Carrier operations.....

[DOUGRD]

Kittyhawk = Kitty litter

Lincoln = Stinking Lincoln

Stennis = Stinkin Stennis

Actually the name I've always heard for the Kittyhawk was "shitty kitty" Some others I remember USS Forrestal was "forest Fire" Sorta cold considering the conflagration that took place onboard. USS Shangrila was "Shitty Shang" USS America was "Amer-ee-ca Maru" and of course my all time favorite USS Nimitz " That F*#king Show Boat" As viewed by those loyal and humble sons of King Neptune onboard the IKE!

 

[DOUGRD]

My father operated off the 'old' USS Yorktown (CV-5) from June 41 through the bitter end at Midway, in VF-42 and TAD to VF-3. Combat at Lae-Salamaua, Tulagi, Coral Sea, and Midway, Later as a squadron commander (VF-171) and CAG (CVG-17) he flew off USS Coral Sea. 171 was the Navy's first jet squadron to carrier qualify, this during his command tour.

He directed the team that came up with the specs for the A-6 bomber, oddly enough the type my brother flew in as an NFO in the greater southeast asian war games . . . in VA-35 . . . off USS Coral Sea.

I remember when my father was CO of USS Ranger in 61-62 and both Coral Sea and Ranger were docked at Alameda . . . you could stand on the flight deck of Ranger and look across the pier into the bridge of the Coral Sea.

Regards,

Rich

**********************************************************
RICH!! YOU'VE GOT TO START A THREAD ON YOUR FAMILY HISTORY IF YOU HAVEN"T ALREADY. Being a newbee to this site I don't know if you did or not.

 

[Lucky13]

Or any carrier related stories from anybody.....

 

[Lucky13]

Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter, of Fighting Squadron Six (VF-6) has its six .50 caliber machine guns tested on the flight deck of USS Enterprise (CV-6), 10 April 1942.

Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter (nicknamed "Rosenblatt's Reply") on board USS Suwanee (ACV-27), circa late 1942 or early 1943. The plane bears traces of the yellow Operation "Torch" marking around its national insignia.

Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat fighter, of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3) prepares to take off from USS Saratoga (CV-3), circa October 1941.

Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat fighters, of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3) on board USS Saratoga in early October 1941.
Plane on the aircraft elevator is 3-F-15 (Bureau # 3982), piloted by Ensign Gayle Hermann.

USS Enterprise (CV-6) Aviation Metalsmiths assemble a Grumman F4F-3 fighter on the carrier's hangar deck, 28 October 1941. The plane bears the markings of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3), including a "Felix the Cat" insignia under the cockpit windshield.
Note spare airplanes triced up in the hangar overhead, including TBD-1 torpedo planes (with markings of VT-3) and SBD scout bombers (with markings of VS-2).

Grumman F4F-3 fighter undergoes maintenance on the hangar deck of USS Enterprise (CV-6), 28 October 1941. The plane bears the markings of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3), including a "Felix the Cat" insignia under the cockpit windshield.
The part held by the Chief Petty Officer in the foreground bears the number 3973, and is possibly the Bureau # of this plane (# 3973 was the Bu# of an F4F-3). Note aircraft propellers stowed in the hangar overhead.

Grumman F4F Wildcat fighter takes off from USS Enterprise (CV-6), while she was operating in the Coral Sea area, 18 May 1942.

USS Long Island (AVG-1) a Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter on the catapult, ready for take-off, 17 June 1942. Several more F4F-4s are waiting their turn for launch. All planes are from squadron VGS-1. Note that Long Island's catapult runs diagonally across the flight deck, from starboard toward the port bow.

USS Long Island (AVG-1) crewmen spotting a Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter on the ship's hangar deck, 17 June 1942. Several other F4F-4s are present, as are Curtiss SOC-3A "Seagull" scout-observation planes. All are from squadron VGS-1.

North Africa Operation, November 1942 testing machine guns of Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighters aboard USS Ranger (CV-4), while en route from the U.S. to North African waters, circa early November 1942.
Note the special markings used during this operation, with a yellow ring painted around the national insignia on aircraft fuselages.

North Africa Invasion, November 1942 a Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter taking off from USS Ranger (CV-4) to attack targets ashore during the invasion of Morocco, circa 8 November 1942.
Note: Army observation planes in the left middle distance;
Loudspeakers and radar antenna on Ranger's mast.

USS Long Island (ACV-1) a Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat fighter, equipped with ferry tanks, on the carrier's catapult ready for launching, during flight operations on 6 March 1943.
Note that the catapult runs diagonally across the flight deck.
Planes parked in the background include more F4F-4s and Vought F4U-1s.

