World War 2 In Review: Air Power Album: Consolidated PBY Catalina

Consolidated PBY-5 s/n V-189 USCG San Francisco 1942.

Consolidated PBY-5 production line 1942.

Consolidated PBY-1 tunnel .30-cal. machine gun in stowed position.

Consolidated XP3Y-1 BuNo 9459 NAS Anacostia. National Archives 80-G-4632.

Consolidated XP3Y-1 BuNo 9459 San Diego 1936.

Consolidated XP3Y-1 BuNo 9459 Coco Solo Canal Zone 10 October 1935. National Archives 80-G-456079.

Consolidated XP3Y-1 BuNo 9459 San Diego 16 May 1936.

Consolidated PBY-5 VP-42 42-P-3 Alaska August 1941. National Archives 80-G-265029.

Consolidated PBY-5 early 1942.

Consolidated PBY-5 1943.

Consolidated PBY-5 BuNo 08522 30 June 1943.

Consolidated PBY-5A Alaska 1944.

Consolidated PBY-5A Alaska May 1942. National Archives 80-G-246585.

Consolidated PBY-5A VJ-4 4-J-9. National Archives 80-G-33716.

Consolidated PBY-5A VJ-4 4-J-9 dropping depth charge. National Archives 80-G-33715.

Consolidated PBY-5 bow gun position. National Archives 80-G-2145.

Consolidated PBY-5 bow twin-gun position December 1942. National Archives 80-G-266659.

Consolidated PBY-5 waist gun position "Black Cat" 28 September 1944. National Archives 80-G-272863.

Consolidated PBY-5 waist gun position.

Consolidated PBY-6A BuNo 46642 February 1945.

Consolidated PBY-5A VP-63 Gibraltar 1944. National Archives 80-G-700504.

Consolidated PBY-5A BuNo 46572 late production December 1943.

Consolidated PBY-5A late production.

Naval Aircraft Factory PBN-1.

Consolidated OA-10A [Canadian Vickers] "The White Pussy".

Consolidated OA-10A [Canadian Vickers] 44-34056 2nd ERS "I'll be Seeing You" 1944.

U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY Catalina dropping a depth charge, pre-war. National Archives 80-G-10550.

A US Army Air Corps OA-10 Catalina with crew.

US Navy Lieutenant William Thies (left), pilot of a Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina of patrol squadron VP-41, Fleet Air Wing 4, in Alaska during the Aleutian Islands Campaign in 1942. Thies discovered the Akutan Zero while on patrol on 10 July 1942. To the right stands Captain Leslie Gehres, commanding officer FAW 4. US Navy photo.

Catalina with depth charges beneath its wings ran off the runway, Aleutians.

A PBY dropping depth charges.

PBY Black 23-80 carrying depth bombs beneath the wings.

Refueling a PBY of Fleet Air Wing 4 in Amchitka Island, Aleutians.

The recapture of the Aleutian Islands in the Northern Pacific, May 1943: US Navy Catalina aircraft at the airfield established at Amchitka after the capture of the Aleutian Islands. Appear to be unloading mail, belongings and supplies. Imperial War Museum NY8166.

Getting a torpedo ready to load beneath the wing of a PBY, 1942.

Loading a torpedo beneath the wing of a PBY, 1942.

Torpedo loaded beneath wing of PBY, 1942.

Manning a .30-cal. machine gun with armored shield in a PBY blister gun position.

PBY in the Aleutians.

"Black Cat" PBY with 20mm nose guns.

One of the original "Black Cat" Consolidated PBY-5A Catalinas used by Patrol Squadron VP-52 in the South-west Pacific in 1943. The plane was sent to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, and used for instructional purposes. Note the 25 mission markers. 26 October 1944. Naval Air Station Jacksonville CNIC 042510.

Front view of a Consolidated PBY-2 Catalina on the seaplane ramp at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. These PBYs were replaced with the PBY-5 in 1943. This picture was taken on 8 January 1942. Naval aircraft Factory N3N-3 trainers are visible in the background. Naval Air Station Jacksonville CNIC 042551.

VP-11 PBY-2 Catalina BuNo 0454 11-P-12 1936.

VP-11 Consolidated PBY-2 Catalina BuNo 0454 11-P-12 in flight, circa 1936.

French sailors with a Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina patrol plane at the U.S. Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. October 1942. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division ID fsa.8e00791.

A PBY Catalina flying past the escort carrier USS Sangamon (CVE-26), at anchor in the Solomons, 1943.

