Thank you Harry! I will always remember your hover for the fly by! In fact, I think I have a video as we buzzed by you! And thank you for your service!
I believe that same Bert you spoke of is Alaska's top pilot today and he teaches and certifies Amphibian pilots for Grumman Goose. The Grumman Goose was a very popular airplane in Southeast Alaska during its hey days in the 60's through the late 70's before the new Alaska jetliners day approached, there were approximately 345 Goose built and are now down to 2-4 dozen active gooses around the world today. I flew around in a Goose with the Alaska State Troopers in the 80's, they were three gooses with the Dept. of Public Safety. I grew up flying the goose when visiting relatives on the Prince of Wales Islands as a child along with Catalina PBY & Goose with Alaska Coastal Ellis Airline based out of Ketchikan. Great memories with the Alaska Grumman amphibians.
It is the same Burke and you got that right, he is the BEST! He flew the Goose in the Aleutians for years. Amphibians are the perfect aircraft for up there, it is sad to see them pushed out of service through the years. I would have loved to have been around then, in the days of the Catalina! I am headed to Palm Springs soon to talk about a PBY they have there that served with VP-62 during the campaign. Look forward to it. Thanks for sharing these memories- I love hearing these stories and the history.
Thank you for this very well done trip. I live in Alaska and have lived all over the state since 1961. I set up auto parts stores and researched many locals for years all over the state. Your filming is beautiful and the research/commentary is excellent. The family history helps tie this trip all together. Best wishes!
This video immediately caught my attention because my first flight in a General Aviation aircraft was in a Grumman Widgeon back in 1975. It was based in Troy, Michigan at the time; we did some water landings in local lakes before returning to Troy. A couple years ago I did research on that aircraft and learned it was still flying in Alaska, I wondered if it was the same aircraft you flew in. It turns out that it's not, but checking my downloaded photo archives revealed that I have a photo of four Grumman Widgeons in formation. Your aircraft is in that photo; so is mine! In June 2006 they were both based in Fairbanks AK. I think that's pretty cool. Looking forward to following your saga!
WOW! That is awesome! What are the odds? I would love to see that photo and learn any other part of its history. I have been looking for its history! I know a bit but there are still large gaps. Our pilot would love it as well.
There is a lot of of history here to be explored. RCAF flew squadrons 111 and 42 in the Aleutian area. September 25, 1942, Squadron Leader K.A. Boomer, commanding officer of No. 111 Squadron, destroyed a Japanese Rufe floatplane .. the only RCAF victory in N.A airspace during the war.
Very good! The RCAF had 5 squadrons in Alaska, but only two served in the Aleutians, 111(F) and 14(F), both Kittyhawk/ P-40 sqds. They later became 440 (FB) and 442 (F) (Typhoons, Spitfires) in the ET. My grandfather was actually on that Sept. 25th mission, Boomer was his squadron leader! They all received American Air Medals for their efforts. And it was not only North America, but 111 (F) was the only RCAF unit to score an aerial victory against a Japanese Aircraft.
Hi Karen! Great vlog. I use to live in Dutch Harbor for about ten years. Loved every minute of it! The first plane I earned my wings in was an old Grumman Albatross HU-16. We {in the Coast Guard called her the Goat). I heard you say more than once the Co-Pilot on this flight is named Scott. I use to do a lot of flying in a De Havilland Beaver out in Dutch Harbor that had floats. The pilot was Scott Klinger. He was from Ketchikan. That was thirty years ago!? Wonder if it is the same Scott? Did a lot of Island hopping out there checking out old military locations. My dad started his WWII days in the 10th Mountain Division out on the Aleutian Islands. I also remember finding a wrecked P-40 with Canadian markings out on Umnak Island. Lots of stories and memories. Totally Subscribed to your channel and give it a big Thumbs Up!❤
Thanks so much for you comment! So many things to reply to! First, Albatross! Very cool... That has to be the older sister of the Goose. Our co-pilot was Scott Darsney, he was in Dutch back then but at that time, not a pilot. Burke Mees, on the other hand, flew the Goose out there for years. He is a legend in those parts. Was the RCAF wreck on Umnak or west side of Unalaska closer to Chernofski. I'd like to hear more about that. Umnak is my favorite island. Been there several times and looking to go back soon. 10th Mountain, again- very cool. I'd like to know more about that as well. So your dad was on Kiska? Or did he only make it to Dutch where they did their training? Love this comment!