Battle off Samar, 25 October 1944 USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71) prepares to launch FM-2 Wildcat fighters during the action. In the center distance, Japanese shells are splashing near USS White Plains (CVE-66).

FM-2 Wildcat fighter prepares to take off from USS Charger (CVE-30) during training operations in the Chesapeake Bay area, 8 May 1944. Another FM-2 is passing overhead with its tail hook down, apparently having received a "wave-off" due to the carrier's fouled flight deck.

FM-2 Wildcat fighter receives the "launch" signal on USS Makin Island (CVE-93), 1945.

 

[Lucky13]

USS Yorktown (CV-5) Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless scout bombers preparing to take off, during operations in the Coral Sea, 18 April 1942. The first plane is from Scouting Squadron Five (VS-5). Note that it has no insignia painted under its starboard wing, and that the insignia below its port wing is much smaller than that on the next SBD.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) two Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless scout bombers of Scouting Squadron Five (VS-5) fly past the ship, during operations in the Coral Sea, circa April 1942. Planes parked on the flight deck, in the foreground, are Grumman F4F-3 "Wildcat" fighters of Fighting Squadron 42 (VF-42).

Douglas SBD-2 Dauntless scout bombers of Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6) composite photograph of 9 planes in flight, with USS Enterprise (CV-6) and a plane guard destroyer below.
The original photo is dated 27 October 1941. Note differences in ocean surface wave patterns between the upper and lower images, skillfully blended to combine the two photographs.

USS Enterprise (CV-6) an SBD Dauntless scout-bomber and five TBD-1 "Devastator" torpedo planes prepare to take-off from the carrier during operations in the south Pacific area, 4 May 1942.
Note launching officer making arm signals in the lower left-center. Take-offs averaged one every thirty seconds.

 

[Matt308]

The pic where you note the propellers overhead in the hanger... Looked like complete airplanes hanging from the ceiling! Never knew that was a common practice. The block and tackle necessary for higher sea states must have been an engineering marvel in and of itself.

 

[R Leonard]

From the time period, October 1941, and the mish-mash of squadrons (VS-2, VT-3, VF-3 and even some with no squadron markings at all) shown aboard Enterprise (the normal EAG consisting of VB-6, VF-6, VS-6 and VT-6) and the fact that so many are triced into the overhead, I would not be at all surprised if the photos were of a transport run bringing replacement aircraft out to Pearl from the west coast.

Rich

 

[Lucky13]

USS Yorktown (CV-5) in Hampton Roads, Virginia, with her port anchor out, 30 October 1937. Note Landing Signal Officer platform near the front of her flight deck, for use in landing planes over the bow.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) anchored in Hampton Roads, Virginia, 30 October 1937

USS Yorktown (CV-5) anchored in Hampton Roads, Virginia, 30 October 1937.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) anchored in Hampton Roads, Virginia, 30 October 1937.
Boat booms are rigged out, with boats tied up to them.
Note details of the ship's stern, including her name, structure supporting the after flight deck, and motor launch stowed athwartship on platform between the main and flight decks.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) anchored in Hampton Roads, Virginia, 30 October 1937.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) anchored in Hampton Roads, Virginia, 30 October 1937.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) anchored in Hampton Roads, Virginia, 30 October 1937.
Boat booms are rigged out. The ship is flying the two-star flag of Rear Admiral Charles A. Blakely, Commander, Carrier Division Two. Note anchors, jack flying forward, and retractable navigation light mast on the flight deck.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) in Hampton Roads, Virginia, 30 October 1937.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) underway during builder's trials, April 1937.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) photographed during builder's trials, May 1937.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia, in June 1937, while preparing for sea trials. Note her chrome yellow flight deck markings, applied over maroon-stained douglas fir deck planking.
USS Enterprise (CV-6) is fitting out in the drydock in upper center. USS Boise (CL-47) is two piers over from Yorktown, also fitting out. Several merchant ships are also present.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) making 17.5 knots, astern, during preliminary standardization trials, run # 41, off Rockland, Maine, 12-21 July 1937. She is pushing up a handsome "moustache" stern wave. Carriers of this class were required to make good speed astern, to allow landing planes over the bow and launching over the stern if necessary.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) tied up at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia, 4 August 1937, following sea trials.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) alongside a pier at Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Virginia, 2 October 1937.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) anchored in the Caribbean Sea area, 17 January 1938, during her shakedown cruise.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) anchored off Gonaives Haiti, 23 February 1939, following Fleet Problem XX. Photographed by Chief Photographer Mihalovic, from USS Enterprise (CV-6).

