Badoeng Strait (CVE 116) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 17 text:

■ The pilots rev up the engines ; the director gives the signal to unfold and lock the wings ; and like a huge bird spreading its wings the Sentinel taxis to the catapult. Crewmen quickly position the sling, the Cat Officer gives a t wo finger turnup, and the signal to shoot. Like a bullet the plane is thrust forward away from the ship: it hovers for a minute then quickly gets its stability and wings away on its assignment.

Page 16 text:

All is ready — then air plot gives the word, Pilots, man your planes! The pilots scramble from their relaxed positions and head for the flight deck. IK sign bixd Not a single second is lost as the pilots, loaded with helmets, life vests, charts and other information race for their planes. And the angel ' s rotors beat the air furiously as she takes position to render assistance if one of the planes goes in the drink.

Page 18 text:

The routine for the Sentinel begins. The pilots proceed to their assigned search area, keeping constant tab on their navigational position and in continuous contact with the CIC Air Controller on the ship. m The plane has numerous pieces of search gear, and the I) scan with their electronic and visual eyes. looking searching.