One Man's World War II: Tending Seaplanes in the Pacific

During World War II, the USS Onslow, a small seaplane tender, traveled halfway around the world as a unit of the Pacific Fleet, supporting squadrons that flew the Martin Mariner flying boat on anti-submarine and rescue missions.
The USS Onslow, an auxiliary ship, participated in three major invasions and took a major part in a small one. The Martin Mariner was the main rescue aircraft, saving many lives with open sea rescues. The Mariner did not have to depend on an airport or a carrier deck; it just needed a sea surface calm enough for take off and landing. Some surfaces were not so calm.