A PBY-5A Catalina of Patrol Bombing Squadron (VPB) 54 being prepared for beaching at Kossol Roads in the Palau Islands. November 1944.

"Black Cat" PBY-5A of VPB-54 pulled from the war at a base in the Philippines, late 1945.

Mechanics checking a PBY-5A patrol bomber before it leaves the Majuro airstrip, March 1944. Note F6F Hellcat fighters in the background, with many warships anchored beyond. National Archives 80-G-401015.

Four Vought OS2U Kingfishers, three Consolidated PBY Catalinas, and two Hall PH flying boats parked at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station (CGAS) Elizabeth City, North Carolina, 21 March 1942. U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation 2009.006.070.

Consolidated PBY-5 V-189 USCG October 1940.

Consolidated PBY-5 V-189 USCG San Francisco 1942.

A lifeboat is attached to a U.S. Coast Guard Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat.

PBY-5 Coast Guard 1942.

RCAF Consolidated PBY Canso with JATO for assisted take-off.

Three U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-3 Catalina patrol planes fly in formation, circa 1939-41. Note the yellow paint on the wing tops. Naval History and Heritage Command 0-G-K-13472.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina patrol plane streaming a magnetic anomaly detection ("MAD") "Bird", 29 May 1943. The plane appears to also have a "MAD" boom in her tail. Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-383725.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina patrol bomber (BuNo 7248) in flight, with landing gear down near the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, 8 March 1942. Note the radar antennas on side of fuselage and under wings. NAS Patuxent River was called "Cedar Point" at this time. Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-403257.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (BuNo 33969) of Patrol Squadron 61 (VP-61) flies on patrol near a snowy Aleutian Island, in March 1943. This aircraft crashed on 17 January 1944 at Massacre Bay, Attu. Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-15433.

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Harrison (DD-573) underway to the Panama Canal in October 1945. The destroyer was accompanying the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) on her was to the U.S. East Coast. Note the Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina flying overhead. U.S. Navy 80-G-K-6583.

A USAAF Consolidated OA-10A Catalina (USAAF designation of the PBY) landing off Keesler Field, Mississippi (today Keesler Air Force Base), during a training exercise with U.S. Marine Corps rescue boat crews in 1944. U.S. Air Force 080128-f-3927s-118.

Camouflaged building on the flight line at NAS Port Lyautey, circa 1945, with a Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina at right. National Archives 80-G-K-5250.

Operation Galvanic, November 1943. A PBY Catalina takes off from Hawkins Field on Betio Island in the Gilbert Island Group after that island was captured by U.S. Marines. This runway was pitted an filled with debris from shelling and bombing but was in use by our airmen six days after the first assault waves hit the beach. Photographed by Sgt J.R. Orton, November 25, 1943. U.S. Marine Corps photo.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-3 Catalina patrol bomber skims the water as it lands, circa 1942-43. The plane has yellow wings, indicating that it belonged to a training or VIP transport unit. Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-14725.

Consolidated PBY-3 Catalina and Control Tower at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. September 1942.

A U.S. Navy ground crew member removes the snow from a Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina at an Alaskan base, circa in 1943. U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation 2005.024.002.038.

Casualties from the Battle of Bairoko are evacuated by PBY Catalina from Enogai, New Georgia on July 21, 1943.

Consolidated PBY Catalina at the Luganville Seaplane Base February 1942. US Navy photo.

View of the U.S. Navy base on Kodiak, Alaska, in December 1942. Note the Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina in the center of the photograph. U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation 2005.024.003.056.

A Mk. XIII torpedo (without propellers) installed on one of the underwing racks of a U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-3 Catalina patrol bomber, 30 September 1937. Note the V-shaped zipper closure to the aileron control inspection access opening, with associated identification text, in the upper left center. Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-32098.

PBY "Black Cats" Mios Woendi.

Aerial view of the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, in October 1945. About 100 Consolidated PBY Catalinas are parked on the sea plane ramp. US Navy photo.

Consolidated PBY Catalinas on the sea plane ramp at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, in October 1945. There were 100 Catalinas assigned to the station. US Navy photo.

Navy's new 'mystery' plane. Washington, D.C., December 18, 1939. The U.S. Navy's giant amphibian patrol ship which has arrived in the Capital from Florida. The huge plane was built secretly by the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation at San Diego, Calif. Of the high-wing type, the amphibian has a spread of 104 feet and is 65 feet long. Its amphibian floats fold into the wings. Twin wasp engines, built into the wing, provide the power. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division ID hec.27834.

