Coral Sea (CVB 43) - Naval Cruise Book

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FIGHTER FTER SEVERAL WEEKS of rather frantic last minute preparations, our squadron boarded the USS CORAL SEA at Norfolk, Virginia. Departing into the turbulent aftermath of a hurricane, our new Ensigns received their first taste of sea duty. Our crossing of the Atlantic for the most part was uneventful and routine began to replace the novelty as we moved in the com- pany of our group toward our station in the Mediterranean Sea. After the rather rough crossing, the sunny slopes and smooth waters of the Med lifted our spirits. Our Hrst flights were simulated at- tacks on the present group we were to replace. Our squadron, Hying the new McDonnell Banshee, is getting one of the first tours with jets aboard aircraft carriers. There are many new pilots-new to both jets and the sea. Therefore, much of our cruise will be and is concerned with training and retraining of pilots. Ensign SLUIS has demonstrated the ability to land successfully without aid of a tail hook, thanks to the barriers. Lieutenant DAU- PHIN has proved a jet will stall, only suspected by many until now. Ensign BELLINGER has proved the need for a built-in peri- scope for approaches in any jet he flies. DRO 72 Between new pilots, new planes, and we might add-logistics, our skipper LCDR BLOUIN has undoubtedly added a few grey hairs and we hope another half stripe to his future. The moustaches blossomed on a few, fizzled and disappeared on a few, and created a whole series of new personalities. Some can- some can't! Among the ofiicers Lieutenant Steve Stoop De La Mater has undoubtedly proved he can create the most virile . Avia- tion Ordnanceman Second Class O'CONNELL tops the men's efforts with a few whiskers and a great deal of beeswax. We must concede the parachute loft co-operated to the fullest extent in the Whisker department by furnishing the beeswax. Speaking of personalities, a few showed true form on the las- civious shores of France. Those stories we hear of France must be true. Some are well qualified to give more specific answers on this subject and if approached, may oblige. Thus far our cruise has been a very interesting trip and upon completion should produce a group of highly qualined Blue Bolts 1 . and many interesting sea stories for future bull sessions. 5 First row: Ens. WV. Frith, Lt. KJGI M. K. Morris, Capt. USAF C. N. Dletcalf, Lt. S. T. De Lu Mater, LCDR I. B. Oxley, LCDR C. A. Blovin, LCDR R. F. Hofer, Capt. 'USAF F. VV. Dlorris, Lt. 0. L. Dtulgllin, Lf. R.N. R. D. Lygo, Lt. M. L. Clmlnnnnl . . . Second row: Ens. J. K. heller. Em... R. D. Antlefy EHS- 0- W- Crowl, Ens. R. M. Bellinger, Elms. E. M. Brides, Ens. R. Slums, Ens. XV. J. Spence, Lt.QJGJ R. F. DUBS1 Ens. A. E. Nash, Ens. J. l'. Rogers, Ens. L. H. Lndi. lvirst row: R. J. Ruyle, XV. L. Long, G. P. WVix-ink. W. H. Fur- wvell, C. A. Ahvood, DI. E. Strunk. T. L. Bratcher, R. A. G1-ies. A. B. Hynes, L. S. Znngs .... Second row: I. A. Horejs, L. P. Harris. .I. A. Dedezmx, VV. KV. Hodde, R. C. Jolley, A. E. DeVih1, A. D. Cunlphell, H. Kingi, R. B. 'll:lnf, D. Bitton, A. M. Riccardi, lx. B. Renfru.

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First row: U. R. Caron, G. WV. Rettig, A. Tyler, Jr., J. D. Krue- yrer, C. R. Little. R. E. Johnson v WV. S. Almqllist, Jr., R. H. llnri- tenu. . . . Second row: K. L. Harwell, .l. Il. Alspullgln, D. M. XVnlker, H. L. Sturm, R. 'l'. Nix- on, C. XV. Tate. i- .1- First row: R. D. XV1-ichton, E. C. Cosgrove, M. G. Hite, G. J. I'rank, R. Grzlziano, M. L. Lef- forg. Scene in the VFl71 ready room

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First row: R. WV. Lnlminte, R. E. Dunkcr, U. E. Illzlck, XV. E. Ln- boznn, R. F. Hirsch, K- M- WVU- son, S. L. R. Copelzuul, R. E. Harrow, J. E. Sjusironl, Rodgers, XV. II. Fisher, Benson. . . . Second row: S. G. Hzirrison, J. P. lliller, E. E. Fuller, F. D. Higgins, J. H. Cot- ton, R. S. Blose, D. R. Lewis, D. lt. Lnwing, C. D. Evans, A. E. Lindquist, J. XV. Lieh. G. P. Quinn, J. P. Tlmnllvson, 0. E. De Gratfenreifl, M. S. Hamilton, D. P. Lin1.:1-nfelter. R. L. G. G. Fu-st ron E I Hupgnn, V S Supp E F Duugherh, L ll Jackson, Il E Drnanll, J A !V1g,5.lns, Bl G Boyeson, WV 1 Dunn, 0 I Dennis L I Ixrzun u, B XV Hu-nson, R Sebel. SLcnnd run R C ILIIRIIIS I' A Xvlnsnant, R S Bethel, S A Lexus, K P D lhlstroxn, R L B A Hunt Fust ron A D Lesclnll., D J Duhrlopf, R D Fogll E A PulkonLn,R M Br-Len, 14 11.1.50 J A Pnlxck, D S Dnuns, XV 1 bln-ullel, J H Burnev, KW YI Collins, A J Benoit Seumd ron XV H Bully, III J J 0'C0llnell H D Huit, J L Henllrmk, '1' C' CII :pm ln, G D l'ur1nn, XV J lumett G Hebert 1 ' ,' ': 4 . 3. r . .'. . . 4. . z -4 ,' . . '. . 4 . 4 ' ' ' . . ' ' .' . . ' . ' '. . g u lf, . I 1 v . . . '- ': . . . 1 Jegnes, J. .Sfl':lp.ple, J. E. Uglst, ' ' ': . 4 . : 4 . . i . 4. : . 4. . A - ' 1 I wr .' V . . z ' ' 4 . '. - , 1. 1 , , x . L n ' . I h ni 1 n n ' ' .l. H' 1 1 s 1 l ' 1 I n