$2 Keys Sea Heritage Journal

VOL. 20 NO. 2 WINTER 2009 USS SHARK

OFFICIAL QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY

William Beverly Randolph Hackley I first read William Beverly Randolph Hackley’s diary about 25 years ago. Since then I have transcribed all of the Key West part of the diary, the only account of family life in Key West in the 1850s. During the research I have found information about him and his family and met a number of his descendants and found a photograph of one of his daughters Charlotte Hackley Spencer (Sea Heritage Journal, Spring 2009). Now thanks to Jane Jones we have this photograph of William Hackley. The diary was saved by Dr. R. L. “Lee” Goulding son of Harriet Hackley and Frank Ross Goulding, III. Harriet, one of William’s three daughters, was the 2nd wife of Frank. His first wife was her sister Sarah Hackley. To help understand the diary I have been gathering information about Hackley, his family and the people in his diary. William Beverly Randolph Hackley was born to Richard and Harriet Randolph Hackley on October 7, 1806 in Virginia. William Beverly Randolph Hackley. Photo credit: Jane Jones. Richard was a successful and well- traveled merchant, who resided at York. In 1806 he was appointed at that time. Richard had claims to various times in Fredericksburg, US Consul at St. Lucia, Spain, 12 million acres of uncultivated land Norfolk, Richmond, New York, and in 1807 he was appointed US near present day Tampa, Florida. He Florida and Spain. In 1789 he was Consul at Cadiz, Spain, the latter was deeded this Florida land by the an established merchant in New being a more prestigious position (Continued on page 3) SOCIETY NEWS AND NOTES by Tom Hambright

The Sea Heritage Journal is published quarterly. Subscription is available through membership. Copyright 2010 by the Key West Maritime Historical Society of the Florida Keys, Inc. The art on the masthead, the USS Shark, was drawn by Bill Muir.

Editor: Tom Hambright

Letters and articles are welcome. Please write to: Editor, Florida Keys Sea Heritage Journal, KWMHS, P.O. In 2008 the Key West Maritime he landed in Key West in 1822 and Box 695, Key West, FL 33041. Historical Society received planted the first American Flag. The a donation for marine artist clipper ship Stephen Mallory was Key West Maritime David Harrison Wright to paint the ship that marked the pinnacle of Historical Society watercolors of five ships that Key West shipbuilding. The Mallory Board of Directors played a significant role in Key built by John Bartlum for Curry and West’s development. The painting Sons was the only clipper ship every President: Edward J.Little,Jr. were unveiled as part of an exhibit built in Florida. The Concho is the Vice President: Bill Verge representative of the Mallory Steam Secretary: Corey Malcom “Ship and their Stories” that opened Treasurer: Tom Hambright at the Custom House on May Ship line whose ships provided the 15, 2009. The exhibit ended in connection to the outside world November and the paintings were from the Civil War to the coming Andrea Comstock moved to the large courtroom in of the railroad in 1912. The City George Craig the new Freeman Justice Center of Key West was Henry Flagler’s P Bill Grosscup & O Steamship company ship that Tom Hambright on Fleming Street as part of Art Mary Haffenreffer in Public Places. The courtroom is connected Miami and Key West John Jones open to the public but you have to until the completion of the railroad. Sheri Lohr pass the security check. The Atocha that sunk off the Don Lowe The first ship is the U.S. Marquesas in 1622 became part of Louis Maglio Schooner Shark that Lieutenant Key West history when Mel Fisher Julie McEnroe found the mother load in 1985. Bill Verge Mathew Perry commanded when John Viele New Member Jean Killian Ortland, Rockford, Gainesville; Leon A. Poindexter, Illinois; William R. Ploss, Key West.

2 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2009 (Hackley from page 1) 1864, 1865-1866 and 1867-68. Read papers. I am sore all over Duke of Alagon on May 29, 1819, Matilda and William had three and took two dozes of Nux, one of who previously had been granted daughters Harriet, Sarah Annie and Brionia and put a wet bandage on this tract by the King of Spain by Charlotte. One son, William, died body at bed time. order dated December 17, 1817. The shortly after birth 1853. Friday, December 19. Rose at land claim was eventually denied by He practiced law in the wrecking 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, the United States Supreme Court. court and was U.S. District Attorney returned home and bathed. At 8:30 William’s mother Harriet Randolph for the Southern District of Florida A.M. barometer 29.65, thermometer Hackley was born November 24, from 1849 until 1857, when he left. 72, wind east southeast 4, clouds 4. 1783 in Goochland County, Virginia During his time in Key West Read Putnam and Knickerbocker at “Tuckahoe”, and died in 1859. the population was less than three magazines. Paid John Conde his bill She was buried in Hollywood thousand so during his daily life $20.72. Sister Sarah Patterson dined Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. She he had dealings with most of the with us. was the daughter of Thomas Mann town who appear in the pages of Saturday, December 20. Rose Randolph Sr., of Tuckahoe and Anne the diary. at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, Cary. Her brother Thomas Mann Below are diary entries by returned home and bathed. At 8:30 Randolph Jr. was married to Thomas William Hackley for December a.m. barometer 29.57, thermometer Jefferson,s daughter. The family was 1856 and January 1857. 75, wind east southeast 4, clouds well connected politically and her Monday, December 15. Rose at 6. Read Knickerbocker magazine. daughter, William’s sister, Harriet 4:30 and walked to the Salt Pond. A man at the Barracks and Ben Randolph Hackley, was born June Heard a duck in the small pond Bowman, a Mystic carpenter, died 26, 1810 in Albemarle county, opposite the lower garden. At 8:20 with yellow fever. King gave me his Virginia at “Monticello,” Jefferson’s a.m. barometer 29.50, thermometer petition in behalf of the Insurance home. 78, wind northeast 2, clouds 3. Company of New Orleans for William moved to Florida Judge William Marvin went up proceeds of sale to be sent on (probably to Tallahassee) in 1826. to the ship Issac Allerton in the to them and prays that Captain The details of his education are not schooner Florida. Baldwin answer it. The steam known, but he was admitted to the Tuesday, December 16. Rose pump sent out from New York was Florida bar on March 31, 1827 and at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, tried on William Wall’s Wharf and began practicing law in Key West returned home and bathed. At 8: throws fifty barrels per minute. in late 1828. A diary for the last 30 a.m. barometer 29.64, clouds 7, Sunday, December 21. Rose half of 1830 to September 1831 cool. Spent the evening yesterday at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, survived. Fragments of 1843, 1845 at Mrs. Stephen Mallory’s. In the returned home and bathed. At 8:30 and 1848 survived but are difficult to afternoon walked with Matilda a.m. barometer 29.52, thermometer understand. The most important part and the children to the Fort. Mrs. 77, wind south southwest 2, clouds of the diary is from July 1853 to May Douglas and Mary Ann Porter and 9. There was considerable rain 1957 when the family left Key West families came in from St. Marks. yesterday at the Salt Pond though for Joliet, Illinois. He kept the diary Wednesday, December 17. Rose in town there was only mist. Clouds for part of the time in Illinois. The at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, all day and about 4 p.m. the wind Monroe County Lbrary has the entire returned home and bathed. At 8:30 shifted to the northwest with slight diary on microfilm a.m. barometer 29.71, wind north rain. The U.S. Steamer Fashion William married Matilda Rhoda northwest 4, clouds 3. Read papers. came in. Agnes Clark Folker in 1841. She was After tea went with Matilda to see Monday, December 22. Woke at the daughter of Joseph Folker MD Mary Ann Porter. Several vessels 5 but did not rise at once because and Charlotte Caroline Hememann came in during the day. of the cold. Rose and hunted up of Charleston, South Carolina. Her Thursday, December 18. Rose my net cotton undershirt as it was sister Sara was married to Alexander at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, rather cold, did not bathe. Went Patterson. She is commonly referred returned home and bathed. At 8:15 down town and found the steamer in the diary as Sister Sara. Her a.m. barometer 29.68, thermometer Isabel had not got in. At 8:40 a.m. husband Alexander was a merchant 71, wind northeast 3. Bought a coat thermometer 67.5, wind north who also served as Mayor of Key for Beverly but it is rather large for West 1841, 1848-1851, 1856, 1861- him, cloud not get a smaller one. (Continued on page 4)

