The Lake Superior Squadron has two PBY-6A Catalinas on permanent display. One of the PBY’s is undergoing a restoration as a static display.

The Fuselage of our Red PBY (N324FA) was determined to be too corroded to cost effectively repair it back to flight worthy status. Not wanting to see the proud bird go to waste, we began cleaning and reassembly to prepare a new static PBY display.

Once the plan came together, it was decided to paint her black to honor the Black Cat squadrons of World War II.

The Black Cats were brave crews in slow flying boats, using the strengths of the PBY’s to fight the Japanese fleet. They used early stealth tactics, attacking at night, painting themselves black, and quieting their engines to frustrate the Japanese anti-aircraft crews.

The Black Cat is located near our hangar at the Bong Airport. It’s can be seen from the road and from the air at the Bong Airport where it continues to draw attention from pilots, passengers, and passersby.