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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


Courtesy of Robert Sourisseau

USS ESSEX   (CV-9)
(later CVA-9 and CVS-9)


U.S.S. ESSEX
Courtesy of Al Grazevich


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Alpha - Golf - Oscar
Tactical Voice Radio Call: "BANKNOTE"


Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons

   

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Presidential Unit Citation / Navy Unit Commendation
2nd Row: Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation / Navy Expeditionary Medal / China Service Medal (extended)
3rd Row: American Campaign Medal / Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (13 stars) / World War II Victory Medal
4th Row: Navy Occupation Service Medal ("Asia" clasp) / National Defense Service Medal (2) / Korean Service Medal (4 stars)
5th Row: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3) / Philippine Presidential Unit Citation / Korean Presidential Unit Citation
6th Row: Philippine Liberation Medal (2 stars) / United Nations Korean Medal / Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)

Essex Class Aircraft Carrier
Ordered Laid down Launched Commissioned Decommissioned Stricken
3 Jul 1940 28 Apr 1941 31 Jul 1942 31 Dec 1942
15 Jan 1951
9 Jan 1947
30 Jun 1969

1 Jun 1973
Builder: Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Newport News, Va.

Specifications
(As built, 1942)
Displacement: 27,100 tons standard; 36,380 tons full load
Dimensions (wl): 820' x 93' x 28.5' (full load)  /  249.9 x 28.3 x 8.7 (full load) meters
Dimensions (max.): 872' x 147.5'  /  265.8 x 45 meters
Armor: 4"-2.5" belt; 1.5" hangar & protective deck(s); 4" bulkheads; 1.5" STS (top, side of pilot house); 2.5" (top) steering gear
Power plant: 8 boilers (565 psi, 850°F); 4 steam turbines; 4 shafts; 150,000 shp (design)
Speed: 32.7 knots
Endurance (design): 20,000 nautical miles @ 15 knots
Armament: 4 twin & 4 single 5"/38 gun mounts; 8 quad 40-mm/56-cal gun mounts; 46 single 20-mm/70-cal guns mounts
Aircraft: 90 (Air Group 9, October 1943)
Aviation facilities: 1 deck-edge, 2 centerline elevators; completed without catapults (an H-2 was fitted to the starboard side of the flight deck at Norfolk, April–May 1943, after shakedown cruise)
Crew: 2,600+ (ship's company + air wing, as designed)

(After SCB-27A, 1951)
Displacement: 28,200 tons standard; 40,600 tons full load
Dimensions (wl): 819.1' x 101.4' x 29.7' (full load)  /  249.7 x 30.9 x 9.1 (full load) meters
Dimensions (max.): 898.1' x 151.9'  /  273.7 x 46.3 meters
Armor: belt replaced by blister with 60-lb STS
Power plant: (as above)
Speed: 31.7 (max) / 30 (sust) knots
Endurance (design): n/a
Armament: 8 single 5"/38 gun mounts; 14 twin 3"/50 gun mounts
Aircraft: 70+
Aviation facilities: 1 deck-edge, 2 centerline elevators; 2 hydraulic catapults (H 8)
Crew: ~2,900 (ship's company + air wing)

(After SCB-125, 1956)
Displacement: 30,800 tons standard; 41,200 tons full load
Dimensions (wl): 824.5' x 101' x 30.1' (full load)  /  251.3 x 30.8 x 9.2 (full load) meters
Dimensions (max.): 890' x 196'  /  271.3 x 59.7 meters
Armor: (as above)
Power plant: (as above)
Speed: 32 (max) / 30.3 (sust) knots
Endurance (design): n/a
Armament: 7 single 5"/38 gun mounts; 4 twin 3"/50 gun mounts
Aircraft: ~70 (CVA role), ~50 (CVS role)
Aviation facilities: 2 deck-edge, 1 centerline elevators; 2 hydraulic catapults (H 8)
Crew: 2,300+ (ship's company + air wing)
Click On Image
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
1942 — 1947
Name
Essex
NS0209bc
107k

CV-9 was named Essex to commemorate the previous naval service of other US vessels that had borne the name. Essex is a town and county in Massachusetts (NS0209bc).

