The Philippine Mars, a historic 80-year-old water bomber, made a significant landing near Alameda, California, after an 800-mile journey from British Columbia. This unique plane, renowned for its size and operational history, is the last of its kind still in use. Aviation historian Gary Plomp remarked on the rarity of witnessing such a majestic seaplane in operation. Once used by the Navy, the Philippine Mars's last flight was in 2012, and it will retire at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, after this historic landing.
To see a sea plane land again on a body of water, a sea plane this large, is something I don't think you'll ever see again.
The Philippine Mars was once based in Alameda where it was originally operated by the Navy, highlighting its historical significance.
This magnificent and imposing Martin Mars plane, the only remaining one of its type, symbolizes a critical era in aviation and military history.
The plane, which hadn't been flown since its firefighting mission in 2012, will retire at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Arizona.
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