WINTER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 3 (Hackley from page 3) cold that I could not write with heart and the man fell dead. Inquest northwest 5, clouds 3. Bought a comfort so I walked about. Wrote was held and criminal committed. thick coat of John Curry for $2.00 to P. Williams enclosing $5.00 for The steamer Isabel got in as usual and a dozen pair of yarn gloves for Richardson’s warrant, and to the and Captain Baldwin went in her. $1.00. The Isabel got in about 7 sewing machine men enclosing Mailed all my letters by noon. p.m. having been detained by heavy one gold dollar which with the one Friday, December 26. Over slept weather. Captain William Rollins I sent them for silk. I want them to myself and did not walk. At 8:30 had to go north in consequence of send small machine needles with a.m. barometer 29.57, thermometer sickness in his family. Captain N. them, Messes Luther Tucker and 63, wind east northeast 2, clouds 6. Coste, USRM brought the ship out. Sons, Albany, N.Y. for Cultivator, Weather cold and raw. The children Mrs. Welch came in her. 1857 and Illustrated Annual cheeks are getting red. Yesterday Tuesday, December 23. Rose Register of Rural Affairs enclosing had a return of rheumatic pains in about 6 and went down to the market $1.00, Messes Harper and Brothers, my right shoulder for which I took and got papers from the Post Office Franklin Square, N.Y. enclosing Rhus at night, this morning about having got letters last night. I got $5.00 for their new weekly, the same but not very painful. Made a letter from P. Williams enclosing called Journal of Civilization, out my accounts against the United Richardson’s land warrant. At 9 and to C.L. Derby, Actuary of States amounting to $125.00. In the a.m. barometer 29.64, thermometer C.A.A., No. 348 Broadway, N.Y., afternoon walked down to the Fort 65, wind north northwest 5, clouds enclosing $15.00 for subscribed to and all over it, they are getting on 6. The wind having backed to the Harper’s, Putnam’s, Knickerbocker finely. northward and freshened since magazines and to Saturday Night Saturday, December 27. Rose yesterday evening when it was north and Godey Lady’s book. The New at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, northeast. The beach is strewed with Orleans and New York underwriters return home and bathed. At 8:30 millions of fish of all kinds which have made claim on the residue of a.m. barometer 29.57, thermometer have been dead for several days as the proceed of ship Issac Allerton’s 77, wind east by south 2, clouds some of them are much decayed, cargo and the Judge says that he 8. Red papers. The schooner Dart they must have died of disease as will retain the funds in court until brought in 124 kingfish, bought the cold has not been severe enough they can make the adjustment and one for $.50. Cloudy all day but to kill them. I fear that the quantity that the services of the Captain are pleasant. of them on the beach will create not wanted longer and allowed him Sunday, December 28. Rose at 6 or rather increase disease. Judge $150.00 per month and $10.00 per and did not walk or bathe. At 9 a.m. William Marvin read his decree in week board for the time he has been barometer 29.56.5, thermometer 70, the ship Isacc Allerton giving $.50 here and Captain Baldwin goes in wind east by south 1, clouds 9. Read on the net which is not justice to the the steamer Isabel. papers. men that dived into the lower hold, Thursday, December 25. Rose Monday, December 29. Rose they should have had $.50 more at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, than the men that got goods from returned home and bathed. At 9:30 returned home and bathed. At 9 between decks. Captain Benjamin a.m. barometer 29.52, thermometer a.m. barometer 29.58, thermometer Sawyer died about 1 p.m. After 60, wind east northeast 1.5, clouds 71, wind east southeast 5, clouds 0. tea Matilda and I went to Mary 2. Last night it was calm but the Read papers and made a copy of my Ann Porter’s and sat till 9 with wind rose with the sun. Wrote to the accounts against the Government. cousin Susan, Matilda having gone editors of Musical World and Times, Mr. and Mrs. Felix Senac and Mrs. to the church to choir practice. The New York City, enclosing $2.00 for Stephen Mallory spent the evening. thermometer in the open air at 9:30 subscription price for 1857. Wrote Weather warm but pleasant. p.m. was 55 degrees. to the Solicitor of the Treasury (see Tuesday, December 30. Rose Wednesday, December 24. Rose letter book). Paid for getting can at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, at 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, home $1.50. Dined as I have for returned home and bathed. At 9 returned home and bathed. At 9:30 the past 15 years on Christmas Day a.m. barometer 29.62, thermometer a.m. barometer 29.57, thermometer at Alexander Patterson’s. A Negro 73, calm, clouds 2 with haze. Hatty 59, wind north by east 2, clouds 3. man named Adam Fatio was killed has had fever for some days but was The sun shines with but little warmth by a Spaniard with a single blow of a free all day yesterday but returned when I first came down I was so sheath knife the blow perforated the last night. I felt rather bad this