11:45 Naknek, Alaska and King Salmon, Alaska are two different communities. They are connected by road, but yes, the main big airport is at King Salmon.
Me too! I have been up in the Goose many time. A friend of ours has a 1943 Goose he flies out of Lake Hood. Our pilot, Burke, says the Widgeon is the sportier version of the Goose. And he flies that thing like a bird.. as you'll see in some upcoming videos. Burke also instructs in the Goose, people come from all over to learn from him. Heck, I even have .5hrs of Goose time in my log book!
That is correct! During the war it was called the Naknek Army Airfield so to me it will always be Naknek. I think I mention that at the end, that the name of it is now King Salmon. I wish I could have spent more time there. I hear great things about the community! I'll need to make a second trip.
What a sweet memory of an event that touched so many lives. I enjoyed your journey!
Thank you for watching.
Okay came over from a comment you made on my own video--and wow incredible storytelling skills!!
Aww, thank you Kaya. Coming from seasoned pro, that means a lot!
@@FloridaBeachesToTheBeringSea just speaking the truth 🙏🏽
Very cool flight
Outstanding Karen! Well done.
Thank you Harry! I will always remember your hover for the fly by! In fact, I think I have a video as we buzzed by you! And thank you for your service!
I believe that same Bert you spoke of is Alaska's top pilot today and he teaches and certifies Amphibian pilots for Grumman Goose. The Grumman Goose was a very popular airplane in Southeast Alaska during its hey days in the 60's through the late 70's before the new Alaska jetliners day approached, there were approximately 345 Goose built and are now down to 2-4 dozen active gooses around the world today. I flew around in a Goose with the Alaska State Troopers in the 80's, they were three gooses with the Dept. of Public Safety. I grew up flying the goose when visiting relatives on the Prince of Wales Islands as a child along with Catalina PBY & Goose with Alaska Coastal Ellis Airline based out of Ketchikan. Great memories with the Alaska Grumman amphibians.
It is the same Burke and you got that right, he is the BEST! He flew the Goose in the Aleutians for years. Amphibians are the perfect aircraft for up there, it is sad to see them pushed out of service through the years. I would have loved to have been around then, in the days of the Catalina! I am headed to Palm Springs soon to talk about a PBY they have there that served with VP-62 during the campaign. Look forward to it. Thanks for sharing these memories- I love hearing these stories and the history.
I flew in the BLM goose while firefighting during my college years as a hellitack member. As did fire spotting in several other aircraft types.
Thank you for this very well done trip. I live in Alaska and have lived all over the state since 1961. I set up auto parts stores and researched many locals for years all over the state.
Your filming is beautiful and the research/commentary is excellent. The family history helps tie this trip all together. Best wishes!
Thank you Ron. I appreciate the comment very much.
This video immediately caught my attention because my first flight in a General Aviation aircraft was in a Grumman Widgeon back in 1975. It was based in Troy, Michigan at the time; we did some water landings in local lakes before returning to Troy. A couple years ago I did research on that aircraft and learned it was still flying in Alaska, I wondered if it was the same aircraft you flew in. It turns out that it's not, but checking my downloaded photo archives revealed that I have a photo of four Grumman Widgeons in formation. Your aircraft is in that photo; so is mine! In June 2006 they were both based in Fairbanks AK. I think that's pretty cool. Looking forward to following your saga!
WOW! That is awesome! What are the odds? I would love to see that photo and learn any other part of its history. I have been looking for its history! I know a bit but there are still large gaps. Our pilot would love it as well.
