"About this site" is where periodic updates and revisions are posted. Each week or so, I have posted new material , which over the past years have accumulated to hundreds of pages and thousands of images and documents that pushed the data to a point that it needs better management. I am working on various solutions that will allow the continuation of all material to be posted with out compromising the optimum versatility. This "About this Site... page 1' is the early posts for the first few years of the website. Scroll down to view the many post and links.
About this site...page 1
Charles F. Blair Jr.'s
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Curtiss C-46D Commando
Charles Blair's first of eight "Excalibur's" was the Sikorsky VS-44. He put many
record-breaking hours in the first Excalibur and that inspired him to continue the name with the important aircraft in his career. Excalibur II was a Curtiss C-46D Commando. See more about Excalibur II...plus.
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Island Tidbits - A blog by Jenn Manes
St. John
More about the who's & what's
< Charlie Freeling, Hugh O'Donnell and GOOSE in St. Croix
new photo from Charlie Freeling
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Reposting Marijane Nelson's (Howard-Sipple) article from Air World / 1973. I obtained a new copy of ESSO Air World with clearer images.
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Capt. Bill Mable
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Navy Petty Office (AG2) John Sternbergh was returning to Roosevelt Roads Naval Base after honeymooning in St, Thomas in July 1970. John took this photo before he boarded the next flight to Fajardo, Puerto Rico.
photo credit Tom Anusewicz
2 Mallards & a Goose - St. Croix
Thought I would post some of my VI photos from the 70's.
< Cinnamon Bay, St. John
A passengers perspective, as all the boats return to base.
The Goose to Charlotte Amalie and the Navy to Roosevelt Roads.
photos from the late 60's by
Gary Iivack
The Goose - St. Thomas
The Sikorsky VS-44 was a incredible aircraft .
Read the AAHS articles from 1975 to 2018
'Excambian"
photos from Gary Iivack's
recent 2022 visit to the
New England Air Museum
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N323 before AAB
Fly Past Magazine - March 1989
Fajardo, P.R.
Another magazine article, from 1969
Recently acquired this ABC Airways Magazine on eBay from London, England. Nice images of N40R and N41881. Click to read article.
Antilles Has A Party
V.I. Daily News / March 1, 1979
Maureen O'Hara Blair unveils a plaque in honor of the founder of Antilles Air Boats, Capt. Charles F. Blair Jr. A bronze plaque will be installed at the Antilles station in St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Maureen O'Hara Blair thanks Mellow Hawks of Charlotte Amalie High School who performed for St. Thomas party, Mellow Hawks, director Richard Callwood (rear center) looks on.
The Daily News captures the 15th years anniversary celebration at the Antilles Air Boat ramps at STT & STX
Crowd of 500 well wishers enjoy Antilles Air Boats 15th anniversary party in St. Croix.
Senate President, Elmo Roebuck and Maureen O'Hara Blair display the three-layer birthday cake with the Mallard or 'Big Goose (caricature) looks on.
Capt. Brian Lincoln, Antilles Air Boats vice president and general manager predicts even more growth for the airline at the St. Croix party. Central High School Steel Bandis in the background.
Maureen O'Hara Blair, Big Goose and Commerce Commissioner Amadeo Francis pose in front of the Mallard.
Bunny Olsen, Antilles Air Boats' first paid customer, Muareen O'Hara Blair and Pattie Armstrong, Antilles Air Boats first complimentary passenger, wave to the crowd in St. Croix prior to the departure of the re-enactment of Antilles Air Boats inaugural flight.
Thank you to Wade Vianney for sending on the photos from the V.I. Daily News.
Maureen O'Hara says...
A quick game before flight
Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I.
Maureen O'Hara Blair speaks at the event that launched the restoration of Sikorsky VS-44 Excambian N41881 in Connecticut back in 1987.
Capt. Nick Castruccio
1926 - 2022
Catalina PBY-5A
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V.I. Daily News
July 18, 1966
BIG NEWS...