4 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2009 morning since breakfast, by noon I weather has lasted so long that the Tuesday, January 6. Rose at 5:30 had some fever and ached all over. fresh water from the Everglades and walked on the beach, returned Went home and took camphor and has drifted down to the Keys. The home and bathed. At 9 a.m. afterwards Aconite and Brionia. I was fisherman say that yesterday in barometer 29.67, thermometer 73.5, quite sick all night, wet bandage at the Northwest Channel the water wind northeast 2 clouds 1. Read bedtime. was fresh enough to drink and papers. Charles M. Johnson arrived Wednesday, December 31. Rose that they did drink full drafts of last night and brought my rifle with at 6 and felt better fever is gone but it. The water at the wharfs and in mini sights and mold and a shot I am sore all over and pains in the the harbor this morning has the belt all costing $5.50. The steamer stomach, neither walk or bath. I heard green tinge peculiar to the water Isabel got in at 10 p.m. that Lucia Talcott’s death is in the near the coasts of the mainland. Wednesday, January 7. Rose at papers but have not seen it. Down The fish continue to die in great 5 and went to market and the Post to the office after breakfast, sore all numbers and of all kinds: kingfish, Office and got papers and a letter day. Sister Sara Patterson was taken mullet, morays, trunk fish, grunts from Mother and a parcel from sick pretty much as the children were etc. lined the beaches making a Fowlers & Wells in which they did and I sent her Aconite and Bell to be horrible stench and the water is not sent anything I wrote for. The alternated at intervals of one hour. covered with the dead and drifting cotton was in 200 yard spools and out with the tide. Bee’s udder is as they send three almanacs which 1857 big as a half barrel and hard and together are worth $.37 making Thursday, January 1. Rose at 6 we cannot get the milk to run. in all $1.32 and I sent them in all and bathed which seemed to relieve Yesterday rubber it with bengling $2.50 and they gave me no credit, in some measure the muscular pains but it does not seem any better, the expenses are $1.58 making the which I have all over, I feel much in fact it is larger than it was cotton rather costly, $2.36. They better than I did last evening. At 9 yesterday we must get it drawn are scoundrels and I shall let them a.m. barometer 29.58, clouds 2, heavy off by some means or other. Got know my opinion of them. Captain dew last night. Wrote report of state Judge William Marvin to examine and Mrs. Cornelius Curtis took of docket to Solicitor of Treasury. and certify my accounts which dinner with us and the Captain was At 4 p.m. went to Captain Cornelius finished them and they are ready so much pleased with the sewing Curtis’ with Matilda and Hatty by to send on. machine that he remained all invitation and took dinner and tea in Sunday, January 4. Rose evening, he and Mrs. Curtis tried to one. After night Wesley Benner came at 6 and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. sew but could not succeed though in and he and Mrs. Curtis sang several barometer 39.61, thermometer the machine was in perfect order. songs. Hattie’s cow had a bull calf in 77. Read papers and Putnam’s Byrd sent me six turkeys by the the forenoon her udder is very large magazine. After tea walked one schooner Charles which came safe. and hard but there is but little milk in and half hours on the piazza. Thursday, January 8. Rose at it. Monday, January 5. Rose 5 and walked to the Salt Pond, Friday, January 2. Rose at 5 and at 5 and bathed. At 8:45 a.m. returned home and bathed. At 8:30 walked to the Salt Pond, returned barometer 29.63, thermometer a.m. barometer 29.72, thermometer home and bathed. At 8:30 a.m. 73.5, wind north 3. Walked to the 72, wind north northeast 3, clouds barometer 29.56.5, thermometer Salt Pond. Overtook Mr. Williams 2 with haze. The sun shine is dim 75, wind calm, clouds 1 with haze. who told me that his sweet potato and the air is raw and cool. Asa Tift Paid George Alderslade bill for vines were killed by the last and Phillip J. Fontane arrived in the beef (to Toby) $11.89. Read papers cold spell and that they had the steamer Isabel. Stephen Mallory has and Putnam’s magazine. Reverend appearance of having been killed been elected to the U.S. Senate for Osgood Herrick paid me for table by the frost. The water shows which I am glad as much as David $16.00 and Mrs. Ximinez $2.00 for an the admixture with fresh and the Yulee is disappointed as he was the iron furnace. men say that in streaks it is fresh principal opponent of Mallory as Saturday, January 3. Rose at 5 and enough to drink. The blue water that Mallory makes a good senator walked to the Salt Pond, returned was very perceptible in a streak he being a hard working man and home and bathed. At 9 a.m. barometer in the channel yesterday. Read understands Naval matters pretty 29.60, thermometer 77, wind south papers. Got order of publication well and is chairman of the Naval southeast 0.5, clouds 9. The calm in Smith vs. Smith. Committee.

WINTER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 5 CONTRADICTIONS IN TESTIMONY BEFORE THE WRECKING COURT OR WHO DID THE JUDGE BELIEVE?

