Essex (CVA 9) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 312 of the 1955 volume:

Y- y :3 3 .s 7?ij rTT r-. NAME RATE SERVICE NUMBER Back ' nam Gate and BehinI country ai the Pacif lands anc As an exce ent crew. lovember of 1954 preparatiS ere completed and once veteran of the Pacific nosel r bow under the Golden led westward. lained the homes and families litions of her crew. Ahead bed I sights and smells of the Orient, jeoples. lise began, we hoped that an optomia [ding. We were proud of our ship ' s i es and sweethearts, the blue waters of ichantment of new jeginning fortold kbow and happy tensive weeks waii left us shown. ng day brought its joys and problems for our Operational Readiness Inspection 1 tired; but proud of the progress we had tH ' V e s|Kped but briefly in Yokosuka, then steamed ercise iiXhe heat and humidity of the Philippines. We racticed. Operations became routine. And when the call cam ' ready. eamed northward and watched Formosa appear, dark, (SstentT and oi Rous, off the port bow. We operated with Task Force 77 fcir lanes Wovering continuously over the evacuation of the Tachen Isla en one day the evacuation was comple ted. The larore sj,. WF ' Forct f us had ever seen melted t rii H IHPrthe Wes We visited Yokosu Bin rapid succession Manila, Kong, and bad| K Yokosuka ated in additionaip group exercises and operations in the Wes ' M Pacific befor. ' Im nit feastward and heading home at long last. The USS ESS MHPrA-9) is our ship. This book is a pictorial iccount of tlii-. lijPTourth Far Eastern Cruise. USS essex cva-9 y . - i: ' ' •■.: :j :k. . ;■ ■ m ' :- .. ( ;-.  ■ |K| A : - lo our ship — her purpose is peace, her metliod is power ; And her crew — as shipmates excel, so the ship excels; And their country — with liberty and justice for all ; And those who waited at home — with love and patience for our safe return; J. his book is dedicated. ; I I To lon| sleep and aeep silence tney have |one, Deep amon trie never tot|otten. Carl Sandburg i fiUr Stf.iaJ.-on 6 t, QUarcfi 9, 1955 i.;.ile.i(irit fi.inurr tirade) Q i.s in vnarleA tl ' alt ?rA, llo)t CtJv t iuiiitfr c ' un.ulron 6-V, CfprU 15 1955 The present ESSEX is the first aircraft carrier of her class, the fourth man-of-war to carry a name which has been written in the annals of United States naval history from 1799 to the present time. Named for Essex county in Massachusetts, the first ESSEX was completed on September 30, 1799, at a cost of | 139,362. 141 feet in length, she could have been neatly stowed into one corner of the hangar deck. During her three cruises, she became the first U. S. man-of-war to double the Cape of Good Hope and a unit of the first squadron ever sent by the U. S. to the Mediterranean. Under the command of Captain David Porter during the War of 1812, the ESSEX reached Valparaiso, Chile, on her third cruise in March, 1813, being the first man-of-war to show our flag in the Pacific. She raised havoc in the Pacific, capturing 12 of 20 British whalers reported on the West Coast. One of the prizes taken, a small ship with 20 light guns, was renamed the ESSEX JUNIOR and utilized as an auxiliary. Late in March of 1814 both ships were finally captured by the British frigate PHOEBE and sloop CHERUB off Valparaiso, the ESSEX JUNIOR being per- mitted to convey the Americans back to New York. The second ESSEX was originally a ferry boat called the NEW ARA, built in 1856 and purchased for $20,000 on September 20, 1861. She was converted into an ironclad center wheel steamer and placed under the command of Captain David D. Porter, son of the famed skipper of the previous ESSEX. The second ESSEX saw action during the Civil War on the side of the Union. In one engagement she sighted the C. S. Ram ARKANSAS, which the Confederates hastily beached and burned without giving battle on August 6, 1862. The second ESSEX was sold at public auction in November, 1865. A wooden screw steamer, the third ESSEX was commissioned in 1876. Her career was as quiet as the times. She cruised to Africa and Asia, then was used as an apprentice training ship until placed out of commission in April, 1898. Recalled to duty during World War I, the ESSEX was used as a training ship until sold and stricken from the Navy List in 1930. The keel of the present ESSEX was laid in April, 1941, and she was launched July 31, 1942, at a cost of approximately $69,000,000, over 500 times greater than the cost of the first ESSEX. Mrs . Artemus L. Gates, wife of the then Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air, sponsored the launching. Rushed to completion to bolster naval striking power in the Pacific, the ESSEX was commissioned December 31, 1942, at Norfolk Navy Yard. In a terse message to his officers and men the ship ' s skipper. Captain D. B. Duncan, said, It is my intention and expec- tation that between us we shall make the name of ESSEX carry fear and destruction to our enemies, with praise to our friends, and be an everlasting credit to our country and our flag. -. ' :;:. .: The ESSEX fulfilled Captain Duncan ' s hopes. As a unit of various task forces during World War II, she pounded Marcus Island on August 31, 1943, struck at Wake Island early in October, and surprised Rabaul on November 11. The ESSEX was one of several carriers supporting amphibious opera tions in the Mar- shall and Gilbert Islands. Later she partici- pated in strikes against Truk and Saipan before returning to the West Coast for repairs. On April 16, 1944, the ESSEX departed from San Francisco and in the following months conducted strikes against Marcus and Wake Islands, supported the occupation of the Marianas, and hit the Palau Islands. Between October 10 and November 14, she launched strikes against Nansei Shoto, Formosa, and the Philippine Islands, where she virtually annihilated the remaining shipping in Manila Bay. It was during this period that the ESSEX received the proud title of the Fightin ' est Ship in the Fleet. Unfortunately, the next operation was neither long nor successful. While operating East of Luzon Island on November 25, the ESSEX was struck by a suicide radial engine Judy at about 1300 hours. The plane caused a large gasoline explosion just forward of the Number Two elevator on the flight deck. Repair parties had the flight deck back in commission in about 30 minutes. After strikes against China, Hong Kong, and the Japanese mainland early in 1945, the ESSEX participated in the occupation of Okinawa Jima, the action beyond which all else was an anticlimax. For 79 days the ship was constantly at sea, while her group flew a total of 6,460 sorties. The ESSEX spent the month of June resting and replenishing in Leyte Gulf, before departing on July 1, 1945, to conduct strikes against the Japanese homeland lasting until the end of World War II on August 15. How- ever, it was not until September that the ship set a course for Bremerton, Washington, for a long overdue period of overhaul. She was decommissioned on January 9, 1947, having steamed 233,419 nautical miles. But late in 1949 the Cold War grew warm. The ESSEX was redesigned, remodel- led, rebuilt, and recommissioned on January 15, 1951. During her first Korean cruise, the ship launched some 6,600 combat sorties and be- came the first carrier to launch the F2H Banshee twin-jet fighter on combat strikes. She returned to the States, to depart again from San Diego on June 16, 1952, for her second Korean cruise. For eight and one half months she steamed some 72,000 miles before returning to the U. S. on February 6, 1953, for alterations and repairs at Bremerton. On December 1, 1953, the ESSEX sailed again from San Diego for her third Far Eastern cruise. Captain Frank Turner relieved Captain Christian H. Duborg on February 13, 1954, while the ship was operating in the East China Sea. The ESSEX returned to San Diego on July 12, 1954. The ship ' s fourth Far Eastern cruise began on November 1, 1954. During the latter part of January and the first half of February of 1955, the ESSEX operated with Task Force 77, launching the planes of Carrier Air Group Two on missions covering the evacuation of the Tachen Islands. One year after assuming command. Captain Turner was relieved by Captain Raymond N. Sharp, who became the twelvth commanding ofiicer of the USS ESSEX. fr.fl«wMss?4r Commandir nil Captain Frank Turner, USN |||| Captain Frank Turner, USN, relieved Captain C. H. Duborg, USN, as Commanding Officer of the USS Essex on February 13, 1954, while ihe fhip was ojcialirg in the East China Sea. A graduate of the Naval Academy, ENS Tuirer seivcd aloaid the LSS Maryland for two years. In June of 1929 he reported to NAS, Pensacola, for flight trairirg. As a Naval Aviator, ENS Turner served with Scouting Squadron Six aboard the USS Detroit and USS Omaha. As a Lieutenant (junior grade;, he saw duty with Patrol Squadron Six at FAB, Pearl Harbor, and Fighter Squadron Five. Promoted to Lieutenant in June of 1936, he spent six months with Patrol Squadron Eleven, before returning to NAS, Pensacola, for two years as a flight instructor. From June of 1939 to June of 1942, he was attached to Scouting Squadron Seventy Two aboard the USS Wasp, eventually serving as Commanding Officer. LCDR Turner then reported as Air Operations Officer for the Gulf Sea Frontier. Ordered in Nove.nber of 1942 to the Moroccan Sea Frontier, LCDR Turner was awarded the Bronze Star for participation in assault landings during the North African campaign. In July of 1943, he was promoted to Commander and served as Operations Officer in the Flight Division, Navy Department. His present rank of Captain dates from March of 1945. As Commanding Officer of the USS Nassau, a CVE operating in the Pacific, Captain Turner was awarded another Bronze Star. He was Deputy Head of the Training Division in the Navy Department from 1946 to 1949. Captain Turner then commanded the Fleet All-Weather Training Unit, Pacific, and was Operations Officer on the staff of ComAirPac. He attended the National War College from August of 1951 to July of 1952. After serving on the Staff of Heavy Attack Wing One, NAS, Norfolk, Captain Turner reported to the USS Essex. Officers . . . nil • Captain Raymond N. Sharp, USN llli After the evacuation of the Tachen Islands was completed. Captain Raymond N. Sharp, USN, relieved Captain Frank Turner, USN, as Commanding Officer of the USS Essex on February 13, 1955. Captain Sharp is from Johnson City, Tennessee. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy in June of 1930, the newly commissioned Ensign reported to the USS New York. In June of 1931 he under- went flight training at NAS, Pensacola, and was designated a Naval Aviator upon graduation. From July of 1932 until June of 1935 Captain Sharp was Material and Radio Officer with VF-2, then assigned to the USS Lexington. After two years as Assistant Gunnery Officer with VP-2, he spent four years aboard the USS Brooklyn as Senior Naval Aviator and aboard the USS Enterprise. His next assignment was Training Officer at NAS, Miami, until February of 1943, followed by a year as Air Officer and Navigator of the USS Yorktown. During 1944 and 1945 he was Operations Officer for Admiral J. J. (Jocko) Clark. In August of 1945 Captain Sharp became Executive Officer of NAS, Patuxent River, Maryland, and a year later he became Director of Armament Tests for two years on the same station. He next served as Executive Officer of the USS Midway from April of 1948 to July of 1949 and was promoted to Captain upon completion of this duty. Thereafter followed eleven months at the Naval War College. Captain Sharp commanded the Naval Air Reserve Training Unit, Jacksonville, until October of 1951. He then recommissioned and commanded the USS Tripoli until September of 1952. Prior to assuming command of the USS Essex, Captain Sharp served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D. C. His decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Com- mendation Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation with two stars, and a Secretary of the Navy commendation. Commander Carrier Division Five. Carrier Division Five Since the outbreak of Korean hostilities. Carrier Division Five has completed five tours of duty in the Far East, with nine admirals serving in command. The division ' s first cruise took place aboard the USS Princeton from September of 1950 to August of 1951, with RADM (now VADMi Ralph A. Oftsie in command. Admiral Oftsie commanded one of the first carrier task forces to participate in the Korean conflict. In ceremonies on board the USS Philippine Sea, RADM George R. Henderson assumed command in May of 1951. RADM (now VADM) Frederick W. McMahon relieved RADM Henderson prior to the second tour of duty from September of 1951 to May of 1952 aboard the USS Valley Forge. Before the end of that cruise, RADM John Perry assumed command of CarDiv Five. Aboard the USS Kearsarge on the division ' s third tour of duty, RADM Robert F. Hickey relieved RADM Perry. During this cruise RADM Hickey changed his flagship to the USS Oriskany. The USS Yorktown served as the next flagship for CarDiv Five from September of 1953 to February of 1954. Shortly after RADM John P. Whitney assumed command, the Oriskany was again designated as flagship. The unit spent the four and one half months from April to September of 1954 at NAS, San Diego. During this time. Captain Frank Turner, Commanding Ofiicer of the USS Essex, assumed temporary additional duty as ComCarDiv Five. On October 6, 1954, RADM R. W. Ruble, Commander Carrier Division Three, assumed temporary additional duty as ComCarDiv Five. He was relieved by RADM James S. Russell, who assumed command on October 31. RADM William V. Davis, Jr., assumed command on February 11 and the flag shifted from the USS Wasp to the USS Essex. 10 ■I Rear Admiral William V. Davis, Jr., USN ♦ || Rear Admiral William V. Davis Jr., was born on January 28, 1902, in Savanah, Georgia, where he attended primary and high schools. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy in June of 1914, he was commissioned Ensign and sent to the USS Idaho. In January of 1926 he reported to NAS, Pensacola, for flight training and was desig- nated a Naval Aviator a year later. He was assigned to duty with Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet, attached to the USS Langley and later to the USS Saratoga. As a result of his participation in the Dole Air Races from Oakland to Honolulu, in August of 1927, RADM Davis was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for navigating the winning aircraft and becoming the first naval officer to reach the Hawaiian Islands by air. In July of 1929 he reported to NAS, Pensacola, for three years of duty as an instructor. With the exception of two years at NAS, Anacostia, Washington, D.C., RADM Davis served at sea from June of 1932 to June of 1941 with aircraft squadrons aboard the USS Saratoga, USS Concord, USS Idaho, and USS Yorktown. He was Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron Five aboard the Yorktown. He was then ordered to NAS, Norfolk, as Officer-in-Charge of the Aircraft Armament Unit until July of 1943. In August RADM Davis reported for duty with the Air Force, Pacific Fleet, and in October he was appointed to the Staff, Commander Aircraft Central Pacific Force. From May until December of 1944 he was Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Commander Shore- Based Air Force, Forward Area, Central Pacific; and then he was Chief of Staff, Headquarters Strategic Air Force Pacific Ocean Area until Feburary of 1945. For outstanding service in those assignments, RADM Davis was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat V. In May of 1945 he assumed command of the USS Tulagi, which was supporting operations at Okinawa. He then reported to the Operational Development Force, Atlantic Fleet, at Norfolk as Project Coordinator. From June of 1947 until July of 1950 he was Director of Flight Tests at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland, where he flew a Douglas Skyrocket faster than the speed of sound. RADM Davis assumed command of the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in July of 1950. A year later he was ordered as Commander Naval Test Center, Patuxent River, and on October 1, 1951, was appointed to his present rank. In April of 1952 he was ordered as Navy Deputy Commander, Field Command, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project, Sandia Base, New Mexico, where he remained until assuming command of Carrier Division Five on February 11, 1955. Chief Of Staff nil Captain William A, Moffett, USN INI William Adger Moffett was born April 16, 1910, in San Francisco, California, the son of Rear Admiral and Mrs. W.A. Moffett. After preparatory studies at Gunston and Columbian schools, he won an appoint- ment to the Naval Academy and graduated with the Class of 1930. Captain Moffett completed flight training at Pensacola, Florida, and was designated a Naval Aviator in March of 1932. His present rank of Captain dates from July 1, 1949. Normal tours of sea and shore duty followed graduation from the Naval Academy. At the outbreak of World War II, Captain Moffett, then a Lieutenant Commander, was serving as Executive Officer of Patrol Squadron 51 in the Hawaiian Islands. He later assumed command of this squadron. From December, 1942, to September, 1943, he was Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron 101, engaged in the Solomons campaign. For heroism and personal valor displayed during combat flight operations against the enemy. Captain Moffett was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. The cessation of War II hostilities found Captain Moffett, by now a Commander, serving as Executive Officer of the USS Ticonderoga. He returned from the Pacific campaigns for duty in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He completed courses of instruction at the Armed Forces Staff College and the Naval War College in Newport, R. I., graduating from the latter in 1949. After duty with Tactical Group One, Captain Moffett assumed command of the USS Floyds Bay in 1950 and participated in the patrol of the Formosa Straits in 1950-1951. Detached from command of the Floyds Bay in June, 1951, Captain Moffett was ordered to duty in the Bureau of Naval Personnel as Head of the Aviation Liaison Section. He assumed his present duties as Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Carrier Division Five in November, 1953. 12 T- e u tuui ' 1 • ' -,. J -« ?  ' - VnA ■A- WF C- S iCCUtio€ • • 14 CDR Donald B. Ingerslew, a na- tive of Berlin, New Hampshire, assumed his duties as Executive Officer of the USS Essex in August, 1954, while the ship was at San Diego, California. A graduate of Kirksville State Teachers College in Kirksville, Misso- uri, CDR Ingerslew ' s naval career began at NAS Pensacola, in November, 1936. During the ten years following his entrance into the Navy, he rose to his present rank of Commander. After attending General Line Sch- ool in 1947, CDR Ingerslew assumed command of Air Group 19. Between 1950 and 1953 he was connected with the Joint American Military Advisory Group in Lond on, England, and the Office of Naval Intelligence in Wash- ington, D. C. Prior to assuming his duties abo- ard the USS Essex, CDR Ingerslew was a student at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D. C. 15 LT G. E. McDERMOTT FRONT ROW : LTJG J. S. Knowlton, LCDR J. P. Cusack, LT C. H. Swift; BACK ROW: CHSCLK R. E. Means, LTJG J. P. Engelcke, CHSCLK H. B. Murphy. DIVISION Business As Usual TC Division is not as mysterious as its name imples. It is no unknown quantity. In fact, one can hardly get through a day ' s routine aboard ship without meeting a part of X Division in one form or another. You meet the division at replenishment and before the movies when the band plays. For THE WORD you turn to the directives and Plan of the Day issued through the Administrative Office. For printing paint chits and other necessary local forms and for mim- eographing THE WORD, there is the Print Shop. Each event of note in your military career is recorded in the Captain ' s or Person- nel Office. Is it school information, naval training courses, or educational advice and advance- ment you want? Then by all means the Training Office is your best bet. Courts-martial infor- mation and legal assistance and advice can readily be obtained from the Legal Office. For matters of the spirit and personal prob- lems the chaplains are always available. So you are a sportsman ! You check out athletic gear from the locker or use exercise rooms maintained by X Division. Out of uniform ! And an IC Division man caught you : the Master-at-Arms. As a Chief you know that it is X Division that maintains the Chiefs Quarters. So you see, X Division serves you. Wherever you go or wherever you turn for information or advice, it ' s probably toward X Division. FRONT ROW : N. O. Anderson, G. J. Wolf, CHSCLK R. E. Means, LT G. E. McDermott, A. G. Schulte, R. C. Hand ; SECOND ROW : J. S. Holmes, L. M. Bell, C. C. McCraken, C. L. Hayes, R. L. Lawless, C. F. Poiles : BACK ROW : G. E.