Douglas World Cruiser "Boston" Hoisted by Ship's Derrick (1924)

The Douglas World Cruiser Boston with floats suspended in mid-air by a ship's crane against snow-capped Alaskan mountains. — Douglas World Cruiser "Boston" Hoisted by Ship's Derrick (1924) · Donald A. Hall Estate Collection

In this dramatic May 1924 operational photograph, the Douglas World Cruiser "Boston" is hoisted from icy waters by a ship's cargo crane in Alaska. Crew members steady the massive seaplane floats on stabilizing lines against snow-clad peaks, documenting the maritime hoisting techniques analyzed by Douglas structural engineers like Donald A. Hall Sr.