USS Chicago

 

Four United States Navy ships have been named USS Chicago, after the city of Chicago, Illinois.

• USS Chicago (1885) was a protected cruiser launched in 1885 and active in World War I as a submarine tender, then a barracks ship, finally being renamed Alton in 1928 and lost at sea while under tow in 1936.
• USS Chicago (CA-29) was a Northampton-class heavy cruiser commissioned in 1931 and active in World War II, until lost at the Battle of Rennell Island in January 1943.
• USS Chicago (CA-136) was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, commissioned in 1945; later converted to an Albany-class guided missile cruiser and redesignated CG-11, then struck in 1984.
• USS Chicago (SSN-721) is a Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine commissioned in 1986, retired from active service in 2023.

USS Chicago CA-136 began her career as a Baltimore Class heavy cruiser. She saw action during the bombardment of the Japanese Islands in the closing months of World War II. After the war, the ship was converted to a guided missile cruiser and re-designated CG-11. The ship served with distinction including 5 deployments to Vietnam during the war. On her fifth cruise, the Chicago along with USS Long Beach was protecting A-6 Intruder and A-7 Corsair II aircraft during the mining of Hai Phong harbor. On May 9, 1971 she downed a MiG at long range using her forward Talos missile battery. The ship was eventually decommissioned in 1980 and broken up. Her anchor survives on display at Navy Pier in Chicago, Ill.

USS Yorktown CV10 & The battle of Midway Island

On May 30 1942, Yorktown departed from Pearl Harbor to take part in the Battle of Midway. After 1400 men worked around the clock for 48 hours to repair the severe damage that the carrier had suffered at the Battle of the Coral Sea. 

The Japanese were convinced that the Yorktown had been sunk or too badly damaged to return to action. The hastily repaired carrier then played a crucial role in the victory at Midway.

“Resilience”

9”x10” graphite on medium surface paper. Adapted from an official US Navy photo.

 

Afternoon, June 4, 1942. The wounded USS Yorktown drifts dead in the water, thick, black smoke pouring from her stack. Her boilers have been knocked out by the Japanese dive bombing attack, and there are multiple fires deep in the ship from the bomb blasts.

 

But the damage control teams have learned lessons from her last battle at Coral Sea, and have sprung into action now that the Japanese planes are gone. They begin patching holes in the flight deck, putting out the fires, and working to relight the boilers.

 

The damage to the ship was severe enough that the Japanese pilots reported her destroyed. But as at Coral Sea, the Yorktown is resilient. She is not destroyed, far from it. In fact, her damage control crew will have her ready for flight operations again in just two hours.

 

The Yorktown is not done fighting- not yet.

 

“Knockout” - 9”x12” graphite on medium surface paper. Adapted from official US Navy photo.
 

It’s a little after 5:00 PM on June 4, 1942, and Captain Elliott Buckmaster has just given the order that every ship’s master wishes he must never give- abandon ship.

 

Despite the heroic efforts throughout the day by Yorktown’s damage control crews, the hits made by the Japanese air torpedo attack are devastating to the ship- both struck in close proximity to each other and impacted the machinery spaces.

 

The effect was immediate- propulsion was again knocked out, but with the massive flooding caused by the torpedoes, the ship quickly started to lean over, or list. Failures in electrical generation and pumping meant the list quickly grew to over 20 degrees, and Captain Buckmaster and his officers feared the ship could turn over.

 

So Captain Buckmaster ordered the ship abandoned. The crew now carefully climb down netting and ropes dropped to the water, as Yorktown’s escort destroyers and cruisers close in to rescue them from the water. In this gallant fight against the Japanese, the Yorktown has been knocked out.

 

Against all odds, the Yorktown does not sink that night, and Buckmaster organizes a salvage crew to begin preparing the ship for tow back to Pearl Harbor. But fate intervenes, and on the afternoon of June 6 a Japanese submarine sneaks through the destroyer screen and launches a spread of 4 torpedoes at nearly point blank range.

 

One misses astern, one hits the destroyer Hammond tied alongside (she splits in two and sinks within minutes), and two slam into the Yorktown, on the opposite side from the ship from the air torpedoes. Again the effect is immediate, and the salvage crew evacuates.

 

Just after sunrise on June 7, all watch with heavy hearts as Yorktown slowly rolls over and slips beneath the calm surface of the Pacific. 

 

She will not be seen again for 56 years, when Robert Ballard finds her at the bottom of the Pacific in 1998.

 

 

Luzerne County sailor recounts survival of the Japanese attack on the USS Yorktown | June 4, 1942. 