- Roe, E. C. Levens, H. G. Aragon, J. H. Ferrell, D. L. Heptner, W. E. Leech. FRONT ROW : D. R. Groh, D. D. Chri- stenson, CAPT D. E. McQuinn, R. D. Evans, J. M. Perry, V. D. Davis; SE- COND ROW : W. K. Stillinger, T. E. Knowles, C. W. Pugh, F. E. Klingenfuss, R. R. Murock, E. L. Grube, A. L. Con- way; BACK ROW: P. Villarimo, J. R. Thompson, R. A. Martinez, W. D. Allen, G. E. Messer, J. E. Estes. FRONT ROW : W. D. Spencer, T. B. Matthev s, T. J. Lyden ; BACK ROW : BMC C. G. Shacklelt, W. G. Barrett, D. Dove, A. H. Hacker, C. W. Wueste- feid, V. F. Dimercurio. J. R. Piatt, W. E. Thomas, W. C. Berger, C. H. Fisher, L. D. Fox, D. G. Sherman, K. D. Webb, R. R. Riedler, C. A. Olson. MUC A. W. Metcalf. FRONT ROW: J.N.Cole; SECOND ROW : LTJG J. Y. Engelcke, W. A. Seidel, C. Mangaliman, A. H. Stiller, LTJG J. S. Knowlton; BACK ROW: W. E. Haskill, H. V. Alonzo, T. E. Riess, C. J. Knox, M. T. Berley, J. F. Stanhope, D. L. Dye. 1 FRONT ROW: L P. Burke, E. A. Madsen, L. M. Forrest, R. W. Atwell, M. E. Diehl, G. E. Bonner; BACK ROW: CHSCLK H. B. Murphy, LCDR J. R. Cusack, LCDR L R. Phillips, LT G. E. McDermott, YNC J. B. McCarthy. Above, some days everything goes wrong, and on top of that there ' s bad news from home. Chaplain Swift coun- sels one of the of the crew who has a personal problem. Right, from hill- billy to highbrow, the Essex Broadca- sting System has music for all. Cha- plain Cusak is the station ' s advisor. 20 After the last plane has been recover- ed and the day ' s work completed, the library provides a quiet place to read, write a letter home, or just relax. It ' s not as big as the New York Times, but it does have AH the news that ' s fit to print. Staff members of the ship ' s daily newspaper look over the next day ' s issue. Mim=- vBaOu y 21 Ofrenatco u • • • -tdHai Sn OhA :ir€k 22 ir eommaiuUr 9i. §. i5Bo , %§9l 23 CDR R. M. DISQUE CHPHOT B. M. Barton, LTJG R. A. Higgs, LCDR M. White, LT G. Swint III. FRONT ROW : LTJG C. E. Rogers Jr., LTJG S. A Ingebritsen, LTJG Cr J. Harris Jr., LTJG R. W. Graham, LTJG M. C. Kaye ; BACK ROW : ENS R. L. Bartholomew, ENS. D. Deforest, LTJG J. I. P. O ' Conner, ENS R. E. Johnson, ENS J. P. Tanner. CDR G. A. BRITT 24 LT H. D. HOYT JR. FRONT ROW : LT T. L. Crooks, LT R. J. Blais- dell, LT R. F. Keller. LT H. R. Cody, LTJG D. H. Rolfes; BACK ROW: CHRELE C. W. Jaeger, LTJG V. L. Parrish, LTJG R. F. Morgan Jr., LTJG R. G. Betka. 7S DIVISION Who ' s Got My Brownie? From the sixth deck to the 07 level OA Division supports Air Operations in varied ways. The daily air plan, issued by the Air Operations section itself, is the signal for most of this activity. Air Operations performs many other functions in support of flight operations, such as relaying flight information to ready rooms. Topside, the aerographers collect weather data on an area of over 13 million square miles. Aerology then reports its gue — findings to the ship and to other weather units. A large part of OA efforts is concerned with photography. The Photo Lab has the never ending job of satisfying the many photo requirements of the ship. Besides routine tasks, such as identification photos, accident and damage pictures, and cruise book work, the lab must process and file all the tactical photography so vital to offensive operations. After intelligence photographs have been proces- sed, prints are subjected to the scrutiny of the Photo Intelligence section. These specialists can tell goats from sheep in a picture taken from five or so miles in the air. All flights, even routine training ones, require that pilots have tactical information. The Air Intel- ligence office, sometimes known as the bum dope central, provides the necessary briefing material to squadron intelligence officers. With over 300,000 charts and almost as many operation orders, the AIO ' s busy themselves with the big picture between air plans. FRONT ROW : R. L Salazar, R. K. Yorgason ; SECOND ROW : J. C. Quinn, K. E. Stewart, R. J. Wade, J. M. Butts, W. Timmins, P. W. Tweeten ; THIRD ROW : PHC D. D. Kendall, G. K. Western, D. A. Maxey, J. W. Fabio, P. L. Miles, W. L Butcher, LTJG R. A. Higgs; BACK ROW; L. B. Grover, R, Fuerch, H. P. Gietzen, M. L. Siebel, J. S. Jenkins, G. A. Urquhart. 26 Right, air intelligence oflScers are concerned with the big picture. Cen- ter, air operations oflScers work on the next day ' s flight plan. Above, a newly promoted commander receives a hat and handshake. Left air operations is a center of activity when flight operations are in progress. 27 Top left, two aerographers ana- lyze a weather chart prior to assembling the next day ' s weather forecast. Left, radio teletype carries a considerable amount of weather information for units of the fleet. Top right, two Operations Depart- ment yeomen review the traffic on a message board. FRONT ROW: LTJG W.J. O ' Dair; SECOND ROW: J. W. Hill, C. E. Francisco, D. E. Witham, B. D. McMurtry, E. R. Venator, J. D. Porter; THIRD ROW : A. J. Keeler, J. T. Dickey, E. R. Hartze, S. P. Vail, J. Murphy, J. G. Grega ; BACK ROW : M. J. Goldberg, N. A. Mclntyre, A. D. Fountain, E. R. Koskella, J. D. Walters. 28 Top left, a petty oflScer in the Photo Lab takes finished prints fro:n the dryer for stamping and delivery. Top right, the titling board is used for adding titles to movie film. Center, aerial film — thousands of feet of it brought back by the Peter Peters — is inspected for quality and reproduction possibilities. FRONT ROW : CHPHOT B. M. Barton, J. Gerics, F. W. Dumas, PHC D. D. Kendell; SECOND ROW: B. D. Mc- Murtry, J. A. Urquhart, G. K. Western, R. J. Wade, W. Timmins ; BACK ROW: N. J. Goldberg, S. P. Vail, J. W. Fabio, R. M. Fuhrmeyer, J. Murphy. 29 DIVISION What ' s wrong with primary tac . . . why doesn ' t this radar work this loran is burning up . . . CALL AN ET ! ET stands for electronics technician and an ET is one of those people seen working on any type of electronic equipment throughout the ship. He used to be in the Engineering Department but Change Number 3 to Navy Regulations changed that, and he is now a part of OE Division in the Operations Department. Call an ET ! is a familiar cry because the ET ' s are responsible for the maintenance and repair of all shipboard electronic equipment, including air control and search radars, communi- cation transmitters and receivers, aircraft homing beacons, loran, electronics countermeasure gear, and associated equipment. Nearly every man assigned to OE Division is a graduate of the 26-week Class A school in naval electronics and is considered a specialist. Upon reporting aboard he is assigned to a parti- cular piece of equipment or group of equipment. His assignment is changed from time to time in order to broaden his experience. It requires continual preventative maintenance and repair in order to keep operational the elec- tronic equipment upon which the modern navy is so dependent. The ET ' s are the vital human element — they are proud of their role in main- taining the Essex as a ready ship. Who Cares? It Works! FRONT ROW: D. D. Nichols, W. B. Arveson, D. T. Kittoe, G. R. Dunton ; SECOND ROW : R. A. Wolf, F. M. Ryker, CHRELE C. W. Jaeger, LTJG D. H. Rolfes, R. R. Black, H. R. Dick- house; BACK ROW: K. B. Tombrink, C. E. Harwood, R. K. Clay, H. B. Ree- ves, R. A. Dupenthazer, B. Fine. 30 Preventative maintenance is a vital function of the division. Three ET ' s check one of the ship ' s many radar repeaters. Two technicians repair one of the radar transmitters on board the Essex. • FRONT ROW : F. D. Flynn, R. J. Reen, B. H. Lothyan, A. M. Mendes ; SECOND ROW : W. B. Fryer, R. D. Lomax, ETC J. G. Latham, LTJG V. L Parrish, H. E. Ewald, S. C. Cook ; BACK ROW : E. R. Patterson, R. R. Negley, J. F. Lunde, H. O. Sampson, D. S. Freeze, J. W. McKenzie. 31 DIVISION Waff One, Skunk Baker ' s In The Dark Combat Information Center, or CIC, has been euphonically christened the nerve center of the ship by every author and pamphleteer since the advent of electronic search devices. Vincit omina Veritas and in its course the ikon of electronic wizardry suffers a crack. In reality, CIC is a space designed as the focal point of tactical information gleaned from several sources, paramount among which is radar. It is manned by radarmen, whose jobs are, to patronize a cliche ' , many and varied. Here the voice radio circuits of the task force are either monitored or actively employed in the intra-force coordination of radar information. Two pictures are maintained in CIC, the surface and the air. The surface picture displays information on all surface contacts within the radar field of vision. The air picture, reportedly that branch where originated the famous paraphrase on CIC, to wit — Chaos, indecision, calamity — is a rapidly changing and involved presentation of all friendly, unidentified, and possibly enemy aircraft. Planes are tracked on the large vertical plot, but there ' s a trick involved : plotters are located behind the board where East is West and West is East. In addition, all Essex aircraft are controlled from CIC by (logically enough) the air controllers. Their job is to direct our interceptors to the bogie before the latter has a chance to raise the local roentgen count to an undesirable level. A lot depends on CIC. The art of keeping cool when the chips are down is prerequisite. Efficiency is a must and when, upon occasion, we fail to display it, we hear about it, dear reader, we hear about it. FRONT ROW : G. R. Blount, D. R. Newton, C. L. Corn, R. G. Edgeton, J. W.Kennedy; SECOND ROW : G. G. Ehler, M. K. Sidel, T. D. Ostertag, LT R. J. Blaisdell, M. Hendrix, R. A. Hunt ; THIRD ROW : p. E. Pyle, J. R. Wood, F. D. Villamaria, R. P. Hebert, R. V. Mock, A. E. Tatum ; BACK ROW : R. A. Gealta, R. J. Frazier, J. A. Brooks, D. R. Haskell, C. V. Walker, R. A. Potter. 32 Our air controllers have friendly aircraft under positive control at all times. Lets give strike control of this one to the Oriskany. R. A. Potter, R. A. Gealta, M. R. Rjyner, R. A. Hult, LT R. F. Keller. 33 Above, Combat ' s air control- lers are never finished until the last aircraft is on deck. Right, Combat, Aye — course and speed on Skunk Dog to follow. PRONT ROW: G. E. Fritz, N. G. Yergen, B. A. Reeve, R. K. Greenslate, J. D. Eubanks, V. F. Cook, J. T. Hardy Jr. : SECOND ROW : R. J. Johnson, G. D. Prichard, B. M. Sims, E. J. Morris, S. L Pendergrass, R. Payne, W. W. Long, H. D. Spears, E. L Roy; BACK ROW : LTJG B. D. Wear. 34 FRONT ROW : J. S. Chappell, J. R. Vaughn, D. S. Olson, R. A. Cole, K. K. Kitch, A. J. Bishop Jr., J. J. Heinrich, M. J. Jurina; BACK ROW: P. P. Krelsman, J. W. Anthony Jr., F. L Oien, E. J. Mackie, E. J. Smejkal Jr., LTJG D. R. Scott, H. G. Keith, C. H. Clum Jr., L. D. Lahnum, L A. Jackson, W. P. Kolb Jr., E. A. Johnson. Above, plotting an unidenti- fied surface contact on the surface radar repeater scope. Right, life is never dull but it ' s dark in CIC. 35 DIVISION According to Navy tradition, lookouts are the eyes of a ship. Today, as before, the Navy depends upon the good vision, watchfulness, and vigi- lance of its lookouts for the rapid observation, accurate esti- mation, and prompt reporting of objects which might influ- ence the safe navigation of a vessel. Aboard the Essex these men are members of OL Divi- sion. At sea the division furnishes lookouts for the bow, fantail, and forward and after surface posts on the island. They are responsible for reporting im- mediately to the Officer of the Deck the relative bearing and range of ships, planes, lights, bouys, land, shoals, discolored water, and smoke, to mention a few of the multitude of pos- sibilities. In addition, lookouts report all sightings on the sur- face and in the air to CIC and assist in the evaluation of all Land Ho! Land Ho! contacts. Lookouts and sound powered phone talkers rotate positions every 30 minutes in order to avoid eye strain and to maintain an alert watch at all times. Special vigilance is required by the possibility of sighting sub-surface disturbances or floa- ting objects. Operations in darkness, fog, and unfriendly waters also call for particular diligence. Familiarity with foreign aircraft, as well as our own, is a must for a good lookout. In port the men of OL Division are assigned as OOD and JOOD messengers between 0600 and 2200 daily. The conning ofiicers on the open bridge rely heavily on the lookouts ' reports of initial sightings, particularly when the ship is steaming in formation. OL Division must be ready to rise to any and every occasion, fair weather or foul. FRONT ROW: E. Martin, B. Hulcher- son, C. Kocourek, LTJG C. S. Quinn, J. Gray, J. Kocourak, E. Webley ; SE- ' COND ROW : G. Corum, J. Cook, L. Cambell, R. H. Harper, E. Burgess, L. Freemen ; BACK ROW : D. Moses, C. Barron, C. Toribio, C. Verdugo, M. Hill, A. Hasson. 36 Two men from OL Division check the air speeds of planes which have landed aboard the ship during the day. As each planes comes in to land, radar guages its relative air speed. FRONT ROW : V. Me.ndez, P. Kelletter, J. ByrJ, LTJG R. G. Betka, B. Carter, F. Nasson, B. May; SECOND ROW: E. Saxon, H. Brooks, R. Beleki, D. Wat- kins, D. Bledsoe, G. Summers; BACK ROW: L. Kenton, J. Hedden, R. D. Harper, L. Casses, M. Rousey. 37 DIVISION Home, Home On The Range . . . The radiomen and telemen in OR Division are responsible for the reception, transmission, processing, and delivery of radio and postal com- munications. Centralized control of all traffic from the cryptocenter, radio shack, signal bridge, and post office is maintained in Main Communi- cations, where both incoming and outgoing messages are logged, processed, written up, run- off, and routed under the supervision of the Communications Watch Officer. Radiomen operate the telegraphic and voice radio circuits, with attendant responsibilities such as maintaining logs, breaking down call signs, and constant alertness for that message we ' re waiting for. Telemen operate and maintain teletype and cryptographic equipment, handling messages ranging from daily press news to coded traffic. Mail Call is one of the most welcome events of a day, perhaps surpassed only by Liberty. All postal matters fall to OR Division telemen. The division ' s influence stretches to the pub locker, in which the ship ' s volumes of registered and classified publications are stored, accounted for, and issued for use. Another adjunct of the division is the cryptocenter, where all that hot dope on past, present, and future events is encoded or decoded. • Main Comm is a fme example of organization and system functioning. Come on in sometime. No matter what you have, we have a pigeon hole for it. FRONT ROW : G. E. Ford, C. B. Raper, M. Gonzales, R. E. Meininger, J. F. Fay ; SECOND ROW : CDR G. A. Britt, D. E. Hallock, T. M. Perkins, C. J. Engstrotn, LTJG J. p. O ' Connor; THIRD ROW: fi. O. Dickey, L A. Colletti, P. P. Splros, A. D. Nystrom, R. L Gribble, C. R. Hemphill ; BACK ROW : R. Sierra, M. L, Bradford, K. A. Coon, R. D. Moon, C. George. 38 FRONT ROW: ENS J. P. Tanner, B. Leach, T. A. Anderson, R. D. Johnston, A. W. Fridley, G. A. Mothershed, ENS R. E. Johnson; BACK ROW: LTJG C. J. Harris, W. M. Loring, C. C. Lemarr, C. W. Gibson, R. Odom, L. R. Shear, V. F. Noyes. I FRONT ROW: B. G. Wofford, J. L McCain, R. J. Woodworth, A. WetseHine ; SECOND ROW : J. D. Dobbs, A. F. Remiszewski, R. M. Shores, A. P. Eiesland, B. M. Burns, D. L. Dividsmeyer ; BACK ROW: ENS R. L. BarthDiomew, LTJG S. A. Ingebrits9n, RMC J. T. Greene, N. E. Grizzle, L. C. Smith, J. A. Rodgers, J. D. Yates, E. W. Johnson, L A. You- ngs. 39 Top, And a dollar ' s worth of airmail stamps, please. There ' s no shortage of stamps in the post office this cruise. Center, incoming and outgoing mail — it all has to be sorted out, calling for some long hours by the post office gang prior to Mail Call. Bottom, the Com- munications Watch Officer checks a message for accuracy. 40 Top, the teletype shack is the focal point of a large por- tion of the ship ' s incoming and outgoing traffic. A teleman sends out a routine weather message. Center, the old fashioned code key is still very much a part of radio but a speed key increases the oper- ator ' s rapidity. Bottom, just a few of the numerous radio circuits which must be guarded at all times. 4 DIVISION Tare queen one four...get that port?...dip prep, aye, aye... somebody get on that light... where ' s the message board...put on another pot of coffee... The life of a Quartermaster in OS Division is a hectic one aboard a large carrier during task force opera- tions. Quartermasters manning the port and starboard signal bridges are responsible for knowledge and ability in a multitude of visual communications: flaghoist for tactical messages, semaphore for reple- nishment and coming alongside, flashing light for operational traffic, and Nancy for intership com- munications during radio silence and darkened ship. In addition. Quartermasters are constantly alert for visual contacts, maintain plots giving the position of every ship during replenishment, and exchange call signs with other ships, whether American or foreign, military or commercial. They must know communication procedure, as well as being acknowleged masters of the Allied Naval Signal Book. General Quarters and reports of a plane down after sunset bring signalmen to their stations manning the powerful 24-inch searchlights so vital to efficient rescue work. In port the same 24-hour, 360 degree watch is maintained in order to keep the Officer of the Deck informed of all port traffic and all approaching liberty boats, gigs, and barges, and to insure that all flags and absentee pennants are flying properly. The Starboard Signal Bridge FRONT ROW : A. B. McNeal, W. L. Bouck, D. D. Nehls. R. K. Keigley, R. P. Matthews, R. DeLeon ; BACK ROW : QMC T. J. Riedlinger, LTJG R. W. Graham, R. M. Timm, G. R. Coffey ' J. Vickonoff, T. L. Jennings Jr., S. M. Mu- rakami, J. L O ' Brien, J. C. Gish, W. B. Evans. 42 Chief Riedlinger mans the 24-inch searchlight. Steuben and some of the signal bridge gang. HOW are you fixed for blades, O ' Brien? FRONT ROW : J. Guerrero, D. A. Blandin, F. Romero, E. R. Post, R. V. Steuben ; BACK ROW : R. J. Hoard, G. M. Kemp, J. G. Merrill, D. R. Mur- dock, A. R. Brixen, L. N. Link, R. V. Pena, ' ENS D. DeForest. 43 Qytea Ai Jn Lour Ac C  n«uuuUr g. X eqfra, %S9l 44 DIVISION Quartermaster, what ' s our position . . . get a star fix . . . put a quartermaster on the wheel . . . set the special sea detail at 0500 what ' s the exact time ... all familiar phrases to the men in ' N ' Division. Wheeling the family auto around a modern cloverleaf in- tersection is mere child ' s play compared to the intricacies of safely navigating a 32,000 ton aircraft carrier from San Diego to Bangkok and back. From amidst the maze of charts and publications, equipment, and just plain old seaman ' s eye came the vital information upon which the lives of thousands of men were dependent every minute of the day. Quartemasters were spread throughout the ship ■ topside in the pilot house and captain ' s plot, forward in secondary conn, below in steering aft, aft at the colors, and on the quarterdeck. Morelond and Leading Petty Officer Magle shoot a sun line. From every portion of the ship came the reports and information to assist the Officer of the Deck and be recorded in the official history of the ship, the Deck Log. In addition to being respon- sible for mountains of paper. Quartermasters manned the helm, console, alidades, radars, loran, steering aft engines, dead reckoning tracer, and fathom- eter; and utilized sextants, sta- dimeters, chronometers, star finders, and even wood chips. While the N Division ship handling team was at work, other teams played almost as success- fully. In the all-ship basketball tournament, the division ' s cagers finished the race in second place; while being eliminated from the holiday softball tournament by the eventual champions. Quartermasters took us away, guided us through rocks and shoals, and brought us back. They served us well. FRONT ROW: S. D. Davis, R. J. Tar- nowski, J. E. Svec, E. S. Burgett, H. F. Rawl, J. H. Miller, J. T. McMillian ; BACK ROW: QMC N. F. Haugaard, J. Chavez, J. R. Canupp, A. A. Olsen, D. D. Stevens, J. R. Johnson, J. L. Foy, J. H. Rasdon, LTJG W. R. Galbraith. 45 Above, three quartermasters set up the Dead Reckoning Tracer bug which gives the ship ' s approximate position at all times. At left, Chief Hau- gaard explains one of the finer points of navigation to some of the division ' s petty officers. Ensign Cunningham writes still another deck log, while the quartermaster of the watch maintains the quartermaster ' s notebook. 46 FRONT ROW: J. D. Shumate, R. L. Moreland, R. E. Wood, C. L George, M. H. Day; BACK ROW: G. D. Ackerson, R. B. Packard, ENS M. E. Cunningham, H. Magle, CDR J. K. Cli- fford, W. J. Bowers, J. N. Burgstrom, R. J. Wilton. Top left, one of the old salts of the Essex takes bearings on the starboard alidade. Lower left, LTJG Galbraith and two assistants take another crack at reducing the depart- ment ' s mountain of records. 