This is the last surviving Coronado, one of 210 built. Originally a PB2Y-3, it served VR-4 as a transport after conversion to PB2Y-3R with faired-over turrets. Further conversions to PB2Y-5R and PB2Y-5Z saw it fitted out with a VIP interior, flying the deputy and staff of Admiral Nimitz to Tokyo for Japan's surrender on 2 September 1945. Registered N69003 post-war, Howard Hughes used it in preparing to fly his HK-1 flying boat, remaining airworthy until the 1960s. By 1975 it was on display at a Spruce Goose memorial at Long Beach and in 1977 was barged through the Panama Canal to Pensacola

In primer while being restored. Delivered to the US Navy as 7099 in 1942. To the Hughes Tool Company as N69003 in 1946. Howard Hughes used it for training in preparing to fly his HK-1 flying boat. Maintained in airworthy condition into the 1960s then stored at Long Beach, CA. Tranported by barge to Pensacola, FL via the Panama Canal in 1977.

Large four-engined flying boat on external display at the Naval Aviation Museum.

Ebeye was Naval Amphibious Base #807. The PB2Y was a patrol bomber more widely used as a transport. Most were scrapped by the end of 1946. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland

Originally delivered to USN as PB2Y-3 BuNo. 7099, later converted to PB2Y-5R. Sold surplus in 1946 to Hughes Tool Co. and registered NR69003. In 1973 Hughes donated the Coronado to the museum. This slide shows the condition it was in when received. After a multi year restoration the PB2Y-5R is now on inside display in the WWII gallery.

Now on display at the National Museum of Naval Aviation this Coronado is the last survivor of 210 built and was intended as a larger, higher perfomance variant of the Catalina. This aircraft served as an executive transport taking the staff of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz to Tokyo for the Japanese surrender ceremony on 2nd September 1945.