In early career as naval aviator he served in the USS Northampton (CA-26). In 1938 was assigned to PBY squadron in San Diego--participated in mass non-stop flight to Coco Solo, Canal Zone. First USN patrol plane pilot to take off from Pearl Harbor when Japanese attacked. Participated in Battle of Midway and landings at Guadalcanal. Was first CO of the seaplane tender USS Floyds Bay (AVP-40), later navigator of the carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) during Operation Highjump exploration of Antarctica. Served as Chief of Staff for Commander Carrier Division 15 and as Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Taiwan Defense Command. Discussions focus particularly on his experiences in PBY patrol planes. Other tours of duty are covered in much less detail.