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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Alameda Naval Air Museum Commemorates 75th Anniversary of the first transpacific flight


China Clipper, Hawaii. 1935
Collection of UCR/Calfornia Museum of Photography

Living History Event to Recall “China Clipper” Departure From Alameda, CA on Historic Flight to Manila, PI.

On November 22, 1935, over 25,000 spectators lined the shore of Pan American
Airways’ (PAA) base at Alameda, CA, to watch as the China Clipper eased away
from its mooring to begin the dangerous transpacific flight. The engines of the silver Martin M-130 flying boat roared as her pilot, renowned PAA aviator Capt. Edwin Musick, coaxed the heavy aircraft up from San Francisco Bay bound for Manila, via Honolulu, Midway, Wake Island, and Guam. The inaugural 8,200-mile journey, delivering U.S. Air Mail run, including personal letters to the president of the Philippines from Franklin D. Roosevelt, was completed some 59 hours after passing over the Golden Gate. The world listened intently to international radio broadcasts that covered every detail of the dangerous flight as it made its way across the Pacific Ocean.

On Sunday, November 21, 2010, the Alameda Naval Air Museum will commemorate the inaugural flight of China Clipper with a living history reenactment of the actual 1935 event. Featuring a simulated radio broadcast, complete with live re-enactors portraying the actual participants and dignitaries, plus vintage vehicles, military fly-by, and more, the public will have a rare opportunity to turn back the clock and participate in what was a significant event in world and aviation history. Attendees of all ages are invited to dress in 1930’s period attire. The museum will also open its new China Clipper exhibit to the public as part of the event.

Commemorative events will begin at 1:00 pm. to 3:00 pm. Admission is $5.00 and
parking is free. Food and beverages will be available.

Alameda Naval Air Museum, located at 2151Ferry Point Rd., Building 77, Alameda
CA, is registered with the State of California as a non-profit 501(c) (3)
organization. The all-volunteer museum has been in operation since 2004.

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If you’d like more information about this topic or the event, please call Kin Robles
at 925/759-2090 or e-mail Kin at anammedia@mac.com or visit our website at
http://www.alamedanavalairmuseum.org/

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