As the Battle of Midway raged on June 4, 1942, Japanese aircraft took aim at the US Navy's aircraft carrier Yorktown. Emil Kimmel was at his battle station, waiting to assist any wounded from the ship's anti-aircraft crew as the Japanese planes attacked. He described the events in a letter to a reporter for the newspaper in Freeland, Pennsylvania:

"A few minutes later the loud-speaking system screeched and someone said that our fighter patrol intercepted a number of Jap bombers and broke up their formation.

The dogfight was clearly visible from the ship, and I saw about ten or 12 blobs of smoke on the horizon where they fell.

 

But the few remaining planes got through for an attack and we were hit in a few different spots on the ship. 

 

That’s when I had to go into action evacuating the dead and caring for the wounded. A little while later, while I was attending one case, the Japs were reported coming again, this time with torpedo planes.

 

We were slowed down by the bombs and I became worried as to how we would fare this time. Again, we were hit and the ship listed severely, and then we abandoned ship. My stomach did a couple of flip-flops when I realized that I had to leave my home, but I was ready for anything. I took oft all my clothes except my underwear and my life-jacket and then jumped into the water." 

 

Kimmel was rescued from the water - the USS Yorktown sank three days later from damage caused by the Japanese attack. However, the Yorktown's aircrews were among those who devastated the Japanese fleet and secured US victory in the Battle of Midway.

Read the full story: https://wynninghistory.com/.../30/kimmel-battle-of-midway/

 

 

"Oriskany" - First & Last Thoughts - Seagull's Memories

I was stationed at Naval Schools Command, Treasure Island. That's a small flat island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It was my first duty station. I was maintaining electronic test equipment for an Electronic Technician "A" school on the island. I just received my new orders. Sea Duty aboard the USS Oriskany CVA 34. I had never heard of Her so, I started asking others on the island if they knew anything about this ship. The "CVA" told me that she was an attack carrier of some kind but no one I talked to had ever heard of this "Oriskany" thing. 

The orders also stated that before reporting aboard I would spend a few weeks in a "C" school learning something called NTDS (Naval Tactical Data) SRC-16 radio transmitter - receiver system (one of the Navy's first communications networks) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, somewhere close to San Francisco. 

When I got to Mare Island and started the school, I also started asking around if anyone knew anything about this "Oriskany" ship. I found one old instructor that knew about her. He broke out into a huge laugh when I mentioned I was going to the Oriskany. He asked me who I pissed off. He said she was the OLDEST THING AFLOAT! Her SRC-16 system was serial number XN1 #1. That meant it was experimental model number 1 and was nothing like the machine I learned in school. Well, at least I now knew something about this thing called "Oriskany."

On the 17th of April 1973, I stood at the head of a pier in Alameda California. On my port side stood the USS Enterprise. Pride of the Navy, Queen of the sea. She was all decked out to start her sea tour tomorrow. Today she stood tall sleek and shinny. A necklace of aircraft around her island, She looked like an Ensign standing inspection, not a scratch or bruise on her skin, wrinkle in her uniform, and not a hair out of place. So beautiful and "sexy" - A sailor's "dream boat".  I could almost feel her tugging at me, whispering a beautiful sea chantey in my ear, trying to lure me away from my destination on the opposite side of the pier. 

On the starboard side, stood the Old Bitch of the Sea - Oriskany.  Just back from her sea tour yesterday. There she stood, Her uniform of grey: dirty, torn, wrinkled and tattered. Her skin scratched, bruised, covered in soot, salt and seagull crap. As I walked up her after-brow I could smell her sweat. Sweat from hundreds of miles in scorching sun and rough stormy seas, sweat from dozens of weeks at Yankee Station with flight ops sometimes going 24 hours a day. She was old, ugly and decrepit and she smelled of death.

At the head of her brow I stopped, turned and saluted her ensign. As I turned a 180, grabbed my packet of papers to hand to the Brow Watch, I thought: What the hell am I doing here? Did I piss off God? Why couldn't I be ridding that sleek young thing across the pier? The world knew her name and who's girl she was. Why am I, not even 20 years old yet, why do I have to ride this lonely Old Bitch of the Sea that no one knew, and from the looks of her, no one cared about?

On 14 June 1976, I stepped out on her flight deck for the last time. Slated for decommissioning instead of being cleaned up primed and painted, she was being stripped of all of her equipment. As I looked around I saw Her uniform of grey, still dirty, torn, wrinkled, tattered and Her skin scratched, bruised, covered in soot, salt and seagull crap from Her last Westpac. She was older and probably a bit uglier, but she wasn't the old bitch of the sea that I thought she would be. Once you got to know her she became a Fighting Lady. "The Mighty 'O' "is what we called her. A bitch to her enemy, but a Mighty Fighting Lady to her crew. She was the last of her kind, the last Essex Class Carrier, the last of the mighty fighting ships that took back the Pacific from the Japanese. From Alaska in the north to all the little islands that dot her south, the Essex Class Carriers fought and won the Pacific war. No, Oriskany wasn't the old bitch of the sea, She was the proud mother of the modern carrier, the first "SUPER CARRIER." Without the Essex Class Carriers like Oriskany, we would not have the sassy, sleek and sexy carriers of today. 