47 • • • Joen UM mVacK 48 e Mnma,.a«r tO. . ' RcSoWa,,, -M§dl 49 FRONT ROW: LT K. W. Atkinson, LCDR F. J. Trefero, LCDR F. T. Cockrell, LTJG T. H. Thorn- burg, BACK ROW : CHBOSN W. S. Mainord, LTJG J. H. Moore II. LCDR P. E. PAYNE FRONT ROW : LT F. R. Burgess, LT J. R. Gensert, LCDR O. F. Keith, LTJG E. D. Webb; BACK ROW : CHGUN R. J. Lloyd, ENS J. R. Quinlivan, CHMACH C. F. Allen Jr. 50 ,4 DIVISION ■;$s ft « Hey, Anybody Seen Joe? Flight Quarters sounds and the flight deck becomes alive with activity. V-1 Division, responsible for handling aircraft on the flight deck, shifts into action, moving planes aft if the ship is to launch, forward if the ship is to recover. Respotting the flight deck occurs all too often for the men of V-1 — theirs is an endless job. The division is composed of directors, handling crews, tractor drivers, telephone talkers, elevator operators, and a repair party. Various color combi- nations of helmets and jerseys identify these men. The movement of aircraft about the flight deck can be a very tedious job, since movements are con- ducted at high speed in all kinds of weather. Shifting an aircraft in or out of a close space with a pitching or rolling deck under foot calls for some very careful work. These movements are all done under the supervision of the plane directors. Telephone talkers are stationed at various places about the flight deck. They relay all information regarding aircraft movements to flight deck control for evolution and action. The repair party on the flight deck is available at all times during flight operations to fight any possible fires, rescue personnel, or remove crashes from the landing area. During heavy flight operations the division will work long hours in all sorts of weather. In fact, while the Tachen evacuation was in progress, V-1 Division remained at flight quarters for about 40 hours, took an all too short break, then went back to work again. FRONT ROW ; J. N. Poxey Jr., W. F. Farr, A. O. Simpson, R. C. Filer, R. R. Gibson; SECOND ROW: D. H. Mc- Cullough, G. E. Bye, LT F. J. Trefero, H. S. Shinn, C. B. Thomas; THIRD ROW: T. R. Snyder, C. B. Gresham Jr., B, J. Houldridge, E. E. Good, M. N. Cash; BACK ROW: H. F. Van Horn, H. P. Long, A. S. Cordero, C. M. Keith, N. V. Hartford. 5 FRONT ROW: D, L Graves, M. D. Jurich, D. G. Munden, M. D. Binkley, S. B. Lutz; SECOND ROW: R. Hunt, J. Klein, CHBOSN W. S. Mainord, F. Edwin, D. K. Bullard; THIRD ROW: L W. Price, A. L. Alberty, J. E. De Armond, J. K. Strickland, L A. Padrick ; BACK ROW: J. N. Hanson, K. G. Roberts, D. R. Atwood, W. A. Dawhurst Jr., L. J. Lemoine. FRONT ROW: A. G. HilliarJ, R. R. Stuckmeyer. N. S. Sorenson, V. M. Al- tamore, T. D. Fleming ; SECOND ROW: T. J. McLaughlin, C. M. Collins, ABC C. W. Ogg, R. H. White, C. P. Scronce ; T HIRD ROW: R. O. Johnson, J. W. Kincaid, J. W. Long, D. C. Nicholson, D. W. Evans; BACK ROW: L E. Helmick, W. G. Head Jr., A. C. Gab- bamonte, H. E. Burk, L. C. McAteer. 52 =l3k ' AH day long.. .all yon do.. .push and pull. Left, spotting a Cougar on the flight deck ; below, tug-o-war during the Air Department party at Mango Beach, Subic Bay. FRONT ROW : J. B. Davis, M. R. Au- sterman, R. W. Sanning, W. R. Taylor, W. G. Harvey; SECOND ROW: W. E. Breneman, C. N. Acosta Jr., J. J. Mecham, M. J. Gauiden, R. P. Roode ; BACK ROW: L R. Zilgitt, C. A. Hildentrand, K. C. Bucholz, J. N. Paul- sell, C. O. Maibaum Jr. 53 Crash on the flig ht deck! There are plenty of helping hands to rescue the pilot, guard against fires, and clear a Cougar from the landing area. FRONT: ROW: B. E. Campbell, W. J. McCallister, M. J. Rosenboom ; SECOND ROW : D. N. Vitov, T. M. Pack, R. J. Womer Jr., R. S. White, J. D. Paxter, T. F. Weller ; THIRD ROW: E. W. Skinner, V. J. Peavy, H. T. Bent- ley, L. J. Regan Jr., R. G. Mosely, F. E. Bervert ; BACK ROW : W. D. Bur- bank, E. Feist, H. V. Podstata Jr., J. A. Nevico, W. G. Appleton. 54 DIVISION Up ... Up . . .And Away They are holders of the OKI record of five and one half minutes for re-rigging the barriers and barricade. They have launched approximately 4,000 jet and conventional air- craft this cruise. They have participated in the recovery of part of about 68,000 arrested landings on the Essex, a figure exceeded by only one other CVA in the fleet. Who? V-2 Division, the ' ' Green Shirts of the flight deck. V-2 Division is virtually two separate units, the catapult crew and the arresting gear crew. Together, they are concerned with the ma- chinery necessary to launch and recover the planes of today ' s mighty naval air arm. The catapults aboard the Essex are the most modern hydro-pneumatic cats in the fleet today. Quick adaptation by the crew to this machinery has resulted in launching intervals of 20 seconds or less. The topside crew, who hook up the aircraft to the catapult, have combined with the men in the machinery spaces below in a fine example of teamwork and cooperation. At the other end of the fiight deck the Essex has an outstanding arresting gear crew. It ' s their job to operate and maintain the technical equipment necessary to recover the heavy, high-speed aircraft of today ' s Navy. During the cruise the arresting gear has stopped approximately 5,000 aircraft with re- latively few mishaps. FRONT ROW : P. M. Manzi, p. J. Goff, A. D. DsVault, D. A. Girard, E. E. O ' Bryant; SECOND ROW: B. Van- dette, J. D. McAuliffe, LT J. E. Tilley Jr., ABC R. A. Morgan, E. E. Burkart, C. R. Hooker; THIRD ROW: ABC J. A. McMullin, G. L. Bailey, J. N. High, J. G. Willis, R. D. Morefield, R. A. Coffey, LTJG J. H. Moore II ; BACK ROW: L. N. Moore, D. L Davis, J. R. Willauer, J. F. Boote, T. P. Pierce, W. E. Plemons. ,% t V tN: . , j i f 4 t I ss I V-2 Division has a big job when time to launch air- craft arrives. In the pictures of planes approaching the port cat it looks easy enough, but add 40 knots of wind, inherent hazards of the flight deck, and 20-odd seconds of time. In the upper three pictures planes are brought into position; below, celebrating the 10,000 port catapult shot. 56 I The less it happened, the better: but occasionally we had a bar- ricade crash. It called for some fast action on the part of the ar- resting gear crew to re-rig barriers and barricade in order that the recovery could continue. • ..Sh FRONT ROW: D. Reeves, M. Apodaca, J. J. Augustine, B. A. Simmons, F. J. McGuire, J. D. Killham ; SECOND ROW : J. Geraghty, R. D. Fogle, LTJG J. H. Moore II ; ABC J. A. McMullin, J. L Strickland, J. R. Cottrell ; THIRD ROW : ABC R. A. Morgan, S. E. Sampson, J. A. Gomez, J. L Coons, R. C. Peterson, R. M. Tait, A. P. Pallotta, K. M. Kujawa, S. Bradburn, LT J. E. Tilley Jr. ; BACK ROW : R. E. Elmlinger, R. J. Halsey, R. W. Robinett, G. D. Harris, V. T. Robbins, R, E. Ellington, Sf DIVISION V-3 Division, the hangar deck crew, has the seemingly endless task of supplying the flight deck with ready-to-go aircraft. Primarily, the job consists of spotting planes on the hangar deck to comply with squadron maintenance requirements, then sending them to the flight deck after repairs have been com- pleted. During ORI humorous refe- rences were sometimes made regarding the ' ' Hangar Deck Smashing Crew, but as Hawaii dropped further and further into the past, the r. o. r. — i. e., rate of ' recking — became al- most non-existent. Directors, talkers, crews — all knew the jobs well. What had previously been ten men pushing one plane ten different directions became an integrated crew of men working together. Long hours were the rule rather than the exception for V-3 during the evacuation of the Tachen Islands. Pushing planes around a darkened han- And The Space Cadets Blasted Off gar deck in the wee hours was touch-and-go, but the division continued to get planes on and off the elevators as sche- duled. Maintaining the quarterdeck is another V-3 responsibility. A.nd on those occasions when FRONT ROW: LTJG R. White; SECOND ROW: W. F. Ehland, C. A. Doyer, J. O. Church Jr., B. C. Marsh, T. N. McCoy; THIRD ROW: J. D. Treder, L Higgins, E. D. Todd, B. S. Ingle, B. D. Tash, C. A. Weller. C. F. Klanika ; BACK ROW : T. L. PetrofF, C. T. Hinchman, D. R. Jones, K. P. Aldredge, W. M. Stout. the Essex finished replenish- ment and headed immediately for port, many were the groans of anguish from V-3 personnel. Hurry up and get the deck painted. How did that head of lettuce roll way back here? Then just as the anchor rattled out, there was the glistening quarterdeck, maybe a little wet with paint, but finished on time. The domestic trait is very pronounced among V-3 men, since keeping the entire hangar deck swept and clean is a divi- sion chore. Was that a movie or a garbage collection? Keep on sweeping — I ' m going to trail that guy with the gedunk and if he drops it on the deck, I ' ll collar him. All in a day ' s work. During the cruise the V-3 record remained intact: (1) No planes pushed into an elevator pit, (2) No planes pushed off the deck edge elevator and over the side, and (3) No eleva- tors lowered on any planes. V-3 stands on its record. 58 FRONT ROW: ABC T. A. Gray; SECOND ROW : G. F. Alexander Jr., A. M. lesu Jr., J. G. Shaw, R. W, Mc- Donald, B. Weldon, F. C. Lay Jr.; THIRD ROW : T. H. Barnett, J. G. Keeley, J. F. Callis, C. E. Park, C. L Long, V. L. Beck; BACK ROW: W. C. Goostree, B. L. Clark, J. O. Peterson, D. H. Lofthouse. R. M. Arnold. 59 FRONT ROW: E. T. lannotti ; SE- COND ROW: R. C. Teters, D. W. Hokrein, G. A. Boucher, J. H. Travis, P. S. Carpenter, L T. Fisher, THIRD ROW : W. R. Cooper, F. H. McCollough Jr., E. L. Stratton, H. W. Taylor, B. J. Bloom ; BACK ROW: U. L Dieter Jr., J. W. Byrd, D. P. Freeze, G. Swearingen Jr., H. J. Topolinski, M. C. GriFPin. FRONT ROW: ABC J. T. Popp ; SECOND ROW: M.J. Whittaker, T. J. Ford, H. W. Wallis, D. A. Slaughter, G. E. Jacobson, R. D. Powell; THIRD ROW : R. W. Fraley, J. C. Lauwers, R. G. Potts, F. K. Burns, C. O. White, W. C. Metzler; BACK ROW: J. I. Haul- ier, M. Gross Jr., L. K. Taylor, R. A. Gest, D. E. McMillian. 60 DIVISION ' The High And The Mighty FRONT ROW: D. W. Taylor, R. F. Merlino ; BACK ROW : R. L. Michele, G. F. Boiisselaire, LT O. F. Keith, W. L. Scott, L G. Smith. Technical division of the Air Department is V-4 Division, which is comprised of various aviation ratings. To this divi- sion falls the responsibility for supporting the air group in the maintenance of squadron aircraft. Hangar Bay Three is the scene of most of the division ' s activity. The engine build-up gang is responsible for the break out, build up, and readying of various types of aircraft engines for installation. The gang also prepares and preserves old engines for shipment to overhaul and repair facilities. The metalsmith gang renders assistance in repairing aircraft structural damage. A section of this crew builds up aircraft wheels and tires. The aviation electricians maintain equipment used for testing electrical systems ranging from engine build up accessories to aircraft instnunents. To insure the effiicient operation of electronic equipment installed in aircraft, test equipment is maintained by the aviation electronics shop. Critical adjustments are made on electronic equipment with great precision. Facilities for packing and repairing parachutes are maintained by the division ' s parachute riggers, who also test oxygen masks and inspect life saving equipment installed in aircraft. Starting aircraft engines is the mission of the jet starting gang. It ' s a ticklish job maneuvering the three wheel jeeps up and down the flight deck prior to a launch. The automotive equipment gang is responsible for maintaining the ship ' s tractors, three wheel jeeps, crash crane, carry-all, sedan, jeeps, and forklifts. Coordinating the numerous activities of V-4 Division is accomplished by air maintenance ofiice personnel, who also keep track of the multitude of publications necessary for maintaining technical equipment. «1 FRONT ROW: P. A. Decicco, W. G. Shoup, AMC T. B. Vinson, R. T. Trinkle, C. E. Kolka ; BACK ROW : L Mc- Guyer, W. A. Patterson, R. A. Montgo- mery, A. L. Maddux, E. Hagenmiller, J. D. McDivitt, S. L Hebbeln. FRONT ROW: J. B. Sours, C. H. Brasher, L. A. Guerrini, W. G. LavenJer, W. F. Rozinski, J. R. Solliday; BACK ROW: T. King, J. L. Kruger, O. E. Winter, H. L. JohnsDn, F. W. Dryden, R. J. Thomason, L. E. Stout, W. A. Swartzwelder. (52 FRONT ROW: R. D. Kelly, C. Rosato, ADC R. CrawFord, A. D. Spears, C. E. Rhoda ; SECOND ROW: J. L Southard, T. A. Larned, F. H. Schatzinger, A. L. Beyers, P. A. Liggett, G. W. Cook; BACK ROW: J. E. Blair, B. G. .Boyd, R. E. Marshal, H. L. Kortsen, C. J. Lambert, E. A. Stringent, M. S. Center, R. H. Kline. Above, one of the ship ' s numerous tractors gets the once over by a V-4 Division sailor. Ce nter, day and night the hangar deck is a scene of constant activity as aircraft engines are checked and re- checked. Above, the division maintains a large library of technical publications. 63 DIVISION - ' ' %;;y Here Today — Gone Tomorrow No one — absolutely no one — gets loaded around here without the assistance of V-6 Division — ammunition, that is. V-6 Division is charged with supplying ordnance for air group planes capable of varied missions necessitating many different ordnance loads. The list of aircaft ord- nance handled includes 20 MM ammunition, bombs, rockets, flares, torpedoes, mines, depth charges, and special wea- pons. Close cooperation between CVG, squadron ordnance personnel, and V-6 Division is a necessity. The third deck crew assembles and prepares ordnance loads for delivery to the flight deck via bomb elevators. At the flight deck, V-6 personnel deliver the loads to the squadron ordnancemen. Loading aircraft with certain unique loads like special weapons, mines, and advanced undersea weapons is accomplished by, or requires the assistance of, V-6 personnel. All 20 MM ammunition for the planes ' machine guns must be belted by V-6 ' s belting crew. Mines and advanced undersea weapons are stored, assembled, and checked by the torpedo shop. Small replacement parts for guns and other ordnance equipment are handled by the tool issue room crew, who also maintain a technical library on aviation ordnance. And that wasn ' t a flight deck football game going on during the Tachen operation. Our explosive ordnance disposalmen were getting rid of a runaway 500 pound bomb without plastering the flight deck all over the hangar deck. V-6 spaces and men are spread from flight deck to seventh deck, from forecastle to fantail. The division ' s success is measured by its ability to unite and coordinate its skills, so that every squadron ' s ordnance needs arrive safely and on time. FRONT ROW : W. A. Mourer, L. O. Sorenson, W. W. Wakefield, D. J. Murphy, D. G. Masson, D. M. Brown; SECOND ROW : TMC D. F. Domoradzki, K. C. Eby, J. M. Cobb, R. T. Hewlett, J. H. Scott, D. E. AsSmore, R. D. Kadderly, LTJG E. D. Webb; BACK ROW: r! A. Lynch. G. C. P:ke, K. F. Fuller, R. E. Anderson, J. H. S.isll, E. J. Roberg. 64 FRONT ROW : D. R. Nicholson, F. J. Berghorn, M. F. Patrone, J. J. Shull ; SECOND ROW: J. L. Bell, J. M. Nelms, AOC L. H. Rohren, T. Eggleston Jr., W. H. Phelps, R. W. Adams ; THIRD ROW : D. J. Malioy, R. F. Poitras, D. M. Ahern, R. C. Tarrant, R. O. Hewlett ; BACK ROW : N. H. Ross. L. L. Waters, D. E. Jones, D. C. Phelps, D. R. Lan- drum, P. C. Lucas. FRONT ROW : R. P. Van Leer, W. C. Purvis, B. L. Stark, H. F. Furrow, J. D. Shupe, R. E. Koehler ; SECOND ROW : AOC L. L. Topp, D. R. Waits, J. J. Mahoney, S. 1. Sawyer, W. L. Henderson, A. F. McChesney, CHGUN R. J. Lloyd ; BACK ROW: p. C. Silvers, W. O. Elkins, C. T. Lewis, H. R. Howard, R. W. Ponder, R. A. Bryant. 65 Top left, when all hands gathered in the vicinity of the fantail to enjoy the warm sun and see the planes fire at the towing spar, it meant long hours of work fpr the V-6 belting crew. Top right, the belting crew at work rigging a chute. Lower left, the chow table at the Air Department picnic at Mango Beach was as crowded as flight deck control during air operations. Lower right, the belting crew unpacks and belts 20 MM ammunition. 66 DIVISION ' The Pause That Refreshes ' FRONT ROW: I. T. Acosta, A. W. Larsen, J. B. Duncan; SECOND ROW : J. W. Gunn, D. R. Jennings, CHMACH C. F. Allen, G. R. Buckalew, D, L. Hancock, J. A. Francisco; THIRD ROW : F. W. Lawrenz, A. J. Borodzik, T. W. Nau, D. R. Burchett, G. R. Van Cleef, A. Tre.lla ; BACK ROW : E. M. Ozgo- wicz, j. W. Tarboux, W. E. Bullock, J. A. Davis, R. E. Solomon, S. Ciraco Jr. The smoking lamp is out except in authorized spaces. V-7 Division is refueling still another aircraft. The primary duty of V-7 is the fueling of aircraft and ship ' s vehicles. In addition, the division is responsible for the maintenance of all gasoline service stations, gasoline pump rooms, filter rooms, HEAF pump rooms, and the lub- rication oil pump room. The pump room men assure that gas is pumped to the gas stations on the flight deck and hangar deck at the proper time. The filter room men open the proper valves to filter the gas so that no foreign matter can enter the aircraft. The crews that actually fuel aircraft are divided into two units. Each has a crew leader who is responsible for seeing that his crew gets the information passed over the sound-powered phones from the gas control talker concerning what stations to man and what planes to refuel. Repair number seven is also a part of V-7 Division. In addition to being standby general quarters and fire ijuarters stations, repair seven is responsible for all maintenance work required by the division. The oxygen-nitrogen system, a sub-divison within V-7, is manned to produce and supply oxygen and nitrogen, the latter for purging and protection in the safe handling of gas and the former for use in sick bay, for welding purposes, and for pilots flying at high altitudes. Oxygen and nitrogen are produced by extracting those two elements from the at- mosphere by a process involving air and submitting them to various ranges of temperatures and pressures. Previously, oxygen was supplied in cylinders taken aboard from tankers. This system has added towards making a carrier self sustain- ing- «7 FRONT ROW : J. D. Gryder, S. Naber, BTC R. Draskovich, R. White, H. W. Dixon Jr. ; BACK ROW : P. W. Pekar, R. A. Hull, W. L Clapper, G. L Finer Jr., W. B. Leininger. FRONT ROW: J. W. Dennison, L. S. Metz, ADC G. W. Davis, H. E. Rogers, L. H. Jeffress, F. W. Piccirillo ; SECOND ROW : J. Vanderlaan, M. H. Curren, J. J. Corrigan, P. A. Rokosny, E. G. Steinmetz, L. E. Jordan : BACK ROW : R. P. McAneney, J. P. Flynn, J. Castillo, G. E. Crabtree, R. E. Dolan. 68 FRONT ROW: R. C. Hill, G. R. Greene, L B. Shull, A.J. Flizack, L. J. Drew; SECOND ROW : W. E. Bryant, J. C. Melvin, L. M. Nichols, B. F. Blackston, R. D. Tyner, D. Garcia ; BACK ROW : D. L. Shipman, G. R. Pogue, L B. Farias, S. L Biggs, R. G. Milliman Jr., S. D. Love. After aircraft were recovered, they were promptly refueled. Ladders were put up, hoses appeared, and the smoking lamp went out thoughout the ship. A viation gasoline is very dangerous, but V-7 handled the job without a mishap. 69 First in the air, last on deck — that ' s the theme of the helicopter crew. LT F. R. Burgess, Chief Aviation Pilot W. T. Long, and six crew members comprise the team which keeps the Essex Angel ever-ready and always welcome. This small organization perhaps averages more flight time per plane and pilot than any other squadron or unit afloat. By mid-April it had successfull rescued four pilots and crewmen during daily air operations. Unit 10, based aboard the Essex, is a child of the parent Helicopter Utility Squadron One, stationed at Ream Field, San Ysidro, California. HU-1 deploys 12 units to various activities in the Eighth Naval District and to Pacific Fleet carriers, heavy cruisers, and auxiliary vessels, ranging from the Bering Sea to the Equator. Two detachments are located at Barbers Point and Oppama. Due to its inability to hover in darkness, the helicopter is of no value at night for rescue mis- sions at sea, although it can readily be flown from point to point with minimum lights and field facilities during the hours of darkness. The Essex Angel has been assigned missions ranging from rescues to emergency illness cases; however, the majority of its hours are spent hovering in plane guard station and winging guard mail within the fleet. Hats off to the whirly-bird crew — may their fishing be good and their need seldom. . UfOt fO FRONT ROW : R. E. Weatherlngton, E. Bennett; BACK ROW: ADC (AP) M. D. Sims Jr., LT F. R. Burgess, R. E. Kaake, W. J. Skelton, J. K. Wood Jr., H. L Acor. 70 Dr. Byrd assists a patient from the helicopter after transfer from the USS Helena for an emergency appendectomy operation on board the Essex. : sm Mission completed — the Essex helicopter team succesfully rescued the pilot and crewman of an AJ which crashed off the port bow early in March. 71 • • Un he. oLi ' 72 -miiiiiAJif e «nm .„ W 3. g. §«aic u , ' ' iMk 73 CDR G. B. SATTERWHITE FRONT ROW : LTJG J. J. MattiU, LTJG W. A. Shanahan, LTJG H. J. Gwilym ; BACK ROW: CHCARP N. D. Rasmussen, ENS R. E. Helper Jr. FRONT ROW : LTJG E. D. Hasenwinkle, LT R. H. Oberg, LTJG E. T. Mazur Jr. ; BACK ROW : CHMACH G. L. Gay, LTJG R. P. Hawkins, CHMACH E. F. Vallereux. ■R H Hmi i l S HBH| | 0 v k l mt 1 rTJ K fc ij W flf ' ■ ■ , Sk ' .