Island Heritage Network studies PBY history

The Island Heritage Network will tour the PBY Memorial Foundation facility in Building 12 on the Seaplane Base starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24.

The mission of the Island County Heritage Network is to encourage and support individuals, organizations and groups that collect and preserve the unique and vibrant history of Island County. Membership is open to individuals, organizations and institutions associated with or actively involved in the cultivation, preservation and conservation of Island County heritage and history. Meetings are open to the public.

PBY Chairman Rick Rezabek said progress made at the new site is largely thanks to the Navy; Whidbey Moving and Storage who picked up display cases and tables donated by Paul Allen in Seattle; city and Navy firefighters who came in after hours to help them move from the old gas station; the Whidbey Cruzers; and the VQ-1 World Watchers, led by PBY member Navy Chief Craig Olson, who washed the windows.

Did you know the PBY Catalina was the first airplane flown from the naval air station during World War II? The PBY Memorial Foundation was organized to document the impact of this aircraft and to educate the people of Oak Harbor about its history.

It was from the steps of Building 12, the original Administration building, that Capt. Cyril Simard read the orders on commissioning day, Sept. 21, 1942, thus setting the watch.

Original aircraft parts, such as a Pratt and Whitney 1830 engine, a wing tip float and the skeleton of a rear half of a wing section are in the foyer. A few steps up is a canteen with tables and chairs, a 1940 Wurlitzer jukebox and a 1930 Sparton radio. The business office combines the ship’s store and library.

The Island Heritage Association will present a program, including a 30-minute DVD, “In Defense of Our Nation,” take questions and give visitors a complete tour. Displays are planned for individual rooms marked WWII, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Retired Gunner’s Mate Larry Blake saw service in Korea. He started a Challenge Coin collection by donating his own coin inscribed with, “But for freedom, not for freedom alone.” NAS commanding officer Capt. Gerral David added his own coin to several on display.

For information, call Ron or Ruth Hancock at 675-4086 or email randr.hancock@verizon.net. Anyone visiting the PBY office should have their driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration handy to show the sentry at the gate. Visit www.islandhistory.org listed under “links.”

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