On microfilm at the Key West In Superior Court, the wreckers, went aboard the brig and offloaded library are the Superior Court through their proctor (lawyer), 131 boxes of sugar, one pipe (large, (“wrecking court”) records of told their version of the salvage 145 gallon cask) of wine, and three salvage claims by Keys wreckers. operation, maintaining that the winds puncheons (80 gallon casks) of As I read and recorded the testimony were near gale force throughout the water. They attempted to haul the of the wreckers followed by the operation. The master of the brig in brig off the reef, but squalls held testimony of masters of wrecked his testimony, strongly disagreed her fast and caused the wrecking ships, I often found it difficult to saying that despite the “boisterous vessels to pound on the bottom. believe they were talking about state of the weather, the libellants Some of the wreckers went back the same event. I wondered how [wreckers] were not deterred from aboard their own vessels and hauled the judge was able to determine procuring a valuable fare of fish, them off into deeper water. Those what really happened and how he as he is informed and believes and remaining on the brig made sail and was able to reach a just decision in therefore avers, that fishing can the brig came off the reef. When the setting a salvage award. Here are only be carried out during calm and brig was in deeper water inside the some examples: mild weather.” reef, the wreckers dropped anchor Despite the contradictions as to and then discovered that her rudder Salvage of Brig Ashore in the the state of the weather, the facts had been knocked off. The next Tortugas - April 1830 remained that the wreckers had morning, there were more squalls In April of 1830, John Burroughs, gotten the brig afloat, constructed which drove the brig aground again. master of the smack (fishing sloop) and installed a replacement rudder, The wreckers were able to kedge Mary Ann, sighted a brig aground and brought her safely to Key West. her off and tow her to Key West. near North Key in the . Judge Webb awarded the salvors In the subsequent court hearing, She was the Union on a voyage one-fourth of the proceeds from the Rook emphasized that there was real from New Orleans to Havana with sale of the brig’s cargo. danger of losing the brig because of a cargo of flour, hogs, and hoop the recurrent squalls. The master of poles. Burroughs boarded the brig, Salvage of Brig on the Reef Near the brig denied there was any great showed his wrecker’s license, and Key Rodriguez - April 1830 danger, nor were there any squalls. offered assistance. The master, At the same time the brig Union Despite the master’s assertion, saying he could get off without help, was driven ashore in the Tortugas, Judge Webb awarded the salvors rejected his offer. Soon thereafter, another brig was cast up on the reef $2,500. the wind freshened to near gale off Key Rodriguez in the upper Keys. force and drove the brig further She was the Spanish brig Nuestra Salvage of Ship Mary Maria aground. Her master changed his Senora de la Gracia with a cargo of Wrecked on Pickles Reef - April mind and signaled Burroughs that sugar and logwood. Thomas Rook, 1837 he would now accept assistance. In master of the schooner Florida, In April, 1837, George Eldridge, the meantime, three other smacks sighted the brig, went aboard, and master of the wrecking sloop arrived on the scene and offered to offered assistance which the master America, discovered the ship Mary help. The crews of the four smacks accepted. In the meantime, two Maria stranded broadside to the reef went aboard the brig, offloaded more wrecking vessels arrived on on Pickles Reef in the upper Keys. a large portion of her cargo, and the scene. Rook took them into a The ship was on a voyage from kedged her off the shallows. During consortship - an agreement to share New York to New Orleans with a this process, the brig’s rudder was the salvage award with the owners cargo of assorted goods. Eldridge knocked off. The smacks towed of the wrecking vessels and their boarded the ship and offered his the brig into Tortugas harbor, crews according to an agreed upon assistance which was accepted. constructed and hung a new rudder, formula. He was soon joined by four other then piloted her to Key West. The crews of the three wreckers wrecking vessels which he accepted

6 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2009 into a consortship. According to Eldridge’s testimony in court, the seas were heavy, the ship was pounding on the reef, and her crew had refused to do anything to get her off. The five wreckers, with a total of forty-one crewmen, hauled alongside the ship, offloaded cargo, and kedged the ship off the reef. In the process, the ship’s rudder was unhung and the pintles broken. Eldridge took her in tow and brought her safely to Key West. There, surveyors determined that the ship was beyond repair. In his testimony in court, the master of the Mary Maria denied that his crew refused to work, and said that the ship came off the reef because of a change in wind direction not because of the wreckers efforts. Judge Webb was A drawing of Key West wreckers at work. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. not swayed by his statement and awarded the salvors forty percent of kedge their ship off the beach. The arrival, they ran both schooners the salvage value of the ship. master, one of the mates, and three partly aground to prevent their crewmen manned the ship’s boat sinking and made further repairs to Salvage of Barque Cyrus Butler and went in search of aid. Five days the leaks. Ashore Near Hillsboro Inlet - July later and out of water, the boat was In court, the wreckers pointed 1837 sighted by two wrecking schooners, out the real danger of an attack The barque Cyrus Butler, on the Sylph and the United States, had more Indians arrived on the a voyage from New Orleans to off Caesar’s Creek. When the two scene while they were offloading Liverpool with a cargo of cotton, was schooners, with the boat’s crew the cotton. By way of rebuttal, the driven ashore and bilged (flooded) on board, reached the barque, they master of the barque stated that on the beach near Hillsboro Inlet (at saw that there were several Indians there was no big danger from the Pompano today) in July 1837. At in the vicinity. The Indians were Indians. He said that the passengers that time, the Second Seminole War lighting fires apparently to signal had talked to them, had purchased had been in progress for over a year. other Indians to come to the wreck. vegetables from them, and a few The Seminole Indians maintained The wreckers began offloading had even slept, unarmed, in their undisputed control of mainland cotton to their vessels. To speed up tents. South Florida and had conducted the process, they hired the barque’s It is possible that the Indians raids into the upper Keys. A year crewmen to help at three dollars were trying to maintain friendly earlier, they had attacked and burned per day. The seas were rough, and relations until reinforcements the lighthouse at Cape Florida. Just the schooners were being damaged arrived. There does not seem to two months before the Cyrus Butler as they rode alongside the barque. be any other explanation for their had been driven ashore, a band of Crewmen stuffed cotton in the leaks. behavior. Judge Webb apparently Seminoles had ambushed a shore One of the schooners came close to considered that it was a dangerous party from the Carysfort lightship sinking. When they had offloaded situation for the wreckers as well on and killed the captain all the cotton they could carry, the as the passengers and crew of the and one of the crewmen. wreckers took the passengers and barque. He awarded the salvors After eleven days, the crew of the crew of the barque on board and one-half of the value of the cotton stranded barque had been unable to sailed back to Caesar’s Creek. On saved which amounted to $6,846.

WINTER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 7 Naval Air Station Seaplane Base

