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PBY
Memorial Foundation
IN
THE NEWS
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 By
JENNY MANNING
Whidbey News Times Reporter
Oct 28 2008
Sporting a flight jacket with several
sewn-on patches, Bob Biddle sits at an antique soda shop-style
table sipping coffee in the kitchen in Building 12, the PBY Museum’s
new home. On the wall above the sink hangs a 12-foot-long illustration
of the famed PBY and in the corner a jukebox plays Tommy Dorsey.
(Photo: Win Stites holds a model of the famed PBY)
Richard Rezabek, wearing a PBY t-shirt,
joined him at the white wrought iron table, talking of the museum’s
humble beginning, when 10 years ago a dozen veterans got together
to form the PBY Memorial Foundation.
At first the museum made its home at
the old community gas station off Pioneer Way. The location was
great for attracting foot traffic, even though the space was
small. These spontaneous visitors often dropped donations in
a little box, which helped to pay the bills, Biddle said.
In February, the museum moved to Building
12 on the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Seaplane Base, realizing
its long-awaited goal of having a place on the base to call home.
The historically registered building is much larger and has room
to store extra artifacts. The foundation hopes to soon have a
restored PBY on display.
But since the move, visitor numbers have
dropped and so has the museum’s donations.
“We just don’t get the foot
traffic anymore like we did at the pump station,” Biddle
said, referring to the former rented space on Pioneer Way. “We
need corporate sponsorship because we need funds very badly.”
 While
the building is rent-free, the museum must still pay for utilities
to keep the space heated, the water flowing and the lights on.
“Since we don’t have walk-in
traffic, it’s a little edgy,” Rezabek said about raising
enough money to cover the museum’s expenses. (photo:Richard
Rezabeck, left, and Bob Biddle stand next to a vintage jukebox
at the PBY Museum)
The Foundation is looking to increase
membership to help cover their costs.
“We haven’t raised the price
of membership in 10 years. It’s always been $25 for individuals
and $35 for families,” Rezabek said, adding that they don’t
plan to raise dues, either.
Volunteers are still getting the artifacts
settled into their new home. The layout allows for era-specific
rooms, starting with World War II. Biddle and Rezabek hope the
rooms will be completed by Christmas time.
The best part of the PBY museum is that
the history there is alive — the volunteers flew the PBY,
camped in the Aleutians, and lived aboard aircraft carriers.
Biddle launched into a story from his
time in the Aleutians. The mess hall food was terrible and they
were having hotdogs again. Biddle decided to take the matter
into his own hands. He grabbed his gun, walked to the river and
shot a salmon out of the water, gaining instant popularity as
the smell of fresh salmon wafted over the camp.
“We just survived up there,”
he said.
 Down
the hall is a PBY flight simulator, which Biddle compares to
a video game.
“These kids come in here and operate
the controls, and they’re great. I usually end up crashing,”
he said.
Other rooms highlight the Korean War,
Vietnam War and current conflicts. The museum also features models
of each aircraft to fly from NAS Whidbey Island and volunteers
are also collecting books for a reference library at the museum.
But it’s not all military memorabilia.
The museum also houses several pieces of community history such
as long-time Whidbey News-Times reporter Dorothy Neil’s
red typewriter and the original oven from the Oak Harbor movie
theater. (photo: Don Hanson displays a painting donated by
artist John Seebald)
The museum builds it base from monetary
donations used to keep the lights on and material donations to
fill the era-specific rooms.
“We will take anything anyone will
give us,” said Rezabek.
The museum continues to thrive because
of the volunteers, which range from its die-hard founding members
to active duty personnel who come in to help with some of the
heavy lifting. Volunteers also hail from the fire department,
city staff and the Whidbey Cruisers.
So next time you’re in for a little
local history, check out the PBY Museum in Building 12 on the
NAS Whidbey Island Seaplane Base, and get it from the guys who
experienced it first-hand.
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It was a big day in the history
of the PBY Memorial Association Sept. 23 when it celebrated it's
10th anniversary at the CPO Club. At left, Adolph and Dolores
Meisch are just two of the 250 association members. At right,
Capt. Gerral David, Commanding Officer, Whidbey Island Naval
Air Station, speaks to the crowd about the PBY Catalina's history
which dates back to 1942 when it first came to the Seaplane Base
in Oak Harbor. The association recently moved into it's new home,
Building 12, which is one of the first structures built on the
base. Comments at the celebration were also made by Win Stites,
president of the association, and Jim Slowik, mayor of Oak Harbor.
By EILEEN BROWN
Whidbey News Times Columnist
Oct 03 2008
How could one forget the intrepid aviators
EVERLY COX and GENE GUTHRIE? ED SPROMBERG, the tallest PBY crewman
I’d ever seen, was always at a meeting, and I saw examples
of strong marriages in couples who were seldom apart, among them
MAC and LORRAINE BAILEY and DOC and CELESTE STRADER. He brought
a different perspective to the group, and I hope former POW CAPT.
ROGER LERSETH knew how much we respected and admired him.
