The JRS-1 that is now at the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum. Served with Utility Squadron 1 (VJ-1) at San Diego from August 1938 and at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, from June 1940. Although an unarmed transport, it flew reconnaissance missions following after the Japanese attack. Later based at Moffett Field. Retired in August 1944. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland

Delivered 28 July 1938 This amphibious seaplane is the only aircraft in the Museum that was at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Ten JRS-1s were at the US naval base when the Japanese attacked during World War II. The Navy immediately sent these unarmed utility craft to search for the enemy fleet. The JRS-1 (used 1937-1944) is the military version of the Sikorsky S-43 "Baby Clipper."

The S-43 was flown by the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. This example served with VJ-1 at San Diego, but crashed about a year after this photo was taken, on 31 Dec 1938.

This is the sole surviving true JRS-1 amphibian and is the only aircraft in the Smithsonian collection that was stationed at Pearl Harbor on 7th Dec. 1941, being one of ten JRS-1s at the base when the Japanese attacked. All survived and were immediately pressed into service and flew many missions patrolling for Japanese submarines and searching for the enemy fleet. It was acquired by the Smithsonian in 1960 and still bears the blue paint scheme hastily applied after the Pearl Harbor attack.

This is the sole surviving true JRS-1 amphibian and is the only aircraft in the Smithsonian collection that was stationed at Pearl Harbor on 7th Dec. 1941, being one of ten JRS-1s at the base when the Japanese attacked. All survived and were immediately pressed into service and flew many missions patrolling for Japanese submarines and searching for the enemy fleet. It was acquired by the Smithsonian in 1960 and is now in the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar at the Udvar-Hazy Center.