By Win Stites

Whoever said community spirit is gone, needs to read this! The PBY Memorial Foundation, a non-profit historical group established in 1998, recently made the big move from its downtown location on 1081 SE Pioneer Way to their new quarters, lock-stock and aircraft paraphernalia to Building 12 on the NAS seaplane base.

This was no small task and with all of the files, artifacts, aviation parts, flight simulator, and even a 1940’s working juke box, the assignment was an immense one!

The files, books, uniforms, documents and all small articles were packed and color coded, thanks to our creative and industrious PBY Memorial staff. Then, the word went out for the move. A truck suddenly appeared, then a flatbed and a forklift arrived to pick up the 800-pound Pratt and Whitney radial engine for delivery to AIMD for some clean-up work.

With the manpower in place, “the plan” was launched — at both ends! First, the truck, donated by Whidbey Island Movers, was packed with big articles including office furniture, display cabinets, a propeller, book cases and tables. It was filled to the brim. This scenario was repeated for several trips to Building 12 where the other crew was there to unload.

You could say it truly was a joint effort by the Oak Harbor Fire Department personnel on the loading end and the NAS Fire Department on the unloading end. The crews all eagerly volunteered their muscles to the cause of the mission, on their off-duty hours and break time.

We members of PBY Memorial Foundation were overwhelmed by their dedication to the cause. We couldn’t thank them enough, from the fire and battalion chiefs down to the firefighter personnel. And a big “thank you” to the Whidbey Island Movers, who loaned the truck for all the time needed to complete the move.

We would like to extend our grateful thanks for the support from NAS Base Commander Capt. Gerral David. Capt. David, himself a champion of naval aviation history, helped spearhead our move to Building 12. Tentative plans are to make it a center for NAS Whidbey aviation history.

We also want to recognize the effort put forth by the NAS Public Works office that helped us through the red tape over the last nine years. Building 12 was the first administration building, and is itself, along with other structures on the Seaplane Base, a piece of history. It is where the “watch was set” Sept. 21, 1942, and is listed on the state historical register.

It certainly is true. The community spirit is “alive and well.”

Win Stites is president of the PBY Memorial Foundation.

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