Previous US warships named Essex:

  1. A frigate.
  2. An ironclad steamer.
  3. A wooden screw steamer.

(Map courtesy of Google Maps.)

NavSource
The Early Years — World War II
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ab
532k

USS Essex (CV-9), World War II.

Overhead plan and starboard profile meticulously drawn by John Robert Barrett.

Navy Yard Associates
CV-9 Essex
NS020938a
59k

Essex christening, Friday, 31 July 1942. Mrs. Artemus Gates, wife of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air, Sponsor.

S. Dale Hargrave
CV-9 Essex
NS020938b
42k

Mrs. Gates christening Essex.

S. Dale Hargrave
CV-9 Essex
NS020938c
65k

Essex sliding into the James River.

S. Dale Hargrave
CV-9 Essex
NS020938
91k

Essex just after launch, July 31st, 1942 at Newport News Shipbuilding.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS020938d
931k

"NEW NEST FOR U.S. NAVY PLANES—Flanked by craft of sea and air, Uncle Sam's newest aircraft carrier Essex—the first to be launched since Pearl Harbor—rides the waves after sliding down the ways at Newport News, Va."

The Wilmington Morning Star/The Sunday Star-News, Wilmington, N.C., Sunday, 9 August 1942.

Chronicling America,
via Michael Mohl
CV-9 Essex
NS020939e
132k

Essex at inclining, 19 December 1942. Quarter port, bow. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company photo.

Ed Zajkowski
CV-9 Essex
NS020939
112k

Essex at inclining, 19 December 1942, looking starboard to island. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company photo. Notice she hasn't had her SK and SC air search radar and Mk 4 fire control radars added yet.

Original photo submitted by Steve Whitby.

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS020939d
170k

Essex at inclining, 19 December 1942. Flight deck, looking forward. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company photo.

Ed Zajkowski
CV-9 Essex
NS020939b
188k

Essex at inclining, 19 December 1942. Flight deck, looking aft. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company photo.

Original photo submitted by Pieter Bakels.
Replacement photo by Ed Zajkowski.
CV-9 Essex
NS020939a
100k

Essex at inclining, 19 December 1942, looking forward. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company photo.

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS020939c
108k

Forward 5"/38 gun mounts and island of Essex (CV-9), 19 December 1942.

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ad
88k

Essex (CV-9) on sea trials off the coast of Virginia, December 1942.

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-9 Essex
NS020941
101k

Right after commissioning, Dec. 31st. 1942.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS020940
101k

Essex leaving Newport News for Norfolk Navy yard, Dec. 31st. 1942.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS020940a
489k

Uncropped version of photo NS020940, above. (Please disregard what is printed on the photo.)

Ron Titus
CV-9 Essex
NS0209cj
84k

USS Essex (CV-9). View of island. Date and location unknown.

David Buell
CV-9 Essex
NS020983
127k

Official U.S. Navy photograph of USS Essex (CV-9). Aerial, broad side on port bow view taken at Hampton Roads, Va., and dated 1 February 1943. Photo from the U.S. Naval Photographic Center, U.S. Naval Station Anacostia, Washington, D.C. (serial number USN 36007).

Robert M. Cieri
CV-9 Essex
NS020983a
43k

Port broadside photo of USS Essex (CV-9) on 1 February 1943, one month after being commissioned. The ship is painted in Measure 21 camouflage scheme and is completing shakedown cruises off Norfolk Navy Yard before leaving for the Pacific War Zone.

Photo from the Naval Recognition Manual files (1943–1945).

Mike Green
CV-9 Essex
NS020968
67k

USS Essex (CV-9) at Hampton Roads, Norfolk, VA, 3 February 1943, just one month after commissioning. US Navy photo.

Robert Hurst
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bs
390k

Commander Fitzhugh Lee prior to first take off from USS Essex (CV-9), 16 February 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-228006.

NARA
CV-9 Essex
NS020972
59k

USS Essex (CV-9) underway in the Pacific, date unknown (probably 1943—thanks to Tracy White—.) She is camouflaged in Measure 21.

