Lexington (CVA 16) - Naval Cruise Book

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' V6 Dlll 10 V6 is the Maintenance Gang of the Air Department-from Primary Fly to Hangar Bay 3. They maintain close liaison with squadron personnel, providing technical assistance and shop space. Besides their numerous mechanical and electrical responsibilities they find time to take care of the ship's vehicles and our flying mail truck-the ship's TF. QQL

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HELICUPTER UTILITY QUADIHIN UNE The Whirlyhird detachment brought their two HUP-3's aboard the Lexington three Weeks prior to her departure from CONUS. Det Lima is just one of many splinter groups sent out by HU- l to ships all through the Pacific Fleet. Their primary purpose aboard carriers is the rescue of downed aviators, and to this end the squadron has accomplished over 850 successful rescues in the eleven years since its commissioning. Det Lima also carries on utility Work such as personnel transfers, cargo carrying, and mail delivery to the destroyers which endears them to all tin-can sailors. One exciting moment during this cruise occured when the engine quit in helo H3 Qpictured belowj While flying plane guard in the San Bernardino Straits. Lt. Pflimlin and crewman Luoier were dumped into the Water, and quickly recovered none the Worse for their soaking. ln gratitude, the Detachment gave the destroyer unrestricted salvage rights on their helo, which sank in 300 fathoms of water. nrt mlm w l 4 LT K. J. Rieder Oflicer in Charge LT P. N. Pflimlin 263 1 I I