Description provided with image: "Customs operation set up at Hughes West Terminal, Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1968. Las Vegas was designated as an International Port of Entry in 1972. At the time this operation was set up Scandinavian Airlines brought delegates from 128 foreign countries to Las Vegas for the American Mining Congress."

A view of Howard Hughes (left) being asked about his controversial XF-11 photo reconnaissance plane by Senator Harry Cain (right), Republican of Washington, in Culver City, California.

Transcribed from attached press release: "Howard Hughes, right, noted aircraft designer and industrialist is shown for the first time on the flight deck of the famed Hughes flying boat, which he designed and built. It is the largest airplane in the world. The plane is now nearing completion on Terminal Island, in Los Angeles-Long Bay Harbor, May 12, 1947." Los Angeles Harbor is now known as Long Beach Harbor, California.

A view of Howard Hughes conducting a test run of his Flying Boat in San Pedro, California.

Description given with photo: "Flying Boat Put To Test - San Pedro, Calif. : Howard Hughes pilots his much-publicized flying boat on the first of a series of taxi runs in Los Angeles harbor on November 2nd. Shortly afterward, the millionaire plane builder took the giant ship up on a surprise half-mile flight. Credit Line (ACME) 11/04/47."

Transcribed from attached press release: "HUGHES ROCK BIT TEST In a block-long laboratory at Houston, Texas, the Hughes Tool Company can simulate oil drilling conditions anywhere in the world. Here a Hughes bit is tested on a hard formation. Howard Hughes' father invented the rock bit in 1908 and the resulting business became the cornerstone on which Howard Hughes built his fabulous industrial empire in motion pictures, air transportation, aeronautical research and design, aircraft manufacture, electronics, armament and brewing."