At Vintage Aviation News, we’ve been thrilled to cover the acquisition of the Hawaii Mars by the British Columbia Aviation Museum and to follow the journey that brought this massive water bomber to its new home. On Sunday, August 11, 2024, the Hawaii Martin Mars took its final flight, marking a historic moment that the public was invited to witness. The event was made even more special with the aircraft arriving in formation alongside the nine planes of the famed Canadian Forces Snowbirds demonstration team. This iconic aircraft will now serve as the centerpiece of the museum’s growing BC Wildfire Aviation exhibit.
The Hawaii Mars has been successfully towed out of the ocean using its beaching gear. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Nickel Bros and Cold Water Divers, they managed the seemingly impossible task of maneuvering the Hawaii Mars sideways around the breakwaters and up the ramp! The next step in the process is dewatering, followed by a thorough freshwater wash from top to bottom to remove any saltwater and contaminants.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Hawaii Mars will take place on Saturday, September 28. The museum is planning a uniquely designed open experience, allowing visitors to explore inside the aircraft and even sit in the pilot’s chair, four stories above the ground.
Click HERE to Donate to help cover the Hawaii Mars rescue costs
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
I was born in Hawaii in 1948 to a Navy family and we were transferred back to SF Bay for duty. The Navy flew us back in the Hawaii Mars when I was only 20 months old. We have pics ofbthe shole family smothered on leis before boarding. Only wish I could remember but too young.
Thanks for the message Scott. I forwarded it to the museum.
In a squadron neighboring VR-2, NAS Alameda in the late 1950s, I was fortunate to see the final arrival of a JRM. I know I was blessed to have served at NAS Alameda.