1925 US Navy PN-9 Seaplane Flight to Hawaii Original Photos Cmdr John Rodgers For Sale

Offered here is a rare pair of original 1925 photographs documenting one of the most famous episodes in early U.S. naval aviation history: the attempted first flight from San Francisco to Hawaii by the U.S. Navy PN-9 No. 1 flying boat under the command of Commander John Rodgers.

About the Event:

• On September 1, 1925, PN-9 No. 1 departed San Francisco Bay with a five-man crew, attempting the first nonstop flight to Hawaii (a distance of nearly 2,100 miles).

• After running out of fuel about 365 miles short of Oahu, the crew converted fabric from the wings into makeshift sails and, over nine days, sailed the crippled plane more than 450 miles before rescue.

• This extraordinary survival story became one of the legendary tales of U.S. naval aviation, and Honolulu’s international airport was later named in honor of Commander Rodgers.

The Photographs:

• The top photo shows the U.S. Navy PN-9 No. 1 seaplane on the water, clearly marked with “US NAVY” and “PN-9 No. 1.”

• The bottom photo depicts the crew of PN-9 No. 1 upon arrival in Hawaii, each wearing Hawaiian leis following their ordeal and celebrated as heroes.

• The back of the frame carries a handwritten note referencing “Cmd Rodgers first flight …”, supporting its provenance.

Details:

• Two original photographs, circa 1925.

• Nicely framed with a gold-accented wood frame and black matting (ready to hang).

• Condition: Photos show expected age toning, minor creases, and wear; frame has light scuffs. Mat board has a crease in the middle.

Collector Interest:

• Original photos related to the PN-9 transpacific flight are scarce and highly collectible.

• Important for collectors of naval aviation history, aviation pioneers, or military seaplane ephemera.

• Would make an excellent addition to any aviation, U.S. Navy, or 1920s exploration collection.

1. Commander John Rodgers (1881–1926)

   • Role: Commanding officer, USN aviator, and great-grandson of Commodore John Rodgers (War of 1812).

   • From: Washington, D.C.

   • Background: U.S. Naval Academy graduate (1903), pioneer aviator, namesake of today’s Honolulu International Airport (originally John Rodgers Airport).

2. Lt. Byron James Connell (1890–1969)

   • Role: Navigator.

   • From: Geneva, New York.

   • Background: Naval Academy Class of 1912. Later served in WWII, eventually rising to Captain.

3. Lt. Alva Delano “Bo” Hegenberger (1892–1983)

   • Role: Engineering officer.

   • From: Boston, Massachusetts.

   • Background: Renowned for his pioneering work in aerial navigation and blind-flying instruments. Later made the first successful blind instrument flight (1929).

4. Lt. Daniel Kendrick “Ken” McMillan (1895–1971)

   • Role: Radio operator.

   • From: Fort Smith, Arkansas.

   • Background: Expert in airborne radio; crucial in keeping communication during the mission.

5. Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class (AMM1c) William “Bill” Bowlin (1890–1968)

   • Role: Flight engineer / mechanic.

   • From: Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

   • Background: The only enlisted man on the crew, Bowlin kept the Liberty engines running through the data-start=\"1797\" data-end=\"1992\">

   • Rodgers – Washington, D.C.

   • Connell – Geneva, New York

   • Hegenberger – Boston, Massachusetts

   • McMillan – Fort Smith, Arkansas

   • Bowlin – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

   Keywords: PN-9, John Rodgers, US Navy seaplane, 1925 Hawaii flight, flying boat, transpacific aviation, naval aviation history, framed photo, original historic photograph, aviation pioneer, military aviation, early seaplane, Rodgers Airport Honolulu.