06/24/2026
A piece of aviation history touched down in Moberly recently.
“Pacific Pearl” stopped for fuel at MBY during a cross-country round trip from California to Chicago to participate in an airshow. The Douglas C-47D rolled off the line in 1944, one of over 5300 built at the Oklahoma City plant. Originally consigned to the U.S. Navy as an R4D-6, the aircraft served in submarine patrol operations out of San Diego, CA, Washington state, and later Hawaii following the end of World War II.
The plane’s story didn’t end with its military service. It later based at Marathon in the Florida Keys supporting mosquito control efforts in the Everglades, spent time on display in a Tulsa museum in 2015, and made movie and advertising appearances.
Thomas, the current owner, acquired the aircraft eight years ago and named it “Pacific Pearl” in honor of its service in Hawaii. During a walk around while fueling, he mentioned the livery was a little worse for wear after encountering heavier rain than expected outside Chicago.
At the controls was Howard, a third-generation United Airlines captain with more than 3,000 hours in DC-3 airframes. He’s been flying them for 48 years, beginning his career hauling skydivers. Aviation continues to run in the family as his son is now a captain as well.
Moberly has a long relationship with the DC-3, going back to Ozark Airlines service in the 1960s, and we’re always glad to host pilots and owners along their journey!
