2010 16:33
Flew PBM's from Coco Solo, as a FE on EE-12. Had some superb personnel, pilots et al. Also had a few hrs. in P5M1's. Went on to spend several years in Willy Victors, Barrier (Pacific) and typhoon tracking out of Guam. Had many GREAT times & some not so great, as did we all.
Bill Case, e-mail, 27.10.2010 23:37
Correction to my e mail address on previous comment it is will36@q.com would like to hear from anyone that served at ATU 501 when I was there.
Bill Case, e-mail, 27.10.2010 23:33
I was an AT3 with ATU 501 NAS Corpus Christi Texas and flew on the PBM 5s as a radio and radar operator from late 1955 to late 1956. I made many training flights over the Gulf of Mexico without any mishaps. I really enjoyed flying on these aircraft and the water operations were a blast. I'm now a retired electrical engineer living in the Salt lake City area.
'Jim' Jewell, 19.10.2010 02:34
I crawled all over one of these,dumped as scrap,at Lungwha Airfield,on the outskirts of Shanghai,late 1945,along with a C-46 Curtis Commando. Brand new Ryan PT-22s were also being assembled,out of packing cases, for the budding Chinese National Air Force ~ before the Country went 'red'.
Chien, e-mail, 01.10.2010 00:06
Lenght not 34,4m but 24,38m
Jim Hommel, e-mail, 30.09.2010 09:49
ACAN at KGUM - Great recreation riding the base PBM from NAS Agana to Saipan and Tinian and back on the "milk run" 1952 and '53.
Edwin Barranger, e-mail, 29.09.2010 21:13
I flew with VR-6 in PBM-3R's,from Dinner Key Florida to Natal and Belem Brazil and all the Carribean Islands inbetween, including an occasional hurrican during 1944 and 1945. Flew PBM-5 and PBM-5S from 1945 to 1949. with VP-28, VPMS-3, VPMS-6 in the Phillippines and Siapan including the Atomic Energy tests at Eniwetok. Flew cover on Atomic device number 5 at 1500 feet and about 8 miles at the time of detonation. Reached the speed of 185 knots going away from the explosion. The PBM was a great seaplane.
DONALD DEAR, e-mail, 19.09.2010 19:19
I was an Aviation Radioman 3/c in VPB-21 from March 1944 until March 1945, Crew V12. Our Squadron was one of the first in the Pacific area flying the PBM-3D's. The History of VPB-21 is told in a book written by DONALD SWEET,called "SAILOR aVIATORS". He flew in crew V-14 during this same period. Any questions, try my E-Mail.
Charles Medicus, e-mail, 10.09.2010 20:55
The LAST PBM type is in in Tuscon at the Primus air museum and it is a 5A. So there are NO actual PBM'S in existance.
Charles Medicus, e-mail, 10.09.2010 20:53
I was fortunate to fly with VP-46,47,& VP42 out of San Diego,Iwakauni, Sanglely Point. When we went to Alameda we got virtually new planes that were stored in a hanger. There were 22 A/C in the hanger with the wings off. Flew out of Iwakauni during the Korean war and stayed in as a radio/radar man till the war was over.One of Our Pilot's name was Amos and his son is incomming commadant of the Marine Corp. Had something like 2200 hrs in the plane and it was totally different then my Comanche A/C.
KEN, e-mail, 07.09.2010 03:44
So where is the Martin Marlin? Also known as the P5M & SP5B?
Nick Farnett, e-mail, 08.08.2010 22:22
I was with VP-34, a PBM squadron in Trinidad Jan, 1954-June, 1955 when tne squadron was moved to Panama and transferred out of squadron March,1956.Looking for anyone stationd in Trinidad and/or VP-34.
Bruce Barth, e-mail, 10.07.2010 16:43
I am a former Navy aircrewman with VP-40 from 1965-67 and an author and historian on Martin seaplanes. I published the first book on the P5M Marlin in 1994 and offer videos, flight manuals, prints and drawings on the P5M and PBM Mariner. For more information visit www VPMMA org
Jim Armknecht, e-mail, 27.05.2010 06:05
Hello My dad served on a PBM5 with VPB18 in WWII. His squadron has been holding reunions each year for the last several years. Each year fewer and fewer members are able to attend. However, they would love to see any one from VPB18 or others that would be interested in listening or sharing. Also I am looking for any pictures of a PBM with torpedoes mounted. Thanks, Jim
Charles Roberts`, e-mail, 11.05.2010 19:20
I was an Aviation Electronics Technician at NAS Corpus Christie Texas in 1955. Our crew prepared all sorts of WW2 “birds” for mothballing at Olathe Kansas, driest place in the US. We also readied some for flights by foreign navies (gave them away). One day while test flying an R5D my crew leader yelled for me to “take a look down”. In the Corpus Christie bay, a PBM was sinking, the engines ripped from the wings, hull split open, the foreign crew bailing out in life rafts. This was an error from landing too hard from about 100 feet up because of misuse of the APN-1 altimeter; it had to be manually set once below 500 feet to read accurately at low flight. If not, the altimeter read like you were almost on the water and cutting power at 100-200 feet caused you to drop like a rock, an uncontrolled crash landing on the water, like concrete to a seaplane. This had happened before. Flying in seaplanes was ugly, the bilges held a putrid, stinking liquid that sloshed about, especially while on the water, these monsters stunk like rotten garbage, rattled like inside a tin can factory and vibrated so violently you could not stand after 3 hours of flight. They were a miserable excuse for an airplane actually a huge metal boat with wings and engines, flying in them on a regular mission basis must have been a punishing experience.
