Back to photostream

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum Hanger 37

Boeing N2S-3 Stearman

 

This Boeing N2S-3 Stearman Kaydet is a two-seater bi-plane was able to quickly separate the men from the boys during flight training for the U.S. Navy (and the U.S. Army Air Corps as the PT-13/-17) during the 1930s and 1940s. Many Kaydets are still flying today.

 

Our Stearman is known as the “Bush Stearman.” President George H.W. Bush soloed in this aircraft on December 15, 1942, while participating in flight training at Naval Air Station, Minneapolis, MN.

 

His flight logbook reflects tail numbers and flight hours of each plane flown during flight training.

 

George H.W. Bush was commissioned ensign June 1943, making him the youngest naval aviator at the time (18 years old). His TBM was hit near Chichi Jima requiring him to bail out. H.W. Bush flew 58 missions, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, and the Presidential Unit Citation aboard USS Jacinto.

 

Source: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

180 views
0 faves
0 comments
Uploaded on August 17, 2019
Taken on August 16, 2019