In 1982 this aircraft was recalled by the US Navy and after rework by Grumman was registered N8523H and used by the Smithsonian Institute for scientific explorations. In March 1989 its was acquired first by Island Flying Boats of Miami, and then in January 1990 by Air Crane Inc of Opa Locka, but October 1992 it was cancelled from the register as exported to Mexico. No Mexican registration could be traced, but its derelict hulk lives on Tepic International Airport, and it can still be seen there on Google Earth, imagery date March 2024.

This HU-16D was on outside display at the museum from 1977 - 1981. It was recalled by the US Navy, registered as N8523H, and went to the Smithsonian Institute for scientific operations. In 1989 it was bought by Island Flying Boats, Miami, FL. In early 1992 it went to Air Crane, Inc., Opa Locka, FL, and in June 1992 it was exported to Mexico.