For those that thinks that carrier operations is hazardous today should take a look at these....from the "good old days". You better not let your mind slip.







AJ touches down on deck-hook snaps off. If you look you can see the broken hook in the air just above the horizon.


The AJ makes contact with both the low barrier wires and then sheds the nylon high barriers (High barriers not shown).


Here the AJ has come through the barriers without any slowdown heading into the forward parked planes aircraft.


The AJ has made its first contact on its port wing. One interesting point--look at the forward deck, just to the left of the parked jeep, and you'll see one lucky sailor as he runs to port for cover.


Full contact. See that piece of wing on the horizon --that sailed about 2 feet over my head before crashing into the main stack.

AJ crash aftermath.

















Just for size comparison....

1956 USS Coral Sea CVA-43 - In port at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The new "super carrier" the USS Forrestal CV-59 is tied up on the next pier over. Note the size difference between the Midway Class and Forrestal Class. The Midway Class carriers could never operate F-14's or S-3 squadrons because of the limited space.









From: USS Coral Sea Tribute Site.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some more carrier deck pics lads....

USS Philippine Sea (CV-47)
A Grumman F9F-2 Panther of Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) being moved by a flight deck tractor, during operations off Korea, 19 October 1950.
Other planes parked near by are Vought F4U-4B Corsairs.


Vought F4U-4B Corsair, of Fighter Squadron 113 (VF-113)
Taxies forward on the flight deck of USS Philippine Sea (CV-47), just before taking off to attack North Korean targets, 19 October 1950.
Note small bombs on the plane's wings and flight deck crewman signalling to the pilot.


U.S. Marine Corps F4U-4B Corsair fighter-bomber receives final checks to its armament of bombs and 5-inch rockets, just prior to being catapulted from USS Sicily (CVE-118) for a strike on enemy forces in Korea. The original photograph is dated 16 November 1950, but was probably taken in August-October 1950. Note battered paint on this aircraft.


Vought F4U-4B Corsair, of Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) returns to USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) following a strike on North Korean targets, 19 October 1950.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) crewmen Gerald F. Quay (AMM3c) and Warren E. McKee (PH2c) check braces on a napalm tank, during a snowstorm off North Korea, 17 November 1950. The weapon is mounted on the port wing of a Douglas AD Skyraider parked on the carrier's flight deck.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) flight deck scene, looking aft from the island, as the carrier is enveloped in a snowstorm off the Korean coast, 15 November 1950. Planes on deck include Vought F4U-4B Corsair fighters and Douglas AD Skyraider attack planes. Note men on deck, apparently tossing snowballs, and what may be a toppled snowman just in front of the midships elevator.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) ordnancemen hauling bombs on the carrier's flight deck, preparing planes for attacks on enemy targets in Korea, 19 October 1950. A Douglas AD-4 Skyraider of Attack Squadron 115 (VA-115) is behind them, with small bombs on its wing racks.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) ordnancemen loading bombs on a Vought F4U-4B Corsair of Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114), during operations off Korea, 19 October 1950. This aircraft is Bureau No. 63034. F4U-4 in the right background has tail code "PP", indicating that it belongs to squadron VC-61.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) ordnancemen attach rockets to the hardpoints on the wing of a Vought F4U-4B Corsair fighter, October 1950.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) Grumman F9F-2 Panther of Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) is fueled on the carrier's forward flight deck, during operations off Korean, 19 October 1950. At left are Vought F4U-4B Corsair fighter-bombers of Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114).


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) Douglas AD-4 Skyraider of Attack Squadron 115 (VA-115) spotted for launch with a wing load of bombs, during operations off Korea, 19 October 1950. This aircraft is Bureau No. 123830.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) a Vought F4U-4B Corsair of Fighter Squadron 113 (VF-113) gets the "Go" signal to take off, during operations off Korea, 19 October 1950.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) Douglas AD Skyraider of Attack Squadron 115 (VF-115) ready for launching on a strike mission against Korean targets, 19 October 1950.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) a Douglas AD-4W Skyraider prepares to take off for a night heckler mission over Korea, 19 October 1950. Vought F4U-4B Corsair fighters are parked in the right background. The ship's Sikorski HO3S-1 utility helicopter is overhead, in the upper left distance.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) Vought F4U-4B Corsair of Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) taking off for a mission over Korea, 19 October 1950. Other F4Us are following.


USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) Douglas AD-4 Skyraider of Attack Squadron 115 (VA-115) takes off on a mission to support UN forces in North Korea, 25 November 1950. Note the plane's load of two large and eight small bombs.
Also note details of the ship's island and very weathered "47" painted on her stack.


USS Lexington (CV-16) a F6F-3 Hellcat of Fighting Squadron Sixteen (VF-16) gets the take-off flag from Lieutenant John M. Clark, during operations in the Gilberts and Marshalls, 23 November 1943. VF-16 pilots shot down seventeen Japanese aircraft on that day.


USS Wasp (CV-18) flight deck crews prepare to load a Mark XIII torpedo on a TBM aircraft, during strikes in the Luzon-Formosa area, 13 October 1944.
Note plywood shrouds on the torpedo's fins and nose. Plane at right is an F6F, others visible are TBMs.


USS Bennington (CV-20) Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat fighters prepare for takeoff, May 1945.


Gilberts Operation, November 1943 a Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat fighter makes condensation rings as it awaits the take-off flag aboard USS Yorktown (CV-10), 20 November 1943. The plane is from Fighting Squadron Five (VF-5).
Yorktown was then hitting targets in the Marshall Islands to cover the landings in the Gilberts.


USS Yorktown (CV-10) ordnancemen working on bombs amid F6F-3 Hellcat fighters parked on the carrier's hangar deck, circa October-December 1943. Other crewmen are watching a movie in the background. Bombs appear to include two 1000-pounders and one 500-pounder.


USS Yorktown (CV-10) SB2C-1 Helldiver bombers return to the carrier after a raid in early July 1944. The original caption for this photograph, released by Commander in Chief, Pacific, gives the date as 6 July 1944 and identifies the target as Chichi Jima, Bonin Islands, which was actually attacked on 4 June. Edward Steichen's "U.S. Navy War Photographs" identifies the target as Guam.


USS Randolph (CV-15) alongside a repair ship at Ulithi Atoll, Caroline Islands, 13 March 1945, showing damage to her after flight deck resulting from a Kamikaze hit on 11 March. Photographed from a USS Miami (CL-89) floatplane.


USS Randolph (CV-15) crewmen fighting fires on the ship's flight deck, after she was hit by a Kamikaze, 11 March 1945.


USS Randolph (CV-15) Grumman F6F "Hellcat" fighter parked on the port catapult, March 1945. Note the plane's tail markings, unique to this ship.


USS Hornet (CV-12) view looking aft from the ship's island as she steams with other carriers during a western Pacific gunnery practice session, 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.


Carrier Raids on Formosa, October 1944 crewmen on USS Hancock (CV-19) move rockets to planes, while preparing for strikes on Formosa, 12 October 1944.


Carrier Raids on the Philippines, November 1944 flight Deck Officer on USS Hancock (CV-19) waves the "take-off" flag at a SB2C Helldiver bomber, during strikes on Manila Bay, 25 November 1944.


USS Intrepid (CV-11) crewmen prepare to load a 2000-pound general-purpose bomb in the bomb bay of a TBM Avenger aircraft, 27 January 1944. The carrier was then en route to support the invasion of Roi and Namur Islands, Kwajalein Atoll. Note inscriptions on the bomb, from Torpedoman 3rd Class R.A. Franco, addressed to "Hon. Hirohito, Imperial Palace, Tokyo".
Also note flame reducer on the plane's exhaust port, and landing gear details.


Japanese Kamikaze suicide plane disintegrates in flames after hitting USS Intrepid (CV-11), during operations off the Philippines on 25 November 1944.


USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) Grumman F6F Hellcat fighters prepare to take off for strikes against targets in Manila Bay. The two leading planes are F6F-5N night fighters, with wing-mounted radar. Photograph is dated 9 January 1945, but may have been taken during the 5-6 November 1944 attacks.


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.


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.

From NHC.

USS Yorktown CV-5 in more peaceful times..


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.

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.


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....

Brazos (AO-4) refueling Yorktown (CV-5) mid-Pacific, July 1940.


Crash landing of F6F-3, Number 30 of Fighting Squadron Two (VF-2), into the carrier's port side 20mm gun gallery, 10 November 1943. Lieutenant Walter L. Chewning, Jr., USNR, the Catapult Officer, is climbing up the plane's side to assist the pilot from the burning aircraft. The pilot, Ensign Byron M. Johnson, escaped without significant injury. Enterprise was then en route to support the Gilberts Operation. Note the plane's ruptured belly fuel tank.



F6F Hellcat fighters taxiing forward on the flight deck, during training exercises, 2 July 1943. Another F6F is in flight overhead, with its landing gear and tail hook extended.


Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat fighters landing on USS Enterprise (CV-6) after strikes on the Japanese base at Truk, 17-18 February 1944. Flight deck crewmen are folding planes' wings and guiding them forward to the parking area. The original caption gives date as 16 February.


Guadalcanal Invasion, August 1942 ordnancemen of Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6) load a 500 pound demolition bomb on an SBD scout bomber on the flight deck of USS Enterprise (CV-6), during the first day of strikes on Guadalcanal and Tulagi, 7 August 1942.
Note aircraft's landing gear and bomb crutch; also bomb cart and hoist.


More USS Yorktown CV-5


Ensign Arthur J. Brassfield, USN of Fighting Squadron 42 (VF-42) Oversees engine maintenance on one of VF-42's F4F-3A fighters, on the flight deck of USS Yorktown (CV-5) at Casco Bay, Maine, 13 November 1941. Note SBD-3 in background, carrying an anti-submarine depth bomb; light gray color scheme on both planes; .50 caliber machine gun, telescopic gunsight and variable-pitch propeller on the F4F; and Ensign Brassfield's aviation winter green uniform and leather jacket. Also note what appears to be a file in the mechanic's back pocket, providing an opportunity for later medical treatment.


USS Yorktown (CV-5) Parade on the flight deck, 10 April 1942, during the "Yorktown Jamboree". Following the ship's band, Marines with M-1 (Garand) rifles and fixed bayonets guard the "Big T-Bone Steak ... the only one in captivity" that was one feature of this celebration. At the extreme right is the tail of a F4F-3 Wildcat fighter (Bureau # 3999) that had been transferred to Fighting Squadron 42 (VF-42) from Fighting Squadron Two (VF-2) in March 1942. Note Bombing Squadron Five (VB-5) SBD-3 aircraft parked in the background and volleyball net in upper center.


Lieutenant Commander James H. Flatley, Jr. (left) with Lieutenant Stanley W. Vejtasa (center) and Lieutenant John A. Leppla pose for photographers, in front of a Grumman F4F-4 fighter (Bureau # 01996), 7 July 1942. All three pilots were then serving with Fighting Squadron Ten (VF-10). They were veterans of the Battle of the Coral Sea, Flatley with VF-42, Vejtasa with VS-5, and Leppla with VS-2.


Photographer 3rd Class William G. Roy, USN poses with a Fairchild F-1 20" aerial camera, in the rear cockpit of a Bombing Squadron Five (VB-5) SBD-3 Dauntless aircraft. Photographed on board USS Yorktown (CV-5) circa April 1942.


Northrop BT-1 bomber (Bureau # 0592), of Bombing Squadron Five (VB-5) being pushed by plane handlers on the flight deck of USS Yorktown (CV-5), circa 1939. Aircraft history cards list this BT-1 as wrecked and stricken on 24 August 1939.


Northrup BT-1 bomber (Bureau # 0614) of Bombing Squadron Five (VB-5), goes into the starboard catwalk during a landing accident on USS Yorktown (CV-5), circa 1940. Note man in asbestos suit and other members of the flight deck crew running to assist.