(Rod) Reidl, e-mail, 06.03.2010 08:39
Served in CocoSolo Panama during the Korean war period in VP45 as a radio / radar operator as crewmember on Easy Easy 3 Bu. 98611 First trip to Gitmo as crewmember rode the PBM-5s bareback on takeoff for a short while, before sliding feet first thru the astrodome hatch, landing on the main deck,to the amazement of the ordinanceman who told me to take the firebottle up on the wing to check for fire while the engines were started.My first time on a plane !Didnt know to get in side as soon as both engines started.I heard about that the whole time I was in the squadron!!
Duane Chirhart, e-mail, 22.02.2010 01:38
I was an instructor I WAS ASSIGNED SEA PLANES IN ADVANCED TRAINING IN THE EARLY 50'S. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED AT FIRST. I WAS PLOWED BACK AS AN INSTRUCTOR IN ATU-501 IN CORPUS CHRISTI AND CONSIDER MYSELF TO HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF NAVAL AVIATION THAT HAS SINCE DISSAPEARED. I AM A RETIRED AIRLINE CAPTAIN AND STILL LOOK BACK FONDLY TO ON MY DAYS IN THE PBM-5.
Bill DeArmond, e-mail, 19.01.2010 14:52
Note to Patrick T. Carey: Please contact me as I have tons of information. I tried the email address you posted but haven't gotten a reply.
Greg, e-mail, 19.01.2010 01:27
Correction to my earlier post. He was posted at corpus christy TX, not Galvaston. A big thrill for him was to see one again at the Pima Air Museum, although it was one outfitted with wheels (his was only for water, had to swim out and attach wheels to bring it on land)
Greg, e-mail, 19.01.2010 01:16
My father was a radio man on a PBM during WWII. He did training in Galvaston Texas, and if the war continued, would have gone onto San Diego to be assigned a plane, then fly it to be outfitted with guns. He always talked about sitting through a hurricane in TX because of engine problems, and not being able to fly it out.
Darrell Martin, e-mail, 26.09.2009 19:30
My Father was a crewman on the -5's with VP-42 durin the Korean War. They were stationed at San Diego, but deployed to Iwakuni, Subic Bay, and Kodiak. He also has one of the ORIGINAL poems written about a crew that disappeared while on patrol. It is titled "Old Crew 8". If anyone has more information, or another of the ORIGINAL copies of the poem, it would be nice to hear from you.
Thanks
Darrell Martin AD1 USN (Retired)
Matt Ford, e-mail, 25.09.2009 10:05
My father Drexel Cline Partridge was an AOM3 on PBM 5's from April to Nov 1945 - With Squadrons 22 and 100(VPB-99)- then transferred to the USS Bering Straight and USS Cook Inlet until May 1946 - If anyone had served during that time, or has a parent who did, with some memoirs, any info would be greatly appreciated
Frank Howell, e-mail, 10.09.2009 21:50
My Father, Elbert Clell Howell was a PO-3 and Flight Eng. on PBM Mariners assigned to VP-MS-2 in 48-49. He passed away in 2008 and I've found some of his old photos of his crew mates. Would love to know who they are, I only have the names they went by, like Red, Hare, Platte, and some others. Willing to share digitized photo's as well. Some can be seen here: http://www.vpnavy.org/vpms2.html
John Cornacchione, e-mail, 20.07.2009 20:50
My Uncle Joseph Cornacchione was and Aviation Radioman assigned VR-13 at Manus Island, Admiralty Islands during WW2. I believe he was flying this type of aircraft. He died in an Jeep accident on Morotai Island on 12 November 1945. It would be great to find anyone that may have known him. Thanks!
Patrick T. Carey, e-mail, 08.04.2009 00:28
I have been researching my uncle Harold T. Carey's career in the Navy which began in 1935. He was killed in action July 4, 1943 flying a PBM Mariner while engaging a German U Boat in the Atlantic off the Eastcoast of the United States. Parts of the mission were classified during the war, but going through my grandmother's letters, which include a letter from the Department of the Navy, I know the action included another Mariner crew. Both crews were stationed at Norfolk, VA at the time. If anyone knows anything about this event I would appreciate any information. I know it was a long time ago, but my uncle's wife is still alive and his youngest brother is still alive. The family is interested in any details.
Jackson I Newberry, Jr, e-mail, 30.09.2008 21:21
I recall my father flying PBMs out of Banana River NAS during WWII. He was at first an AP, but ended his career as a flight instructer at Pensacola as a LT USN after the war. I subquently became a Naval Aviator and flew P2Vs out of Barber's Point, Hawaii. Jack Newberry
Allan Taylor, e-mail, 29.05.2008 03:53
Had fun dragging them up on the ramp then fun stopped when we got a 5A down in the land of the BWI buck.
FASRON 915
Ted Stoddard, e-mail, 28.05.2008 22:25
I was a radioman/gunner on D-5, a PBM-5 aircraft in VPB (Patrol Bombing Squadron) 21 in 1945-46. I'll be happy to share memories with anyone interested in this great plane. There's one surviving plane, a 5A amphibious model, at the Pima Air Museum near Tucson, AZ.
JOHN BACHMAN, e-mail, 08.01.2008 04:16
HELLO, MY FATHER WAS A FLIGHT ENGINEER ON THIS TYPE PBM. CAN U TELL IF THERRE IS ONE LEFT SOMEWHERE IN THE USA. HE'S 87 AND WOULD LOVE TOHE JOURNEY THERE! THANKS JOHN