■ ' ■ ■ : ' :: A LCDR H. A. MAY 74 LTJG T. S. SIMS ENS J. O. Beck, ENS B. M. Newllan, CHELEC H. V. Prickett. DIVISION No, Sir, I didn ' t know we had one of those aboard; do we fix that, too? A Division has responsibilities it hasn ' t even found yet. Since the Auxiliary Division ' s duties vary so widely, the division is split into four gangs: hydraulics, diesel, refrigeration, and machine shop. The hydraulics gang maintains al-nost all the hydraulic machinery aboard, the main exceptions being the catapults and arresting gear. Besides the airplane elevators, anchor windlass, steering gear, rearming winches, and boat cranes, they have several items they ' re still wondering how they got, such as the ship ' s whistle and siren. The diesel gang maintains the ship ' s boats, emergency diesel generators, and diesel firepumps. People who like to tangle with the MAA force are no doubt well checked out on the forward emergency diesel firepumps — well, now you know we have them. If it ' s too cold we can always make it warmer. If it ' s too warm, we can try to make it cooler. The refrigeration gang maintains the 11 air con- ditioning systems on board. A considerable pro- blem is preventing many thousands of dollars of food in the ship ' s reefers from spoiling. Since the Essex has one of the best equipped machine shops in the fleet, jobs the machine shop gang can ' t accomplish are few and far between. Shop personnel also operate the tool issue rooTi and repair the steam heating system. Tes, Sir, A Division stands for ' anything ' as well as for ' auxiliaries. ' 77 .1 ' = : f ' _ ' ' -S z m i Ik- ' FRONT ROW : J. A. Marttila, MMC E. E, Schoonover, LTJG E. D. Hasenwinkle, MMC D. V. Nimon, A. Lee ; SECOND ROW: R. J. Hansen, J. W. Porch, D. D. Smith, F. W. Nichols Jr., R. D. Eunderburk, D. L. Beaver; THIRD ROW: D. T. Coulehan, F. A. Miller, M. O. Wyatt, J. D. McCray, E. G. Bruns, F. D. Schreffler ; BACK ROW : H. L. John- son, R. H. Crenshaw, B. Oros, V. P. Sauer, E. R. Skaggs, F. Bramon. FRONT ROW : J. R. Garinger, J. R. Jones, J. A. Woosley, D. R. Manor, C. C. Green, R. L Neesley ; SECOND ROW : MMC W. H. Fister, L. R. John- son, E. L Inman, C. L Sheflo, J. D. Hawkins, LTJG H. J. Gwilym; BACK ROW: L. G. Lindsay, W. E. Vincent, C. E. Baldwin, B. L GrifFis. J. L. Num- melin, R. D. Cowan. 78 FRONT ROW : LTJG J. J. Manila, J. J. Hinkle, D. SSipley, T. A. Wright, MMC D. M. Fohner; SECOND ROW: J. J. Koricanek, A. F. White, K. C. Butler, F. B. Zehner, K. E. Ward, E. E. Griggs; THIRD ROW : L E. Ford, R. D. Dodson, R. W. Strong, W. H. Van Hooser, J. A. Loustanau, R. R, Hancoc k ; BACK ROW : G. J. Hicks, R. L. Evans, L R. Wolfe, J. S. Blalock, E. G. Murray, T. E. Gainford. FRONT ROW : P. W. Haskell, D. R. Wisser, R. J. Ruess, A. E. Davis, R. L. Harper ; BACK ROW : H. R. Causey, E. L. Tanner, P. H. Hunter, G. W. Archer. 79 DIVISION The primary function of ' ' B Division is the operation and maintenance of the boilers which supply the motive force enabling our metal monster to attain mobility. To accom- plish this the ship is equipped with eight boilers and a large number of supporting auxiliary machines which are connected by an array of pipes, valves, and gages packed systematically into four fire rooms. Operating this system under steady steam- ing conditions is a fairly routine undertaking; however, anything but routine during a day of air operations. Each time the ship changes speed the steam demands of the engines change accordingly, calling for some fast action by the boiler tenders. A.t sea little general upkeep beyond casu- alties requiring immediate action is accom- plished. So while operation is of greatest importance at sea, maintenance is the keynote in port. Handling the ship ' s fuel and water supply is another responsibility of B Division. Amid their charts and diagrams, the oil king and his assistants control the storage and handling of these liquids and keep a close eye on their consumption. And as the good ship Essex wended its way over the shimmering seas of the Pacific, the men of the boilers perfomed their vital jobs, and the never-ceasing cry of the Kee- Kee bird was heard echoing from the depths of the firerooms, Kee-Kee Kripes it ' s hot down here. 90 FRONT ROW : R. W. Champlain, J. E. Baker, LTJG R. P. Hawkins, O. L Freeman, R. L. Hinch ; SECOND ROW : R. C. Grimes, R. H. Houston, R. H. Carter, J. O. Anderson, J. M. Ricard, G. G. Day THIRD ROW: BTC J. S. Ellington, H. G. Karlosky, H. B. Elliott, C. E. Brickhouse, M. W. Brock, S. B. Duran, L. Braye, BTC S. D. Barker; BACK ROW: W. L French, B. D. Smith, R. W. Walker, R. L. Herzog. L. E. Coleman, R. G. Spencer. FRONT ROW : M. F. Collins, A. J. Smith, L. H. Benton, T. D. Easley, J. P. Lewis ; SECOND ROW : K. N. Can- trell, G. F. Lambert, F. G. Strosnider, R. H. Roww, F. N. Gliddon; THIRD ROW : BTC A. Ventresca, G. R. Sharp, G. R. Weils, L. C, Torgenson, D. L Holladay: BACK ROW: J. B. Lamb, D. L. Misfeldt, R. H. Dennis, J. Loredo, B. L. Sheppard. 81 FRONT ROW: B. J. Eubanks, B. L. Gvillot, A. K. Billhimer, D. M. Gilley, J. W. Sullivan, W. P. Norton; SECOND ROW : W. C. Giles, V. H. Copeland, H. F. Newton, L. Pfannenstiel, A. W. Patton, C. D. Shipman ; THIRD ROW : A. H. Warmunde Jr., W. V. Haynie, J. S. Anderson, J. H. Hall, H. O. Prouty, H. A. Donovan, BTC H. J. Pischke ; BACK ROW: H. L Hardy, H. Bigham, H. L. Green, J. F. Hogan, R. A. Dye, J. W. Lochart. FRONT ROW: C. L. Keech, J. E. Conner, G. J. Montoya, C. D. Delaney, E.A. Motgomery, LP. Porter; SECOND ROW : F. L. Sims, R. J. Miller, L L Dov ney, G. J. Yeaw, T. S. Tubbs, J. Jenkins, F. D. Baker; THIRD ROW : J. G. Montemayor, M. J. Ashcraft, D. J. Bishop, T. A. Parsons, J. B. Sellers, W. Gonzales, BTC L. C. Spirk ; BACK ROW: D. A. Nickols, J. T. Webster, R. A. Stevens, P. A. Rose, G. Correa, R. L. Haley. 82 FRONT ROW : A. L Litke, MMC C. S. Maupin, BTC N. D. Wilson, H. R. Wolfe, H. A. Ekiund; BACK ROW: C. A. White, A. E. Eason, G. L. Sta- pely, M. P. Mohr, R. G. Posley. FRONT ROW : BTC D. H. Burks, O. T. Drinkwater, D. P. Burrough, C. F. Straub, A. W. Black, H. J. Cook; BACK ROW : G. A. Douglas, V. Ed- wards, J. T. Kennedy, R. Wasilehin, T. W. Allan. 83 FRONT ROW: J. B. Carter, L. J. Daniels, J. Pastrana, C. E, Christy ; SECOND ROW : BTC J. A. Meeks, T. R. Kirkland, M. E. Morgan, J. D. Stark, D. J. Barker, W. L. Jackson, BTC D. W. Alderman ; BACK ROW : R. J. Flickner, T. Morales, W. P. Adie, B. E. Benson. FRONT ROW: J. B. Carter, H. B. Repp, R. G. Emert, R. D, Nelson, J. Pastrana, J. Lopez, C. E. Pierce, R. F. Johnson; SECOND ROW : J.Cruz, R. E. Filburn, F. G. Elliott, K. Rouley, J. L. Simms, D, C. Farley, F. G. Derum, H. L. Johnson, R. D. Tomlinson, J. D. Shrewsbury; THIRD ROW : L H. Han- cey, R. W. Soiney, R. D. Wilson, R. D. Williams, T. N. McGinnis, T. J. Lewis, H. R. Keezer, C. E. Christy, Z. Hilinski, D. J. Bishop, T. J. Mabery; BACK ROW: J. L. Caudle, D. L Parnell, G. D. Stark, A. R. Blakeman, W. P. Warren, K. L. Albin, J. W. Salter, P. Owens, G. E. Hill, G. A. White, L Mays, D. J. Dellenger. 84 DIVISION Ever heard of the Essex Power, Light, Tele- phoae, and Motion Picture Company, Unlimited? Well, oflScially we ' re the Electrical Division, but we ' re often referred to as sparktricians {by our shipmates) or dinkies (ashore in Japan). Braving the sweltering temperatures of the enginerooms and firerooms, our distribution gang mans the generators and switchboards supplying enough power and light for a fair sized city. Our power gang maintains 440-volt equipment throughout the ship, controlling the ventilation system, anchor windlass, steering engine, winches, bakery ovens, and galley ranges. Our aviation and ordnance gang keeps the airplane elevators, bomb elevators, gun mounts, boat and airplane cranes, and a department store size escalator in tip-top shape. Our lighting gang maintains general lighting, electric fans, searchlights, and the intricate hangar and flight deck lights required for night air oper- ations. From its air conditioned spaces the interior communications gang maintains a 300-line dial telephone exchange, gyro compass system, and public address system. When Movie Call sounds, the IC electricians double as movie operators, showing stateside movies in the ship ' s hangar deck theater. E Division— we ' re Public Utilities, UN- LIMITED afloat. Genera Quarters. . . General Quarters. 85 FRONT ROW: EMC L E. Martin; SECOND ROW: J. W. Thomson, N. E, Reid, T. F. Mullin, A. F. Jones, G. L. Friend ; THIRD ROW : W. L. Bray, J. B. Wilson, D. S. Thompson, E. J. Brown, W. D. Lawrence ; BACK ROW : J. R. Lane, H. L. Patterson, H. O. Griepentrog, L. W. Walker, R. L Newborn, J. C. Anderson. FRONT ROW: R. L. McCraine, EMC P. W. Ballard, E. M. Zaremba ; SECOND ROW: A. D. Jesser, P. E. Sundberg, C. L. Doss, C. E. Gray, E. W. Jones, O. J. Falk: BACK ROW: H. W. Dohms, W. E. Love, J. O. Bass, S. L. Sanders, G. B. Conklin, H. W. Fletcher. 86 FRONT ROW : B. J. Kempa, D. H. Schulze. J. T. Eardley, J. R. Smith, J. E. Garnett, A.S. Hollabaugh ; SECOND ROW: W. W. Ware, C. T. Clifford, ICC P. J. Puckett, ICC W. R. Graham, V. J. Schurz, C. W. Labian; THIRD ROW: C. E. Loring, F. L. Hoskins, K. R. Barton, D. L. McClanahan, R. H. Kraus, D. L Helm, I. C. Olivier ; BACK ROW : A. G. Larson, L L. Moss, D. H. Renegar, G. H. Johnson, W. J. Friend, R. L. Barr, H. D. Harris. FRONT ROW: M. F. Flynn, J. R. Gwinn, EMC L. E. Martin, A. L. Cannon, H. N. Billhimer; SECOND ROW : W. E. Gay, J. D. Harris, E. C. Kirsch, R. E. Bates, V. B. Buchanan ; THIRD ROW : J. J. Martin, A. D. Scruggs, D. A. Haynes, W. J. Daiker, P. Connors. 87 FRONT ROW: J. D. Vance, EMC P. W. Ballard, H. L Boone, R. E. Gardiner; SECOND ROW : T. V. Sirven, D. P. Goertz, W. C. Fulkerson, T. E. Tapley, D. E. Allen, B. H. Selesnik; BACK ROW: E. C. Leonard, D. B. German, W. P. Jones, 8. L Owen, R. G. Mansker, H. S. Lulce. FRONT ROW: J. E. Tubbs, F. E. Avery. J. E. Mixon ; SECOND ROW: R. L. Samuels, J. R. Rea, J. V. Faraone, L E. Lyons, D. P. Glienke, A. W. Stei- naway; BACK ROW: T. E. Michael, D. P. Schoening, J. E. West, J. J. Pavco, A. G. Putnam, C. D. Holmes, C. F. Worley, R. E. McClure, F. D. Hallett. DIVISION All engines ahead full. The order from the bridge passes down to main engine control and M Division swings into action, unleash- ing the 150,000 horsepower of the ship ' s main engines. The throttlemen open the throttles which allow high pressure steam to surge into powerful turbines turning the huge screws. The Essex is again underway. Under the supervision of the Main Pro- pulsion Assistant, M Division is responsible for operating and maintaining the ship ' s four main engines and turbogenerators. The cotu- bined power output of the engines is equal to that of 30 diesel locomotives. The division is divided into three gangs: forward engine room, aft engine room, and turbogenerators. Each man is assigned a specific duty while on watch underway. In addition to the supervisory watch and the men on each of the four throttles, there are men assigned to operate, regulate, and observe the lube oil pumps, the condensate and main feed booster pumps, the D. A. feed tanks, and the main bearing temperature. Long periods between navy yard overhauls and extended high speed operations at sea have created a huge maintenance problem for the men of M Division. During the cruise they accomplished countless repairs ranging from replacement of main turbine bearings to completely rebuilding several pumps and re- lated equipment. When the Officer of the Deck orders, Standby to answer all bells, M Division is always ready to go. 89 FRONT ROW: E. F. Campbell, L I. Berber, C. W. Lee, H. F. Sari, E. D. Saebree, R.Garza; SECOND ROW : B. M. Johnston, B. J. Vines, W. M. Beery, A. F. O ' Tool, M. H. Kelly, J. H. Jopes, M. L. Gerdes, B. Crews; THIRD ROW : LT W. R. Cushman, L. E. Wyatt, J. B. Gammelgard, R. H. Dobbins, S, C. Hollar, J. D. Willard, G. D. Allen, MMC J. W. Colantoulo; BACK ROW : F. E. Woods, D. A. Santos, C. T. Richardson, R. F. Saari, F. D. Prescott, E. L. Dykes, W. E. McDaniel. FRONT ROW: MMC C. E. Maxwell, LTJG E. T. Mazur; SECOND ROW; M. W. Grubb, T. Hogue, M. H. Dow- ling, R. L. Harvey, J. T. Page, D. R. Schochler, J. C. Dugas, E. C. Johnson, R. H. Koleske; THIRD ROW : D. W. Herron, J. L. Bednar, S. R. Phipps, J. D. Morris, J. H. Scheele, D. A. Wagner, J. E. Joyner, B. C. Elliott, A. B. Little- john ; BACK ROW : L D. States, B. E. HalFpop, A. A. Daum, G. C. Strong, J. F. Glor, W. L. Bost, R. L. Montgom- ery, B. W. Gustafson, 90 FRONT ROW: R. E. Byers, F. J. Tompkins, C. R. Schmidtberger, C. H. Smith, J. L. Zimmerman, D. M. Martyn ; BACK ROW : J. P. Henksl, J. E. Ashley, F. N. Hayes, F. H. Mikkelson, R. C. Petty, B. G. Butterworth, J. E. Gustafson. FRONT ROW : P. E. Kerr, R. H. Laraau: SECOND ROW: W. D. Smith, D. W. Wiedel, J. L. Sanders, D. E. Franks, G. W. Sigmon, G. J. Shepherd ; BACK ROW: M. D. Mills, T. A. Hudson, J. I. Godsey, J. O. Harrington, L. J. Hunk. 91 DIVISION Like the Dutchman with his hole in the dike, R Division insures that our home is watertight and fireproof. Under the super- vision of the ship ' s Damage Control Assistant, the division forms the nucleus of the ship ' s damage control organization. ■R Division ratings include metalsmiths, pipefitters, and damage controlmen who per- form repairs to the hull and metal structures of the ship, service the salt water piping sys- tems, keep the flight deck usable for aircraft, and maintain numerous pieces of specialized damage control equipment. In addition to their regular work day, the men of the division maintain the ship ' s security watch system at sea and in port, re- cord the ship ' s draft and stability characteris- tics, check for proper watertightness, and assure that no fire hazards or other conditions endanger the safety of the ship. R Division ' s special sea detail operates the equipment which raises and lowers the anchors. One special segment of the division is comprised of the engineering yeomen who serve as gears in the complex paper machi- nery of records, logs, work requests, instruc- tions, and correspondence necessary to operate the Engineering Department efiiciently. Ano- ther group is the paint locker crew who daily fight the endless battle of Pots and Brushes to keep the ship preserved and presentable. Both the ship ' s company and air group are dependent upon R Division for their comfort and safety. Oh Yes . . . Your Paint 92 FRONT ROW : LTJG W. A. Shanahan, ENS R. E. Helper, MEC R. L Piel, J. D. Ellis, E, F. Kingsbury, D. L. Young, MEC R. J. McRae, CHCARP N. D. Rasmussen ; SECOND ROW : E. L. Har- ding, K. L. Rice, D. W. Melton, E. H. Glaser, J. Toler, T. L. Lancaster, J. A. Balmelli ; BACK ROW : C. O. Cates, J. W. Peterson, R. E. Gifford, J. L Packard, J. W. Smith, J. J. Merryfi«ld. 93 FRONT ROW: ENS R. E. Helpar, B. Nichols, R. A. Andrews, H. C. Gibbons, M. E. Fickes; SECOND ROW: BTC H. M. Guinan, F. Fink, L J. Niewald, R. E. Watson, R. H. Maas, FPC O. W. Jennings; BACK ROW: LTJG W. A. Shanahan, B. G. Prichard, J. A. Marron, J. L. Brennan, R. J. Floyd, CHCARP N. D. Rasmussen. lit FRONT ROW: C. H. BedPord, H. D. Barnes, J. N. Brown, S. M. Letterman ; SECOND ROW : BTC H. M. Guinan, A. B. Cook, B. Wornock, J. R. Drennan, ENS R. E. Helper; BACK ROW: LTJG W. A. Shanahan, R. J. Shorb, M. E. Davis, C. Lundt, D. W. Marsden, CHCARP N. D. Rasmussen. 94 FRONT ROW : F. A. Woolen, L J. Weidner, W. F. Carroll, R. L. Bryant, ; SECOND ROW : BMC H. Jacobs, C. H. Williams, E. C. Fischer, DCC C. D. Smith, ENS R. E. Helper ; BACK ROW : CHCARP N. D. Rasmussen, J. F. Schur- bon, R. L. Brown, J. R. DufFy, R. L Hood, R. H. Kvidera, W. L LaRue Jr., LTJG W. A. Shanahan. FRONT ROW: D. Hall, C. Ellis, L Waldron, G. Swall, J. George, T. Butler, J. Bowman; SECOND ROW: C. Sy- phert, E. Griggs, G. Chistenson, F. Secora, R. Munoz ; THIRD ROW : G. Smith, G. Sway, M. Murphy, H. Wood, A. Russo, C. Van Winkle, B. Miller, J. Freed; BACK ROW: A. Pepper, L. Blair, A. Roberts, R. Hubert, R. Bashore. 9S (S uoHcn • • A.ocKe4 Vn t 5oqic G)« i«n ?6 SUuUnant Com.na.uUr 9R. Q. 0ai« ... . ' iSQl 97 FRONT ROW : ENS T. P. Chamlee, LTJG H. L. Metts, LTJG J. B. McClane, LTJG A. H. Moeller, LTJG D. H. Gashler ; BACK ROW : LTJG F. p. Lofstrom Jr., ENS M. H. Chaney, ENS A. A. Delucchi, LTJG P. C. Bruck. K S M f i j rU 3 j LT W. W. RED .FRONT ROW: LTJG W. W. Weber, LT R. D. Clark, LT H. C. Hornsby, LT J. J. Molter, LT K. B. Belman; BACK ROW: CHGUN A. Katonak, CHGUN R. S. Marshall, CHBOSN H. L. Worrell, CHRELE P. E. Tibbetls, ENS J. R. Spence. 98 LCDR R. P. REGESTER ■HB ' M«fe= ctdt ceutcftOMt LTJG C. S. CHRISTENSEN JR. 99 DIVISION The men of G-1 Division have widely varied duties and responsibilities which can best be grouped under the two rates basic to the division: the Gunner ' s mates or gunners, and the Boatswains mates or bo ' sn ' s. The gunners are responsible for maintain- ing and operating the four five-inch guns assigned to the division and for the upkeep of related spaces. Under the able tutelage of our first class gunner, Frederico, we have repeatedly turned in outstanding performances during both gun firings and zone inspections. The bo ' sn ' s are responsible for the up- keep of the forecastle and the Captain ' s gig quite a natty little bumboat. In addition, we stand various in port watches, bo ' sn mate of the watch, and that terror among pilot house watches, the console watch. We rig and man our refueling and replenishment stations: refueling station number five, the distance line, and our winch during reprovisioning. Under the leadership of our leading petty officer, Ames, we have become a well checked out crew. But let us give credit to whom credit is due — the seamen. SA ' s and SlN ' s scrape the paint, man the replenishment stations, and fire the guns. Upon their ability depends whether a job will be well done. Our motto is Give us G-1 Division and Liberty! The First Degree FRONT ROW : C. M. Keluche, L. R. Gaines, A. E. Brocks, E. C. Burns ; SECOND ROW: L B. Leitzell, B. W. Hall, LTJG J. L. Bright, G. E. McDaniel, J. A. Duncan ; THIRD ROW : J. D. Fourtunia, A. B. Peach, R. L. Hockey, J. Gomez, G. L. Barrett, H. R. Schicker ; BACK ROW : S. R. Hooks, R. L. Wil- liams, C. E. Cathey, D. D. Gloyd, J. E. Pangos, W. D. Gloyd. 100 FRONT ROW: ENS T. P. Chamlee ; SECOND ROW: C. W. Lewis, J. A. McCarthy, L. Ausmus, A. H. L Federico, E. M. Miller, F. W. Berry; THIRD ROW : N. W. Brock, C. E. Storrs, J. Benson, H. A. Hendrix, R. F. Dowdle, E. E. Nightengale; BACK ROW: H. G. Combs, R. L. Kerr, C. H. Gandara, M. B. Turner, F. E. Parlett, K. D. Smith. FRONT ROW: J. R. Grund, C. H. Ames, BMC S. T. Warren, R. F. Dinkins, H. D. Stephens ; SECOND ROW : C. R. Coggins, C. R. Popkins, R. A. Pratt, L. Cook, J. D. Mancuso, C. Mora ; BACK ROW: W. E. Cole, H. O. Wright, E. B. Gray, J. D. Armstrong, H. Y. Hindman, L. Douglas. 101 Left, This is how we did it in the OLD Navy. Below, some of G-2 Division ' s men swab out the barrel of one of the ship ' s eight five-inch guns. Stopping off the chain in Ma- nila Bay — 30 fathoms at the water ' s edge in a muddy bottom. Steady up on course 090, all engines ahead full indicating 110 turns. 102 DIVISION Shake, Rattle, And Roll Now the Second Division man the flight deck highline station aft — belay that — man the highline station aft — belay that — man the highline station forward — on the double! Yes, you guessed it: the highline is part of G-2 Division ' s province, as well as the number two motor launch, the life boat, and five-inch guns. Rigging the port quarter boat boom, painting the port catwalk, maintaining division spaces, and side cleaning fall to us also. We stand an occasional watch — port life boat, anchor watch, side boys, dock sentry, galley deck, boatswain ' s mate, and magazine security watches. And we warm up for Satur- day morning inspections on shore patrol or boat duty. But if we sound tired, you ' ve got it all wrong. And are we sports minded ? Yes, Sir ! Krupsky has been away fighting with the ship ' s boxing team. Gibbons was high point man on the basketball team, and Chief How- lett is a star Softball player. We all take part in that competitive game of games known as loading drills. Go ahead, ask me, mate — I ' ll square my hat, stick out my chin, and tell you — 0-2 is the best division in the entire Navy! FRONT ROW: J. B. Downs, M. J. Siska, LTJG H. L. Metts, p. C. Steffen, J. Kmpsky ; SECOND ROW : E. Strait, A. D. Cooper, A. L Allsbrook, W. M. Carroll, C. A. Thompson ; BACK ROW : L. G. Tanner, T. E. Watts, M. L. Trubey, D. Keenan, J. O. Elmore, F. C. Tarum. 103 FRONT ROW: B. L. Zanin, R. C. Herz- berger, C. E. Boomhower, R. M. Mon- zoline, J. W. Troutman, J. L. Bouslaugh ; SECOND ROW: BMC W. J. Holder, L. P. McKenzie, G. W. Williams, V. R. Butler, R. M. Pinterich, M. C. Medearis, ENS M. H. Chaney ; BACK ROW : M. H. Thompson, J. L. Whitson, E. L. Hearon, D. Haroutunian, J, E. Parkerson, P. L. Ames. FRONT ROW : R. C. Felker D. D. McLin, GMC D. R. Hewlett, F. B. Gib- bons, P. L Brown, B. D. Hecht: SECOND ROW: B. J. Long, J. R. McLain, I. Cohen, E. H. Harmon, J. R. Moore, R. E. Price; BACK ROW: P. A. Botkins, L. Simaile, T. Guss, L. C. Routt, W. T. Warren, A. A. Medina. 