In 1945 Lt. (jg) Winfred R. Hoey Commissioned 15 Sept 44 Assigned to Naval complied a report of over 600 B. Commanding Officers Air Bases, Seventh Naval District. pages on the Naval Air Station 20 Jan 41 to 17 Feb 41: Lt NOB, KWF, to relinquish control as (Seaplane Base), Francis R. Scholly, A-O, USNR NAS as soon as new organization is Naval Auxiliary Air Station Boca Capt of the Yard until 17 Feb 41, set up as determined by CNO. Chica, Satellite Naval Air Field when he became Executive Officer, D. Subsidiary Commands Meacham and support facilities. Hometown Pennsylvania. 13 Oct 41 U.S. Naval Magazine, Following is the history section of 18 Feb 41 to 29 Nov 42: Lt. Key West, Florida established on her report on the Naval Air Station. Comdr. (Comdr., Capt.) James and placed under McKay, USN. command of Commanding Officer, 29 Nov 42 to 4 Sept. 43: Naval Air Station, Key West, Introductory statement Comdr. Dolbert L. Conley, USN, Florida. Hometown: Wichita, Kansas. 10 Dec 42 Meacham Field U.S. Naval Air Station, Key 4 Sept 43 to 9 Dec 43: Capt. assigned to Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida, embraces the Albert Handly, USN Hometown: West, Florida, as a satellite field by following activities: Lake City, Fla. the Chief of Naval Air Operational Naval Air Station, Key West 9 Dec 43 to ____: Capt. Allan Training. (Seaplane Base), Meacham Field, P. Flagg, USN (Ret), Hometown: 1 Apr 43 Boca Chica Field Key West (Blimp Facility and Long Island, New York. occupied as a Naval Auxiliary Air Satellite Field for land planes) C. Transfer of Command Facility under administration of [Journal Summer 2009], Boca (Higher Echelons) NAS, KWF. Chica Field, (land 10 Feb 40 Placed under command 23 Oct 43 Naval Auxiliary Air planes) [Journal Winter 2008/2009] of the Commanding Officer, Naval Facility Air Station, Boca Chica, and U.S. Naval Magazine, Fleming Station, Key West, Florida. redesignated U.S. Naval Auxiliary Key, Key West 15 Dec 40 Established as U.S. Air Station, Boca Chica, Florida, as Since Boca Chica has functioned Naval Air Station, Key West, an activity under NAS, KWF. variously as a Naval Air Facility, a Florida. 25 Nov 43 Orange State Pier, Naval Auxiliary Air Station, and 25 Sept 41 Placed under Key West, is assigned by NOB, an independent Naval Air Station command of the Commandant, KWK to NAS, KWF for use of before being merged with the Naval Operating Base, Key West, utility craft in connection with Fleet Seaplane Base into one Air Station Florida, which is reestablished as of Air Wing Five training. April 1945, its history will be this date to comprise Naval Station, 8 Feb 45 Naval Auxiliary covered in a separate report. Naval Air Station and Naval Air Station, Boca Chica, Florida, is The other activities will be Hospital, all in Key West redesignated U.S. Naval Air Station, described in this report. Although Jan 42 Under Seventh Naval Boca Chica, Florida, as an activity much general data pertaining to all District, which is made a separate under the Commander Naval Air of them is included under this story entity with headquarters in Key Bases, Seventh Naval District. of the Seaplane Base, each activity West as of this date (NAS reports to 31 Mar 45 Naval Air has devoted to it in addition its own 7ND via NOB). Station, Boca Chica, Florida, is separate section. 4 May 42 Assigned to the Chief disestablished; and Naval aviation of Naval Air Operational Training Facilities at NAS, KWF and at I. Chronology Command (along with NAS, Boca Chica are combined to form A. Date of Origin Jacksonville, NAS, Miami, and one activity under designation of 15 December 1940 - established NAS, Banana River, Florida). U.S. Naval Air Station, Key West, as U.S. Naval Air Station, Key 15 Oct 43 Reassigned to Com 7 Florida. West, Florida, and by the Secretary for Fleet use as an activity of NOB, II Narrative of the Navy KWF, CNAOTC relinquishes A. Background 18 February 1941 - control of NAS. (I) Function in the Aeronautical

8 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2009 A PBM with squadron personnel on the ramp at the Seaplane Base. Photo credit: Monroe County Library.

Organization dirigibles based in Key West along squadrons and has afforded them Naval Air Station, Key West, with surface craft to block in any facilities for minor upkeep and, Florida, is a seaplane base with attempts to obtain oil from Mexican later, limited repair. The number dredged landing and takeoff areas ports and two patrol adjacent waters of squadrons based here at any comprising four runways (the for enemy submarines. At that one time ranged from one to three largest 11,440 feet ) night landing time there were three small ramps, or four, the majority being PBM facilities, a large hangar and Class 22,000 yards of concrete parking units under Fleet Air Wing Twelve “C” A&R facilities. It is capable area and paving, a blimp hangar, (PBY’s at the beginning), plus one of supporting three VPB squadrons and an administration building. The OS2U squadron, VS 62, attached (36 PBMs) plus one VSO squadron base seems to have continued in use here since November 1942. Coast (18OS2Us) with operational and throughout the early 1920’s, after Guard planes have used this training facilities and “Tender” which it was visited by naval aircraft stationed as an advanced base. The services; and it has 11 barracks, only sporadically until 1939, when nature of operations long has been five BOQs, two swimming pools planes of Patrol Wing Five arrived largely Anti-Submarine Patrol and and other recreational facilities for for an emergency patrol. Escorting Convoy. Training has accommodation of personnel. Since the establishment as a full been primarily along the lines of It was first used by the Navy Naval Air Station 15 December Anti-Submarine Warfare. in World War I when part of the 1940, it has functioned as both present site was leased for training an operational and a training planes, observation balloons and seaplane base for fleet aircraft (Continued on page 10)