The AAB aircraft get to come out of the water to allow the loading and unloading of passengers and baggage.
New AAB Ramp for St. Thomas
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submitted by Anthony Gagliani
We remember the
many at AAB
that served.
10 of the Antilles Air Boats seaplanes came from Alaska. Alaska Coastal Airlines was formed in 1939 as the results of a merger of Alaska Air Transport and Marine Airways. In 1962 Alaska Coastal Airlines merged with Ellis Air Lines operating for awhile as Alaska Coastal-Ellis Airlines. In 1968, Alaska Airlines took over all operations. With new airfields opening at various locations the seaplanes were fazed out.
Incredible stories from those early years of flying the Gooses and PBY's in Alaska.
Charlie Blair took the opportunity to bring a number of aircraft back to the U.S. Virgin Islands
N48550 / N28369 / N74588 / N74676 / N4762C / N79901 / N79914 / N4772C / N2763A / N5584V
Birds from the north flew south...
Faith Sherman's incredible book on the history of Ellis Air Lines.
images approved for posting by the Ketchikan Museum Tongrass Historical Society
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A Fritz Henle image for VI Dailey News taken at Pan Am Pavilion, Christiansted, St. Croix, 7/8/70 (best reproduction I could produce... sorry Fritz)
A new video
A collection of more recent images that have been posted to this site in the past few years
Stories...
Grumman G-73 Mallard N26DF arrives in St. Croix
photo from Tom Anusewicz Collection
VI Daily News Ad - May 1969
Newly acquired 35mm slides on eBay (N8777A / N26DF) - 4/16/22
photo credit Fritz Henle
photo credit Tom Anusewicz
June Parker Beck
June first published the Maureen O'Hara website in 1991 and by 1995 was endorsed by Maureen "Herself" and her brother Charles FitzSimons. June's goal is to perpetuate Maureen's images and career by providing solid, accurate, and fun information for her fans. June has done an absolutely wonderful job in keeping Maureen O'Hara Blair's memory alive. I wanted to post here, to ensure that AAB visitors can access the many photos and stories that June has created on her website and Facebook pages.
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by Marijane Sipple
Happy Anniversary
March 21st marked the fifth anniversary of the Antilles Air Boats website. When I started it, I thought some people would find it interesting. I didn't expect that it would be reviewed by tens of thousands from around the world. The maps posted here indicate the visitors.
Current page visits are 118,624
Thank you to all that have contributed
as well as for those that left positive comments.
I will continue to work each week to add relative material.
Each green dot has a number indicating visitor count from area.
Some indicating several thousand.
more information on visitor analytics on this lower page.
Donal Goggin has continued to contribute some great material from Ireland. Donal's father worked in Pan Am's Shannon operations and was a colleague of Capt. Blair for many years.
See more about
Donal & Mick...
Mick Goggin
Donal & Mick Goggin
A March
Wedding
in 1968
An Albatross Re-do
Southern Cross in STX
photo from Rob Rindt Collection
NEW Records on the additional AAB aircraft
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The Start-up
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For over 15 years, the VI Daily News could always find a story and or photo at AAB. A couple of captioned photos from the 60's sent in by Anthony Gagliani
Marius Lodeesen
Marius retired from Pan Am World Airways in 1964 and joined his friend Charlie Blair at AAB. He took on the role of Vice President. Marius was a true pioneer in the early years of flying boats. see more about "Capt. Lodi"
New entry to Sikorsky VS-44 / American Export Airlines from Anthony Gagliani
N74588 - another Goose restoration under way.
Champe & Charlie
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More about Champe Taliaferro
&
Charlie Blair soon.