104 Refuel destroyers at midnight... take on fuel at dawn.. .replenish uU day...8crub down the quarter- deck, here conies the Admiral... man the motor launch on the double...get the mounts ready to fire.. .load those guns faster.. .in- spection in ten minutes.. .and on and on. The life of a sailor in G-3 Division is a busy one, to say the least. A.sk any G-3 man and ihe ' U tell you what he does : The work of at least three of those airdales. But did you ever hear a G-3 man complain ? Sure, wouldn ' t you ? Bo ' sn ' s mates and gunners, you ' ll find them both in this diversified division. G-3 is the division which reduces the paper- work empire to ash in the inci- nerator, a division responsibility. Addtional duties include a bur- toning station, a refueling station, the quarterdeck and forward DIVISION Get Hof! starboard accomodation ladder, a motor launch, innumerable clean- ing stations, and three three-inch mounts on the starboard side. Whittaker (better known as Red ) maintained gentle, but firm, control as leading petty officer. On the mounts the big guns were Beebe, Baker, Ander- son, and Comstock. Around the deck spaces Groves, Buck, Tim- brook, Sanders, and Barker kept the situation well under control. When there was paper work to be done, Walters was the man, and a fine job he did, too. There were many others such as Watt, Bourland, and Tarlton, just to name a few, who deserve lots of credit. When you get right down to it, old G-3 was a good division with many good sailors in its ranks. All hands deserve a well done for the fine work and spirit they displayed throughout the cruise. FRONT ROW: J. L. Buck, J. H. Sanders, F. E. Beebe, LTJG J. B. Mc- Clane, P. Lucero, D, L. Sayles ; SE- COND ROW: W. A. Castor, A. H. Anderson, M. N. Gradillas, E. E. Brasher, C. E. Tarlton, N. L Cline : BACK: ROW : R. Delarosa, L. C. Hamilton, R. F. Murray, S. R. Cutchins, T. C. Altamirano, D. R. Catlin. FRONT ROW: M. Aguilar, N. A. Bo- zarte, J. H. Brown; SECOND ROW: P. E. Comstock, D. Baker, J. E. Whit- taker, ENS A.A. Delucchi, W. E. Sanders, W. F. Rhye: THIRD ROW: A. L. Anderson, B. Nunn, R. B. Bourland, O, B. Watt, R. G. Groves, A. Davis; BACK ROW : J. R. Cnmpo, R. D. Ogas, J. S. Walters, A. D. Jensen, L. M. Carter, E. Hilton. FRONT ROW : R. W. McCraw, R. R. Timbrook, BMC W. W. Henley, D. F. Bare, R. R. Valdez ; SECOND ROW: F. H. Harvey, K. D. Coffey, G. R. Page, R. C. Anderson, A. L. Bare, J. D. Brock ; BACK ROW : R. McMorris, G. R. Rich- ardson, J. L. Burris, D. L. Proctor, R. Madden, D. D. Noll. Right, adding a few polishing touches to one of the starboard side three-inch guns. Below, not acrobats, but men rigging for replenishment. Above, the eventual ending for a portion of the paperwork empire. Left, Port life boat reports all secure. Sir. 107 DIVISION Twenfy Years We ' ve sailed the Pacific for quite a time And worked and played aboard the Big Nine Many tales of our ventures will be told evermore For how can we forget if we ' ve been in ' ' ' ' G-4. We ' ve taken the orders from Barnes our first class: Swab those decks and polish that brass Chip that paint and scrap that deck You ' ll be here for liberty if ya ' don ' t work, by heck ! To old dad Weigle we always ran When ' ere the hoppers a shell did ja n Air action port and Commence fire Load those three-inch and don ' t you tire. You G-4 Helmsman, Steady as you go! For Stith and Hicks are havin ' a cup o ' Joe Now go to your stations the fueling detail Rig that boom and never fail. We ' re entering port so man your lines We ' ve lowered that ladder so many times Coons, Mclver, Nakatsu, Shove off For runnin ' that P-boat in Manila ain ' t soft. We ' ve stood those inspections and sweated those shines We ate that chow and hated those lines But being in G-4 we ' ll say very loud I ' m a sailor, by God, and I ' m mighty proud. . . . At Twenty Knots C. E. Walker, D. A. Magnuson, LTJG A. H. Moeller, C. E. Capes, T. H. Branch, G. Wathen. 108 FRONT ROW: E. J. Matte, B. W. Lamb, E. Johnson, D. T. Boyett, N. C. Hough ; SECOND ROW : E. L Arndt, W. W. Van Devenler, B. D. Barnes, J. O. Taylor, E. L. White ; THIRD ROW : ENS G. H. Reck, R. L Thomas, D. H. Cole, E. White, C. E. Shea, BMC C. E. Stith ; BACK ROW : W. T. Prescott, A. C. Watwood, D. L Sankwich, G. H. Miller, W. C. Lounsbury. FRONT ROW ; C. C. Williams, A. Telly, L. V. Clark, R. Buchanan, L. McCray ; SECOND ROW: W. T. Hicks, F. W. Kellett, R. D. Weigle, C. R. Wix, J. A. Debrular; THIRD ROW: GMC J. A. Mogusar, K. R. Carroll, R. A. Montez, C. R. Long, M. Shelton, A. F. Learned, GMC E. D. Wilson ; BACK ROW : H. G. Chauez, D. W. Sullens, J. E. Owens, J. T. Adams, C. W. Boyd, J. D. Coons. 109 Top left, the crew of the port boat crane mans its station. Center, if it moves, grease it ; if it doesn ' t, paint it. Lower left, and more painting, as two men in G-5 Division apply another layer to the towing spar, a division responsibility. Top right, we had several days when rough seas and unfriendly elements combined to making refueling at sea difficult, to say the least. An oil-spattered chief watches as refueling con- tinues. Lower right, the load- ing machine was always avail- able to provide extra exercise. 110 When one thinks of the fantail division, it ' s a toss-up whether he thinks first of the interminable amount of garbage stacked there (waiting to be picked up by Mary Soo) or of the three-inch mounts 313 and 3141 that haven ' t fired since — well, it must have been some- time last cruise — But really, this isn ' t the limit of G-5 Division. We also have Mount 311 and the three-inch loading machine which hasn ' t missed yet. And were it not for the starboard crane, G-1 Division would never get aboard the Captain ' s gig; nor G-3, their motor launch; nor G-5, our motor whale boat; nor the Admiral and his staff, all their paraphernalia. And in just about every port the pilot comes aboard via the salmon board, an appendage of the crane. Over the after starboard gang- way many a happy sailor has DIVISION Hurrah For Mary Soo. ' headed ashore. With the help of G-2, we rig the highline stations on the fantail, both port and starboard at any hour. We ' ve brought over all sorts of cargo and haven ' t had a casualty yet, either man or mail. For a while we had a little trouble during refueling on station seven, and on a couple of occasions several of us were administered oil baths. But after all, those hoses only stretch so far. And you ' ve seen the planes dive and shoot at the red spar towed 2,000 feet behind the ship. That ' s ours, too. We have Bo ' sn ' s mates and Gunner ' s mates ; we stand bridge watches, quarterdeck watches, and gunnery watches. We ' re a working outfit at sea, but this doesn ' t deter us from being lovers of the beach. We ' re a happy bunch and we ' ll take a lot of ribbing, because we ' re proud of our division. FRONT ROW: R. C. Hyslop, J. J. Marlow, LTJG D. H. Cashier, R. W. Forrest, M. K. Ellis; SECOND ROW : A. R. Garvin, F. R. Stinnett, J. Love, G. B. Wilee, S. Apocada, J. W. Day; BACK ROW: L. D. Terry, E. R. May- field, ' J. H. Wilson, C. P. Bacher, L. J. Gonzalez, E. L. Norman. Ill FRONT ROW: R. C. Carter, J. R. Cox, J. F. Larkin, LTJG P. C. Bruck, T. S. Enox, R. C. Williams; SECOND ROW: J. H. Alexander, L Daniel, O. E. Surtin, A. W. Gulson, W. A. Lorton, L. E. McClendon; BACK ROW: J. T. Isaacks, D. M. Sanford, M. C. Medina, F. G. James, R. C. Sparks, G. L. Ketteriing. FRONT ROW : J. M. Pike, LTJG W. W. Weber, C. W. Pearson ; SECOND ROW : W. B. Klinefelter, M. L Weimern, C. W. Dilla, E. R. Beltram, J. L. Mc Pherson; THIRD ROW: B. D. Weathers, R. Scharlepp, A. W. Beach, R. A. Hinson, J. E. Shawn, J. Krysiuk ; BACK ROW : B. C. Yelverton, R. Draughn, D. L. Mattingly, J. E. Whitmore, G. C. Morgan. 112 DIVISION Air Action To Starboard From the magazines far below on the seventh deck to the main battery directors high aloft on the island. Fox Division ' s influence affects the accuracy of the Essex guns. Division respon- sibilities range from issuing small arms to posi- tioning guns on approaching targets. The ship ' s main battery is not her aircraft, as some people would like to believe, but five- inch guns strategically spotted around the sides. The guns are controlled from the directors. Sky 1 and Sky 2, from which they may also be fired. Precise technical equipment in Sky 1 aud Sky 2 obtains the range, bearing, and elevation of tar- gets, then relays this information to main plot, where the problem is solved quickly by means of a computer. The solution is then sent to the guns. The secondary battery of three-inch guns is controlled in a similar manner. In addition. Fox Division mans Sky 1 and Sky 2 to measure range for approaches to re- plenishment ships, for special sea details coming into port, and for tracking rawins to gather aero- logical information. Another part of Fox Division is the armory gang who stow and break out the ship ' s amiiuni- tion, anything from a three-pound practice bomb to a one-ton block buster. Delivering 20 MM ammunition to Air Department personnel on the third deck was a major task of this crew. The armory ' s gunner ' s mates handle the line throwing gun during replenish nent and special sea detail. This hard working gang also furnishes around-the-clock patrols to prevent any catastrophe resulting from fires or damage in the ship ' s ma- gazines. FRONT ROW : R. G. Ferrell, D. C Houk, J. C. Erit, R. M. Nelsen, R. B Wilson, P. B. Hall; SECOND ROW : C V. Cornelius, E. S. Mead, LTJG D. H Gashler, LT H. C. Hornsby, CHGUN A. Katonak, C. L. Moss ; THIRD ROW R. R. Hidalgo, L F. Wheeler, R. E. Stull, J. Tate; M. C. Grant, J. L Vandeventer, J. E. Schroeder; BACK ROW: C. M. Schumacher, K. G. Sandvig, S. O. Lyons, E. E. Barnes, E E. Holt, C. R. Gordy, 113 FRONT ROW: FTC C. D. Battles, ENS J. R. Spence; SECOND ROW: J. F. Groell, F. K. Heesch, J. M. Rountree, V. M. Dunkin, L. B. Larsen, R. D. Swan- son ; THIRD ROW: D. E. Schneider, H. L. Rice, R. D. Williams, J. W. Mahone, J. O. Edwards, W. E. Smith; BACK ROW : R. Still, p. Candelario, B. W. Bayless, B. J. Chopnik, J. B. Frederick. It FRONT ROW : F. G. Ries, J. D. Dietz. O. Dobson, C. R. Lamb, D. H. Wilcox- son ; SECOND ROW : E. L. Watts, W. T. Jacobs, GMC E. A. McLellan, CHGUN R. S. Marshall, A. J. Landrum, R. J. Freihoff; THIRD ROW: T. A. Smith, F. W. McConnell, J. R. Haag, N. D. Garrison, B. F. Stewart, C. R. Gerlich, M. W. Carr; BACK ROW: W. D. Dornan, L. E. Posey, D. W. Hard- man, J. W. Boyle, D. G. Lenon, G. Wright. 114 Left, part of the armory gang assembles small arms after conducting routine maintenance. Above, the main battery plot computer is for experts only. ffWe ifc- HBB % K ' r k .jj H HI 19 ■. : SHU IS IH Left, firecontrolmen test three- inch fire control radar. Above, the shot line goes over to a refueling ship. 115 DIVISION The Z Bomb W Division personnel comprise the ship ' s special weapons team. They are assigned to the ship for the dura- lion of the cruise by ComAirPac. The division ' s activities are as numer- ous as they are unknown. However, when the working day has been com- pleted and the division ' s assigned chores finished, the members have emerged forth from the depths of the ship to score successes reflecting con- siderable coordination and practice as a unit. The W Division softball team de- feated a group representing the entire Philippine Navy four out of six limes in Manila. (The division also managed to top the ship ' s Marine detachment once after numerous attempts.) W Division is attached to the Gun- nery Department, perhaps the division ' s justification for being the center of activity of the Essex Rod and Gun Club. The division exhibited its spirit at several parlies during the cruise, in- cluding a Christmas parly aboard ship which was probably the most exclusive ever held on the Essex. Admittance was by special pass only. FRONT ROW : J. E. Breen, G. L Cochran, A. W. Boyce, R. L. Gentry ; SECOND ROW : AOC E. W. Harbes, CHRELE P. E. Tibbetts, LT R. D. Clark, LCDR J. M. Angleton, LT J. J. Molter, LT K. B. Belman, SKC A. P. Vaughn; THIRD ROW: F. C. Haines, R. L Shirley, ETC F. L. Richard, EKC W. E. McElroy, ETC J. W. Werblow, J. J. Swartz, L T. McClellan; BACK ROW: F. E. Ford, J. M. Hellish, B. H. Knepp, I. E. Thomason, W. L. Kohnston, W. T. Black. n6 liivitaliiiii was by special pass  iily to. an exclusive Christmas party . I LCDR J. M. ANGLETON where even Santa Claus is classified . , but all the gang was there. 117 ' 7fl vUHe 118 CAPT D. E. McQUINN, USMC 1st LT N. K. BODNAR, USMC The original concept of a sea-going Marine detachment is lost in time. Historical records show Pheonicians and Greeks using the equivalent of the present day Marines five centuries before the Christian era. Our own Marine Corps originated in 1775, serving aboard ship with the Continental Navy and with General Washington ' s Army. Since those times, the Marine Corps has served aboard ship in the dual role of soldier-sailor wher- ever the Navy has been ordered. It ' s safe to assume we ' ve seen the last boarding operations, but our primary mission remains to seize and hold forward bases for the use of fleet. Secondly, we provide internal and external security for the ship. This includes supervising the ship ' s sentries, assuring that no undesirable persons come aboard; and supervising the brig, assuring that no un- authorized personnel go ashore. The part of the job that appeals most to Marines aboard is manning the three-inch guns in Quad Four. TTie Marine Detachment is proud of the shooting record they have compiled. Com- petition regarding the maintenance of the mounts is keen, particularly since the Honor Mount for each quarter is inscribed on a plaque kept in the Marine compartment. The Marine Detachment is also responsible for the organization and training of the ship ' s Landing Party. To this end, qualified Marines give lectures on the methods and weapons used in landing operations. 119 f niimii FRONT ROW : J. E. CopeUnd, R. L Loiselle, K. J. Aagaard, M, Sgt L. L Sanderson D. L. Stratton, D. R. Berg, W. E. McCurdy; SECOND ROW: D. E. Wilke, F. L Stutts, A. R. Ceccanti, A. C. Spanier, R. A. Howell, F. R. Miller, W. E. Morris; BACK ROW: J. E. Chandler, J. T. Specht, J. Burbulys, J. D. Holt, P. D. Heppert, R. G. Hess, R. H. Rodenbeck. I FRONT ROW : C. K. Sarconi, N. L Brown, D. R. Ellis, H. N. Kimble, R. T. Kunath, P. W. Mechtenbarg, C. E. Nugent Jr.; SECOND ROW: L W. Swan Jr., J. F. Quinn, L D. Pearson, M. W. Dunne, B. R. Coffey, J. M. Gresti, G. J. Vargas ; BACK ROW : E. F. Mercer, C. E. French, G. R. Lammert, C. H. Brown, L L. Taylor, W. W. Stinebaugh, A. Ackermann. 120 Above, the Marine sentry on duty unlocks one of the cells in the ship ' s brig. Top right, Marines purchase supplies in their own small stores which carries only Marine items. Right, the Captain ' s orderly leaves the open bridge with some messages for the Captain. II I ' FRONT ROW : W. C. Burks, J. p. Sherman, W.A. Barrett, W.O. Dromgoole, D. F. Baker, Q. A. Berquist ; SECOND ROW: J. K. Bush, G. E. Coy, J. P. Costello, P. G. Wynberg, E. M. Cook, H. D. Cain ; BACK ROW ; D. G. Zitt- law, D. R. Donahoe, J. E. Wheeler Jr., R. Ciezki. ' ' ' ' «-« ' - «« iHiiiii 121 Sufofotcf ' II cK«|uefi«m Ctt c)e 122 y Commander SI. C. 9)«ter, ' iSQl 123 For whatever item you wish, a properly filled out 307 form is the key to success at the main supply office. Lower right, and no matter whether that item is large or small, no doubt it is listed somewhere in the Stores Division ' s files. 124 , DIVISION tVERHHiNG mmmi FRONT ROW : W. F. Wucher, J. C. Schlotterer, AKC J. R. P. Sheehan, LT P. M. Allen, D. E. Bullock, K. R. Jones; SECOND ROW : C. Palmer, B. F. Haw- kins, R. W. Luecht, J. Korn, J. A. Sivigliand, M. W. Donaldson; BACK ROW :• R. B. Deihl, R. J. Zahniser, I. D. Jordan, S. H. Jones, R. G. Baker, J. E. Rodriguez. S-1 Division, the Stores Division, is concerned with the functions of procuring, receiving, issuing, storing, and accoun- ting for all stores (less medical supplies, ship ' s store stock, provisions, and ammunition) needed to support the ship and embarked air group. Items under the cognizance of the division range from paper clips to complete aircraft engines. The division ' s functions are similar perhaps to a Sears Roebuck store, except that we don ' t worry about making a profit or using high pressure salesmanship. However, keeping our storerooms full of the right items to satisfy our custo- mers ' demands is a continuing problem basically evolving from a lack of storage space. To the departme nt requiring stores and to the Stores Division issuing them, the stub requisition (S A 307) is the key by which materials may be obtained. When presented to the main supply office or the aviation stores oflBce, this harmless looking scrap of paper starts wheels turning to obtain the item desired. If the item requested is commonly used, chances are it may be picked up from one of our storerooms within the hour. If, however, the item requested is not normally carried aboard ship, then that innocuous stub requisition could con- ceivably result in procurement through a Navy purchase from Joe Schlunk ' s Spare Parts Factory in Kalamazoo, Michi- gan. Of course, before the Navy visited Schlunk ' s for the part, replenishment ships, overseas supply points, and con- tinental supply points would be thoroughly investigated to assure the part needed wasn ' t available within the supply system. S-1 Division, like al l supply divisions, exists to serve the ship and air group. Its purpose is to insure that the proper quantities of the right items will be on hand at the right place at the right time. 125 FRONT ROW : T. P. Gasper, L Reisch, LTJG J. B. Leavitt, T. M. Marshall, L. Rozacky; SECOND ROW: H. L Lyth, L D. Mann, J. W. Hoover, H. E. Crom- well, R. E. Friesen, C. A. Harper ; BACK ROW: R. L Cmakal, D. J. Casino, D. Salanga, A. Solomon, H. E. Mulhern, C. T. Minehart, R. Pascual. FRONT ROW : L. Waike,, R. Eves, J Lutz ; SECOND ROW : R. A. Brace, R. W. Ganowski, SKC D. H. Williams, ENS J. W. Harkin, G. R. Bodge, M. A. Marchlano; THIRD ROW : D. E. Ackeret, H. Goehring, B. G. Malady, K. J. Fonte- not, B. R. Barnett, J. J. Graves ; BACK ROW : J. J. Frock, R. C. Davis, R. A. Malick, C. T. Crothers, J. D. Stanseli, G. V, Gideon, T. L. Doom. 126 J DIVISION .-- - - . -- In The Age Of Mechanical Wonders S-2 Division is composed of cooks, bakers, butchers, and storekeepers, plus Master-at-A.rm8 and mess men assigned to the Supply Depart- ment for temporary duty. Good food is one of the most important items in the Navy. Preparing and serving three of the best possible meals a day in the general mess is a big job for S-2. The principle responsibilities of S-2 Division are to procure, receive, store, itoatin- tain, issue, and account for general mess 7j o- visions. Weekly menus must be prepared with strict attention to dietetic balance, palatabili- ty, attractiveness, and provisional allowance. During this cruise a number of changes have been made to increase the welfare and contentment of our ' ' ever regular customers. Formica table tops, napkins on the table, large fans, enclosed dump tables, choice of main dishes on the menus, and a toast and coffee line while in port are a few of them. And remember those working parties ? Thanks for your splendid cooperation. To show our appreciation we have always at- tempted to fulfill those ' ' fourth meal requests — mid-rats, picnic rations, party commissary supplies, coffee for authorized coffee messes, and other reasonable requests. S-2 Division has a motto : If it ' s for the crew — we ' re for it. We shall always stand by that. FRONT ROW: C. R, Austin, K. K. Alleman, CHPCLK P. R. Carter, C. Greenfield, R. Galleguilloss ; SECOND ROW: W. L. Johnson, W. Brazzle, P. L. Shaw, J. W. Yates, D. Scott, T. Davidson ; BACK ROW : W. Gonzales, J. H. Frey, J. Gaona, F. Palmer, B. J. Haag. 127 FRONT ROW: J. E. Alegrlo, G. W. Johnson, CSC R A. Welch, L C. Gil- gore, C. Miller ; SECOND ROW: C. W. Bell, J. A. Martinez, J. M. Yazek, T. Lester; BACK ROW : D. J. Melst, P. Toney, W. Frazier. R. Turner, D. D. Nagel. FRONT ROW : A. L. Wiggins, A. Costa, CSC W. C. Honaker, A. Cobern, D. E. Fleming; SECOND ROW: D. C. Win- slow, T. Jordan, R. Patana, J. E. Mc- Kenzie, H. B. Erb ; BACK ROW: R. L Gorr, F. V. Sauariste, L. Watts, W. H. Markel, V. E. Malone. 128 nX Ljssrs ;iup ' 8 on — a cook in the galley stirs a sizeable batch I broth for an evening meal. Oh yes — we sweated those chow lines, trays, and mess deck MAA ' s. The crew in the laundry washes more shirts per day than mother does in a year. Bread, cookies, rolls, or pastry for noon chow — the bakery shop produces them all. The tailor can do more than just replace missing buttons. The S-3 Division office force keeps track of the many items sold in ship ' s stores and the gedunk. 