Spirit of St. Louis Transport Crate Suspended from USS Memphis Derrick (June 1927)

Upward angle of the massive wooden crate enclosing the Spirit of St. Louis suspended from ship crane cables. — Spirit of St. Louis Transport Crate Suspended from USS Memphis Derrick (June 1927) · Donald A. Hall Estate Collection

An upward-angled archival photograph showing the large custom-built wooden transport crate enclosing the Spirit of St. Louis suspended high above the deck of the USS Memphis. Secured by heavy steel hoisting slings and guide ropes, the crate protected Donald A. Hall Sr.'s aircraft during the transatlantic voyage from Cherbourg. Crew members and naval officers on the main deck guide the suspended container into position for sea transit. This operation ensured the safe repatriation of the historic monoplane prior to its arrival at the Washington Navy Yard.