Roger Syratt images
Donal Goggin from County Kerry, in Ireland had the opportunity to crew on "Southern Cross" during the summer of 1977. He was the "bowman" on the many flights in Ireland and the UK. Donal shares some photos from those wonderful days long ago. Donal is seen securing the lines from the bow's marine locker.
see more at Donal Goggin
"Southern Cross" in Ireland
An AAB SA-16 Albatross that never saw service
N51151
Herman Sprauve's Taxi a regular at the AAB seaplane ramp in Cruz Bay
N2763A
photo credit Ger Buskermolen / The Netherlands taken at Ft. Lauderdale in Sept. 1973. Ger recently retired after long career with KLM.
St. John
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A photographer from San Juan, Puerto Rico that has capture some great photos of AAB aircraft. See more Bill Sierra images by clicking his name .
Isla Grande Airport (SIG) - San Juan, P.R.
San Juan Harbor
Photo by Charlie Freehling
Gooses and Geese
proper goose grammer
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1955
No Head For The Job
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Charlie Blair before AAB
St. Thomas - Yacht Haven Grande
The AAB display at IGY Marinas /Yacht Haven Grande
To see more about this display scroll down below.
posted by permission of Robert Harding Photography
N7777V operated at Antilles Air Boats from 1967 to 1978. Most of the new photos finding their way to the website have been of N7777V. I will continue to look for photos that tell the AAB story.
photo credit Fritz Henle
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N4772C
N2763A
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N3283
N323 makes a cameo appearance in 1973 film
If I knew what kind of film this was going to be, I never would have let our
Goose appear in it.
I think she would have said that.
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passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Holland came to St. Croix in 1969, as a young man in his mid twenties, and found himself flying as a Goose pilot for Antilles Air Boats. Holland went on to serve the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands for many years. Holland will be missed.
Holland Redfield
< Interesting slide...
photo taken from the right seat in the cockpit of a Goose on departure from San Juan, P.R.
The view of Fort El Morrow
at the mouth of the harbor can be seen moments after take-off. I can imagine the passengers excitement of taking AAB to St. Thomas on this particular morning.
loading bags for departure - St. Thomas
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N7777V taxing for takeoff in St. Thomas
"Southern Cross" in England
N48550
This photo was previously posted to N48550 page with photo credit unknown. I recently purchased the original slide from a seller from England on eBay. I rescanned at a higher resolution and reposted. It happens that the photo was taken the same month and year I arrived at AAB (6/75) . I am glad that I was able to add it to my collection.
Another recent eBay find!
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N4762C in Christiansted, St. Croix.
Post card Image is reversed. Error or artistic liberty?
New photo added...
N7777V at St. Croix Seaplane Ramp. Photo part of collection of the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, New York.
Posted with permission of museum.
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New Aircraft Documents posted below
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Early AAB schedule at Timetables
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2021
St. Thomas - Yacht Haven Grande
Island Global Yachting -IGY Marina management was in touch recently to update their plans to include Antilles Air Boats history in their new development in St. Thomas. With today's cost of a Grumman Goose being totally out of the budget they are producing a slightly reduced version to assist in telling the AAB story. More to come soon.
The Antilles Air Boats Grumman Goose scale replica has arrived in St. Thomas this week. This will be the centerpiece in telling the story, sharing the history
of Antilles Air Boats and its impact on the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Final informational display.
Bob DeLugo (St. Thomas) and I assisted IGY Marinas with their project.
Antilles Air Boats Goose Lands In St. Thomas Once Again
Posted aircraft documents for
G-21A Goose N74588 N328, N79914, N1048V, N5548A and N4762C
G-73 Mallard - N51151
G-111 / HU16 Albatross - N3385F, N3395F and N3398F
VS-44 Sikrosky - N41881
All records completed except for both Sandringhams. Both aircraft were never certified in U.S. but did receive an "N" number and FAA researched and found no records at Oklahoma City..
A new photo negative found in the UK
N3283 relocated to Opa-locka, Florida in December 1981, after AAB closed. Another Goose sits along side.