129 S-3 Division — service with a smile. Each day we play an im- portant role in your existence. Our activities include laundry, bar- ber, tailor, and cobbler service, as well as operation of the retail stores and the gedunk for the comfort and enjoyment of our 2,800 shipmates. The 30 perspiring toilers in the laundry work from reveille to taps to keep uniforms and work clothes clean. The sound of giant extrac- tors spinning, huge washes revol- ving, and steam presses hissing, add their roar to the din of the laundry. Dungarees, skivie shirts, trousers, khakis, sheets, table clothes, napkins, and every other type of clothing find their way through the laundry. Never lost a shirt, that ' s not our boast; but we attempt to provide clean clothes for everyone. Crew cuts, trims, high on the top, close on the sides, or long in front — that ' s the constant chatter heard by the men in barbers ' smocks. Every day there ' s a long line of men waiting for haircuts, high or low, long or short. It all DIVISION JEij fife L No Tipping Allowed adds up to about 250 heads per day, twice that number the day before inspection. To have a pair of shoes repaired, an innersole added, or a complete rebuilding job done, the cobbler shop is the place to go. Nearby, at the tailor shop you ' ll discover that the men with the needle (sew- ing) are ready to give your blues a quick restripe job, shorten your dungarees, or mend your shirts. A variety of items — cigarettes, cameras, clothing, toothpaste, soap, etc., etc. — pass across the counters at the ship ' s stores and clothing and small stores. Sales from the approximately 1,500 items amount to $40,000 per month, making turn- over quick, business brisk, and a healthy profit for the welfare and recreation fund. Having a coke or a gedunk will bring you to S-3 again. 90,000 cokes per month, plus 15,000 gedunks, aren ' t out of the ordinary. Everywhere you go aboard ship, the men of S-3 Division wait to provide you with an essential service or product. FRONT ROW : M. A. Finigan, D. Wea- therington, LTJG A. T. Silk, K. R. Parker, B. Lindsay; SECOND ROW: G. E. Langlois, W. W. Tilson, S. W. Archer, V. L. Nance ; BACK ROW : R. C. Brown, R. L. Damron, D. R. Cooper, 130 FRONT ROW : E. F. Tipton, T. C. Mullins ; SECOND ROW : R. Campbell, C. V. Taylor, LTJG A. T. Silk, D. S. Sanderford, M. G. Osborne; THIRD ROW : J. J. Belius, L. R. Schuiz, S. L. Swayze, D. L McCummings, G. M. Songer, J. O. Fortner; BACK ROW: D. L. Nation, S. L. Miller, D. E. Ely, B. G. Inman, T. J. Roseli. FRONT ROW : M. S. Wilmot, L. Harris ; SECOND ROW : T. E. Daniere, M. E. Blake, LTJG A. T. Silk, W. J. Cauldfield, E. W. Beachley; THIRD ROW: E. V. Bayhylle, D. F. Wiggins, J . L. Mayes, D. L. Wilson, B. W. Osborne ; BACK ROW : H. Uffer, W. K. Smith, G. M. Smith, J. K. Gillespie, J. Meza. 131 DIVISION And Two Weeks Vacation Although S-4 Division is one of the smallest on board ship, its main function is one highly anticipated twice each month by all hands — namely. Pay Day. However, Pay Day is only a part of the numerous duties and responsibilities of the division. The Disbursing Office is also re- sponsible for payments of pay and allowance due officers and men of the Essex, payments of travel and per diem claims, payments for commuted rations to the various messes, pay- ments of dealers ' bills incurred outside the continental United States and Hawaii, and various other miscellaneous payments. The Disbursing Office provides money ex- change facilities outside the United States in Military Payment Certificate areas and in countries where foreign currency is used. The Disbursing Office has custody of ap- proximately 3,000 pay records. Its monthly payroll averages one quarter of a million dollars. Each month an average of 550 pay record vouchers are entered on pay records and about 250 allotments are started or stop- ped. Every payment, receipt, or pay record entry is substantiated by a voucher prepared and submitted monthly to the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts. There is an -old adage that the American sailor is happy as long as his chow and liberty are good, his pay regular and correct. S-4 Division takes pride in their contribution to- wards the high morale of the Essex. FRONT ROW: L S. Wilmot, A. E. Moore, C. H. Dixon, E. C. Burns, P. R. Riedel, D. D. Holland; BACK ROW: Chief M. D. White, ENS J. Cedarleaf. 132 n Pay Day always welcomed with an open hand. S-4 Division takes care of money matters, changing dollars to MPC, MPC to yen, or whatever other currency is required. Above, two chiefs check over tomorrow ' s menu in the wardroom. Right, break- ing out food from the storeooms and reefers is a chore which continues whe- ther the ship is in port or at sea. 133 j! DIVISION The greater portion of S-5 Division is em- ployed by a Grade A ichi ban establishment known as the Hotel Wardroom, situated at the forward end of the little town Essex. Through a strong union, the division also extends into the Captain ' s little establishment up on the hill over- looking the town, as well as into the Hotel War- rant, catering to the Town ' s Fathers. As in all similar establishments, the services rendered are quite numerous. Each steward is responsible for a number of rooms. Some of the 28 and 32 man suites in the penthouse area pre- sent quite a problem due to the various bankers ' hours some of our prominent businessmen keep. The show places of the hotels are the res- taurants which serve excellent food and give out- standing service. All cooking, baking, and serving of food is taken care of by S-5 Division. An attempt is made to serve meals at regular hours, but when operations are in progress at the enor- mous airport which our little town is so fortunate to possess, meals are cheerfully served at all hours of the day or night. We don ' t pretend to compete with the Hotel Astor, although some of our guests feel that we should, but we do attempt to make each guest ' s stay more enjoyable by run- ning a snack bar each evening and a coffee mess around-the-clock. We believe that the S-5 Division personnel and the guests living in the hotels which they operate will agree that each one of these high class establishments is really not so bad as some people would lead us to believe. FRONT ROW : H. L. Holmes, W. Taylor, ENS D. Fleming, J. Wright, J. E. Smith ; BACK ROW : J. Ramsey, C. W. Martin, R. Lewis, H. Jackson, J. D. Porter. 134 FRONT ROW : S. McCombs, M. Jagers, CSD J. Richardson, J. Crumby, M. H. Slaughter; BACK ROW : C. E. Dob- bins, E. Alexander. C. M. Parker, A. Strange, E. Barkley. FRONT ROW : M. O. Stokes, A. Cabi- les, CSD J. Owens, W. Hill, L H. Clark; SECOND ROW: D. I. Peregrin, F. Davies, U. Cash, C. P. Boone, A. L. Sanders, J. C. McDonald; BACK ROW : J. P. Devera, R. Davies, B. A. Atayan. 135 What ' s for dinner? A steward chops up beef, but the question is, Stew or Steak? It takes a lot of polishing to keep those metal wash basins shining and ready for inspection. FRONT ROW : A. Bernal, H. S. Romero; SECOND ROW: S. F. Jackson, M. Davies, CSD O. Grant, M. J. Scott, M. Filamor; THIRD ROW: E. E. DeGula, J. C. Johnson, N. O. Wagener, G. E. Granger, E. Thomas; BACK ROW: D. Ceralde, F. Abendino, M. J. Morris, M. Cooper, R. Darag, B. L. Brown. 136 T IHcMccd ieutemmt G,mmaJ r g. 91. 9l. f, ' iS 137 DIVISION Night Nurse Sick Call is as familiar to Navy men as Liberty; however, the responsibilities of the Medical Department stretch far beyond the limits of that daily event of Navy life. The department has three primary objec- tives: competent treatment of the various ills that occur among the crew, preventative me- dicine to protect the health of the crew, and a constantly improving training program to acquaint the crew with a knowledge of first aid, venereal disease prevention, and personal hygiene. On the Essex four oflScers and 27 hospital corpsmen comprise the medical team, with three strikers being given an introduction to Hospital Corps duties at present. Sick Call for general treatments is held twice daily, at 0815 and 1800 (for those who don ' t already know. However, the depart- ment is ready to treat emergencies at any hou r of the day or night. Any part of the ship can be reached by medical aid within a very short time. During the recent period of tension in the Tachen area, the department accelerated its training program on the treatment of battle casualties, a fine opportunity to observe the effectiveness of previous training. It was im- pressed by the crew ' s readiness to learn first aid and casualty evacuation. The ofiicers and men of the Medical Department are constantly on the alert to protect and preserve the health of the men of the Essex. We are proud of this respon- sibility. FRONT ROW : A. A. Howell, L. F. Howell, L. F. Hodge, LTJG E. B. Miller, G. E. Young, R. L Slark; BACK ROW: J. G. Toler, R. D. Wahl, R. M. Hopper, E. L Dufour, G. W. Dixon. 138 k 3 ?% Inoculations — he got all six in prep- aration for our tour of duty in the Western Pacific. Two corpsmen sterilize instruments prior to emergency surgery on a sea- man from a screening destroyer in the South China Sea. FRONT ROW : D. E. Hall, HMC M. E. Fry, N. F. Signoretli, R. R. Hauth, A. H. White, HMC J. A. Narron, J. W. Schultz ; BACK ROW: D. V. Nelson, R. W. Legge, W. D. Wheeler, LTJG P. Teel, C. R. Atkinson, J. J. Oulahan, R. L. Halligan. 139 CVG-2 flight surgeon and flight deck corpsmen prepare a pa- tient for air evacuation. The nurses aren ' t very pretty, but the care is first-rate in the sick bay. ' m i r ' ' it W 1 Hospital corpsmen receive weekly instruction, even after graduation from Hospital Corps School. entai • • • Jvaif -a ul c)e4ent eomm««a«- 9). 6. .?a9llai ., l§9l UI DIVISION Dental Corps personnel assigned to the Dental Department comprise the D Division. The complement of the division aboard the Essex is three dental officers and five dental technicians. It is the duty of the dental officers to render professional care to the personnel of this ship to the maximum extent of facilities available, plus educating patients in personal oral hygiene. The enlisted personnel of the department are qualified in taking X-rays, cleaning and polishing teeth, and restorations, in addition to assisting the dental officers in a wide variety of operations. Thus, the dental offiicer, assisted by the dental technicans, is responsible for prevent- ing and controlling dental disease and super- vising dental hygiene. In emergency situations and in other circumstances prescribed in the organization of the command for battle, mem- bers of D Division perform such duties in the care of sick and wounded as the Com- manding Officer may direct. All hands of the department take profes- sional pride in the appearance, efficiency, and dignified atmosphere of the department. One can be sure that services rendered are of the highest standards and are administered by highly trained professional personnel. FRONT ROW : J. J. Mindrup, E. L. Jewett, R. C. Morgan, D. R. Mollane ; SECOND ROW: LTJG R. L. Moore, CDR P. G. Lang, LT J. G. Hancock, DTC A. C. Johnston. This Won ' t Hurt A Bit 142 Above, two dental technicians X-ray a patient ' s molars to determine if any cavities exist. Below, LTJG Moore and CDR LaMothe check the dental record of one of the crew. It ' s all part of a busy day in the Dental Department. FRONT ROW: CDR D. E. LaMothe, LTJG R. W. DampP ; BACK ROW : W. L. French, J. A. Johnson, H. V. Podstata. LTJG Dampf checks a patient ' s teeth, while a dental technician stands by to assist. U3 ( annieft r t UtJit J ji i ' 144 noufi (4 I eo««n«mUr . tO. ' arUer. S9l H5 COMMANDER RICHARD W. PAR- ker asumed command of Carrier Air Group Two in Marc h, 1954, after two years as navigator of the USS Kear- sarge. Since graduating from the Naval Academy in 1940, he has spent nine years at sea, seven of them on a carrier or in a carrier-based squadron. Commander Parker brings a wide breadth of experience to his command, which he capably leads, as evidenced by the fact that he flies off the Essex in either an AD Skyraider or an F9F- 5 Panther jet. Air Group Stall LCDR G. OUANBECK Operations Officer The squadrons that presently comprise Carrier Air Group Two were first brought together at NAAS Oceana, Virgina, on August 1, 1950, when the Korean situation required another air group in the Sea of Japan as soon as possible. By August 24, 1950, the air group had been moved across the country and embarked on the USS Boxer at Alameda, Cali- fornia. During that cruise, which lasted until November 11, 1950, the most important operations were flown in support of the Inchon landings about September 15. CVG 2 spent its second Korean cruise from December 6, 1950, until June 9, 1951, on both the USS Valley Forge and the USS Philippine Sea. For nine days in May, 1951, the planes of this air group continously pounded the Communists, who had just began their spring offensive. The USS Boxer again became home for CVG-2 during its final Korean cruise from February 6, 1952, to September 25, 1952. CVG-2 aviators took part in the 1,000 plane attack on the North Korean capital of Pyongyang on August 20. The air group ' s first post-Korean cruise was aboard the USS Yorktown from August 2, 1953, to March 3, 1954. 146 FRONT ROW : LTJG B. WELCH, LT A. HENGL, L [ JG D. E. LUSTY; BACK ROW: L. E. RICHARDS, ADC C. B. LOVE. M A, ' N Tr N A N Cr AOC R. D. SPEIGHT CDR L R. MILLER o R D N A N Cr A D M, ' N. T R A T, ' O N J. E. ANDERSON, D. E. CAMPBELL, ENS J. M. BAITSELL, PNC H. N. McCANN 147 LT D. E. CROW, LTJG R. H. PERSON, LCDR G. QUANBECK, LT J. R. McBRIDE HMC J. A. NARRON, LTJG W. M. BYRD SDC J. W. SMITH OUR ISO ' S A. T. OLSON, I. G. GAMBILL LTJG W. C. RICHARD S 148 H r: CDR J. M. THOMAS This is a pictorial story of a fighter squadron aboard the USS Essex, which has been our home for the past seven and one half months. It is not the story of just any squad- ron, but Our Squadron. As you turn these pages you will see sailors old and new from fleets and training stations all over the Navy. We have formed ourselves in to the necessary components to make this. Our Squadron. A.S many of us go our separate ways to other ships and stations as this cruise ends, we go with the pride that this mightiest of fighter squadrons has served as Men Of War in the true Navy tradition. We feel that there is no fighter squadron in the Navy with pilots more skilled than ours ; nor will you find the proficient group of mechanics, metalsmiths, electricians, ord- nancemen, and radiomen such as we have. We are second to no other squadron in our spirit of cooperation and companionship. For this reason we are proud to show you Our Squadron. LCDR W. L ADAMS 149 TOMCAT DIVISION- -LTJG V. B. SCOTT, LTJG R. H. CAINES, CDR J. M. THOMAS, LTJG W. T. KLING. NUGGET DIVISION- -LTJG J. A. DICKSON, LTJG A. G. B. GROSVENOR, LCDR W. L ADAMS, LTJG L. J. PEARL. WEAK EYES DIVISION- -LTJG D. K. GROS- SHUESCH, LTJG F. F. DUGGAN, LT A. W. HOWE III, LTJG B. L DUNCAN. 150 CHICO DIVISION LTJG H. W. MICHIE, LTJG J. E. McCARDELL, LT D. T. WILLIAMS, LTJG J. SWOR. SILVER DIVISION -LTJG J. H. REAGAN, LTJG P. F. McCARTY, CAPT J. C. BARTHOLF USAF, LTJG J. A. INGRAM. SMOKE DIVblON -LT J. D. SWORD, LTJG J. A. WIKSTROM, LTJG W. D. SMYTHE, LTJG R. P. McMANUS. 151 AIR 1-kAMtS FRONT ROW : L G. Higdon, W. T. Collins, W. J. Matkin, W. L. Qutermous, J. W. Coble; SECOND ROW: AMC W. T. Williams, D. W. Smith, F. L. Larson, E. V. Abair, J. F. Kowalski, L. E. Leoffelholz, J. E. Lynch, LTJG R. H. Caines ; BACK ROW : P. C. Cottrell, K. L. Field, D. D. Abrams, R. D. Haas, W. J, Rozinka. A-- - «Sl .Ofei_ jg!. POWER PLANTS FRONT ROW : R. C. Byrne, ADC W. C. Mitchell, LTJG. W. T. Kling, ADC J. A. Ditch, D. K. McLemore; SECOND ROW: C. D, Prue, E. V. Headington, D. A. Stanek, J. P. Erickson, A. T. Vaught ; BACK ROW: O. E. Wolf, F. G. B. Yedlock, R. J. Nastali, V. W. Siivonen. 152 ELECTRICIANS AND ELECTRONICS FRONT ROW : J. C. Tolson, B. L. Warnick, ALC E. J. True, LTJG V. B. Scott, AEC J. B. Long, E. F. Perman ; SECOND ROW : R. D. Poppe, D. E. Wofford, J. H. Carrillo, R. L Moser, T. L. McCleary, D. S. Flinders, G. M. Dyess ; BACK ROW : G. M. Lillie, G. J. Smith, H. D. Entz, W. C. Peurifoy, W. L. Raper. ORDNANCE FRONT ROW: J. D. Taylor, U. M. Rodriguez, LTJG D. K. Grosshuesch, AOC L. G. Kleinow, J. J. Scott, R. D. Lance ; SECOND ROW : J. E. Meehan, K. F. Ericson, J. S. Thomas, J. A. Haefner, J. C. Marchiando, J. L. Bitter. 153 LINE CREW FRONT ROW : J. R. Biddix, ADC R. C. Carlson, LTJG J. G. Swor, R, H. Davidson, W. V. Owen ; SECOND ROW : C. K. Cole, G. K. J. Palmer, W. D, Scott, E. Sawyer, R. K. Warrick, M. T. Bustamante ; BACK ROW: C. K. Williams, I. W. Jensen, C. O. Schumitz, B. R. Burris, V. Stewart, B. K. Spinas, W. R. Smith. 1 11 r . ' - , .  -« 1 1 j n I i ' ' ' j m . f ' - i _w i L 1 H . J0 j Mk: Sr H - 1 B ■T ' ' , ii i JW Biit ' lll hdi .■iM ]S4 Left, the squadron ' s three yeomen, Dupuis, Rader, and Ericson, review the service record of one of VF 24 ' s enlisted men. Right, Babine and Ashby pack one of the squadron ' s parachutes, while Abiar looks on. Storekeepers Wilson, Clary, and Asten verify an incoming order against the parts catalogue prior to turning over the supplies to Maintenance. 155 FRONT ROW : LTJG A. G. B. Grosvenor, LT J. D. Sword, LT D. T. Williams, LCDR W. L. Adams, CDR J. M. Thomas, LT A. W. Howe III, CAPT J. C. BartholF, USAF, LTJG R. P. McManus ; SECOND ROW: LTJG J. A. Ingram, LTJG W. D. Smythe, LTJG p. F. McCarty, LTJG J. H. Reagan, LTJG F. F. Duggan, LTJG H. W. Michie, LTJG D. K. Grosshuesch, LTJG J. A. Wikstrom ; BACK ROW : LTJG J. Swor, LTJG J E. McCardell, LTJG R. H. Caines, LTJG L J. Pearl, LTJG W. T. Kling, LTJG J. A. Dickson. I l-kON i kOW : AOC L. G. Kleinow, ATC E. A. Weiss, ADC R. C. Carlson, ADC W C. Mitchell, AMC W. H. McDonald, ADC H. W. Tucker; BACK ROW- AEC J B Long, ADC W. W. Wheeler, ADC J. A. Ditch, AMC W. T. Williams, ALC E. J. True, ADC L W. Scoholl. 156 ' ' ' . «tf fi ' ; -- ' VC-61 TEAM ABLE LCDR M. S. KIRKENDALL, O IN C VC-61 ' s Detachment Able, under the leadership of LCDR M. S. Kirkendall, has the responsibility of accomplishing the aerial photography required by the Essex and the rest of the Seventh Fleet. In peace as in war, this photography has proven valuable, whether in the field of public relations or the other extreme : aerial reconnaisance of enemy territories. During the Korean conflict, the necessity of aerial photography for the combined operations of the fleet was proved. As VC-61 ' s planes returned to the deck each day, a good share of the combat briefing information necessary for the successful completion of fighter and bomber missions was recorded on the film in their cameras. Aboard the Essex, Detachment Able stands ready, willing, and ABLE to carry on the fine record already established by its parent squadron. Fk„., , .. W: R. S. Wilson, F. J. Hourican, R. E. Hazelwood, L Rosenbaum, LT T. E. Daum, LI .•.. „. Varley, LCDR M. S. Kirkendall, LT W. C. Larry, AEC L. D. Sloat, W. H. Berl, L. R. Watkins, L. A. McCormack ; BACK ROW: J. W. Logan, A. W. Edwards, W. C. Jugan, J. L. Halt, D. V. Hill, W. A. Hafey, J. R. Kuykendall, K. E. Wilson, K. J. Truman, M. Davis, R. L. Bachus, G. G. Huprich. 157 G 159 SIXTY THREE Fighter Squadron Sixty-Three was commissioned on 27 July 1948 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, when the Navy increased Carrier Air Groups from four to five squadrons. While stationed on the East Coast at NAS Norfolk and NAAS Oceana, Virginia, the squadron served aboard the aircraft carriers Midway, F.D.R., Coral Sea, and Saipan. The squadron was transferred to ComAirPac on 2 August 1950 and since that time has participated in five Far Eastern cruises, two of which were during the Korean War. CDR R. H. Benson, present Commanding Officer, succeeded LCDR E. H. Miller on 15 March 1954 and the training cycle for the present cruise began in the F9F-6 Cougar. The training cycle was highlighted by two trips to Fallon, Nevada. While attached to the Pacific, the squadron has served on an equal number of carriers — namely, the Boxer, Valley Forge, Philippine Sea, and Yorktown. Aircraft types utilized include the venerable F4U Corsair, the speedy F8F Bearcat, and the F9F series of jets. Following successful carrier qualifications, which rounded out the training cycle, the ' Tighting Red Cocks loaded aboard the USS Essex on 3 November 1955. 160 CDR R. H. BENSON gr ' 1 UmPi LTJG G. J. MERKLER LTJG D. F. WISHER LTJG W. W. PARKS LTJG J. B. WIEDERHOLT LCDR R. H. MORRIS LTJG K. L. KRUSMARK LTJG T. D. DONAHUE LTJG N. O. ERMAN LT S. W. CALLAWAY LT C. S. PORTER 162 LTJG F. G. THOMSON JR. LTJG C. R. WELCH LT J. P. STECKER LTJG J. W. HARRIS LTJG J. M. GARDNER JR. LTJG W. C. WHISLER LTJG C. F. HIRSCH t| • LTJG R. A. GELINAS FRONT ROW : LTJG R. L. Mann, LTJG J. M. Gardner, LTJG J. W. Harris, LT J. P. Stacker, LTJG R. E. Stebbins, LTJG D. F. Wisher, LTJG C. F. Hirsch ; BACK ROW : AMC W. W. Sims, AMC G. F. Sullivan, AOC J. R. Motley, ADC E. H. Minnucci, ADC L E. Ridge, ATCA D. R. Perez, ADC A. H. Schall, ADC R. W. Begley, ADC S. R. Soben, PRCA B. M. Erichsen. kim-i FRONT ROW : F. W. Tidwell, L. R. Vullo, G. L. Pope, R. E. Workman, N. C. Speer, R. C. Wilkerson. E. D. Davis, E. C. Heilman, R. Staley, W. J. Caulfield, B. J. Price ; BACK ROW : LCDR R. H. Morris, LTJG W. W. Parks, LTJG C. R. Welch, ADC J. Botzko, PRCA B. M. Erichsen, LTJG D. F. Wisher, SDC O. Grant, M. H. Slaughter. 