postmarked from Findlay, Ohio on April 10, 2023.  Blue printed

photo of actual ship on cachet #3296 by Alvin Eckert, USCS #9964.

This 492 foot seaplane tender was built in Oakland, CA

and commissioned on August 25, 1941. She was converted from the merchant cargo ship SS Sea Arrow.

On Dec 7th, the proud vessel's crew was able to shoot down three of attacking enemy aircraft!

After the attack she served in the defense of Wake Island and later served in the South Pacific.  

See her web pages for the details of her design, construction and service history including battle narratives.

Cover is franked 3 cent USN stamp # 935 from 1946 and 63 cent flag stamp # 5788 (FDOI).

Seller has over 90 different covers for ships attacked at Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Check out my other items!

These items make fine USN gifts when mounted on a colored matte

and placed in a 5x7 picture frame.   Free US Shipping!