USS Yorktown (CV-5) anchored in a Haitian harbor, circa 1938-40.

USS Yorktown (CV-5) at Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, California, in June 1940, embarking aircraft and vehicles prior to sailing for Hawaii. Aircraft types on her flight deck include TBD-1, BT-1, SBC-3, F3F-2, F3F-3, SB2U, JRF, J2F and JRS-1. Some of these planes were on board for transportation, while others were members of the ship's air group.
Three Torpedo Squadron Five (VT-5) TBDs at the after end of the flight deck are painted in experimental camouflage schemes tested during Fleet Problem XXI.

 

[renrich]

Good fotos, in one near Haiti it looks like a Queen Elisabeth class BB in the background.

 

[Lucky13]

USS Saratoga (CV-3) Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat fighters on the flight deck, as a TBM torpedo plane approaches to land, circa 1943-44.
Photographed by Commander Edward Steichen, USNR.
Note open elevator well in the foreground and flight deck crewmen chocking wheels of the F6Fs.

USS Saratoga (CV-3) underway at sea, circa 1942. Planes on deck include five Grumman F4F fighters, six Douglas SBD scout bombers and one Grumman TBF torpedo plane.

 

[Matt308]

Douglas Fir deck planking on the Yorktown?!!? Crap that wood is SOFT! You can dent it with your fingernail.

 

[R Leonard]

Douglas fir was the standard USN carrier flight deck covering. Soft? well, maybe, but it had the resilience to landings and the weather resistance the Navy wanted. When you read about carriers and you see reference to teak decks, then you know someone did not do their homework.

In the long run, a good decision since the Japanese ended sitting on all the really good teak producing areas in SE asia.

Rich

 

[Lucky13]

Cheers for the info Rich!

 

[Matt308]

Interesting, I've built furniture out of Fir. It has bands of soft and hard wood grain in it. Certainly plentiful, but then I wouldn't think that would have been a problem given the amount of carriers and the plentiful supply of forestry. I wonder if it has something to do with a salt water resiliency. Because it is SOFT.

 

[pbfoot]

I always thought Douglas Fir is a hard wood I might be mistaken and I think Erich would have to be the resident expert but I did copy this exerpt about it
"Douglas-fir wood has been highly valued since the first Europeans exported lumber in the 18th century. This dense wood is exceptionally hard, stiff and durable. Its strength and availability in large dimensions make it outstanding for heavy-duty construction such as wharves, trestles, bridge parts and commercial buildings."

 

[R Leonard]

Of the conifers, pines, firs, etc., I believe that fir is amongst those that could be termed hard as opposed to, say, white pine used for framing. I, too, have made furniture, a mirowave stand with butcher block insert cutting area, some 20 years ago and still in use, from douglas fir. I used it specifically for its durability. Compared to oak or pecan, yeah, it's a little soft, but it is solid enough for most uses, including repeated whacks by landing gear and arrestor cables, a certainly plentiful.

Rich

 

[pbfoot]

Of the conifers, pines, firs, etc., I believe that fir is amongst those that could be termed hard as opposed to, say, white pine used for framing. I, too, have made furniture, a mirowave stand with butcher block insert cutting area, some 20 years ago and still in use, from douglas fir. I used it specifically for its durability. Compared to oak or pecan, yeah, it's a little soft, but it is solid enough for most uses, including repeated whacks by landing gear and arrestor cables, a certainly plentiful.

Rich

We use spruce exclusively for framing

 

[Lucky13]

Kamikaze strikes USS Santee (CVE-29), 25 October 1944.

Fire crews at work after flaming deck crash; February 22, 1943.

Doesn't these two pics make you seasick....?

This is a photo of FM-2 Wildcat D-12. It has just crashed into the barrier on the USS Sargent Bay CVE-83. The date is August 27,1944. The pilot was Lt. (JG) Bob Hambley of VC-79. He survived the crash,and is still with us.

Okinawa Campaign, 1945 — Ships in Kerama Retto anchorage spread an anti-kamikaze smoke screen, 3 May 1945, seen from USS Sargent Bay (CVE-83). TBM and FM-2 aircraft are on her flight deck. Ship in left center is USS Pinkney (APH-2), which had been damaged by a Kamikaze on 28 April.

A couple F6F-5's prepare to take off from USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87), date and place unknown. Both Hellcats had been ferried by the escort carrier and squadron or carrier markings had not yet been applied. The lead plane is an F6F-5N night fighter, and has an APS-6 radar installed in a starboard wing-mounted radome.

