Aircraft History
Built by Sikorsky during 1937 as a prototype for a new patrol bomber in response to a U.S. Navy (USN) Bureau of Aeronautics 1935 requirement for a large long-range armed patrol aircraft. In June 1936 the Model S-44 proposal issued by Sikorsky was awarded a contract for the production of a single prototype. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as XPBS-1 bureau number 9995. On August 13, 1937 the flying boat made its first flight.
During 1938, evaluated by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) but the Navy awarded the contract to Consolidated. Although not ordered for production, XPBS-1 remained in Navy service. No nickname, nose art or markings.
During 1939 temporarily operated by Patrol Wing Five (PatWing 5) based in Norfolk, Virginia. Next, assigned to Patrol Wing Two (PatWing 2) at Pearl Harbor. During 1940, assigned to transport squadron 2 (VR-2) based at NAS Alameda.
Mission History
On June 30, 1942 took off piloted by Lieutenant Thomas M. Roscoe on a flight bound for NAS Alameda. Aboard was passenger Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and his senior staff for a meeting with Navy leadership. While landing, the flying boat hit a submerged log causing damage. Aboard, pilot Roscoe was killed in the crash and everyone aboard sustained injuries. Nimitz suffered scratches and abrasions in the mishap, immediately showed concern for those who had hurt and remained topside on the wreckage to direct rescue operations, refusing to move until searchers finished their grim task of investigating the wrecked flying boat for survivors.
After the crash,
Lieutenant Sam Sherman was the first to arrive and rescued Nimitz from the sea. Nimitz suffered scratches and abrasions in the mishap and refused a blanket and a shot of brandy and ordered Sherman to immediately request divers to recover his hat from the wreckage. Sherman thought this was strange, but followed his command. When the hat was retrieved, Nimitz relaxed. Later on Guam, when Nimitz met then-Commander Sherman on Guam, he explained that his hat had a waterproof liner and inside were the top secret plans for the invasion of Guadalcanal.
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Last Updated
May 1, 2026
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