By Michael Alberich, CW4 US Army (ret)

WWII (era)

 25 Nov 1943: VP-62 departed NAS Whidbey Island Wash., for Dutch Harbor, Aleutians, headquarters of FAW-4, arriving on 30 November. The squadron received its assignment and departed for NS Adak, Alaska, the next day.

(Source: Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol 2)

10 Dec 1943: VP-62 was temporarily based ashore at Amchitka, Alaska, for familiarization flights (source: Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol 2)

 12 Oct 1944: VPB-62 was relieved by VPB-43 for return to NAS Seattle, Wash. All 12 aircraft and associated ground crew personnel returned […]

Papa Seagull “Felix” sits atop a nest with three eggs waiting for hatchlings in the Aircraft Display Area.  Seagulls are known to pair for life and are productive breeders with the mating season traditionally beginning in early February resulting in the breeding season starting from May to the end of July – on average a clutch of three eggs are laid in April to early May. The eggs take about three weeks to hatch so the first chicks are generally seen about the beginning of June.

Museum volunteer Don Growe sorts through the myriad of returned letters from a previous out mailing. For us to keep in touch with you to bring you the latest news, having your correct address on file is essential. If you’d like to bring us up to date, just email info@pbymf.org or send a postcard to PO Box 941, Oak Harbor, WA 98277-0941.

Always the faithful volunteer, Navy Hodges manages the museum research library located across the street from the facility. For a truly historical exploration of vintage books, magazines and news items, contact her for an appointment at (360) 240-9500.