Description given with photo: "Spotlight in Washington, Washington: Howard Hughes (left foreground) smiling faces battery of cameras before starting his testimony at Senate War Investigating Subcommittee's hearing on his wartime plane contracts. The room, normally seating about 300, was pack with 1,000 spectators. Credit (ACME) 8-7-47."
Howard Hughes (left, in dark coat) noted designer, builder, and industrialist entering the hull of the Hughes Flying Boat, the largest airplane in the world, as it was nearing completion on Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor. With him is Joe Petralli, assistant director of service and flight.