Essex (CVA 9) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 8 text:

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OR WORD lt is my intention and expectation that between us, we shall make the name oF ESSEX carry Fear and destruction to our enemies,...and be an everlasting credit to our country and Flag . These were the words -oF Captain DB. DUNCAN to his crew soon aFter the Big 9 was launched in December oF 'l942. Through two wars and six Far Eastern Cruises the Essex has more than justiFied the conFidence oF its First Skipper. Qur ship Fought proudly and well in many oF the island campaigns oF World War Il including the occupation oF lwo Jima, the Marshalls and the Gilberts. During the Korean conFlict, the ship launched some 6,600 combat sorties, and on her Sixth Cruise she was part oF the Task Force covering the evacuation oF the Tachen Islands. ln June oF l955, the ESSEX returned to CONUS and in August steamed to Bremerton, Washington For an extensive period oF overhaul and modernization. As the ESSEX emerged From its period oF conversion and overhaul The l:ightin'ist Ship in the Fleet became even more powerFul. The new canted deck, adapted From our British Allies now provided a teremendous tactical and saFety asset. Planes are able to land and take oFF simultaneously while others can touch and go when in trouble, instead oF Facing the nylon barrier. Another improvement in our ship's construction is its hurricane bow. We still stay Far aField oF the Frantic Feminine wiles oF hurricanes Qiyphoons to the l3aciFic sailor? Gilda, l-larriet, Ida and even Jean, but in a Fight against the wind and waves, the enclosed bow will give us considerable added protection. The latest version oF the Big 9 was ready For sea when it leFt the Northwest and headed South. lts Crew was young and Hunsaltyu For the most partg many were looking Forward to their First cruise. Training, lots oF it, was needed to mold the 2,500 oFFicers and men into a Fighting team and that was what we got. Qperation l-lopscotch in June was a dress rehearsal For our OIQI at Pearl in July and August. Weak spots were noted, and intensive training commenced early in July-GQ, Man Overboard, Abandon Ship, Air DeFense and aFter the Air Group reported, constant Air Operations. A sharpening in eFFiciency, -ci5d'iand morale was noticable. We looked Forward to l-lawaii and the OIQI. 'ff

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LONG BEACH The Essex, during her three day stay at Long Beach, played host to thousands of visitors. They swarmed aboard via number three elevator, roamed the hangar spaces, and ascended to the Flight deck on number one elevator to inspect the planes on display.