RAMP | August 21, 2014: Evidence of Historic Seaplane
Mooring Area Found at French Frigate Shoals

The remains of seaplane fueling barrels: a chime (the ridge along the top and bottom of a metal barrel) on the reef off Eastern Island, French Frigate Shoals. Credit: Nick Tenney/NOAA

The maritime heritage team investigated a number of potential historic sites at French Frigate Shoals that have yet to be examined by maritime archaeologists. One of these was the location of an historic seaplane mooring area off Eastern Island.

During World War II, French Frigate Shoals was used as an anchorage for U.S. Navy bi-winged seaplanes, stationed there as a response to the Japanese Imperial Navy's use of the atoll as a refueling area (using submarines) for their seaplanes. From about 1942 to 1946, French Frigate Shoals was part of the Pacific Stage of World War II, with some 22 U.S. seaplanes stationed there and flying 100-mile-radius reconnaissance flights (Source: “Isles of Refuge” Mark J. Rauzon). The maritime archaeology team explored what might be left of this World War II legacy on the seafloor near Eastern Island.

Historic photo of seaplane mooring area at French Frigate Shoals. Credit: Bishop Museum

Historic photo of seaplane mooring area at French Frigate Shoals. Credit: Bishop Museum

Beginning at a location determined by historic maps and reports, the team conducted a survey to search for whatever might remain of an area once used to shelter dozens of seaplanes involved in World War II activities. The team anticipated seeing remains of moorings, or perhaps artifacts associated with the efforts to fuel or repair these aircraft. They weren’t disappointed.

What they came across was indicative of a site associated with an historic seaplane mooring area: dozens of chimes – the metal ridge along the tops and bottoms of barrels – barrels likely used to fuel the planes and then discarded. The team took measurements and pictures, and are confident that they found a World War II seaplane mooring area.

Maritime archaeologists Kelly Gleason and Jason Raupp explore the reefs off Eastern Island at French Frigate Shoals. Credit: Nick Tenney/NOAA

Chimes (the ridges along the top and bottom of a metal barrel) on the reef off Eastern Island. Credit: Nick Tenney/NOAA

Midway Atoll is commonly associated with this era of history, but what is less commonly known is that French Frigate Shoals was also utilized by the U.S. Navy at this time. The remains on the seafloor near Eastern Island are a window into that piece of history.

Eastern Island today, currently used as a temporary field camp for turtle researchers. Credit: Nick Tenney/NOAA

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