U.S. Navy ground crewmen secure a Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (BuNo 34016) during a storm on Amchitka Island, Alaska, 28 December 1943. U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation 2005.024.003.024.

Aleutian Islands Campaign, June 1942-August 1943. Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft returns from patrol flight to harbor at Attu in Aleutian where its mother ship is anchored. July 1943. National Archives 80-G-475723.

An early U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY Catalina taxiing at low speed. Note the crewman on wing between the engines. There is a Naval Aircraft Factory N3N Yellow Peril in flight in front of and over head. U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation 2011.003.132.006.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-3 Catalina approaching the ramp following a routine patrol flight on 24 March 1942. The wheels in the foreground are those of others still in flight. National Archives 80-G-10597.

U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-4 Catalina patrol aircraft from Patrol Squadron 21 (VP-21) on the seaplane ramp at the U.S. Naval Station Sangley Point, Philippines, circa 1939-1940. Note the masts of the Naval Radio Station in the background. VP-21 deployed from Hawaii in September 1939 with fifteen brand new PBY-4 flying boats, arriving on the 20th. Seaplane tender USS Langley (AV-3) deployed in support, because there was no aviation support base in the Philippines. What became Naval Air Station Sangley Point was only then started, and the concrete seaplane ramp was only completed to a point it became useful in January 1940. This photo must have been taken shortly thereafter. U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation 1988.122.001.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina from Patrol Squadron 52 (VP-52) taxiing on 10 February 1944. VP-52 operated from forward bases in Papua New Guinea at that time. Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-223136.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina off Sand Island, Midway Islands, after having returned from a patrol in late May or early June 1942. U.S. Navy "Battle of Midway" movie screenshot.

U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-5 or PBY-5A Catalina waits off the Morotai shore to pick up press copy giving accounts of the landings there, 15 September 1944. Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-257979.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina in a 60 knot (110 kph) gale on Adak, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, in February 1943. National Archives 80-G-041721.

250 lb bombs and Mark 37 depth bombs being prepared for loading at an Aleutian airfield, circa 1942-1943. Note the U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina patrol bombers in the background. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 92483.

PBY Catalina with side-looking radar antenna. VPB-63 aircrew and their mascots in North Africa 1944. US Navy photo.

Original caption: “A YANK RUNAWAY NOW - A Navy PBY plane hands at the Guadalcanal airport shortly after the Marines had captured the base. The Japs had just completed the airport and had planned to use it as a jumping off point for air attacks on American ships. [T]his is the eleventh of August 1942, and this is interesting because it is the first plane to land on the runway. And it is the commander for air in the South Pacific, a Rear Admiral McCain. He came in to inspect and decide whether it was possible to land fire planes or not. He decided it was, though really it wasn't." USMC photo.

Salvage of a U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina (BuNo 08409) from Patrol Squadron VP-45 at Casco Cove, Attu, Alaska, on 27 August 1943. The PBY sank to a depth of 30 m during take-off in high swells on 23 August. U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation 2005.024.002.026.

U.S. Navy Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver bombers, and Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina patrol bombers, including BuNo 48256, parked on an airfield, probably at Naval Air Station Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, circa 1944. Naval History and Heritage Command 80-G-K-3351.

Aleutian Islands Campaign, June 1942-August 1943. This photograph shows one major obstacle confronting operations in the Aleutians – the weather – and one of the things U.S. Forces are doing about it. Shown: Flight Crew Works Over Craft. Using special heating apparatus, a flight crew warms up the engines of a Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, stationed on the advance American base on Adak Island. Another crewman changes spark plugs. US Navy photo.

A good night's work behind it, a PBY Catalina "Black Cat" lands on a strip at Bougainville, the early morning sun making it seem almost white as the rays reflect off the plane's wing surfaces. 1944. Naval History and Heritage Command L01-11.04.04.

"Black Cat" PBY Catalina of VP-52. 10 February 1944. National Archives 80-G-223133.

Consolidated PBY Catalina Patrol Bomber flies over warships steaming toward the Panama Canal, en route to the Atlantic Coast Navy Day Celebrations, October 1945. National Archives 80-G-K-6564.

View taken from a Coast Guard PBY Catalina showing the rescue of an F6F Hellcat pilot, who had bailed out of his aircraft following a mid-air collision with another plane off the East coast of Florida.

