WWII PBY Catalina Relic Plaque - Full Color 5"x7"

This is an actual relic from PBY-5A Catalina No. 48294. This fragment was removed during maintenance in 2023 by the Military Aviation Musuem - Virginia Beach, Virginia.

This fine art print, commissioned by the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA, features relic material from their airworthy PBY-5A Catalina, a historic aircraft that served a vital role during World War II. The specific aircraft, BuNo. 48294, originally flew with Patrol Squadron 92 (VP-92) in 1943, patrolling the vast waters of the Atlantic Theater. Based in locations such as Morocco and the Caribbean, this aircraft was primarily tasked with the critical mission of hunting German U-boats, which posed a serious threat to Allied shipping.PBY-5A Catalina control surface fabric - notice the 3 color shades (L-R): Sea Blue, Intermediate Blue, Insignia White

After its military service in the war, the PBY-5A Catalina continued its career with the U.S. Coast Guard, showcasing the versatility of this amphibious aircraft. Its duties took it from the icy coasts of Alaska to the far-reaching waters of South Africa, further demonstrating its global operational reach. The PBY-5A became synonymous with maritime patrol, search and rescue, and anti-submarine warfare, cementing its legacy as one of the most versatile and enduring aircraft of the 20th century.PBY-5A Catalina 48294 at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA

In 2023, during routine maintenance, all of the control surface fabric was replaced. This fabric relic, now part of this unique plaque, serves as a physical link to the countless missions and adventures this PBY-5A Catalina has undertaken. From protecting convoys in the perilous waters of the Atlantic to serving humanitarian and search operations in the years that followed, this aircraft stands as a testament to its important contribution during WWII.