Robert Hurst
CV-9 Essex
NS020913
535k

Scene on the flight deck, looking aft from the carrier's island during her shakedown cruise, 20 March 1943. Planes parked on deck are F6F-3 Hellcat fighters (in foreground, with wings folded) and SBD-4 Dauntless scout bombers.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-K-698.

Scott Dyben
NARA,
via Michael Mohl
CV-9 Essex
NS020914
138k

Underway at 1615 hrs. during May 1943, in position 37 05'N, 74 15'W, as photographed from a blimp from squadron ZP-14. Among the aircraft parked on her flight deck are 24 SBD scout bombers (parked aft), about 11 F6F fighters (parked in after part of the midships area) and about 18 TBF/TBM torpedo planes (parked amidships).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-68097).

Note: The official caption for this photo gives the location as 37 05'N, 74 15'E, which is deep inland, in the Wakhan Corridor, Afghanistan. Position 37 05'N, 74 15'W puts Essex off the coast of Norfolk. (Thanks to William Stevens, who pointed out the error.)

Scott Dyben
CV-9 Essex et al.
NS013843d
656k

Aerial of Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii. Shown: Ship dispersal and docking areas. Photograph released 12 December 1943.

The battleship at the navy yard pier is the New Mexico (BB-40) because of the mainmast configuration. Both of her sisters had their primary air search radar sets on the mainmast at the time. The three battleships nested by Ford Island are the Tennessee (BB-43), outboard; Colorado (BB-45) in the middle; and Pennsylvania (BB-38) inboard, on the Ford Island side.

Note the two Essex-class carriers off Ford Island: Essex (CV-9)—left—and Yorktown (CV-10)—right. USS Cowpens (CVL-25) is seen between and beyond Essex and Yorktown. USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) and USS Cabot (CVL-28) can also be seen to the left and beyond Essex (see also photo NS0209bia). (Special thanks to Max Stola, who checked the War Diaries to identify all carriers.)

Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
USN photo #80-G-221100, now in the collections of the National Archives, courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com. Photo & text i.d. courtesy of Richard M. Jensen & Fabio Peña
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bi
1.00M

View from a different angle, as above.

USS Enterprise (CV-6) is the carrier moored slightly to the left and down from the center of the photo. USS Lexington (CV-16) is in dry dock #4, to the left and up from the center of the photo. (Special thanks to Max Stola, who checked the War Diaries to identify all carriers.)

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-221096.

NARA
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bia
870k

View from a different angle, as above.

The two moored carriers, slightly to the left and down from the center of the photo, are USS Cabot (CVL-28)—closer to camera—and USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24). (Special thanks to Max Stola, who checked the War Diaries to identify all carriers.)

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-221097.

NARA
CV-9 Essex
NS0209az
57k

Three photographs of plasti-glass windows installed on MK 49 directors aboard USS Essex (CV-9). Included in "Gun Director Mk. 49 - comments on", sent by the commanding officer (CAPT Ralph A. Ofstie) to the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, January 1944.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-9 Essex
NS0209aza
54k
CV-9 Essex
NS0209azb
36k
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bg
190k

USS Essex (CV-9) en route to Kwajalein and Operation Flintlock, 25 January 1944, as seen from USS Intrepid (CV-11). Essex, Intrepid and USS Cabot (CVL-28) formed CTG 58.2, under RADM Alfred E. Montgomery.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-227113.

Andrew Faltum
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ar
374k

"Typical Ship's Schedule for Day in Combat Zone." 29 January 1944.

Mark Herber
CV-9 Essex
NS0209as
35k

Air Department Plan of the Day, Thursday, 17 February 1944.

Mark Herber
CV-9 Essex
NS0209at
157k

Plan of the Day, Tuesday, 22 February 1944.

Mark Herber
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ata
677k

Task Group 58.2, USS Essex (CV-9), USS Yorktown (CV-10), and USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) in combat with Japanese aircraft on D-Day during the raid on Saipan in the Marianas Islands, 22 February 1944. Taken from USS Essex. Seen is USS Belleau Wood.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-218424.

