Black Cat Squadron: WWII Night Raids with PBY Catalina Veteran Clyde Cash Barber

In this compelling episode of The Ready Room Podcast, host Ryan Keys interviews Captain Clyde "Cash" Barber, a decorated WWII and Korean War veteran who served with distinction in the legendary "Black Cat" operations. Flying PBY Catalinas across the Pacific Theater, Barber was part of VP-11 squadron—a unit credited with sinking over 100,000 tons of enemy shipping during daring 16-hour night missions. Enlisting at just 17 years old, Barber began his career as an aircraft mechanic and rose to become a trusted crew chief and pilot’s assistant. He shares how early radar technology, stealth tactics, and innovative cross-training transformed the PBY—a seemingly slow and outdated aircraft—into a deadly night-time strike platform. Through stories of resourceful maintenance, successful rescue operations, and close-knit crew dynamics, Barber highlights the creativity, courage, and resilience that defined WWII naval aviation. What You’ll Learn: How "Black Cat" squadrons turned PBY Catalinas into stealth night attackers by painting them black The tactical use of early radar technology to locate enemy ships from 75 miles away How cross-training helped crew members operate more flexibly under high-stress conditions The logistics and endurance behind 16-hour night missions in the Pacific Why PBYs became lifelines for downed pilots during high-risk rescue operations The role of seaplane tenders and forward bases in keeping missions operational How creativity in training, maintenance, and leadership shaped modern naval aviation practices The enduring importance of preserving these stories for future generations Captain Clyde "Cash" Barber is a highly respected U.S. Navy veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. He enlisted in 1941 at the age of 17 and served in VP-11 squadron, participating in the groundbreaking "Black Cat" operations that brought PBY Catalinas to the forefront of naval innovation. As a crew chief and pilot’s assistant, Barber was instrumental in maintaining aircraft under demanding conditions and helping implement successful stealth and radar tactics during night missions. His leadership in cross-training and technical problem-solving made a lasting impact on mission success and crew resilience. The squadron’s remarkable record—including over 100,000 tons of enemy shipping destroyed without losing an aircrew—demonstrates the effectiveness of their operations and teamwork. Today, Captain Barber volunteers at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, where he shares his experiences with visitors and young aviators. Through storytelling and mentorship, he helps ensure that the lessons and legacy of WWII naval aviation continue to inspire and guide future generations. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here . Highlights and YouTube Chapters: [00:00] Introduction [00:51] Enlisting at Seventeen [02:37] PBY Catalina Missions [07:36] Black Cat Tactics [10:27] Nighttime Precision Bombing [13:20] Crew Cross-Training Innovation [15:24] Life on Seaplane Tenders [18:07] Tender Emergency Response [20:49] Legacy of PBY Crews The Naval Aviation Ready Room Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so