Maiden Trans-Pacific flight of MARS #64123, landing in Hawaii about 7:42 a.m. (Hawaii) originating from Alameda, CA (6:54 p.m. PWT =daylight savings time). Flight time 13:18 hours carrying 13,500 pounds of food and 35 passengers and crew. Piloted by LCDR W.E. Coney. Photo taken about 3-4 p.m. local time. Looking 240° - WSW. NAS Kaneohe (Present day MCAS Kaneohe) is directly behind the photographer.

First arrival of the XPB2M-1R, previously named "Mars", afternoon 23 Jan 1944, Kaneohe Bay. Photo by PhoM1/c Ken Kracht, NAS Kaneohe, HI.

First arrival of the XPB2M-1R, previously named "Mars", afternoon 23 Jan 1944, Kaneohe Bay. Photo by PhoM1/c Ken Kracht, NAS Kaneohe, THI.

The Martin Mars prototype in take-off at an unknown location, possibly the Pacific off San Francisco. This photo was taken circa 1944, about two years after it had been converted from patrol bomber to transport aircraft, by the removal of its gun turrets, bomb bays, armored plating and other combat provisions. Instead, this transport version received additional cargo hatches and cargo loading equipment, as well as reinforced decking. Photo from: US Navy - National Naval Aviation Museum