Badoeng Strait (CVE 116) - Naval Cruise Book

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.

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 19 text:

Contact- the magic word that intensities activity both on the plane and in the task group. A sub is held visually on the surface. The plane goes in for an attack and gives a mark to the parent carrier. The plane lays a sonobouy pattern to hold the contact. The ship ' s air controller quickly gets a position as the CIC watch Officer informs CONN and the Flag and recommends sending helicopters and a SAU. The signal goes out from the task group commander for the carrier to launch helicopters and the Screen Commander to detach a SAU to the contact.