Fred Johnsen, the force behind the Airailimages YouTube channel and General Aviation News Of Wings & Things columnist, recently posted a video to YouTube about the last landing of the Philippine Mars.
Fred notes: “Decades in the making! Last landing of Philippine Mars, the huge Martin JRM flying boat headed for the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. The Mars landed on Lake Pleasant, north of Phoenix, on Feb. 10, 2025. It was escorted by a number of aircraft, including the PB4Y-2 Privateer from Casa Grande, Arizona. The Mars will be disassembled as needed for highway transport to the Pima museum.”
What was the other 4 engine plane following in trail?
Restored Consolidated Privateer patrol bomber, now based in Casa Grande, Arizona.
I flew from Honolulu to Treasure Island in SF Bay on the Hawaii Mars when I was 10 months old…with my Navy Dad n Mom. Wish i could remember that. But I do have a pre boarding pic of me n fam piled high in leis.
I think it needs to be said that we have to thank Wayne Coulson of Port Alberni in BC, Canada for saving both the Philippine and Hawaiian Mars and donating both to museums for the enjoyment of us the public.