Douglas TBD-1 Torpedo Plane (Bureau # 0284) of Torpedo Squadron Five (VT-5). In the starboard catwalk of USS Yorktown (CV-5), 3 September 1940, following a landing accident. Pilot was Electrician's Mate First Class (Naval Aviation Pilot) C.M. O'Brien. The after end of the carrier's island is in the background. Ultimately assigned to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8.), This aircraft was lost on 4 June 1942 during the Battle of Midway.


Douglas TBD-1 Torpedo Plane (Bureau # 0297) of Torpedo Squadron Five (VT-5) with a wrinkled fuselage, following a landing accident on USS Yorktown (CV-5), 3 September 1940. The after end of the carrier's island is in the background. This aircraft was ultimately assigned to Torpedo Squadron Eight (VT-8.), and was lost in the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942.


Grumman F3F-3 Fighters from Fighting Squadron Five (VF-5), USS Yorktown (CV-5) flying in a three-plane formation over the Southern California coast, circa 1939-40.

I know that it's not exactly carrier operations, but it's still naval aviation, right? Ha ha ha! and I've always liked the Kingfisher.


Carrier Raids on Truk, 17-18 February 1944 Vought OS2U-3 Kingfisher is recovered USS Baltimore (CA-68.) after she had rescued Lieutenant (Junior Grade) George M. Blair from Truk Lagoon, 18 February 1944. Plane's pilot is Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Denver F. Baxter. His radioman, ARMC Reuben F. Hickman, is on the wing, preparing to attach the plane so it can be hoisted on board. Blair's F6F Hellcat, of Fighting Squadron Nine from USS Essex (CV-9), had been shot down during the dawn fighter sweep over Truk.


Carrier Raids on Truk, 17-18 February 1944 Lieutenant (Junior Grade) George M. Blair (left) on board USS Baltimore (CA-68.) after he had been rescued from Truk Lagoon by one of the cruiser's floatplanes, 18 February 1944. His rescuers, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Denver F. Baxter (center) and ARMC Reuben F. Hickman, pose with him soon after their OS2U "Kingfisher" was hoisted on board. Blair's F6F Hellcat, from USS Essex (CV-9), had been shot down during the dawn fighter sweep over Truk.


Carrier Raids on Western New Guinea, April 1944. A USS Boston (CA-69) OS2U Kingfisher floatplane returns to the cruiser after rescuing a crewman of a downed TBF bomber, during raids on Japanese targets in the Hollandia Area, 21 April 1944. ARM2c W.R. Kesey is on the wing. AOM3c B.A. Kanitcer is in the rear cockpit. The OS2U's pilot is not identified.


Iwo Jima Operation, 1945 USS Texas (BB-35) recovers a Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplane in a light rain at 1700 Hrs. on 16 February 1945, the first day of the Iwo Jima pre-invasion bombardment. The OS2U's radioman is riding the wing after hooking the plane to the recovery crane. Note details of the crane, aircraft recovery mat and net, 40mm quad gun mounting and the plane's color scheme and markings.


Vought OS2U "Kingfisher" floatplane, of Observation Squadron One (VO-1) on a seaplane mat towed by USS Arizona (BB-39), while being recovered after a flight in the Hawaiian Operating area on the morning of 6 September 1941. The plane flown by Ensign Lawrence A. Williams. Rear-seat man was Radioman 3rd Class G.H. Lane, who is preparing to hook up the aircraft to the ship's crane for recovery. Note the plane's side number "1-O-3", with the ship's name below it.


Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplane, of Observation Squadron One (VO-1) taxiis alongside USS Arizona (BB-39), after a flight in the Hawaiian Operating area, 6 September 1941. Pilot is Lieutenant-Commander Welton D. Rowley, Commanding Officer of VO-1. Rear-seat man, Radioman 2nd Class E.L. Higley, is preparing to go out on the plane's wing to hook up the aircraft to the battleship's crane for recovery. The plane is numbered "1-O-1".