These are but eight of the early members
of the PBY Memorial Foundation who are now deceased. Watching
JIM RINEY’S 10th anniversary film, we felt a tear well up
when their faces flashed on the screen in the CPO Club ballroom.
They donated money, time, artifacts, uniforms and historical
narratives of their experiences flying propeller aircraft in
World War II. They would be thrilled to know that a historical
center devoted to naval aviation and aircraft specific to NAS
Whidbey Island is about to open in Building 12.
History buff and Naval aviator, Commanding
Officer CAPT. GERRAL DAVID, pointed out that the collection’s
preservation for posterity is happening on his watch. The crowd
laughed as he dared anyone to try to get rid of it when he leaves.
The PBYers love David and he admires their tenacity. I was a
great time to appreciate how much we need each other.
I remember sitting across the kitchen
table from DONNA and WIN STITES about 10 years ago. They almost
didn’t come to a weekend air show where a PBY was supposed
to be on display. There were no rooms in town, so they stayed
with me. They were parched when they arrived from sweltering
Yakima. After breakfast the next morning, they spent the entire
day at NAS Whidbey hanging around the PBY Catalina.
Before they headed back, I suggested
inviting other PBY veterans to come to lunch at the CPO Club
on Sept. 28, 1998. The announcement in Crosswind drew 14 people.
That’s how it all began.
I vaguely recall asking Win long ago
when he thought we’d have a place of our own. Without hesitation,
he said, “About 10 years.” He was right.
view
pictures of the 10th anniversary celebration.
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By Tony Popp
NAS Public Affairs reporter
Thursday, October 2, 2008
It was 10 years ago that the PBY Memorial
Foundation was established in an effort to bring a Catalina seaplane
back to Oak Harbor and preserve its history. Ironically, just
two days after NAS Whidbey Island celebrated its 66th birthday,
the PBY Memorial Foundation marked its 10th anniversary Sept.
23 with a luncheon celebration at the CPO Club. Among the crowd
of 100 people were guest speaker base NAS Whidbey Commanding
Officer, Capt. Gerral David, Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik and
PBY president Win Stites, who once flew with Catalina squadron
VP-91 from NAS Whidbey Island in 1945.
 “The
first PBY landed here in December 1942 when Lieutenant J.A. Morrison
brought in the first Catalina, but had to land about five miles
out until a log boat could clear Crescent Harbor,” said
David. “This event may define the beginnings of naval history
at this air station, but it’s important to realize that
the mission of the base hasn’t really changed since the
1940s.” David added that today’s men and women are
still committed to protecting America’s freedoms and defending
the Constitution.
Stites was recognized as the man who
got the whole PBY endeavor rolling in Oak Harbor. David read
an excerpt from a 1998 “Crosswind,” predecessor to
the Northwest Navigator, that read: “Stites is a man with
a mission. He believes that the PBY Catalina deserves a place
of honor, something befitting an airplane with an illustrious
record of contributions to the success of major WWII naval battles
by locating enemy flotillas.” Stites felt Oak Harbor was
the ideal spot for a Catalina historic monument, where PBY’s
climbed the ramps to the old Seaplane Base. The ramps can still
be seen today jutting out into Crescent Harbor at the Navy Exchange
parking lot.
The PBY Foundation once set up shop in
downtown Oak Harbor at the old gas station on Pioneer Way. The
doors closed in December 2007 due to future development of that
property. As a result, the PBY group asked NAS Whidbey Island
to help find a suitable location. Coming full circle, the PBY
Foundation display is now in Building 12, the original base administration
building where Sailors stood on the steps to commission the base
on Sept. 21, 1942.
At the luncheon, Stites thanked the many
volunteers who helped make the move in just three days. Among
them were a VQ-1 crew headed by Senior Chief Craig Olson, chief
selectees, Navy and city fire fighters and the Whidbey Cruisers.
“It’s only right that we’re embarking on a partnership
to establish a place where everyone can come to learn about the
PBY and the legacy of the base,” said David.
The command plans to expand the display
areas in the two-story building to incorporate all base historical
documents, pictures and memorabilia. And when the foundation
does find a PBY aircraft, it will go on static display in the
grass area near the old Laundromat which is earmarked for demolition,
thus giving everyone a perfect view of the aircraft from the
Maui Gate.
David told the audience he’s continuing
to work on base access issues to make the display available to
the general public without compromising force protection. “I
offer my congratulations to you all as you celebrate your tenth
anniversary,” David said in closing. “We thank you
for your dedication to carry on the rich legacy of the people,
the aircraft and the mission of not only the PBY Catalina but
the whole Naval Station
Whidbey Island.”
Currently the display is open on Fridays
from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in building 12. The foundation hopes to
open the doors on Saturdays as well, depending on more volunteer
help. The display is for young and old alike, with aircraft models
of every aircraft ever flown from NAS Whidbey, a Catalina engine,
vintage aircrew clothing, photos, PBY wing and more. The display
will eventually cover WWII, the Korean and Vietnam conflicts
and from 1975 to present.