An FM-2 Wildcat of VC-93 snags the arresting gear, July 9, 1945. Note three launch stubs for 5" High Velocity Air Rockets (HVARs) under each wing — these were fitted to late-production FM-2's.

Marianas Operation, June 1944 — TBM "Avenger" bombers prepare to take off from USS Monterey (CVL-26) to attack targets on Tinian, June 1944.

USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) rolling heavily and pitching in rough seas, while en route to raid Okinawa with Task Force 58, 6 October 1944. TBM Avenger torpedo planes of Torpedo Squadron 51 are parked at right, with landing gear well-lashed to the deck. Note "palisade" wind-break in elevated position across the flight deck, forward of the planes.

USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) rolling heavily, October 1944.

Lieutenant Commander Albert B. Cahn gives the "Take-off" signal to a TBM-1C "Avenger" of Torpedo Squadron 51, during exercises on 16 May 1944.

Battle off Cape Engaño, 25 October 1944 — Arming a Torpedo Squadron 51 (VT-51) TBM torpedo bomber on USS San Jacinto (CVL-30). Probably taken before the squadron's planes attacked the Japanese carrier force. Torpedo is a Mark 13, fitted with wooden water-entry shrouds around its nose and tail.

One of VB-17's SB2C Helldivers taxiing out for launch, March 1945.

Sixteen F6F Hellcats from VF-17 running up their Pratt Whitney R-2800's on April 6, 1945 to attack the Japanese battleship Yamato and her escorts.

View looking aft from the ship's island as she steams with other carriers during a western Pacific gunnery practice session, circa June 1945. Next ship astern is USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31), firing her 5"/38 battery to starboard. Two small aircraft carriers (CVL) are beyond her. Note yellow flight deck markings on Hornet and TBM and SB2C aircraft parked aft.

Third Fleet aircraft carriers at anchor in Ulithi Atoll, 8 December 1944, during a break from operations in the Philippines area. The carriers are (from front to back): USS Wasp (CV-18.), USS Yorktown (CV-10), USS Hornet (CV-12), USS Hancock (CV-19) and USS Ticonderoga (CV-14). Wasp, Yorktown and Ticonderoga are all painted in camouflage Measure 33, Design 10a. Photographed from a USS Ticonderoga plane.

January 21, 1945.

1328: VT 124, Bu #23539 [a General Motors TBM-3 Avenger], pilot, LT(JG) C.R. Dean, 298954, and crewmen F.J. Blake, ARM3c, and D.E. Zima, AOM2c, made a normal landing and taxied forward. As the plane reached a point abreast the island a violent explosion occurred, believed to have been caused by the detonation of two (2) 500 lb. bombs adrift in the plane's bomb bay. The immediate results of the explosion were: casualties: killed - 62; critically injured - 46; seriously injured - 25; slightly injured - 20. A 10x16 foot hole in the flight deck, gallery deck area in the vicinity demolished, inboard side signal bridge wrecked. Three airplanes demolished. Numerous shrapnel holes throughout the island structure. Fires broke out on the flight, gallery, and hangar decks. Hauled clear of the formation and commenced maneuvering at various courses and speeds in an attempt to control the winds over the deck, and with high speed turns, to wash flooding water out of the hangar deck.

1342: Fire in hangar deck under control.

1405: Fire in gallery deck under control.

1406: Hancock planes in the vicinity commenced landing on other carriers of the Task Group.

1500: Rejoined station in formation.

1510: Emergency repairs to the flight deck completed.

40mm Quad Machine Gun Mount firing on board USS Hornet (CV-12), circa February 1945, probably during gunnery practice. The original picture caption identifies the photo as having been taken during Task Force 58's raid on Japan, 16 February 1945. However, helmetless members of the gun crew, and rolled up shirt sleeves, strongly indicate that the occasion was in warmer climes and not while in combat. View looks aft on the port side, with the carrier's port quarter 5"/38 guns just beyond the 40mm mount. Note ready-service ammunition and spent shell casings at right; men passing 4-round clips to loaders at left.

From NHC and NSHC....

 

[Lucky13]

"Following deck handling trials with a Meteor prototype in 1945, two Meteor IIIs were fitted with an arresting hook and reinforced landing gear, and used for carrier trials in 1948. The two aircraft performed takeoffs and landings from the HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and HMS IMPLACABLE. The Royal Navy was impressed by the navalized Meteor, but decided to obtain the Supermarine Attacker instead."

Anyone having any idea why??

 

[DerAdlerIstGelandet]

Very nice pics up there. I really like the ones with the rolling and pitching ships. I dont like boats and that is why I never joined the Navy. That would just scare me that the damn thing would roll over and capsize.