WINTER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 9 (Seaplane from page 9) in July, ten in September; they Total hours instrument flying (II) General Data close the landing area for 15 to 30 for the year 1944 was 48 hours, a. Geographical minutes. 17 minutes. Total hours closed Naval Air Station, Key West, Fog: Fog is extremely rare, dense (including the hurricane) for 1944 is located at 24 34’ 00” N, 81 47’ and even light fog averaging less was 46 hours, 24 minutes. Thus 20”W, on the northern edge of than one day per year. In 1944, three unrestricted flying conditions Key West, in the United States’ days of fog occurred, which is above prevailed 99% of the time. The southernmost city occupying a average for this area. Visibility is far weather is practically ideal for coral island approximately 4 miles above average except when smoke operational flying and training and long and 2 miles wide, 100 miles haze from the Florida Everglades is is indirectly responsible for low off Florida mainland and near the blown in by northerly winds which plane less. southern tip of the Florida Keys. To may bring the smoke as far south as c. Topographical its west stretches blue-green Gulf the Cuban coast. Most of the land comprising the of Mexico, to the east the Atlantic Wind: Surface winds blow seaplane base is part of reclaimed Ocean, to the south the narrow predominately from the east all year, land made by constructing a and the Gulf with slight changes to ESE during retaining wall or dike around the Stream separating the island from summer and to NE during winter. outer boundaries and filling the Cuba 90 miles away. Average yearly velocity is 8.6 contained area with sand and rock b. Aerological knots. Windiest month is November, pumped from the harbor bottom Temperature: Just north of the average 9.6 knots; calmest month by hydraulic dredges. The land Tropic of Cancer, the city as a semi- is August, with 7.3 knots. Winds was built up 1904 to 1912 during tropical climate, frost-free, with a are gusty when thunderstorms pass construction of Flagler’s Florida normal year round the temperature the station, up to 35 knots for short East Coast Railroad overseas of 76.8 F. Summer temperatures duration. Hurricane winds exceed 90 extension from the mainland to average 82, with a usual range knots. the Florida Keys. (Only exceptions of from 69 to 94 winter, 70, with Waterspouts are frequent August to this are the portion of Army range of 54 to 84. 60 years of and September, forming on bases property in use for housing Waves, weather records show the warmest of cumuli-nimbus clouds. At time which is permanent and not temperature as 100 and the coldest four or five waterspouts have been reclaimed land, and an extension as 41(both occurred in 1886). observed in the area at one time to Trumbo Point which was built Humidity: Relative humidity during the day, generally mid to late up by spoil from Navy dredging throughout the year averages as afternoon. processes during 1942.) Elevation follows: at 0230-81%, at 0830- Hurricane season runs from of the land is 5 to 6 feet above 30%, at 1430-70%, at 2030- August through November. The mean low tide. Mean tidal range is 77%. The range extends from a most recent hurricanes to affect Key 1 to 2 feet. maximum of 100% to a minimum West occurred Labor Day, 1935, The seaplane operating area on rare occasions in the 40’s. The and 18 October 1944. The former is mostly dredged (through Navy atmosphere is about 3% dryer in left the city untouched but isolated contract work July 1941 to January the warm months, April through due to destruction of an overseas 1943), although it also includes August, than in winter. railroad which was its chief artery water of sufficient natural depth Rainfall: Rainfall averages 38.11 to the mainland. The latter, striking for plans purposes. inches annually, the driest month, between Key West and Havana, (III) Acquisition of the Land April, producing 1.29 inches on the Cuba, caused some slight damage a. Explanatory Note average, and October the wettest, which the Navy easily repaired. This The land in use at present 299 days a year being clear or partly 1944 hurricane closed the area for 29 by Naval Air Station, Key West cloudy. Predominant clouds are hours and 19 minutes, ceiling and Florida, was purchased or leased of cumulus type. Ceiling averages visibility were zero, a heavy rain, at various times in several lots. For 2,000 ft. Showers prevail, most 5.6 inches, accompanied it; winds convenience of this report, the lots frequent in September and October. reached an average of 62 knots for have been given numbers. Thunderstorms occur in summer, one hour, gust attaining 90 knots Parcels 1 through 4 inclusive, averaging twelve in August, eleven during the peak; lowest atmospheric comprise land belonging to the Air pressure recorded was 29.07 inches. Station proper (Seaplane Base), #1

10 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2009 The BOQ and officer’s pool on Trumbo Seaplane Base. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. house-garage, and water storage and #3 including property which been given any special designation and evaporator facilities. The work was the site of a naval air base in in this report since they are readily was accomplished by lump sum 1917-18. discernable on the map. Maps contract, primarily by Ivy H. Smith Parcels 5 and 6 are grounds delineating each of these parcels are Co., Jacksonville, Fla., (NOy3895), employed by the Lighter-than-Air enclosed in the Appendices, as are although the firehouse-garage and Satellite field, Meacham Field. also their legal descriptions. fire pump house were put up by Parcel 7 is an Army hospital area, (IV) Construction of the Base Southeastern Construction Co., Key West Army Barracks, where a. Periods of Construction Miami, Fla. (NOy 4260), and the Waves attached to the seaplane base Construction of NAS, Key West, hangar by a combination of firms. are quartered. Florida, (Seaplane Base) took place All structures were completed and Parcels 8, 9 and 10 belong to in three distinctive periods: Period 1 ready for occupancy by September Boca Chica Airfield. (December 1939 to September 1940): 1940 except for the hangar, Parcel 11 is Orange State Pier. During the first, temporary type which was partially occupied in Parcels 12 and 13 are property buildings were erected to provide October and finished in December. of the U.S. Naval Magazine, Key Emergency Aviation Neutrality Appropriation seems to have been West. Patrol facilities for 12 VPB planes. granted for the physical year 1940. The seadrome area was acquired These include hanger, barracks, in two large portions which have not BOQ, dispensary, storehouse, fire (Continued page 12)

WINTER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 11 The Main Gate at the Seaplane Base. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. (Seaplane from page 11) (2) May 1942 to July 1943, when of approximately $3,500,000 by Another structure - Radio Building it was desired to expand and add Standard Dredging Corp., New and Masts - requested after fleet facilities for operational training York City (contract NOy4966). personnel moved into the Air Base, under the Naval Air Operational Funds for all these projects were of was erected in November 1940 Training Command. Construction appropriated for the fiscal year of by W.P. Thurston Co. Richmond, went along continuously, however, 1942 and 1943. Va. and evidently financed out under one contractor, Mackle Leach Period 3 (January 1944 to date): of appropriations for 1941. Construction Co., Miami, Florida beginning with January 1944 and WPA services were employed (cost plus fixed fee contract NOy 48 continuing on to the present, there in the spring of 1940 a 60-day 49), so that the two phases merger has been sporadic expansion of this project of clearing, landscaping into one so far as growth of the station station to provide additional supply, and grading. Cost of this whole was concerned. Approximately $3,2 repair and personnel facilities as initial construction appropriation 77,000 was spent in building NAS needed. The contractors have been $575,000. at this time. Also during this period variable, each being hired for an Period 2 (June 1941 to July and under the same contract, over individual project on a lump sum 1943): major construction of the $200,000 was spent on improving contract basis. Among them are: base took place during this second Meacham Field for use by LTA; Patrick McCarl stage, after establishment as a and about $670,000 on the U. S. NOy 8325 Jan 44 to Apr 44 full Naval Air Station. Actually Naval Magazine Area, Fleming Key, Mackle Co. two phases are discernible with for magazines at other necessary NOy 6492 Jan 44 to Mar 44 in this period: (1) June 1941 to public works such as bridge and May 1942, when it was necessary docks. In addition, between July NOy 7944 to provide wartime facilities for 1941 and January 1943 dredging Sprague Constr. Co. the operation and maintenance of of the seaplane landing and takeoff NOy 8402 Feb 44 to Nov 44 two to four patrol squadrons; and area was accomplished at a cost CharleyToppino

