Essex (CVA 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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From the bridge, they watched the sleek, speedy jets catapulted From the Flight deck and swiftly disappear From view on routine training Flights, soon to return with lowered tail hooks to land on the small target. On the hangar deck, the guests saw the aircraft From close up and inspected the cockpits, witnessing all the while the maintenance crew making the planes ready For the Flights ol: the morrow. ln the process ol: observing the various departmental activities that make up this city aliloat, the Vllys, climbing From bilge to bridge, from torecastle to Fantail, earned the title orc Champion Ladder Climbers H beliore disem- barking at pearl Harbor to continue their visit with naval establishments ashore. VIPS... I V 27

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The ESSEX was honored to have titteen civilian guests ol: the Secretary oi: the Navy ride with us on the First leg ot our cruise to Westpac. This outstanding group ot business men From various parts ot the U. S., representatives ol: widely diversified business and social groups, joined the ship prior to her departure From San Diego. Eor a Few, it was the First trip to sea and For all it was the First voyage on a Navy combatant vessel. They were to observe the 3,000 men ol: the ESSEX, From LL8 states and possessions, work together as a team and think as one man. During Fair weather and Foul, they witnessed the training and drills. They surveyed the engineers in the boiler rooms under steaming and mock battle conditions. They saw the men that cooked and served their meals become ammunition passers and gun crews during general quarters.

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