Photos

View of seven veteran chief petty officers, circa 1941 (left to right): Louie Warner (20 years service), Frederick Heintz (29 years), Joseph Wagster (28 years), John Wilson (20 years), Robert Hernlen (18 years), Alexander Siewert (21 years), Samuel Kronberger

(DM-20) Plan view amidships, looking forward, taken at the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, 17 November 1943. White outlines mark recent alterations to the ship, among them installation of 3/50 guns atop her midships superstructure. Note the antenna for a SC

Flight deck scene, circa fall of 1941. Grumman F4F-3 "Wildcats" of VF-3 "Felix the Cat" are in the foreground (one wearing the two toned gray scheme approved in October 1941); Douglas SBD-3 "Dauntless" and Douglas TBD-1 "Devastator" aircraft are parked beyond.

Flight deck crash of a VT-2B Martin T4M-1, circa 1929.

Martin T4M-1 torpedo bombers, Boeing F2B-1 fighters, and Boeing F3B-1 fighters on deck, circa 1929-1930, aboard USS SARATOGA.

A Martin T4M-1 of Torpedo Squadron 2 (VT-2) circles over the ship as it prepares to land, circa the early 1930s.

Two of the ship's OS2U float planes receive engine overhauls on deck, while at a Pacific Anchorage, circa 1944-45. Note Japanese "KILL" flag under the cockpit of the nearer plane

Forward portion of the ship, photographed from a crane at the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, 6 February 1943, at the end of an overhaul. Circles mark recent alterations. Note: SC & SG radar antennas on the foremast; Mk.33 gun director atop the pilothouse; motor whaleboat; planking on the mast and forward superstructure to provide working platforms for shipyard workers. Photograph from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives.

Loading a small bomb on an OS2U Kingfisher during tests of the catapult-equipped destroyer type in 1943

OS2U floatplane taxiing behind the sea sled of USS STEVENS during tests of the ship's aircraft handling gear in 1943. These catapult-equipped destroyers were not successful and were later converted back into standard FLETCHER class DDs

A flight deck officer signals to the pilot of a Curtiss SB2C-4 "Helldiver", instructing him to taxi up the flight deck, during training operations in the central Pacific, October 1944. Photographed by Lieutenant Commander Horace Bristol.

A Curtiss SB2C-4 "Helldiver" makes it's landing approach, as seen from the carrier's fantail. Note the carrier's wake. The plane guard destroyer at left, and effect of the SB2C's color scheme. Photographed by Lieutenant Commander Horace Bristol, during trainin

Curtiss SB2C "Helldiver" bombers from WASP take part in a mass fly-by of 981 planes from task force 38, after strikes on the Japanese, 22 March 1945.

Deck crash of SB2c #56, Bu# 19530 (a SB2c-3), 11 November 1944. Pilot was R.D. Romier. Note bent propeller, extended slats and retracted rear deck on plane.

View AFT from the island, at Norfolk Naval Station, VA., circa 22 June 1943. Note ship's ensign at left, and SB2C HELLDRIVER aircraft on deck. Two old four piper destroyers are anchored off the pier

Grumman F4F "Wildcat" is positioned on the catapult, circa spring 1943. Note plane director motioning to the pilot, as catapult operators get out of the way. Another F4F is visible in the distance, beyond the plane's propeller. Photographed by Lieutenant Charl