164 FRONT ROW : R. F. McAleer, R. A. Yamnitsky, R. Sweitzer, J. O. Root, R. H. Irby, J. D. DeMatteo, T. V. Fellows, R. F. Warren, P. C. LaPorte, G. S. Day; BACK ROW: AOC J. R. Motley, LTJG J. W. Harris. FRONT ROW : F. L. Irby, G. H. Hogarth, J. L. Molumby, N. N. Tipton, ATCA D. R. Perez, LTJG C. F. Hirsch, J. S. Bartlett, R. L. Martin, O. R. Wilborn, R. D. Dickinson; BACK ROW: M. Sadlon, R. H. LaPack, J. A. McCormick, R. C. Mastin. 165 FRONT ROW : W. D. Yount, C. F. Torgerson, L. E. Troop, D. R. Kremer, AMC W. W. Sims, LTJG J. M. Gardner, AMC G. F. Sullivan, R. J. Spaniol, J. A. Staton, R. R. Vanderkooi, R. W. Leitgan ; BACK ROW : M. [Y. Gonzales, D. A. Maugans, F. L. Boatwright, B. J. Lewis, R. Gladish, R. L. Mich, B. R. Slate, L. R. Oliver, H.E. Daum. FRONT ROW : M. M. Barker, J. H. Pommerenk, R. E. Fillmore, M. F. McCormick, R. E. Lott, LTJG R. E. Stebbins, R. L Loflin. T. Blackv ell, J. Doskow, E. J. Sorrel! ; BACK ROW : ADC L. E. Ridge, ADC A. H. Schall, ADC R. W. Begley, ADC S. R. Soban. 166 FRONT ROW : J. M. Gordon, V. L. Andrews, F. W. Fleming, ADC E. H. Minnucci, LTJG R. L Mann, R. M. Jensen, R. T. Tibbits, W. White, R. F. Duncan ; BACK ROW : M. L Tessier, J. E. Cates, R. H. Miller, A. D. S.-nithwick, H. G. Pearson, M. L. Sentman. FRONT ROW: G. T. Lawson, B. M. Campbell, D. T. Biscardi, G. F. Sullivan, C. E. Sorenson, A. E. Miller, R. A. Guliey, J. E. Rodgers, ,P. T. Larkin ; BACK ROW : LTJG R. L. Mann, ADC E. H. Minnucci. W.l,.: , f ' ■: CDR w. E. McLaughlin Died in his country ' s service March 9, 1955 txtg - Jfour THE FREELANCERS were known as Fighting Squadron 81 during World War II. Since that time, for varying reasons they have been redisignated VF-13A, VF-131, and finally in 1950 became Fighter Squadron 64. The Freelancers made three combat tours during the Korean War as part of CVG-2. In March, 1954, we began our new training cycle in preparation for the present cruise. New pilots were received from the Training Command and other activities to supplement the ' ' hard-core that remained from the previous cruise. Our new Skipper came to us from just across the hall, as CDR McLaughlin had previously been Operations Officer on the CVG-2 staff. The new Exec was also a familar face as CDR Toof had previously been ship ' s company on our carrier the previous cruise. The next few months consisted of hard training in the Bay area and at Fallon, Nevada, and carrier- qualifications off San Diego. VF-64 departed aboard the Essex on November 3. In February we participated in the evacuation of the Tachen Islands off the coast of China, and realized that all the training back in the States had paid off. The entire Squadron performed as a highly trained team should and did its part to help make the operation a success. On March 9, in an unfortunate accident, our Skipper, CDR McLaughlin, was killed during exercises off Manila. CDR Toof became our CO and LCDR Von Egger our Exec. On April 15, near Okinawa, LTJG E. C. Walters was killed when his plane hit the water during a landing approach to the ship. Both men were ex- cellent aviators and highly respected officers. Their untimely deaths were a great loss to the Squadron. LCDR H. K. VON EGGER 168 LTJG W. ACOSTA, LTJG K. D. KUGLER, LTJG P. VOUGHT, CDR W. E. MCLAUGHLIN. LTJG R. M. MOXLEY, LTJG H. J. MUESSEN, LTJG R. E. SCHAEFER, CDR R. B. TOOF. 169 LTJG E. C. WALTERS, LTJG H. E. WHITE, LTJG H. R. McSHANE, LCDR H. K. VON EGGEP. 0 ' L y FLU® NT LCDR R. B. STAMATIS, LTJG J. W. ROSSON, LTJG B. A. LAMPKIN, LTJG H. J. BACKES, LTJG L. L. JOHNSTON. 170 LTJG G. R. COFFIN, LTJG R. LEWIS, LTJG. R. M. ARNOLD, LT R. THJRMAN. ' l ' : .-. LTJG G. L. HUGGHINS, LTJG E. R. PETERSON. 171 FRONT ROW : A. L Blissitt, W. G. Crockett, AMC D. W. Burrus, H. E. Stroud, E. A. Rice; BACK ROW: A. Taylor, C. D. Harris, J. R. Durham, K. M. Welch. FRONT ROW : R. G. Boyd, R. E. Rotruck, ATC A, V. Erickson, J. J. Dunlavey, R. F. Ellis, Jr. ; SECOND ROW : A. J. Muray, G. A. Gamblin, L. D. Trumm, J. K. Gatley, K. Ellison ; BACK ROW : C. A. Harris, F. J. Boekhout, F. E. Bartal, P. W. Jacobs, H. A. Gamble. FRONT ROW: S. J. Nyers 111, T. D. Elton, AOC N. L. Griffith, A. B. Barr, J. M. Sliney ; SECOND ROW: R. E. Ahrens, V. J. Giardinia, J. Rasmussen, M. E. Adamson, P. Mascillino; BACK ROW: R. F. Ogden, E. M. Bobbett, C. E. Edwards, D. S. Sherman. FRONT ROW: W. J. Yates, H. A. Murphy, ADC O. T. Ding, H. W. Russell, R. E. A. Kohler; SECOND ROW: J. B. Stangrover, J. W. Clarke Jr., R. A. Christianson ; BACK ROW: B. B. Burton. A. D. Bechett. FRONT ROW : B. C. Jaszcar, R. E. Wesley, ADC R. J. Garcia, ADC C. Green, W. I. Stum ; SECOND ROW : D. E. Thompson, N. D. Provine, M. L. Davis, L. W. Grothman, W.L. Reynolds, J. H. Docherty III ; BACK ROW : D. O. Dunn, C. D. Lane, R. A. Langager, J. W. Lawson, G. I. Tagge. . ■•eftfjsa ti FRONT ROW : J. G. Werz, L. E. Losinski, ADC H. G. Madden, J. R. Boandl, R. J. Rector ; SECOND ROW : A. J. Fancera, R. E. Just, R. F. Ripple, D. A. Raney; BACK ROW: L F. Rueter, D. L Apperson. 173 ' P l w r ' ( 1 Pi i |H ft Jm |yk ' ml ft - j . Blb _ flflLrjH ' ' ' 1 1 v_ ' S«« i - - ■ 1 El_ ' - - Composite Squadron s -Wlfc. iNP r  -„. ' - |NP ,NP ' ' ♦— iSiAyx Composite Squadron Three Detachment Able is the night interceptor element of Carrier Air Group Two and the Essex. The team aircraft is the McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee, a radar equipped twin jet and one of the largest aircraft operating from carrier decks today. The recent development of in-flight refueling equipment and techniques was found to be especially adaptable to the Banjo and has been incorporated into the team ' s aircraft, more than doubling its value as an offensive and defensive unit. But more wondrous than the aircraft themselves, more spectacular than their mission, is the one thing that makes it all possible — the spirit and heart of the crew who maintains them. After night flights were over, they spent long hours in the windy darkness of the hangar deck to make the planes ready for the morning launch. To them — the mechs, the tin-benders, the twidgets of radio and radar, the plane captains, the gunners, and the electricians —we humbly dedicate our portion of this book. Whatever feats we may accomplish, they have made possible. LCDR H. P. STREEPER 175 3)i f4  t Jr ' ? LCDR H. P. Streeper, LT R. L. Trout, LCDR W. E. Niemann, LT R. G. Thomson, LT R. B. Carter, ADC J. Godfrey. FRONT ROW : J. W. Gunter, W. E. Campbell, L A. Hachinski, J. J. Brkljacich, W. T. Ryan ; SECOND ROW : W. W. Hattrup, W. Garwacki, W. 8. Sanders, H. W. Hosmer; BACK ROW : J. B. Borgogno, D. B. Leigh, D. R. Knox. w tSM 1 FRONT ROW : H. H. Hurd, H. E. Bender, J. E. Baker, L. E. Parks, E. DeLibertis; SECOND ROW: P. F. Aquilina, T. E. Patterson, D. R. Babbony, N. A. Eastwood ; BACK ROW : J. R. Mitchell, E. F. Altimus, J. L. Minchew, R. L. Crossett. 176 177 CDR J. A. RAPP JR. 4tt c Sau cOum Sixtcf- ' pwc On March 12, 1954, Commander Jerry A. Rapp assumed the duties of Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron Sixty- Five and with the able assistance of our Executive Officer, LCDR Edouard V. M. Izac, Jr., quickly began forming the squadron into an efficient fighting team of officers and men during the seven month training period in Alameda. The squadron, long known as a hard hitting group since its origination eight years ago, had already seen three combat tours and one peacetime tour in Korea. During the current tour of duty aboard the Essex, the pilots, while being given excellent maintenance, ordnance, administrative, and material assistance from the men, gave numerous demonstrations of the skillful training they had received by their ability to bomb, rocket, and strafe assigned targets with impressive results. Much credit should go to the versatile aircraft the squad- ron supports — the indomitable ' ' Able Dog, which can carry ordnance loads that would stagger even a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress. Our numerous operating achievements, along with the many new countries we visited, are now behind us. The many new friends we made while working so closely with Air Group and Essex personnel will surely keep the memory of the 1954-55 tour of duty with VA-65 deep within our hearts for many years to come. LCDR E. V. M. IZAC JR. 178 FRONT ROW : LTJG C. L. McGathy Jr., LT W. Tarbox, CDR J. A. Rapp Jr., LCDR E. V. M. Izac, LT W. R. Gauntt, LTJG T. L Gatewood ; SECOND ROW: LTJG F. L. McGeachy, LTJG T. F. O ' Neill Jr., LTJG C. M. Sims, LTJG J. M. Oliver, LTJG D. P. Stevens, LTJG J. D. Barringer, LTJG E. C. Adamson, LTJG W. B. Thompson ; BACK ROW: LTJG J. M. Bankston, LTJG W. C. Richards, LTJG R. M. Matta, LTJG I. M. Wiltse, LTJG O. D. Westerberg, LTJG F. J. E. Schultz, LTJG J. K. Trimble, LTJG W .E. Massey Jr. FRONT ROW: AMC A. M. Anderson, AMC J. F. Alsup Jr., ADC O. W. Johnson, ATC B. Oates Jr., AOC J. P. Brown, AEC R. C. Overholser: SE- COND ROW : AKCA W. L. Horn, ADC M. K. Myers, AOC N. E. Guess, ADC L F. Allen, ADC F. R. Halloran; BACK ROW : ADC W. C. Chambers, ADC J. B. Madden. 79 THE ' THUNDER ' DIVISION LTJG F. J. E. SCHULTZ, LTJG W. F. KIMZEY, LTJG J. D. ROBERSON, CDR J. A. RAPP JR. THE ' EASY ' DIVISION LTJG W. E. MASSEY JR., LTJG J. E. BARRIN- GER JR., LTJG R. M. MATTA, LCDR E. V. M. IZAC JR. THE ' BOX ' DIVISION LTJG I. M. WILTSE, LTJG B. WALKER JR., LTJG E. C. ADAMSON JR., LT W. TARBOX. 180 THE ' PIGGY ' DIVISION LTJG F. L. McGEACHY, LTJG C. L. McGATHY, JR., LTJG D. P. STEVENS, LT W. R. GAUNTT. THE ' TOMMY ' DIVISION LTJG W. C. RICHARDS, LTJG T. L. GATE- WOOD, LTJG J. M. BANKSTON, LTJG W. B. THOMPSON. THE ' IRISH ' DIVISION LTJG O. D. WESTERBERG, LTJG J. M. OLIVER, LTJG C. M. SIMS JR., LTJG T. F. O ' NEILL. 1 181 FRONT ROW : AKCA W. L. Horn, LTJG F. J. E. Schultz, ADC O. W. Johnson, LTJG O. D. Westerberg, AOC J. P. Brown, F. F. Sandor Jr.; SECOND ROW : R. D. Blickenstaff, E. Brown, D. A. Weber, W. T. Snyder, K. W. Shields; BACK ROW: R. H. Race, W. L. Gheen, P. H. Clark, J. C. O ' Kane. FRONT ROW: J. C. Hendrix, AMC A. M. Anderson, LTJG T. L. Gatewood, AMC J. F. Alsup Jr., J. J. Hayes; SECOND ROW : R. H. Simmen, M. H. Shank, M. R. Fauss, C. H. Mitchell Jr. ; BACK ROW : R. p. Gallaher, G. C. Knight, D. E. Mayers, FRONT ROW: J. H. White Jr., Trammell, ADEC W. C. Chambers, LTJG T. F. O ' Neill, ADC M. K. Myers, H. A. Ammons; SECOND ROW: ADC F. L. Halioran, T. A. Larimer, W. F. Dennis Jr., D. p. Keough, ADC L. F. Allen; BACK ROW: R. p. Hichey, F. H. Noyes, N. V. Walker Jr., W. H. Olson. 182 FRONT ROW : J. Roberts, C. R. Haberthur, LTJG C. L McGathy, ADC J. B. Madden, H. M. Pulliam, J. H. Harper; SECOND ROW: U. Herrera, F. E. Reese, D. D. Madden, C. D. Cook, F. E. Kocer, G. U. Greene II, D. L. Palmer; BACK ROW : A. I. Lasquete, T. A. Cozad, G. D. Thompson, J. A. Peterson, F. C. Nebres. FRONT ROW: D. B. Basabe, H. Soliwoda, LTJG E. C. Adamson, AOC N. E. Guess, F. D. Thomas, M. A. Wiek ; SECOND ROW: E. L. Boyette, W. E. Dixon, J. M. Narsh, J. J. Thompson Jr., J. F. Hulse; BACK ROW: C. A. Donophan, R. T. McLain, R. C. McLain. FRONT ROW : G. E. Mandeville Jr., J. W. Hallford, AEC R. C. Overholser. LTJG D. p. Stevens, ATC B. Gates Jr., W. F. Weckerly; SECOND ROW: B. J. Pfeil Jr., B. J. Lyie, W. W. McFall, K. J. Dinneen, D. D. McBee, D. E. Farmer, F. D. Collins Jr.; BACK ROW; J. L. Day, G. D. Stroffolino, J. R. Johnson, J. S. Sanford, D. D. Wade. 183 FRONT ROW : D. D. Madden, M. H. Shank, J. Roberts, F. C. Nebres, J. R. Johnson, A. I. Lasquete, H. A. Ammons, J. H. White Jr., J. J. Hayes, G. U. Greene II, W. L Gheen, H. M. Pulliam ; SECOND ROW : F. D. Collins, R. H. Simmen, W. H. Olson, R. H. Race, M. J. Trammell, J. W. Hallford, W. F. Dennis Jr., N. V. Walker Jr., F. F. Sander Jr., W. F. Weckerly, G. E. Mandeville Jr., R. P. Hickey, F. E. Thomas, P. H. Clark; THIRD ROW: C. D. Cook, J. L Day, D. A. Weber, B. J. PFeil Jr., D. L Palmer, G. D. Thompson, W. T. Snyder, B. J. Lyie, J. G. Hendris, R. D. Blickenstaff, U. Herrera, M.R. Fauss, D. E. Mayers, D. P. Keough, R. C. McLain, F. E. Kocer ; BACK ROW: T. A. Cozad, K. W. Shields, D. D. Wade, C. G. Knight, J. G. Harper, C. O. Mitchell Jr., J. A. Peterson, C. A. Donophan, D. D. McBee, D. B. Masabe, W. W. McFall, F. H. Noyes, K. J. Dinneen, W. E. Dixon, R. P. Gallaher Jr., J. M. Narsh, E. Brown, J. F. Hulse, J. J. Thompson Jr., G. D. Stroffolino, J. S. Sanford, D. E. Farmer. VC-35 DETACHMENT ABLE VAN 33 FRONT ROW: G. V. Papafaklis, S. A. Bowlin, B. L. Stark, J. Brown, C. R. Wilkinson, W. R. Kugler, L.O.Wilbur; SECOND ROW: E. H. Powell, A. E. Simms, T. J. Jordan, R. C. Hardwick, M. J. Druss, R. Y. Davis, LTJG F. W. Lawler, LT J. J. McMonigle, LCDR J. Gallagher, LT C. E. W. Dobbs, LT R. E. Forbis, T. W. Simpson, J. B. Shackleford, R. R. Dragstedt, C. K. Christensen, R. P. Bergenron, H. M. Everett ; BACK ROW : R. W. Lenz, W. B. White, E. Cohen, H. F. Buchberger, R. E. Ward, C. C. Watts, W. C. Brown, W. T. Epperson, D. I. Sille, B. C. Parker, J. C. Davies, W. G. Sides, A. W. Bracken, T. W. Simonson, J. N. Bruscato, E. L Lofton, H. M. Davis; NOT PICTURED: T. R. Ferguson, L. D. Englehart, P. S. Serrano. 185 LCDR J. GALLAGHER O IN C LT C. E. W. DOBBS LT R. E. FORBIS LT J. J. McMONIGLE LTJG F. W. LAWLER Comprised of five ofificers and 40 enlisted men, this four-plane VC-35 detachment is characterized by its zeal, team spirit, and a can-do notion that has earned wide respect for the Essex, Air Group Two, and themselves. The pride which this band of airmen has shown is justified by their numerous capabilities, among which are the all weather day and night delivery of special weapons, anti-submarine warfare, bombing, strafing, and other tactical missions. Whether it was transporting VIP ' s, shipmates going on emergency leave, or vital supply items of official or personal nature, this unit was ever-ready with its services. Their day and night deliveries of mail aboard the Essex contributed to the morale of all hands — for this mission they will undoubt- edly be long remembered by the crew of the Essex. 186 THE GHOSTS ADC W. R. KUGLER ALC C. R. WILKINSON ADC L. O. WILBUR 187 LT L. E. HAY VC-11 Detachment Able per- formed the mission of Airborne Early Warning for the Essex and other ships of Task Force 77. Carrying long range surveillance radar in their Guppy aircraft, the team ' s pilots assured early detection of possible enemy raids. Equally important, the task of submarine patrol was effectively carried out by the team. Other capabilities include radio and radar relay, radar navigation, and wea- ther reconnaissance. With three specially equipped radar aircraft, the team was com- prised of four pilots, four officer radar controllers, and 22 enlisted maintenance and technical person- nel. ELECTRONICS GROUP FRONT ROW : H. L. Fisher, J. Voelker, M. W. Huddleslon, K. R. Hensley, ADC C. E. Swain, LTJG R. A. Beavers, LT O. G. Pringle, LT L. E. Hay, LT C. F. Schied, ATC J. W. Baker, J. W. Whitt, W. E. Blackbury, C. C. Degruchy Jr., J. O. Riley ; BACK ROW : F. W. Schagel, J. D. Mickey, J. A. Hufty, G. E. Able, LTJG J. E. Hill, LTJG R. D. Wayne, LTJG L. J. Blanchard, LTJG L M. Nigrosh, M. R. Webber Jr., J. Teague Jr., J. H. Bunnell, J. J. Cunniff, N. D. Waggener; NOT PICTURED : LCDR C. D. McGaha, J. A. Moore Jr., G. D. Cook, H. C. Van Zandt, G. W. Woods. MAINTENANCE GROUP 189 a © e fuCf m m4 191 Home At Last IN THE EARLY MORNING SUN- light of July 12, 1954, Point Loma was a welcome sight.. ..we were coming home. We set the special sea detail, then went to quarters for entering port. Excitement mounted and time moved slowly as the ship slid up the channel. The Third Far Eastern Cruise of the Essex was nearly over ! The crowd of wives and sweet- hearts, families and friends on the quay wall grew clearer. We inched to the pier. Bands played, majorettes strutted, and speeches were given. But mostly we just wanted to get ashore to greet our greeters. The last line was doubled up, the brows positioned. The ship was a tur- moil of chaos and confusion as we scrambled ashore and friends came aboard. It was wonderful to be home at last! FOR A MONTH THE SHIP LAY inert alongside the North Island quay wall. Yard workers swarmed aboard.... we took leave... .old friends departed.... new faces appeared. In all too short a time, the shij) began to stir again. Fires were lit off under her boilers. We crept to sea on Mondays, to return again on Fridays. Carrier qualifications were in progress and training was the keynote. Practice and more practice. On some days we were a smoothly func- tioning team; on others, nothing went right. But we worked hard, for the next round in the Western Pacific lay ahead, and we had to be ready. ; mzj SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY, THE Essex was chosen as the background for a movie to be titled Air Strike. For about a week the ship wasn ' t quite the same. A girl in a bathing suit blessed the flight deck, steam hissed around a jet aircraft, and some of our own people were placed before the cameras and microphones. But funny thing you know, we never did AS OUR DATE OF DEPARTURE neared, we began to count the days, so Tie of us with anticipation, others with resig- nation. Underway Training Exercises came and (thank goodnessj went. Mountains of supplies were hoisted aboard, to be stowed below for use in future months. The Wasp and Kearsarge had already deployed and it was our turn next. The quiet nights at home. ...the good times at parties....the rest and relaxation of leave and liberty....all were enjoyed, all were too short. We had our own ship ' s party too, held over two nights so that all could attend. Dancing, singing, talking, and just good fun were the Plan of the Evening. Prizes were given away and notables introduced. We saved our loudest cheers for our Cap- tain. Destination: West Pac I NOVEMBER 1 — SUDDENLY OUR DE- parture was upon us. This was the day for which our months of training and preparation had readied us. Willingly, or unwillingly, we were leaving. It wasn ' t really Goodbye, but ' ' Until Then. And ' ' Then lay in the far distant future. Whether we bid farewell to our loved ones at home or on the quay wall, we knew that a long, long ti ne would pass before we said ' ' Hello. The passing of ti ' ne was relentless. The forward brow will be lifted in five minutes. The Officer of the Deck is shifting his watch to the open bridge. One long blast. The cruise had begun. 195 m toHcue WE ARRIVED IN SAN FRANCISCO THE following morning, forming out the word Frisco ! in greeting as the Golden Gate passed overhead. As the bags and baggage of Air Group Two were loaded aboard, we headed ashore to cross from Alameda to San Francisco. But we discovered that a day and a night pass all too quickly in such a complex and interesting city as San Francisco. November 3 was a cold, gray, rainy day. This time it was the air group ' s turn to say goodbye to their wives, sweethearts, families, and friends. The figures on the dock grew smaller and smaller as the Essex swung around and headed back towards the Golden Gate. Westward stretched the waters of the Pacific and to the West lay our course. 196 197 Waikiki Beach Hawaiian Sunset AS WE STEAMED WESTWARD, each day was warmer than the one before. Then verdant slopes rising fro .11 an azure surf loomed ahead- Ha- waii, Paradise of the Pacific, our first stop on the long trip West. But Hawaii meant work first, not play. The Islands beckoned, but we remained at sea. Operations reached greater and greater intensity. Training and lectures were held every day. From a crew of specialists, we were molding an effective, working team which could withstand whatever demands the next seven months might impose. Operational Readiness Inspection was our exa n and we passed with flying colors. We had arrived in Hawaii like an awkward infant, taking her first steps; we would depart like Mars, the God of War, ready for duty. a(4Aati 199 Windward Oahu Royal Hawaiian Blow Hole Boulevard In Honolulu Hula Dancers Island Solitude :i- J-- ' i , -mi ' kiLKmim WE LOUNGED ON THE SANDS of famous Waikiki Beach, strolled down cocopalm-lined avenues, lugged cameras to the Blow Hole and the Pali. We stretched our pay from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor .... tried surf riding.... relaxed at the Moana .... feasted at luaus.... touched our first Oriental dishes ....sipped exotic drinks. F or a few short days Hawaii was our vacation wonderland, but the call from further West was urgent and so we departed. I i ' t ■ n S - ■ ' f C. - s i. : .m.. r m .. - mSf. OMcC WE ARRIVED IN MANILA IN time for the Christmas holidays, steam- ing passed the proud island of Cor- regidor and anchoring amidst the rust- ing ships of World War II. As soon as MPC could by changed into pesos, we piled into landing craft, motor launches, and bumboats and headed for shore. We found a city that shows many signs of rebirth and rebuilding, but is still littered with the empty lots, bullet-spattered walls, and silent ruins of Japanese conquest and American liberation. Manila is an expensive combination of Filipino, Spanish, and American cultures. It is a city of tr( pical atmos- phere and humid heat. We came to know Manila well in the following months. 