Consolidated PBY-5. Crewmen starting the starboard engine with hand crank, as one man stands by with fire extinguisher, during World War II. National Archives 80-G-K-13494.

Municipal Ramp, Lindberg Field, San Diego, California, launching PBY-1. February 26, 1937. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 113504.

Municipal Ramp, Lindberg Field, San Diego, California, launching PBY-1. February 26, 1937. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 113505.

Municipal Ramp, Lindberg Field, San Diego, California, launching PBY-1. February 26, 1937. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 113503.

Consolidated PBY-1 Catalina patrol bombers fly in formation over the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California, in May 1937. Two other three-plane sections are in the distance. These PBY's are from VP-9. Note lack of traffic on bridge. National Archives 80-G-418203.

Radioman in the radio compartment of a night-flying PBY squadron, based at Samarai Island, Milne Bay, New Guinea, circa 1943-44. National Archives 80-G-K-1369.

PBY-2 airplanes at the San Juan City airport, circa 1939-1940. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 69810.

PBY-5A patrol plane in flight, with wheels down, 28 June 1942. National Archives 80-G-16013.

Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina in flight, May 1942. National Archives 80-G-65163.

Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina in flight, 6 September 1940. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 76526.

PBY-5 Catalina takes off from a southwest Pacific area harbor, 15 May 1944. Plane is probably from a Black Cat squadron. National Archives 80-G-301451.

PBY-5 Catalina in flight over the southwest Pacific, 15 May 1944. Plane is probably from a Black Cat squadron. Photo by ComAir7Flt. National Archives 80-G-301454.

Consolidated PBY-1. Loading .50-cal machine gun ammunition for its forward twin gun turret, at a Brazilian Air Base, prior to take off for an anti-submarine patrol, circa 1945. National Archives 80-G-K-5241.

Aircraft engine and variable pitch propeller (probably a Pratt & Whitney R-1830 on a PBY). SOM 3c W. E. Morris, of Akron, Ohio, works on the propeller, on board USS Wright (AV-1), circa the late 1930s. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 73396.

Consolidated PBY-3 Catalina skims the water as it lands, circa 1942-43. Plane has yellow wings, indicating that it belongs to a training or VIP Transport unit. National Archives 80-G-K-14725.

Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina. Plane director in water at right signals pilot into the proper position for beaching, 1942-43. National Archives 80-G-K-14990.

Consolidated PBY-5 or 5A Catalina. View of engines and cockpit area as crewmen discuss repairs, circa 1942-43. Plane is assigned to Patrol Squadron 31 (VP-31) and wears code "31-P-8" on forward fuselage. National Archives 80-G-K-16143.

Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina of a "Black Cat" night patrol squadron, in flight near the New Guinea coast, May 1944. National Archives 80-G-1022359.

PBY-5 Catalina bearing 52-P-11 and attached to PATWING TWO based at Seymour Bay, Galapagos, shown here on 17 January 1942 as a crew from USS Richmond (CL-9) attempted to salvage the downed aircraft. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 86973.

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina parked at a naval air station, circa 1945. A Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer is in the right background and a North American PBJ is in flight in the left background. National Archives 80-G-K-15958.

Consolidated PBY-5A patrol planes return to Reykjavik, Iceland, after a patrol. They belong to VP-73. 23 March 1942. National Archives 80-G-27350.

"Black Cat" PBY-5 crew of Squadron VP-52. Plane 41 BuNo 08378. Left to right: E. H. Boyce, AMM2c, USN. Ensign Harry W. Irwin, USNR. Ensign Martin V. Watts, USNR. Lieutenant George E. Wengen, USNR. E. L. Lachey, AMM1c, USN. G. M. Bybee, ARM2c, USNR. J. H. Blake, AMM2c, USNR. R. G. Weber, ARM2c, USN. R. Whiteley, AOM3c, USN.

Consolidated PBY-3 or -4 Catalina patrol bomber is pulled around in water, in preparation for hauling up the seaplane ramp at a naval air station, circa 1942. National Archives 80-G-K-13425.

Consolidated PBY-3. Ground crewman guides cable as the plane is maneuvered toward the shore, at a naval air station, circa 1940-42. National Archives 80-G-K-13551.

Consolidated PBY-3 Catalina patrol plane BuNo 0844. Flight crew is carried ashore on a boarding dock, at a Naval Air Station Waterfront, circa 1940-42. National Archives 80-G-K-13550.