Visitors can now visit an expanded PBY
Catalina display on Fridays at Building 12. Future exhibits will
feature NAS Whidbey's role in WWII, the Korean and Vietnam conflicts
and action seen from 1975 to the present
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 Whidbey News Times
Island Heritage Network studies PBY history
By EILEEN BROWN
Whidbey News Times Columnist
Sep 20 2008
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.”
Whidbey News Times Columnist Eileen Brown
can be reached at lifeonwhidbey@yahoo.com or 360-675-6611.
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By Tony Popp
NAS Public Affairs reporter
Thursday, July 24, 2008
How did an old PBY Catalina engine found
in Alabama end up at the Fleet Readiness Center Northwest Support
Equipment Division? It came by way of the PBY Memorial Foundation
in Oak Harbor.
“Alan Hodgkins, a local aircraft
restorer, had found the engine on eBay for us back in October
2006,” said Win Stites, president of the foundation. “It
was located in Alabama and owned by a man and wife who run a
motorcycle business.”
The foundation paid $1,100 for the cutaway
engine. The engine had been on public display since April 2007
at the PBY Memorial Foundation’s office at the old downtown
Oak
Harbor gas station on Pioneer Way until the doors closed in December
2007 because of planned development of the site. Stites described
the cutaway training aid as a Pratt and Whitney 1830-92 engine,
saying it was probably used by the Naval Air Technical Training
Center Memphis to teach new Navy mechanics during WWII.
In anticipation of the PBY Memorial Foundation
re-opening its historical display at a new location later this
summer on the Seaplane Base, the engine is getting a “makeover”
by FRC Navy volunteers. “It was a pile of rust when we got
it,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS) 2nd
Class Alberto Leonardomercedes.
 AS1
Samnang Loeum, AS2 Terry Carmeans, AS2 Michael Harless and Leonardomercedes
have been working on the engine since last November as time permits.
“We have done lots of sanding, rust removal, corrosion control,
priming and painting,” said Leonardomercedes. Even the roll-away
stand it sits on will be sanded, primed and repainted.
These Sailors are doing their part to
preserve air station history. “It is gratifying to see the
interest today’s Sailors have in WWII aviation history,”
said Stites. “I truly feel that this history will be preserved
long after our generation is gone as exemplified by the dedication
of these Sailors.”
The first Patrol Bomber Consolidated
Aircraft landed at the Seaplane Base in December 1942. PBY aircrews
trained here to fly in the Aleutian Islands campaign, part of
Alaska, during World War II. A small Japanese force had occupied
the islands to prevent
possible U.S. attack across the Northern Pacific. Likewise, the
U.S. feared the islands would be used as Japanese bases to launch
aerial assaults along the West Coast.
Stites, himself a VP-91 PBY veteran,
once flew from Crescent Harbor in 1945. Having NAS Whidbey’s
Sailors get involved in the PBY Catalina makes him proud. “I
feel that NAS Whidbey’s aviation history is in good hands,”
said Stites. “With this kind of involvement by our current
Navy, this historical memorial can be perpetually maintained
and some day gain national recognition.”
Photo by Tony Popp
Whidbey News Times
Sound Off: PBY Memorial gets big lift
Jul 03 2008
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.
Whidbey News Times
Life on Whidbey:
History is only important if you don't record it
Jul 03 2008
Members of the PBY Memorial Foundation
were happy to see each other, upright and breathing, as one said,
at last week?s picnic at the home of ADOLPH and DOLORES MEISCH.
After all, Adolph was hospitalized in serious condition a few
months ago, which meant DONNA STITES handled the phone tree with
updates as Dolores kept watch by his side.
Some members may have health challenges
but for most, a fire still burns within when they tell a newcomer
stories of life here in the early 1940s. They worked and lived
aboard the Seaplane Base where PBYs would make the ramp and be
secured to pad eyes still in the asphalt.
I never tire of hearing their stories
about the PBYs flying to the Aleutians, the PBYs painted pitch
black, thus the name Black Cats, patrolling the South Pacific,
and tales such as one of two hapless sailors who hugged the shoreline
to head to town but had to face the sentry on their return. High
tide.
Small town boys stepped off the bus at
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, sea bags over their shoulders
and a set of orders in hand. Training would begin immediately
in the fight for the Aleutians.
Thirty of the original members of the
PBY Memorial Foundation have died since 2001, when they began
keeping track of such things. Their names are in a simple wood
frame in the foundation?s office downtown. Whether or not they
were wounded in action, taken prisoner in Vietnam or waited at
home for word about a plane lost in the mountains, they are all
national treasures.
SHORTY SCHLATTER left us in August 2001;
DOC STRADER lost his valiant fight in July 2003; former Vietnam
POW CMDR. ROGER LERSETH and historian DOROTHY NEIL died in early
2004; BUD FISCHER and HANK BUDDY MOODY both died in 2005; and
ED SPROMBERG in May 2006.
They had one fervent wish: to see the
PBY Memorial Foundation survive and thrive. That?s where you
come in. You can help preserve history.
Civilians who love history, servicemen
and women especially from patrol squadrons and other commands,
and military spouses are all welcome. Become
a member. It only costs $25 for individuals and $35 for family.
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