As I walked down her after-brow for the last time, I walked slowly so that I could savor her sweet sweat from missions to Korea and Vietnam, all the flight-ops involved in those wars along with the storms and typhoons we weathered. Along with her sweat is the always welcoming aroma of Subic bay with just a hint of Olongapo bar-maid perfume mixed with the breeze off shit-river. 

...Sorry, I just couldn't help a little Westpac reminiscing.   

ETN3 Harbit - Proud to say "I served on the USS Oriskany CVA 34" 

       

 

As I grow older I realize the magic of "belonging" to some place or time. I was on the USS Oriskany CVA-34 for an incredibly short time considering the length of my life at the present moment (73 years) and I remember the day I came aboard and the day I saluted her ensign for the last time. I did not realize it but I was taking a part of her with me and leaving some of myself behind. I now realize that I will never truly leave her, nor will she ever leave me. She is in my makeup today. The things she taught me I have used through out my life. Of all my education, the 4 years aboard her was by far my greatest learning experience. 

She was decommissioned on 30 September 1976. The old girl was slowly torn apart but she did not whimper or cry, she realized she had stood her watch and it was her time to be relieved.

 

She did not die because she lives with in the 10's of thousand of sailors that have crossed her deck during her watch and to me she will always be "the Grand Old Lady ...... the Mighty 'O'. The last Essex Class ship made. The last Great Warrior of WWII. 

ETN3 Harbit OE division, May 1972 - July 1976.

The Pilot's Gloves

 

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗷𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲?

When you think of a pilot, the image that often comes to mind is someone clad in a crisp uniform, complete with a pair of gloves. It’s not just about looking the part; those gloves are a fundamental piece of a pilot’s attire, especially when flying a jet plane. You might wonder if it’s for warmth, but the reasons are much more practical and rooted in safety and efficiency.

 

The gloves worn by pilots are typically made from a fire-resistant material like Nomex. This isn’t just any fabric; it’s designed to withstand extreme temperatures that can occur during a fire in the cockpit. Imagine being in such a high-stress situation; these gloves could literally be a lifesaver, providing the pilot with precious time to manage the emergency and keep everyone on board safe.

 

But there’s more to these gloves than just fire resistance. They also offer pilots better grip and control over the aircraft’s controls. Controls in a jet plane can be quite sensitive, and maintaining a firm grip is crucial, particularly during complex maneuvers or when reacting to unexpected situations. The gloves help ensure that the pilot’s hands don’t slip, which could be disastrous at high speeds or in turbulent weather.

 

Also the tradition of wearing gloves goes back to the early days of aviation. Back then, pilots needed to protect their hands from the heavy and stiff controls of cable-controlled aircraft. This practice has been passed down through generations and has become a symbol of professionalism and readiness in the cockpit.

 

So, while the gloves may provide some warmth, their primary purpose is to protect and enhance the pilot’s ability to operate the aircraft safely and effectively. It’s a blend of tradition and practicality that underscores the meticulous nature of aviation and the continuous emphasis on safety.

 

Every time a pilot puts on those gloves, they’re not just preparing to fly; they’re gearing up to ensure the well-being of everyone on board. Isn’t it fascinating how every detail in aviation has a purpose? It’s like a well-orchestrated symphony where every note matters.

US Aircraft Carrier Catptains

 

𝐃𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬?

𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒚 𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒔.

This is because an aircraft carrier is a complex and powerful warship that requires a high level of expertise and experience to operate and command.

An aircraft carrier captain must be able to oversee the flight operations, the nuclear propulsion, the weapons systems, the crew management, and the strategic planning of the ship. The captain must have a background in naval aviation, as well as in nuclear engineering and surface warfare.

To become an aircraft carrier captain, one must first join the Navy as an officer and complete flight training to become a naval aviator. Then, one must serve as a pilot in a carrier-based aircraft squadron for several years, gaining experience and skills in flying and landing on an aircraft carrier. After that, one must complete the Navy Nuclear Power training program, which teaches the principles and procedures of operating a nuclear-powered ship.

Next, one must serve as a commanding officer of a smaller ship or a carrier air wing commander, demonstrating leadership and management abilities. Finally, one must be selected by a board of senior officers for promotion to the rank of captain and assignment to an aircraft carrier command.

The path to becoming an aircraft carrier captain is long and challenging, but also rewarding and prestigious. An aircraft carrier captain is responsible for one of the most powerful and versatile weapons in the world, as well as for thousands of sailors and aviators under his or her command. An aircraft carrier captain must have exceptional skills, knowledge, and judgment to lead and succeed in this demanding and important role.