Vought OS2U "Kingfisher" floatplane, from USS North Carolina (BB-55) off Truk with nine aviators on board, awaiting rescue by USS Tang (SS-306), 1 May 1944. The plane had landed inside Truk lagoon to recover downed airmen. Unable to take off with such a load, it then taxiied out to Tang, which was serving as lifeguard submarine during the 29 April-1 May carrier strikes on Truk.


Vought OS2U "Kingfisher" floatplane, from USS North Carolina (BB-55) afire after it was hit by gunfire from USS Tang (SS-306), off Truk, 1 May 1944. The plane had landed inside Truk lagoon to recover downed airmen. Unable to take off with a load of nine men, it then taxiied out to Tang, which was serving as lifeguard submarine during the 29 April-1 May carrier strikes on Truk. The plane was destroyed after its crew and passengers were removed.


Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplane is lowered onto the after catapult of USS Arizona (BB-39), in the Hawaiian Operating area, 6 September 1941. Note details of the plane's float, the catapult and crew uniforms.


USS Quincy (CA-71) two Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes warming up on the cruiser's fantail prior to catapult launching, probably at the time of the Invasion of Southern France, August 1944. Note barrels of Quincy's after eight-inch guns in the foreground, hangar hatch cover and twin aircraft cranes at the ship's stern.


USS Missouri (BB-63) rRecovering a Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplane, during the ship's shakedown cruise, circa August 1944.


USS Missouri (BB-63) hoists aboard a Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplane, during the ship's shakedown cruise, circa August 1944.


USS Mobile (CL-63) preparing to launch a Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplane from her port catapult, during the October 1943 raid on Marcus Island. Note the 40mm twin gun mount in the foreground, with a man in the gun tub holding a red flag.


USS Quincy (CA-71) Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplane is catapulted from the cruiser's stern, probably at the time of the Invasion of Southern France, August 1944.


USS Mobile (CL-63) view on the ship's fantail, looking across her open aircraft hangar hatch toward the starboard quarter, during the October 1943 raid on Marcus Island. Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes are on her catapults. The plane on the starboard catapult has a small bomb under its wing.
USS Yorktown (CV-10) is in the center distance.


Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia scene in the control tower, overlooking a seaplane ramp, circa 1944-45. One of those present is a WAVE. Planes on the ramp are Vought OS2U "Kingfisher" floatplanes.

Vought O3U-3 Observation Plane (Bureau # 9329) on the midships elevator of USS Yorktown (CV-5), 2 November 1937. This aircraft is painted in blue and silver "command colors" for the use of the ship's Commanding Officer. On 9 November 1937, it became the first plane to be launched from Yorktown's hangar deck catapult. Aircraft in the right background are Grumman J2F-1 utility planes (Bureau #s 0169 and 0170).


Grumman J2F-1 Utility Plane (Bureau # 0169) on the midships elevator of USS Yorktown (CV-5), 2 November 1937. This aircraft is plane # 4 of the ship's utility unit.

Great research Jan - keep up the good work

All the best

Andy

In reading the book "Lucky Lady" about the USS Franklin in WW2, accidents on the carrier deck were common. Everything from tired aircraft handlers walking into props, stressed out pilots who forget to put their guns on safety firing in to plane handlers, a very dangerous place. Also, when the task force was operating in a combat zone, each day, one carrier would be designated to land all combat damaged aircraft, regardless of what carrier they belong to. This way, only one carrier would suffer damage from a crash.

I just noticed this thread. You've got some very interesting shots there. I've heard that carrier deck opperations were the most dangerous job in the Navy. I used to have a game about WWII carrier opperations that said a carrier was "a large, essensially unarmored storage facility for bombs, torpedos, and av gas, with a nice flat deck to catch bombs."

Amazing pictures. I had several frinends that spent time on carriers. They told me the flight deck was a loud, hot scary place. I can only imagine. We only had one helo to deal with and I know that thing was loud when we had to refule it.

Thank you for sharing.