12 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2009 NOy 9429 May 44 to date with a dozen PBYs2, which, with Commander. Paul Smith Constr. occasional help from PBY5s of b. Lower echelons coming NOy 9429 May 44 to date VP 31, 32 and 33 and similar under cognizance of NAS: The detachments (from Guantanamo, seaplane base was the only activity NOy 9616 San Juan, Coca Solo and Norfolk), to constitute Naval Air Station, performed neutrality patrol in this Key West, Florida, until a need NOy 9639 area until mid-1941. for expanded facilities arose while Plans for construction of the Air under NAOTC (May 1942 to NOy 10855 Base got under way concurrently October 1943). Gabel Constr. Co. with arrival of VP 53 in the winter First addition was Boca Chica NOy 10996 Dec 44 to Feb 45 of 1939, and the base was formally Field, 6 miles east of the seaplane John H. Mann & Son established as a Naval Air Station, base and taken over from the NOy 11724 Mar 45 to Mar 45 as soon as construction was Army 1 April 1943, because of Approximately $385,000 was completed, 15 December 1940. its excellent runways, as a Naval spent on the seaplane base during It’s function - as an operational Aviation Facility for land planes. It this period, including expense of neutrality patrol base - remain the was re-designated a Naval Auxiliary alterations to the section of the same until June of 1941. Air Station 23 October a 1943 and Army’s Key West Barracks taken (II) Place in Chain of established as a separate Naval Air over July 1944 for use as WAVE Command Station on 8 February 1945. quarters. Approximately $56,000 a. Higher echelons to which Second addition, although was also spent for further LTA NAS, Key West, has been obtained from the Army, was facilities and improvements at responsible Meacham Field, 2 miles ESE of Meacham Field, while the cost of All during the construction stage the seaplane base. This was leased erection of additional magazines and for some months afterward, property with short runways built and services on Fleming Key ran NAS came under command of up by the Army and was useful as between $80,000 and $95,000. the Commanding Officer, Naval a satellite field for visiting land A. Total Cost of Construction Station, Key West, Florida. On 25 planes, bounce drills, and as an LTA The station was built for about September 1941 it was placed under facility. On 10 December 1942 it $5,500,000 plus $3,500,000 for the Commandant Naval Operating was assigned to the Air Station by dredging. Base, Key West, Florida, which CNACT as a satellite field. As early III. Functions and Use was reestablished as of this date to as March 1943 the Navy began (I) At the Station’s Inception: comprise the naval shore activities construction there of blimp mooring Emergency Neutrality Patrol of this area - Naval Station, Naval circles and masts, but it did not take (September 1939 to June 1941). Air Station, and Naval Hospital over the lease to the property until 1 Naval Air Station, Key West, - remaining under this command July 1943. Florida, was originally constructed until 4 May 1942, when the Air U.S. Naval Magazine, Fleming December 1939 to December 1940 Station was assigned to the Chief Key, Key West, had come under to furnish temporary operational and of Naval Air Operational Training the administrative jurisdiction of minor upkeep facilities for seaplane Command. (NOB, Key West, the Commanding Officer, NAS, up squadrons flying over the waters was brought under Seventh Naval on its commissioning 13 October between the Florida Keys and Cuba District until reassignment to 1941, but always technical matters on Emergency Neutrality Patrol. NAOTC.) On 15 October, 1943 have been controlled from the start At least as early as February NAS reverted to Com 7 for fleet by the Bureau of Ordnance. 1939, 18 planes of Patrol Wing use as an activity of NOB. On Orange State Pier was assigned Five, Air Scouting Force, U.S. Fleet, 15 September 1944 it was again to NAS by NOB, Key West, on or had been using old World War I removed from NOB to be assigned about the 25 November 1943 for the ramps here, the planes sitting out to the newly created Naval Air use of fleet aircraft and training at in the weather and the men living Bases Command, Seventh Naval Boca Chica and the seaplane base, in tents. Immediately after the District, with headquarters at Key and it has since been operated and President’s declaration of a limited West and with the Commanding maintained as part of the latter emergency status September 1939, Officer of the Air Station serving Patrol Squadron 53 began arriving also as the Naval Air Bases (Contined on page 14)

WINTER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 13 (Seaplane from page 13) although the property itself still belongs to NOB. (III) Changes in Function a. By July of 1941 whole squadrons which had been operating from Key West on Emergency Neutrality Patrol- VP31, 33, and 52 - were ordered out, after very brief enjoyment of recently built facilities, and for a few months no planes were based here. However, in March 1941 CNO had designated Key West to have “facilities for the operation and maintenance of two patrol squadrons” in support on the Navy’s 15,000 plane program. Dredging seaplane runways. Photo credit: Monroe County Library. And in May the Navy Department had stated to the House Naval December 10 and 11, two planes for operational training rather Committee in report aimed to leaving for Norfolk and six the than patrol. Yet it was during procur appropriations for purchase for Coca Solo. Beginning with this period the Nazi submarine of more land for NAS, Key West, February 1942, however, these menace reached its peak, the first that: “In the event that the neutrality planes dribbled back to Key West sinking occurring February 1942, patrol is discontinued, the Key West and by 1 April a sufficient number the number increasing until May Station can be most advantageously had returned to resume their (when 49 ships were attacked, used as a letter training base for an operational training. This program 10 salvaged and 39 sunk), then East Coast VP squadron. Climatic carried on until September 1942 gradually declining. The last Coast conditions and the availability of when VP 81 transferred to newly Guard units left about January the excellent and extensive area for commissioned Fleet Air Wing 1943, although occasional planes aircraft gunnery training render this Twelve and ComAirLant transferred returned from time to time for short location extremely desirable for the its operational training elsewhere. duty after that date. routine peacetime operations.” b. Early Wartime Patrol c. Operational Training under This alternative was soon (December 1941 to January 1943) NAOTC (Seaplane, Land planes & brought in focus. In June and In the interlude just after outbreak LTA) (May 1942 to October 1943) July began a huge new program of of war and for several months Concurrent with these two other construction to expand personnel thereafter, all anti-submarine patrols EDUCATION PROGRAM and repair facilities, and in October SPONSORS from Key West were handled by $100 OR MORE the first change in the Air Station’s Coast Guard PBYs and OS3U3s RICHARD G. BRIGHT function took place. TOM & KITTY CLEMENTS (home ports St. Petersburg and BARBARA ELLEN CHURCH Operational Training under Dinner Key, Miami, Florida) under BETTY L. DESBIENS BUD DRETTMANN ComAirLant (October to December control of the Commander Gulf JOHN & BEATRICE DUKE SHIRLEE EZMIRLY 1941, March to December 1942) Sea Frontier and the Commander CELESTE ERICKSON MARY HAFFENREFFER For in October 1941 arrived one of Inshore Patrol, and by PBY5As of TOM & LYNDA HAMBRIGHT CLYDE W. HENSLEY ComAirLant’s operational training Patrol Wing Five, including a re- JOHN H. JONES EDWARD B. KNIGHT squadrons, VP, of Patrol Wing organizeVP 53 in Key West July to TOM KNOWLES JOHN & KAY PLIMPTON Eight, with eight PBY5As. Training September 1942 and other planes DAN & VIRGINIA PROBERT LARRY & GRETCHEN RACHLIN predominated in the squadron’s from Coco Solo, Guantanamo JUDITH & JAMES ROBERTS MRS. WILLIAM SHALLOW program until declaration of and Pensacola. The one squadron SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA ED SWIFT war, when it was ordered away permanently based in Key West at JAN & TY SYMROSKI as temporary emergency work that time, VP 81, was here primarily

