The Fighting Flying Boat: A History of the Martin PBM Mariner [Hardcover]

Richard A. Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2004

Detailing a proud chapter in naval aviation history, former PBM pilot Richard Hoffman has written the first comprehensive history of Mariner operations. This versatile seaplane was first deployed in 1941 during the Battle of the Atlantic, when it helped sink ten German U-boats. The following year it became a mainstay of the Naval Air Transport Service as the first aircraft to provide a vital link between Hawaii and the South Pacific. In combat, Mariners participated in every major offensive campaign from the Marianas to Iwo Jima and Okinawa, sinking enemy submarines, ships, and aircraft. They also served as the main rescue aircraft, saving hundreds of airmen and seamen in spectacular open-sea rescue operations. At war's end, they were the first aircraft into Tokyo Bay. Yet the Mariner has long been overshadowed by its famous counterpart, the PBY Catalina. This book corrects the oversight by recognizing the Mariner not only for its contributions to World War II but also the postwar years, when it was involved with the exploration of the Arctic and Antarctic and the Korean War. Hoffman offers dramatic details of PBM fights with Chinese MIGs and patrol and reconnaissance missions. The author also highlights the seaplane's hazardous rescue missions with the Coast Guard and its service with foreign armed forces. Striking photos of Mariners in action accompany the narrative, and a list of all PBM casualties is appended.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard A. Hoffman, a retired Navy captain and former test pilot with a master's degree in seaplane hydrodynamics, flew the PBM during the Korean War. He lives in La Jolla, California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: US Naval Institute Press (June 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591143756
• ISBN-13: 978-1591143758
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #877,895 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is the real deal, April 5, 2008

By 

David L. Sowers (Roanoke County VA, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Fighting Flying Boat: A History of the Martin PBM Mariner (Hardcover)

Bought this book as a birthday present for a WWII Naval veteran of the PBM's. He swears it's the most accurate history of the plane he's ever read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Complete History of Mariner, June 8, 2007

By 

T. H. Moran "Old Scout" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Fighting Flying Boat: A History of the Martin PBM Mariner (Hardcover)

Extensive list of casualties, each crew member by name. Also extensive bibliography. Covers broad spectrum of Mariner history. Selected action reports. Good history of support ships and Seaplane Tenders.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book, March 25, 2006

By 

Delbert B. Mitchell "dmitchc121" (Las Vegas, Nevada United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Fighting Flying Boat: A History of the Martin PBM Mariner (Hardcover)

This book is every Navy seaplane pilot or aircrewman's book. The PBM Mariner was a great airplane, and it's history in naval aviation is without question. Long before aircraft could fly nonstop, the Mariner was always on station running surveillance, SAR missions, combat patrols, and many other missions too numerous to mention. Author Richard Hoffman has done a magnificient job of chronically documenting the Mariner's accomplishments and missions, and pays just tribute to the men who ran the gauntlet of the oceans to keep them free and accessible for all ocean going vessels. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in naval air and seaplane history. It's well worth the price.