Convoy in the Gulf of Mexico with a PBY flying patrol overhead. 29 May 1944. National Archives 80-G-238408.

Olongapo, Philippine Islands. View taken on 26 May 1941, shows USS Langley (AV-3) in Dewey drydock. USS William B. Preston (AVD-7) appears at lower right. Also note Consolidated PBY-4 Catalina aircraft at seaplane station, and they appear to have been camouflaged at this early date. They belong to VP-102, Patrol Wing 10. National Archives 80-G-1041082.

Destroyer Squadron Twenty (DESRON-20). A PBY-1, left, of VP-11 accompanied by three P2Ys of VP-7 flying over DESRON-20 during an exhibition for Movietone News off San Diego on 14 September 1936. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 67308.

Destroyer Squadron Twenty (DESRON-20). A P2Y right, of VP-7 with a PBY-1 left, of VP-11 flying over USS Dale (DD-353) of DESRON-20, during an exhibition for Movietone News off San Diego on 14 September 1936. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 67305.

Naval Air Facility, Natal, Brazil. Mechanics work on an engine of a Mariner PBM patrol bomber, circa 1944-45. In the background is a Consolidated PBY-5 equipped with a MAD anti submarine device under its tail. Note beaching gear on the PBM. National Archives 80-G-K-14602.

Naval Air Station, New Orleans, Louisiana. Two Aviation Machinist's mates service the port engine of a PBY-5A Catalina patrol bomber, circa 1944-45. Note specialized folding work platform used with this type of aircraft. National Archives 80-G-K-14445.

View of Peale Island, Wake, taken 25 May 1941. Seven Navy PBY patrol planes are anchored in the lagoon, and a Pan American Airways Boeing "Clipper" is docked at the pier. The Pan American compound is at the foot of the pier. National Archives 80-G-451194.

PBY aircraft belonging to PA patrol squadrons based at North Island lined up on a concrete ramp along North Shore of North Island Naval Air Station at San Diego, California. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 113521.

Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Plant, San Diego, California. Parts stockyard under the camouflage netting at the Consolidated Aircraft Factory, July 1943. Assemblies in the foreground are waist gun turrets for PBY patrol bombers. Note "Work to Win" sign on loading dock in the distance. National Archives 80-G-K-15146.

USS Langley (AV-3) in Alaskan waters with three Curtiss SOC Seagulls on the flight deck and a PBY Catalina in the upper right, circa 1937. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 81918.

Gould Island, Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Photographed 29 March 1943, showing air facility in lower left, and naval torpedo station, Newport, facilities in the upper right. Note PBY plane by Hangar. National Archives 80-G-K-1016.

USS Haddock (SS-231) transfers an appendectomy patient to a waiting PBY-5A, via rubber raft, to be flown to Midway Island for hospitalization. Possibly taken early in Haddock's fifth war patrol, which began when she departed Pearl Harbor on 30 June 1943. National Archives 80-G-65900.

Olongapo Naval Station, Subic Bay, Philippines, on 27 October 1941. Old cruiser USS Rochester (CA-2) is alongside the dock, with several PBY patrol planes on the adjacent seaplane apron. National Archives 80-G-178319.

Aerial gunner mans his .30-caliber machine gun, in the waist blister of a PBY Catalina patrol bomber, during World War II. National Archives 80-G-K-13509.

USS Albemarle (AV-5) underway in the Atlantic, with a PBY Catalina on her seaplane deck, 30 December 1943. National Archives 80-G-450247.

Sandbagged .30 caliber machine gun emplacement with gun crew on alert, at the seaplane base near Ford Island's southern tip, soon after the Japanese attack. Note wind sock atop hangar at right, PBY patrol plane warming up by the corner of the hangar, another PBY in the center distance, and three SOC floatplanes at left with the beached battleship Nevada (BB-36) beyond. Sandbags are marked Permanente. National Archives 80-G-32492.

"Black Cat" PBY-5A Catalina on beach airstrip Ulithi, Caroline Islands. All Hands Magazine Collection 309720.

Mechanics working on a PBY patrol bomber's engine, 26-27 April 1944. This engine is probably a Pratt & Whitney R-1830. Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington. National Archives 80-G-233275.

Enlisted men place bombs aboard dollies for the short ride over to waiting PBY Catalinas. There the bombs will fill hungry bomb bays for the night's run by the "Black Cats." Naval History and Heritage Command L01-11.04.03.