Grumman G-73 Mallard N7356 also on the ramp in the background, stripped of paint with a taped tail number on the side.
Aircraft Historical Documents
Look for a new entry at "Maintenance" and on each aircraft page.
I have posted over 4,500 pages of records (to date) for aircraft that have flown at AAB. The records for N95467 below are an example of the format. Records include major repair and alterations, engineering approvals as well as ownership transfers and miscellaneous documents. The FAA at Oklahoma City are still doing some research and I should be able to add more each week or so. "Maintenance" has full listing by aircraft type. Check it out. Some interesting information.
FAA Records - N95467
FAA Form 337 - further documentation / misc.
Ownership / Transfers / Registrations / misc.
Shorts Sandringham S.25
The "Southern Cross"and "Excalibur VIII" pages have been updated with some new material with more coming soon.
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July 13, 2021
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The website interest has been from all around the world The map indicates the viewers from each geographic area. The graph above indicates a continued growth of visitors over the four years.
Note; Many visits are not recorded due to privacy blocks, so the actual visits are higher.
by Marijane Sipple
Marijane shares another story from her days at Antilles Air Boats.
G-73
N51151
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San Juan 1975 - S25 Sandringham "Southern Cross" on the ramp next to AAB hangar. The hangar next door is the old U.S. Coast Guard Air Station which was moved to Borinquen. "Coast" was removed from the hangar where the National Guard took up residency for awhile. Today it is a shipping container port. The AAB hangar is no longer.
See more at San Juan
Alexander Farrelly with N5548A. This photo is from the October 1970 Ebony Magazine article about leadership in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Alexander Farrelly was a senator in the U.S.V.I. Legislature at the time. Others in the article were Cyril E. King, Francises Carmiera and Melvin H. Evans.
contributed by Anthony Gagliani
The early years...
Recently found these 2 slides on Ebay. N95467 arriving at Pan Am Pavilion ramp in Christiansted, St. Croix in 1967. (slide #17) The other taken by a passenger looking forward on approach to St. Thomas. (slide #29) Have not identified the pilot as yet, Any thoughts? Always nice to come across new photos.
Thought I would share a piece of art from Mike Williams' collection
Click on the above AAB print to access his website for more info.
New entries from Ron Mak
photo by Charlie Freehling
STX - mechanic, Hugh O'Donnell
photos posted with permission
N7777V
N8777A
The N7777V & N8777A photos credit Frank Strnad / Don Dawson Collection were posted to the Grumman G-21 Goose and Derivatives Facebook Group (private)
Charlie Freehling sent new material!
Capt. Jack Lincoln presents a wooden Goose to Ralph Prince, St. John - AAB baggage & transport provider.
Goose prepares for departure with Capt. Don Schell along with Mary Simpson, Kiki and other AAB employees
New Photos
Goose - N74676 flies over the Blair residence.
Charlie Freehling recently sent 18 of Fritz Henle's 2.25" square format color transparencies of Antilles Air Boats' Gooses at various location within their scheduled routes. The slides are nearly 50 years old and today's conversion would not meet Fritz's standard for reproduction.
His eye and lens were always ready to capture a special moment.
Check out the gallery of Henle slides below.
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Click to see all the photos and info
Capt. Roman share info about the Goose with Boy Scouts at Christiansted seaplane ramp.
Cruz Bay, St. John
Capt. Roman share info about the Goose with Boy Scouts at Christiansted seaplane ramp.
Special photos that include Charlie Blair and passengers with staff rowing to the Goose at Weat End, Tortola, BVI. The Goose at Drakes' Anchorage with a Duck nearby. Cruz Bay, St. John and San Juan, Puerto Rico and more.
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Virgin Island Daily News - April 9, 1965 The early years of AAB. The photo won't allow you to make out the tail number but it is probably N95467 or N40R. Thanks to Anthony Gagliani for his research and support.