14 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - WINTER 2009 functions - as a base for A/S patrol ComGulfSeaFron (September 1942 planes and a center for ComAirLant to date) Major wartime roll of the training- NAS in May 1942 up Air Station- the supporting of two BUSINESS MEMBERS ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY on its assignment to CNAOT was to three operational squadrons on GENEALOGY CENTER 900 LIBRARY PLAZA slated to adopt still a third function anti-submarine patrol and escorting FORT WAYNE, IN 46802 260-421-1223 as a training base for use of this convoy – dates from September AMBROSIA TROPICAL LODGING 618 FLEMING STREET newly formed command. At first 1942 when Patrol Wing Twelve KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-294-5181 it seemed to be the plan to transfer (designation changed 1 November CAPE AIR KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT all training activities to Naval Air 1942 to Fleet Air Wing Twelve) KEY WEST 33040 800-352-0714

Operational Training and to put was commissioned at Norfolk CHESAPEAKE APPLIED TECHNOLOGY thousands of students through this 623 SIMONTON STREET with its headquarters to be in Key KEY WEST, FL 33040 888-873-3381 station after moving out all fleet West, Capt. W.G. Tomlinson, USN, COASTAL SAILING ADVENTURE, INC. units. But the major part of the commanding, reporting here 26 28555 JOLLY ROGER DRIVE , FL 33042-0839 295-8844 plan never quite materialized and September. The new wing was CONCH TOUR TRAINS, INC. ComAirLant continued to carry established to give closer supervision 601 DUVAL ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-4142 on its VP 81 training program of the anti-submarine air coverage FRIENDS OF ISLAMORADA AREA STATE PARKS independently here, only to be under operational control of the Gulf P.O. BOX 236 replaced September 1942 by Sea Frontier, this previously having ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 DR. ELIAS GERTH training at operations under newly been afforded by Patrol Wing Five, 3412 DUCK AVENUE commissioned Patrol Wing Twelve. while administrative officer were KEY WEST, FL 33040 305-295-6790 HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION In fact, the largest number of over 1000 miles away. 510 GREENE STREET students to be billeted at Key West With a major share of the KEY WEST, FL 33040 HISTORICAL PRESERVATION at any one time, who so overflowed task of combating the submarine SOCIETY OF THE UPPER KEYS, INC. P.O. BOX 2200 the existing facilities that they had menace on its shoulders, Patwing KEY LARGO, FL 33037 to be quartered in double-bunk 12 immediately acquired VP 81 KEY WEST ENGINE SERVICE, INC. P.O. BOX 2521 enlisted barracks, were charges and assigned it to patrol and convoy KEY WEST, FL 33045 of ComAirLant’s rather than of work until on 18 December 1942 the KEY WEST WOOD WORKS 6810 FRONT STREET NAOTC. Main construction of the squadron transferred to Commander KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-1811 Air Station, already under way at Caribbean Sea Frontier (many of its THE LANGLEY PRESS, INC. this time, was due to efforts of the personnel being retained to form the 821 GEORGIA STREET KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-3156 fleet, NAOTC being instrumental nucleus of Hedron 12 just organized MEL FISHER MARITIME HERITAGE SOCIETY in procuring only a few buildings, in Key West 23 September). In 200 GREENE ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 294-2633 such as Synthetic Training and November another squadron was MILE ZERO PUBLISHING Link Celestial Navigation Trainers, added. VS3D7 (commissioned 5950 PENINSULAR DR. #629 KEY WEST, FL 33040 and several boats. in Key West 1 November 1942, USS MOHAWK MEMORIAL MUSEUM It was during this mixed regime redesignated VS 62 on 1 April 1943) P.O. BOX 186 of ComAirLant and NAOTC, – whose 18 OS2U3s were likewise KEY WEST, FL 33041 OLD TOWN TROLLEY however, that NAS its greatest put to use as a strike, search and 6631 MALONEY AVENUE expansion with acquisition of escort group. Other squadrons, of KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6688 FOUNDATION Boca Chica field 1 April 1942 PBMs, arrived later for similar duty: P.O. BOX 500130 (negotiations being as far back as VP 202 in February 1943, replaced MARATHON, FL 33050 A.R. SAVAGE & SONS, INC. September 1942) for land planes in February 1944 by VP 213, in 701 HARBOUR POST DRIVE operations and operational training, turn replaced November 1944 by TAMPA, FL 33602 813-247-4550 SEASTORY PRESS and of Meacham field 1 July 1943 VPB 204. An additional squadron 305 WHITEHEAD STREET #1 KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-5762 as a Lighter-than-Air operational VP 201, came in July1944, since [email protected] and training center. which time the station has supported SOUTHERNMOST HOTEL IN THE USA 1319 On 15 October 1943 NAOTC three squadrons – VS 62, VPB KEY WEST, FL 33040 296-6577 relinquished control of the Air 201 and VPB 204. Although wing ST. LOUIS AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER CO. Station and of both these subsidiary headquarters moved from Key 3928 CLAYTON AVE. ST. LOUIS, MO 63110 314-533-7710 activities. West 20 November 1942, a wing d. A/S Patrol and Convoy staff detachment was left behind to Coverage under FAW 12 and continue the work.

WINTER 2009 - FLORIDA KEYS SEA HERITAGE JOURNAL - 15 Trumbo Point and the Naval Air Seaplane Base in 1941. Photo credit: Monroe County Library.

Key West Maritime Historical Society NONPROFIT ORG. P.O. Box 695 U.S. POSTAGE Key West, FL 33041 PAID KEY WEST, FL PERMIT NO. 30

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