There is a lot of of history here to be explored. RCAF flew squadrons 111 and 42 in the Aleutian area. September 25, 1942, Squadron Leader K.A. Boomer, commanding officer of No. 111 Squadron, destroyed a Japanese Rufe floatplane .. the only RCAF victory in N.A airspace during the war.
Very good! The RCAF had 5 squadrons in Alaska, but only two served in the Aleutians, 111(F) and 14(F), both Kittyhawk/ P-40 sqds. They later became 440 (FB) and 442 (F) (Typhoons, Spitfires) in the ET. My grandfather was actually on that Sept. 25th mission, Boomer was his squadron leader! They all received American Air Medals for their efforts. And it was not only North America, but 111 (F) was the only RCAF unit to score an aerial victory against a Japanese Aircraft.
Your happiness is contagious!
Thank you! It was a trip to smile about for sure. Unreal.
Hi Karen! Great vlog. I use to live in Dutch Harbor for about ten years. Loved every minute of it! The first plane I earned my wings in was an old Grumman Albatross HU-16. We {in the Coast Guard called her the Goat). I heard you say more than once the Co-Pilot on this flight is named Scott. I use to do a lot of flying in a De Havilland Beaver out in Dutch Harbor that had floats. The pilot was Scott Klinger. He was from Ketchikan. That was thirty years ago!? Wonder if it is the same Scott? Did a lot of Island hopping out there checking out old military locations. My dad started his WWII days in the 10th Mountain Division out on the Aleutian Islands. I also remember finding a wrecked P-40 with Canadian markings out on Umnak Island. Lots of stories and memories. Totally Subscribed to your channel and give it a big Thumbs Up!❤
Thanks so much for you comment! So many things to reply to! First, Albatross! Very cool... That has to be the older sister of the Goose. Our co-pilot was Scott Darsney, he was in Dutch back then but at that time, not a pilot. Burke Mees, on the other hand, flew the Goose out there for years. He is a legend in those parts. Was the RCAF wreck on Umnak or west side of Unalaska closer to Chernofski. I'd like to hear more about that. Umnak is my favorite island. Been there several times and looking to go back soon. 10th Mountain, again- very cool. I'd like to know more about that as well. So your dad was on Kiska? Or did he only make it to Dutch where they did their training? Love this comment!
Enjoyed watching this. Truly a beautiful landscape!
It sure is! Such a magical and raw part of the world. So glad you enjoyed watching it. Thank you!
Great video. God bless you and Papa.
Thank you! And thanks for watching. Eps. 2 will be out on Friday, the one with the not so nice weather. : 0
11:45 Naknek, Alaska and King Salmon, Alaska are two different communities. They are connected by road, but yes, the main big airport is at King Salmon.
Always loved the Widgeon, Goose, and Albatross.
Me too! I have been up in the Goose many time. A friend of ours has a 1943 Goose he flies out of Lake Hood. Our pilot, Burke, says the Widgeon is the sportier version of the Goose. And he flies that thing like a bird.. as you'll see in some upcoming videos. Burke also instructs in the Goose, people come from all over to learn from him. Heck, I even have .5hrs of Goose time in my log book!
Great story and flight
Great video, and awesome story about your grandfather. When you where fueling, you were at the king salmon airport not Naknek airport :/
That is correct! During the war it was called the Naknek Army Airfield so to me it will always be Naknek. I think I mention that at the end, that the name of it is now King Salmon. I wish I could have spent more time there. I hear great things about the community! I'll need to make a second trip.
What an adventure!
And it gets better in the second video... or worse depending on one's perspective. Let's just say it gets authentic. Thanks for watching!
Very nice!
Thank you! Too bad this wasn't a North American product! Would have made a good story.
I tried to reply to your reply to my previous comment, but it kept disappearing. I found you on Facebook, I'll try to send the photo to you there.
Never got it there either.
@@FloridaBeachesToTheBeringSea Thank you for the reminder; just sent you two photos.
my dad had a widgeon back in the 60's i had the pleasure of flying it from the right seat.