H96.1.1964

Typed paper on the back, "Watch your credit. LA 7827 Pacific & Atlantic Los Angeles. PLANE FOR NAVY'S TRANS-PACIFIC FLIGHT NEARS COMPLETION. The first of the two planes in which the navy hopes to fly to the Hawaiian Islands across the Pacific in a non-stop flight late in August is nearing completion at the naval air station, San Diego. This picutre, the first picture of one of the planes as a whole, was taken as it was being moved from the hangar, where it was set up, to the outdoor location where its mamoth wings will be put on. The new plane is technically known as a PN-9 ship. U.S. Navy Offical Photo From P and A. B WFM. 7/18/25." Photo shows several men in navy uniforms (enlisted men) pushing the wingless seaplane down a grassy hill with an officer looking on. On August 31, 1925, Commander John Rodgers took off in a navy seaplane called a PN-9 No. 1 bound for Hawaii. No seaplane had made a flight longer than 1200 miles, the flight to Hawaii was around 900 miles longer. On September 1 the plane sent out SOS messages about running out of fuel. There was no news about Rodgers and his crew for 7 days. Although a search was initiated, Rodgers and his crew were unable to indicate their position. The crew made a sail out of fabric from the wing and floated in the direction they were heading. They were finally rescued when the plane was within sight of land, eight days after take off.

Used: Oakland Tribune