205 u. s. o. AT THE FLEET LANDING WE were besieged by taxi drivers, mer- chants, street vendors, and money chan- gers. We careened off in taxis towards Dewey Boulevard, seeking to escape from the heat via the nearest cool glass of that Philippine institution, San Migu- el beer. But the most relaxing place in town was the nearby United Service Organi- zation at the Manila Hotel. To wel- come us to Manila, the U. S. O. threw a huge party, with a show by the Philippine Army Band, dancing, and plenty of good chow for all hands. Genially presided over by Mr. Tex Hunter, the U. S. O. provided us with a home away from home, a place to relax, swim, dance, or talk. It also offered entertainment and the oppor- tunity to meet Philippine families and visit their homes. 206 r Christmas OUR THOUGHTS AT Christmas-time travelled thou- sands of miles eastward to our friends and families, but for the fourth year in a row the Essex spent Christmas Day away from home. On board ship we shared Christmas with a group of Phi- lippine orphans who enjoyed a big dinner, movies, gifts, and a real, live Santa Claus. The kids loved it. We opened our own packages from home, sam- pled our friends ' cakes and candy, and headed ashore. Some of us celebrated Christinas with Manila families; ohers sipped egg-nogs at the Army-Navy Club. We tried our best to enter the yuletide spirit, but Christmas was hardly the same. Lake Taal The Presidents Mansion University of the Philippines Sightseeing Sailors 208 IN THE COUNTRYSIDE A- round Manila the dried, brown fields contrast sharply with lush, green tropical vegetation. It is an agricultural area where towns are clusters of wooden shacks with galvanized tin or thatched roofs and where water buffalo serve as plough horses. Soft candle lights lend a peaceful and comfortable serenity by night to humble huts that are dirty and dull by day. 210 ■• f fl AND WE TOURED....THE INTRA- muro, bombed and blasted almost be) ' Ond recognition .... Saint Augustine Church, with a beautiful altar the Manila waterworks and its modern swim- ming pool.. ..the President ' s mansion, richly decorated and resplendent.. ..the University of the Philippines, credit to a new democracy .... and many other buildings and ruins. Homes In Olongapo I Laundry Day IJN JANUARY THE ESSEX ENTERED Subic Bay for major repairs within the engi- neering plant and we had our first (and last) chance to view Olongapo and environs. The weather was torrid, swimming good, and liberty not so much, so it was a toss-up whether to head for Mango Beach, the EM Club, or sleepy Olongapo. The latter, we soon discovered, has a hot and dusty main drag, cock fights on Sundays, and a down-to-earth mode of living. Water buffalo parade down the streets and a river winds through town, serv- ing as swimming hole, sanitation system, and snapshot scenery. Olongapo was very different. Wcd W 213 A Philippine Senorita Scene In Olongapo ' •C At The Cock Fights Trustwothy Transportation AND SOME DAYS IT WAS JUST too hot to do anything at all. The cool, blue waters of Mango Beach were very inviting, so many divisions and the entire Air Department held parties there. ONE OF THE HIGLIGHTS OF OUR STAY IN Subic Bay was the arrival of Cardinal Spellmen. Many of our officers and men greeted him at a reception held on the Naval Station. BEYOND THE MAIN GATE OF the Naval Station the dense foliage of the jungle closes in fast. Although jeepney drivers do their utmost to disrupt local tranquility, life is simple and slow amidst the wooden shacks and thatched huts of the natives. Olon- gapo slumbers through the days, con- serving its energies for the laughter and gaiety of the nights. THE CAUSE OF OUR VISIT IN Subic Bay involved the reduction gear in the forward engine room. After five days of hard work and sweltering heat, the engineering gang had their plant in first class shape and the ship returned to sea. City Of Spires 218 THE WEATHER GREW WARM- er each day; the sea turned to blue- green. On Friday, March 25, the Essex anchored in the Gulf of Thailand, 13 miles from the fabled city of Bangkok. Accomodation ladders were rigged and we headed for shore in the waiting LSM ' s of the Royal Thai Navy. The trip up the Menam Chao Phya River to Paknam Landing consumed two hours. We switched to buses and drove into the city. Everywhere there were smiling, waving inhabitants. Out of Anna And The King of Siam — before us spread a fabulous city of lofty temples ( wats ), strange decora- tions, dirty canals ( Tclongs ), Oriental culture, and friendly people. We were in Bangkok. 219 OUR VISIT TO BANGKOK WAS both diplomatic and social. We arrived shortly after the SEATO Conference in a country which is actively aligned against Comniunisin. Untouched by colonialism, Thai- land is proud of the democracy that has been established since 1932. The word Thai itself means the free. The people are noted for their hospitality, friendliness, good humour, love of plea- sure, ceremony, and beliefs. Buddhism is their religion. Bangkok, the capital city, combines ancient architecture with progressive new buildings and broad avenues. It is a shopper ' s paradise for such items as niello silver. Thai silk, bronzware, lea- ther goods, and precious stones. V . € 1 1 :4: ■ • t . - • • • ■ fr y aX «■ pi % 1 C .«! IN A CITY WITH OVER 300 wats and numerous other attractions, a major problem in sightseeing was where to begin. One solution : grab a three- wheeled, pedaled rickshaw C ' samlor ) and let the driver take you around. Another: take a map, a guide book, and a fistful of ticals and strike out on your own. A third: tour the Grand Palace area and see an exhibition of classical dancing with a guide arranged by the Royal Thai Navy. Our host on a number of occasions, the Royal Thai Navy was responsible in large mea- sure for the success of our visit. • li ' l tiiii irrt II ■ ri i ' III ' ■ rff ' • ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ill 1TI A l kSa di ■ -— -M - - .. . i The Marble Wat Milking A Cobra Cruising Down A Klong Golden Buddhas k 4 i¥ The Reclining Buddha Piety And Servitude At The Grand Palace THE ROYAL PALACE.... EM- erald Buddha .... Reclining Buddha .... Temple of the Dawn.. ..Marble Temple ....National Library and Museum. ...Giant Swing .... Temple of the Pearl-Inlaid Doors.. ..Sampeng.... Snake Far m.... Canal Life and Floating Market.. ..Great Bud- dha.... The list of magnificent and exotic sights stretched on and on. And when we were hot and tired and dusty, a stop at the Chez Eve Club for a cool Carls- berg and lunch was refreshing. Time for an exhibition of classical dancing ....Thai boxing.. .shopping at a multitude of tiny shops scattered throughout the city.... dinner. We had more money and energy in Bangkok than we had time. And as 2300 rolled around, it was time for a very long ride back to the ship. jjnnn Thai Classical Dancing AN UNUSUAL SIGHT TO WESTERN eyes. Thai classical dancing preserves the tradi- tions of classic drama and dancing of bygone centuries. It is one of Thailand ' s proudest heritages and a feature attraction of music halls, variety shows, and the classical Thai Theater. Extremely beautiful in its costuming, the dance accents rhythmic movements and lilting music in each of its three basic forms : Khon (masked pantomine), Rabam (character dance), and Lakon (operatic ballet). Classical dancing consists of moving the arms, swaying, and advancing and retreating with gliding motions, while keeping the fingers bent back to the uttermost. The dance is com- posed of a system of symbols; for example, plac- ing the hand on the heart shows love, while stamping vigorously and pointing the forefinger at someone means anger. Gestures betraying various emotions must be very pronounced, since the participant ' s faces are covered with a thick layer of power or in some cases hidden under masks. The extremely elaborate costumes are made of heavy brocade adorned with precious stones and bangles. -1 ' s: 234 THE ESSEX WAS THE FIRST CARRIER OF HER CLASS to visit Bangkok since the end of World War II. After four days there, we departed on the morning of March 29, grate- ful for the opportunity to visit one of the world ' s most fabulous ports. In retrospect, it was a wonderful experience, but a de- manding one. We represented our country in a vital area of the world in a manner which brought forth favorable com- ment from high ranking United States and Thai officials. We carried away a treasure chest of silks, silver, and souvenirs. The stories of our experiences in Bangkok will be told to our friends and families long after the trip itself has been relegated to the pages of history. 235 % T M t as 1 « ,-i.. - «v AY V V yjm : _ y f44 WE SCARCELY HAD TIME TO catch our breath and recover the planes of VF 64 before the ship anchored in the fine harbor of the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong on April 23. Fortunately Pay Day had relined our wallets with greenbacks, so we headed for shore in the waiting bum- boats to investigate the thriving city of $20 sport coats, slit skirts, and teeming streets. Within the hour we were scat- tered throughout the stores and streets of Hong Kong. Which is the real No squeak ?.... you want very fine tailor shop ?.... have another beer before you decide.... hey Navy, how ' bout a taxi....my tailor ' s Lee, who ' s yours ?....no cover, no mini- mum, dancing, hostesses....from Mohans to the floating restaurants, we covered the Colony. mtfK Mf %. .% JAMMED WITH SOME 2,500,000 inhabitants. Hong Kong serves as a gateway between the East and West. Sampans and steamers ply their trades in the waters of the harbor, while stores and shops crowd narrow streets. The lower area of the city is a hodge- podge of homes and apartments which thin out only as the city climbs up steep slopes towards The Peak. F Tiger Balm Garden A well - heeled check book, garish taste for color and design, and fertile imagination produced Tiger Balm Garden, a wierd con- glomeration of statutes and scenes. But it is a colorful addendum to Hong Kong, so we saw it. 240 Ma ife . li 1 i H ■ •u ■-• ,N ' Chinese Cemetery ; , Sawing Teak Wood : Life On A Sampan Aberdeen HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE world ' s most colorful cities, although overcast skies during most of our visit limited the action of photo fans. Some if us rode the tram up The Peak and viewed the wonderful pano- rama of the city, harbor, and Kowloon spreading out into the distance. Behind us lay Victoria Gap. We dropped down The Peak by taxi to picturesque Repulse Bay and continued on to Aberdeen, haven for thousands of sampans and junks and home for tens of thousands of Chinese. Aberdeen is a picture-taker ' s para- dise, dirty, crowded, and fascinating. Its floating restaurants are famous for sea food plucked alive from baskets and popped into the kettle right before your eyes. Then we commandeered another cab, drove past the Chinese Cemetery and the Diary Farm, and arrived back in Hong Kong itself. ■ r -ST - f H Bf ' B lfcl ■4 vi f C J Wlf V • ■ 3 ' m W Trf r ' M f . ' .WW i K 7 1 v l i t ' 1 ' 1 iHiylil i BUT AFTER SIX DAYS, THE last cashmere coat had been tried on, the last teakwood chest hauled aboard ship. We rushed through one more frantic round of shopping and relaxed at the Parisian Grill or Jimmy ' s Kit- chen. Mary Soo hauled away her final round of garbage and the bumboats collected our remaining Hong Kong dollars. The next morning we swung a- round in the harbor, passed through the channel, and returned to sea. A., ¥ IM «B ' mm ' unr S ' x ' 7 H Hj Mr ' t ' «v M «.P.bi - «w . ' -- ■ PI ' - ■ ' - ' - -im-- c; ff ' V ■ «■ .. -■f ' ,, OF ALL THE LIBERTY outside of the good old USA, Japan is the country that sailors hold nearest and dearest to their hearts. Whether it was leave, liberty, or R and R, Yokosu- ka, Kamakura, Yokohama, To- kyo, Nikko, and Sasebo — all were familiar names and places to us. Japan is a curious combina- tion of the East and the West, the old and the new, the bad and the beautiful. We saw the country in the winter and the spring, toured famous Japanese landmarks, and adjusted our- selves (to a greater or lesser degree) to leaving our shoes at the door, sitting cross-legged on straw mats, and eating every- thing from seaweed to soy beans. And when we returned to the ship, we were burdened down with gifts bearing the mark Made in Japan — silks, cigarette lighters, china, paint- ings, photo albums, binoculars, cameras, and many others. We didn ' t quite understand Japan, but we will always remember.... hot baths and hibachi pots.. ..the pungent smell of the streets.... ' Tadies ' drinks .. ..Japanese kids ....the confusion and congestion of roads and alleys.... soft lights and sweet music with a Japa- nese accent .... mamasan and babysan. Uby(Zu 247 -Vv ■ ' ■■ ;. : .: ,f i Sv% YOKOSUKA WAS THE first port to greet our arrival in the Western Padific, the last to wave goodbye. Its homes, hotels, shops, and nightclubs begin where the Navy ends, center on Thieves ' Alley, and climb the hill fac- ing the Main Gate. Thieves ' Alley, we found, was a bargain for bargain-happy sailors who weren ' t afraid to haggle over the price of a piece of silk. The Black Rose, Mocambo Club, Trade Winds, Grand Cherry — are some of the names which adorn Yokosuka ' s streets. And when were tired of that melee, the EM Club pro- vided a quiet and relaxing place for some stateside atmosphere. In Yokosuka, many of our divi- sions held parties, complete with dinner, drinks, dancing, and a floor show. Yokosuka was our ' ' ' home away frome home ; we knew it so well that it almost seemed to be a big city, not a small town. Yokosuka 249 P i-1F ? 250 Three Geisha Girls A Geta Maker Heian Shrine Torii Gate A Japanese Garden Farmer At Work L ti Tokyo TOKYO, THE BUSTLING CAPITAL OF Japan, is the world ' s third, largest city. Its broad avenues, concrete buildings, and modern facilites surround the Imperial Palace, the symbol of old Japan. In addition to possessing all the attributes of a western city, Tokyo offers some unique amusements such as the Kabuki Drama, Noh Play, geisha dances, and Tea Ceremony. 252 1 igST riaf-y •• ri ' . ; T THREE BAMBOOS 253 A Lantern Maker Meiji Museum Welcome To Yokosuka d ' Wk W 254 i open House Winter A t Fuji A Bride ' s Gown ■ ' 1 J ]i. •■ ' i ' carti  v LK r« v m Kamakura 258 Tokyo Shrine Holiday In Kamakura Tsurigane ' ' Approaching The Daibutsu 25S m - - -,.■,. ' ,., I ■ ... . wpij i r 1 i MMM| I .E .- ' ' , (■■ ..«? 1 :ii i ' i i ■H p ■ . .k s H ■ W0 J 1 i- ' fS R   KAMAKURA, HOME OF THE DAIBUT- su, is an exquisite tribute to the religion of Buddhism and an ancient capital of Japan. The temples, shrines, and tombs of Kamakura are silent witnesses to the town ' s past glories. 260 I mjUut A Day At Sea No day at sea is quite the same as any other. Sometimes watches upset the pattern. Sometimes holiday routine grants extra hours of sleep. And sometimes the events of the day itself stretch our working hours from early reveille to late secure. While the day depicted on the following pages is not typical, it is, nevertheless, true. It was these hectic days that taxed the endurance of our minds and bodies, but provided the variation and interest that eliminate monotony and make life at sea a constantly changing and challenging one. This day included replenishment and rearming in the morning, air operations in the afternoon. And although those were the major events, watches continued around-the-clock and daily tasks were carried out. Although some men began even earlier, for most of us the day began with the shrill whistle of the bos ' n ' s pipe at ... . g flpn ■I B « III IF n reveille 0700 breakfast 241 0800 muster on stations commence ship ' s work ■ 1 W A  J )t J B MJ ML -rJlfla? r | ' l t ' ■ ■ V- ' Iff ■ x - _ j v_ __y H B MHI to ' .■Lr ' -.w ■HRMl M 263 0830 — replenishment MlisJSM S . ' ji ' mu ' SKi-v- c f: .- UI MT ' i H H S ■A - I fi[ k  265 i ¥ f W i 1 -4 k ■ ' ' -(1 - m0m, ' - 266 1030 — rearmament 267 1130 noon meal 1230 M r an dr I 1300 flight quarters Ii c v ' j A ' ZiK 4« I kill I J ,«• ' ■i HMl Mi f .3 1 iR 274 == iEr If ■ 275 276 T -I ' kiA •,-« ., J . _ t J!f ' 277 1600 — time for gedunks relaxation 1700 — evening mea 1930 movie call 2000 — watches and work if? .. r i B ' ' V ' ' VUa B ' H 5 N iP H V I IW ' at ' - -. Ei JH JHj m B JB WJ !• 2200- taps The Chaplain gives his closing prayer.... Taps — lights out — the smoking lamp is out in all berthing spaces . . . . and another day at sea is finished. It has been a full day, a hectic one for all hands. The highlights and sidelights which comprised this day were demanding, yet interesting; and tomorrow will bring new problems, new pleasures, so all is quiet on board as the Essex and her escort steam steadily into the night. ' w m ' f f m . ' SSt . ; . 5 -  ' . - .-.-.AjLi ■ ' ' i •. SSl ESfiaH S j!iF q|HH - - _ - S y Lw ' ,-iMjii H ' «  «•--•■ '  - ' ' eatwvSi; VI PS... WE VISITED AND WERE Visi- ted in every port. Important military and civilian officials, ordinary citizens, and school children trooped across our decks, gazed at our sleek aircraft, and rode our escalator. In Bangkok, full military honors were rendered to high ranking military officers of the Thailand armed forces. The visitors, including American Am- bassador Peurifoy, inspected the Marine honor guard, toured the ship in com- pany with Rear Admiral Davis and Captain Sharp, viewed the flag scrap- book, and enjoyed coffee in the flag DURING OUR STAY IN HONG KONG, Robert T. Stevens, Secretary of the Army, passed through that city. He was rendered full military honors and toured the ship with Rear Admiral Davis. ALSO IN HONG KONG, BRITISH Commodore A. H. Thorold, OBE, DSC, Royal Navy, visited Rear Admiral Davis. IN SAN DIEGO, THE SHIP PLAYED host to charming Miss Mae Wynn, star of The Caine Mutiny motion picture. Miss Wynn toured the ship with LTJG Hatcher, Captain Turner, Commander Ingerslew, and her publicity manager. k A MISS ROBERTA SANDAVER of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MISS BONNIE POUCHNIK of Ely, Minnesota HfliM Ue MISS JOAN CHRISTENSEN of Armonk, New York MISS THREASA SCHNEIDER of Omaha, Nebraska 286 .. ' ■ %i MISS SHARON HILL of Austin, Texas MISS ESSEX MISS JOAN GRAYSON of Norwalk, California 287 MRS. DOLORES SIMS of Southgate, California MRS. BEVERLY ROSSON of Los Angeles, California 9 1 . MRS. VIRGINIA FERN SIMS of Phoenix, Arizona MRS. BILLIE ADINE JACOBS of Banning, California 288 MRS. MADELLA SCHWARTZ of Costa Mesa, California MRS. ESSEX MRS. CAROLYN JEAN HAM of Houston, Texas 289 U. S. O. Shows 290 Inspections.. 291 r And Cakes Sports . . • 294 295 Christmas Chorus Bible Study Clast The Essex Choir Plank Owners ' f s; U. S. S. E S S E X C VA - 9 J i ] j % 296 PLANK OWNERS Cruise Book Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LTJG J. B. Leavitt MANAGING EDITOR ENS D. DeForest ASSOCIATE EDITOR F. L. Hoskins, IC3 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS ART ASSISTANTS LTJG D. E. Lusty LTJG D. H. Gashler ENS J. O. Beck J. A. Ditch, ADC C. L. Burros, MMC J. M. Butts, AGl G. L. Pope, YN3 W. L. Raper, AE2 D. Salanga, AK3 D. A. Maxey, YNSN P. Villarimo, SN PHOTO ASSISTANTS CHPHOT B. M. Barton J. Gerics, Jr., PHI F. W. Dumas, PHI B. D. McMurtry, PHI G. A. Urqhuart PH2 R. J. Wade, PH2 J. W. Fabio, PHSN The Editors of the Cruise Book would like to express their sincere and grateful apprecia- tion to all personnel in the Photographic Laboratory for their outstanding efforts; to LCDR M. White and the Aerologists for use of the Balloon Locker; to all Division Officers for the articles contributed to this publication; to all Squadron Officers for their contributions of time, effort, and interest; and to Messrs. Mitsuyoshi Yoshida and Renji Warashina of the Toppan Printing Company. Credits We wish to convey our gratitude to every officer and man aboard ship who contributed photographs, whether black and white or color, to the Photo Contest. Many of your pictures are contained on the preceding pages. In particular, we wish to commend the winners of that contest: FIRST PLACE : SECOND PLACE; THIRD PLACE : L. D. SORENSON, ADl, of V-6 Division, whose picture ot a Philippine boy receiving a bath appears on Page 213. J. A. JOHNSON, DT3, of D Division, whose picture of a Waikiki sunset appears on Page 198. C. V. CORNELIUS, FTl, of F Division, whose picture of a little girl in Manila appears on Page 205. PRINTED BY TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN CMcma Pacdcun lla 0maAdi U6£d (s)mn S auoi ncwa We have travelled many miles, you and I. We have sweltered in the tropics, shivered under wintery skies. We have risen before dawn to replenish, secured after taps from flight quarters. We have emerged dirty and grimy after long hours of work, gulped down muddy coffee on midnight watches. We have swarmed ashore in exotic ports, toured strange sights of the Orient. We have encountered familiar marks of former days, ventured into new and dif- ferent surroundings. We have lounged in the relaxation of holidays, laughed in com- pany with our friends. Soon our ship will be silent and we shall part — leave, liberty, discharge, or transfer. We were a team, a happy and successful one that served our country and ourselves from Thailand to Korea. We leave this book as a pictorial memory of the miles we travelled together. 298 ' v V