Portending bad luck for the Japanese, dark-painted Navy Consolidated Catalinas now prowl the night skies of the Pacific on search and bombing missions - thus keeping the enemy from his needed sleep. Known as "Black Cats," there are a number of these Catalina squadrons on duty in the Pacific. Shown here, men of the Black Cat squadron loll around in the shade provide by the black wing of a PBY night-prowler, waiting for orders. Naval History and Heritage Command L01-11.04.01.

In Massacre Bay at Attu Island in the Aleutians in about May 1943 soon after the U.S. recaptured the island. A PBY-5A Catalina patrol bomber is taking off on a patrol. National Archives 80-G-65978.

Seaman Second Class Otis D. Holland (foreground) riveting a PBY Patrol Bomber's wingtip float, assisted by Seaman First Class James Johnson (inside the float), 26 April 1944. Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington. National Archives 80-G-233266.

HMS Malcolm (British destroyer, left) receiving the surrender of German submarine U-541 in the South Atlantic, west of Cape St. Vincent, Spain (position 36-20N, 11-30W) on 11 May 1945. Photographed from a PBY-5A Catalina of Patrol Bombing Squadron 63 (VPB-63), piloted by Lieutenant W.D. Ray, from Naval Air Station Port Lyautey, Morocco. Note the retrobomb anti-submarine rockets under the plane's wing, mounted to fire backwards. National Archives 80-G-319661.

USS Wichita (CA-45) rides out a winter storm off Iceland in 1941-42. Note the PBY patrol plane on the deck of the seaplane tender from which the photograph was taken. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 97885.

Sailor killed by Japanese air attack at Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay. Photographed on 7 December 1941. Note PBY aircraft wreckage in the right distance. National Archives 80-G-32858.

Waist gun turret on a PBY Catalina.

Waist gun turret with armored shield on a PBY Catalina.

PBY-5/-5A tunnel gun in firing position. 15 May 1942.

New Guinea. Group portrait of the US Catalina crew wearing life jackets (life jacket dye marker, attached) in and in front of the gun in the blister. In the big raid on the Japanese held base at Kavieng, New Ireland, eight of the attacking Allied planes were shot down. A Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft landed four times in the harbor and, despite heavy fire from the shore, rescued fifteen crew members of the shot down planes. Australian War Memorial 016589.

Aerial view of the air base on the island of Guadalcanal, showing the Tenaru River and Fighter No 1 strip, which was frequently unusable in the wet season due to flooding. Many aircraft can be seen dispersed in revetments, including United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) B-24 Liberator bombers on either side of the main strip, two P-38 Lightning aircraft, Douglas C-47 Dakota aircraft and five United States Navy aircraft, probably amphibious Consolidated PBY Catalinas. Australian War Memorial P04197.003.

Cutaway of PBY fuselage at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola, Florida.

PBY-5As fresh off factory assembly line 1944.

Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina US Coast Guard.

Vertical aerial photograph of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, taken 10 November 1941, with five battleships tied up along "Battleship Row" at the top of the image. The aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CV-2), a seaplane tender and a light cruiser are moored on the island's other (northwestern) side. Approximately 21 Consolidated PBY Catalina patrol planes are parked at the Naval Air Station's seaplane base, in the upper right.

Aerial view looking south at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, US Territory of Hawaii, 30 October 1941. Note partial view of Battleship Row at left and USS Enterprise at upper left.

View of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, circa 1939. The aircraft carrier is most probably USS Enterprise (CV-6).

Aerial oblique of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, showing revetments before camouflage, altitude 3,000 feet, 15 March 1942.

Aerial view of Ford Island and Pearl Harbor’s East Loch anchorage, 3 May 1940. Note eight battleships along Battleship Row and two more across the channel at the 1010 Dock. Note also carrier Yorktown-class carrier.

After The Storm, Dutch Harbor, Alaska by William F. Draper 1942. A PBY knocked about by a three-day storm is under repair as a crane hoists a motor into position. Some of the ground crews enjoy the welcome sunshine and discuss the storm. Naval History and Heritage Command 88-189-R.

A U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina dropping an AR-8 type lifeboat in 1945. U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News December 1945.

The pilots fly it, but the ground crew keeps it flying. Every ship, after so many hours in the air must be completely reconditioned. Here, in a hanger of the naval air base at Corpus Christi, Texas, women Civil Service workers of the assembly and repair department are trained to check carefully every part of the plane. Service of a Navy PBY ship. August 1942. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division ID fsa.8b09533.