The Clippers of the Air
1935 to 1939, the large and graceful flying boats of Pan American
Airways--known as "Clippers"--flew out of the Alameda Airport. The
largest airliners of their day, the Clippers inaugurated transoceanic
airmail and passenger service between North America, Hawaii, the
Philippines, and China. In 1939, Pan Am moved its operations to Treasure
Island. The site of Alameda Airport is now the Naval Air Station of
If you can find it at a video store, check out "China Clipper," a 1936
movie about Pan American Airways and the first flight to Manila.
Newsreel footage of the Alameda Airport is spliced into the action, and
there are great shots and sounds of the powerful flying boats in all
their glory. Humphrey Bogart plays Ed Musick, the famous Pan Am pilot,
saying over and over into his radio, "China Clipper calling Alameda.
China Clipper calling Alameda. China Clipper calling...." The
China Clippers added another star to the East Bay's legendary place in
the annals of aviation.
"Walk Along the Water"
© Oakland Museum of California, used with permission.
Explore this Topic:
Transpacific - Time Magazine article on first commercial Clipper
Clipper Movie Trailer - Warner Brothers / You Tube, 1935
Map showing 1938 location of Alameda Airport and
Pan American Clipper lagoon - Alameda Naval Air Museum
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