The Descriptive Finding Guide for the Patrol Squadron Thirteen Special Collection SDASM.SC.10151
Stephanie Villar
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
12/05/2014
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: VP-13 Patrol Squadron Special Collection
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10151
Physical Description:
0.21 Cubic Feet
one box measuring 15” x 2.5” x 10” inches
Date (inclusive): 1937-1945
Abstract: The VP-13 was a Tactical Training Squadron featuring aircraft such as the Consolidated PB2Y (various models). Of particular
importance in this collection is the XPB2Y-1 Coronado known as “Blue Goose.” Originally designed as a patrol bomber, PB2Ys
were eventually used as transport and hospital craft due to their large capacity and comparatively spacious fuselage.
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum
Library & Archives”]
The XPB2Y-1 made its first flight on December 17, 1937. Responding to direction instability issues, the tail was redesigned
several times before flying out to NAS Anacostia on October 27, 1938. The XPB2Y-1 prototype was eventually nicknamed the Blue
Goose and is of particular relevance to this collection. It flew for two years in the Pacific, mainly between Hawaii and the
US, carrying various notable passengers, including Admiral Chester Nimitz. In August 1945, the Blue Goose was flown to NAS
North Island, San Diego, and scrapped.
First flown on November 22, 1940, deliveries of PB2Y-2s began on December 31 to VP-13 for experimental purposes. The last
PB2Y-2 was delivered as the XPB2Y-3 in December 1941.
VP-13 was established as Patrol Squadron THIRTEEN (VP-13) on July 1, 1940, then re-designated Patrol Bombing Squadron THIRTEEN
(VPB-13) on October 1, 1944. It was disestablished on December 1, 1945.
This collection is composed of one box measuring 15” x 2.5” x 10” inches. It contains one Deck Log, Visitors Log, photocopies,
and typed copies of previous guest lists and logs for the XPB2Y-1. The aircraft designations in the Box Listing are written
as the original source in the collection.
Related SDASM Resources:
Wegg, John. Putnam: General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors, Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1990.
Consolidated, PB2Y, Coronado Photos. Catalog numbers: 01_00009126 to 01_00009378
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Consolidated PB2Y "Blue Goose"
North Island Naval Air Station
Consolidated PB2Y Coronado
United States. Navy. Patrol Squadron, 13
Box 01
Folder 01 – Guest Log
Physical Description: 1. Guest log for 13-P-3 PB2Y-2, 13-P-14 “Blue Goose,” from June 5, 1942 to April 21, 1945, listing flight dates, passengers
and crew. Inside cover has taped newspaper article about death of Captain E. A. M. Gengreau, Pacific Fleet surgeon, and a
newsprint photo of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air, Artemus L. Gates with Admiral C.W. Nimitz.