"Southern Cross"
in
Ireland - 1976
2 quick videos of the summer trip in 1976
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Hugh O'Donnell & Eric Crossfield - G-73 Mallard N1208
photo by Charlie Freehling
Reviewing photos for proper creditas well as establish additional links
Resorts
International
Purchases
Antilles
Air
Boats
1979
1979- The new, long awaited, St. Thomas terminal is operational.
Photo by Charles Freehling
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Back in 2019,, Ben Dunnell, editor of Aeroplane magazine, came upon the AAB website and contacted me about doing a story. The April 2020 edition includes the 6 page article about my arrival and a review of the special people and aircraft at Antilles Air Boats. The AAB story joins other articles about
'The Flying Boat Glory Days"
Towards the bottom of this page you will find another article from Aeroplane about AAB from 45 years ago. Aeroplane has been publishing articles about classic airplanes since 1911
AEROPLANE Monthly - April 2020
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Consoldated Catalina PBY-5A
AEROPLANE Magazine - Aug. 2020
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Julie Rasmussen (Sales & Marketing) & Bonnie Austin (Maintenance Supervisor) in STX.
New photos by Charlie Freehling
The St. Thomas terminal 1969
4 Gooses return to the Christiansted, St. Croix seaplane ramp
Great old footage of Antilles Air Boats first ramp in Christiansted, St. Croix - considered the worlds smallest airport..
The website continues to grow to over 200 pages with over 1000 photos and over 1,000 documents/articles. Each week I will try to post updates to indicate new additions to help navigate the site.
There is still many areas that need to be completed and I appreciate your patience .
Thank you to everyone that have visited as well as contributed. The site has had 22,000 individuals visiting from around the world with over 104,000 page visits since we started in March 2017. The visitor rate is increasing every week.
Trying to develop more pages on past employees. Many of the pages are incomplete but hope over time I will have more information. I also hope to make contact with individuals to expand on those that worked at AAB or AII. The AAB story is not complete without talking about the people. How did they get there and where did they go after.
more to come...
The Sandringhams - Sydney to U.S.V.I.
Sandringhams -
fuel and crew rest in Hawaii
top - Southern Cross in Pearl Harbor left - Excalibur VIII in Keehi Lagoon, Honolulu
Great Articles on the Sandringhams being relocated to the Virgin Islands and beyond.
courtesy of Jim Flanagan
DISCONTINUED
Join the Forum and post your own stories, photo and comments. Have questions ? Use Contact Us.
Some recent acquired AAB Photos
scanned and posted and will distribute to various pages
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AAB's first Goose...
N95467
Check out the other 22 Gooses that served at Antilles Air Boats over the 16 years. Where did they come from and where are they today.
A viewer favorite...
New additions...photos, info and more
Chapter 9 - The Caribbean Shuttle
Delani has continue to send photos and articles.
Scroll to the bottom of each page for newest entries
New Site Search
With the number of pages growing each week, with many aircraft as well as those that worked for AAB, I thought we were ready to have the ability to search the site. Hope this makes it easier to navigate the site.
Got photos? Please send!
New photo by Chris Hanley
Maureen and some of the FitzSimon Family
Goose arrival in Fajardo, Puerto Rico
photos by Charlie Freehling
N79901 restoration
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photos by Steve Bell
click on photos for another view and info
Glenn Arveson sent a few new ads and timetables.
37 photos
"Just the facts ma'am" - Sgt. Joe Friday
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photos by Glenn Arveson
More photos added!
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More photos by Charles Freehling
Check out the more than 150 pages of AAB history.
Editor
The GREEN star will indicate my personal comments
FORUM
4/6/22 -The FORUM page has been removed from the website.
It has been more problematic over the years, with possible intruders causing internal issues. It was not being utilized as intended and had very few postings. Eliminating the page made the most sense. Please use Contact page and I will assist with any appropriate postings.
From the library of
Tom Anusewicz
