March 12th, 2021

Museum a gem for naval aviation buffs

Deserving of the “best kept secret” tag in the world of military aviation is the PBY-Naval Air Museum in downtown Oak Harbor. This proud little museum is a must for anyone, regardless of age, who appreciates airplanes, history and specifically, naval aviation on Whidbey Island. My grandson and I had a wonderful time at the museum, thanks in large part to volunteers George Love, Sonny Starks and Martha Yount. There is a nominal $5 charge for a visit, OR you can purchase a $35 annual membership with benefits including free admission for two people. On top of that, the annual membership entitles you to FREE admission to the Museum of Flight in Seattle and the Canadian Museum of Flight in Langley, B.C. Now that’s a bargain! I highly recommend this museum (masks still required as of March 2021) and encourage a visit to see the PBY on display across the street: “Visit the museum and step back in history to see how a small island town was caught up in the turmoil of WWII and the building of a Naval Air Station that brought the beloved PBY Catalina amphibious aircraft to its shores.” There is also a wonderful 25-minute film about the arrival of the U.S. Navy to North Whidbey shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Visit pnwnam.org for details.

Steve Berentson

About Photographer Steve Berentson

A fourth generation Skagit County native who was moved kicking and screaming from this island community in 1960. I finally reclaimed an Anacortes address in 1980, and I have been in constant celebration of my return since that time. Many of us who call Anacortes home love Fidalgo Island for its natural assets: among them are rugged beaches, pristine lakes, thousands of acres of forestland and some awesome views of the Skagit Valley and surrounding islands. Another element of my love affair with this community is its people, both natives and immigrants. They will “star” in many of my journal entries.

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