Leyte (CVA 32) - Naval Cruise Book

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OSITIZ Sou First Row: L. R. lfVells: T. A. Fangerg LT R. G. Bridgesg D. VV. Nelson Second Row: R. Fontaineg E. Travisg L. A. Simmonsg M. Perdomo Third Row: V. S. Riccig R. YV. Fil' fl 1 1 ix, D. I.. XX ebsterg QI. M. Rushing: ll H. Stallings. K, COMPOSITE SQUADRON SIXTY-TVVO was commissioned in C folk, Virginia. The primary mission of Composite Squadron Sixty-two IS I0 supply the Atlantic fleet units with detachments of qualified pho- tographic reconnaissance pilots. Pilots are trained and orgall- ized into teams at the parent squadron. These teams are assignfid to carriers to supply them with photographic intelligence over 21 broad range. The pilot may be assigned to photograph any target for intelligence unobtainable from other sources. He may be called on for mapping runs to be used in constructing maps ol' correcting existing maps. A frequently assigned mission 13 damage assessment photo ianh t l january l.lfl9 at the Naval Air Station, Nor L gui y o Je used in estimating the true amount ol' dania ' ' ' ' ge inflicted hy our strike groups.

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Upper Left: Pilots, Man Your Planes. Pilots and crewmen of Composite Squadron THIRTY-THREE leave Ready One to man their planes and carry out their assigned mission. Alter this hop, they may be briefed immediately lor a night Hiffht or spend many extra hours working on their planes. U D Upper Right: ENS WVilson and Uphoff talk it over. Pilot and plane captain make an inspection of SS 805, affectionately called The Wheezer because of its age and old engine. Despite the age of these planes, crews kept up a high rate of availability. Lower Left: Scheckles shorts a circuit. Scheckles Bidleman, AT3, selects his tools before tackling the highly technical job of trouble- shooting one of the many pieces of electronics equipment carried in VC's all-weather configured Skyraiders. Center: 80l's CREYV mans their plane. LCDR VV. Hailie Salassi, Detachment Three's Skipper, with his crewmen, Tooker and Parker, .board their plane before a launch. The three-man crew, such as these, is the keynote of the success of the all-weather attack detachments. Lower R' 'htt E ell ATl and Ross, AL2, ground-check a piece ol gear. The detachment crewmen all have a twofold job in the lg ZZ , , composite organization. They operate the gear in the air and spend many hours on the deck, constantly servicing and malfltaln- ing it. , COMPOSITE SOUADRON THIRTY-THREE. fulfills City, New Jersey. Detachment Three, under the able leadership of LCDR James VV. Salassi, flew to Guantan- amo Bay to meet the Leyte and has been an integral part of her air group every since. Besides being the Leyte's only night striking force, Detachment Three also supple- ments the air group in attack and support missions dur- ing the day. the all-weather attack requirements of the Atlantic Fleet. Its mission is to search out and sink enemy submarines, Supply skilled personnel for foul weather and night sorties, and to perform the myriad of other jobs which spell efficiency lfor the air navy. Composite Squadron Thirty-Three is commanded by CDR John T. DeVane, and is based ashore at Atlantic ' 91

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