NARA
CV-9 Essex
NS0209atb
871k

A Japanese aircraft, identified as a Yokosuka D4Y Suisei ("Comet") reconnaissance bomber (Allied reporting name Judy), seen from USS Essex (CV-9), as it dived toward the ship on D-Day, 22 February 1944, during raid on Saipan in the Marianas Islands by Task Group 58.2.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-218415.

CV-9 Essex
NS0209atc
994k

Barrage of anti-aircraft fire laid down to stop a Japanese torpedo plane on D-Day raid on the Marianas Islands by Task Group 58.2, 22 February 1944. USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24), center, photographed from USS Essex (CV-9).

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-218416.

CV-9 Essex
NS020942
113k

Essex in San Francisco for a refit, April 15th, 1944. At this time, she had her dazzle paint (Measure 32, Design 6/10D) applied. Photo shows her loading new SB2C-3's.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS020942a
468k

USS Essex (CV-9), photo # 550-44-S8, island structure showing alterations, San Francisco, California, 15 April 1944.

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS020942b
171k

Four more images of USS Essex (CV-9) after her San Francisco refit, 15 April 1944. Modifications are circled. Note that Essex had a single quad 40-mm gun mount on the fantail, left of centerline.

David Buell
CV-9 Essex
NS020942c
142k
CV-9 Essex
NS020942d
142k
CV-9 Essex
NS020942e
217k

Port bow view of USS Essex (CV-9) underway, 15 April 1944, after refit at Hunters Point Navy Yard. She had Measure 32, Design 6/10D camouflage scheme applied during her refit.

This image is part of an album collected by CAPT Carlos W. Wieber during his command of Essex, 7 August 1944–30 June 1945.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No.1983.046.010.001.

Mike Green
CV-9 Essex
NS020942f
180k

Port broadside view of USS Essex (CV-9) underway, 15 April 1944, after refit at Hunters Point Navy Yard. She had Measure 32, Design 6/10D camouflage scheme applied during her refit.

This image is part of an album collected by CAPT Carlos W. Wieber during his command of Essex, 7 August 1944–30 June 1945.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No.1983.046.010.002.

CV-9 Essex
NS020995
135k

Fresh from her San Francisco refit, USS Essex (CV-9) is seen ferrying aircraft in the Pacific, April 1944. Note the bridge had been modified by removing the island's forward 40-mm quad gun mount and extending the flag bridge.

Essex is carrying at least 36 Grumman/Eastern TBF/TBM Avengers, 14 Grumman F6F Hellcats, and 70 Curtiss SB2C Helldivers, probably to build up fleet stocks for the Marianas operation.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo # 80-G-373580.

Robert M. Cieri
Additional info submitted by Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret)
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ac
122k

Bombing Squadron (VB) 15 combat aircrewmen and crew, NAS Puunene, Maui, T.H., April 1944.

Standing (l to r): Fraoli, Schmidt, Shetler, Flanagan, Krueger, Cribb, Lowe, Henry, Duncan, Swihart, John, Guilbeau, Sheehan, Forrest, Whitby, Downey, Dobbie, Dwyer, Frobom, Lemieux, Graham, O.C. Adams.

Middle row (l to r): McPherson, Corey, Jackson, Rowland, McConnell, Laborde, Stienkemeyer, Penza, Hooten, Miller, Murphy, Gotsis, Hogue, Terrell, Kataja, Sharron, Dorosh, Bussy, Murray, Harris, Hammons, Fowler, Hughes, C.A. Adams.

Front row (l to r): Magel, Gledhill, Ness, Clark, Holland, Hoole, Peterson, Pate, North, Robbins, Kissell.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS0209aca
99k

Aviation Radioman, Second Class (ARM2c), Stanley Nelson Whitby, USNR, of Peckville, PA, Bombing Squadron 15 (VB-15) aboard USS Essex (CV-9). ARM2c Whitby was killed in action on 13 October 1944, while Air Group 15 was conducting attacks on Formosa and the Pescadores Islands. ARM2c Whitby earned the Navy-Marine Corps Medal, Air Medal with two Gold Stars, and the Purple Heart.

CV-9 Essex
NS020993
86k

Officers of Torpedo Squadron Fifteen (VT-15) aboard USS Essex (CV-9). Photo taken at Majuro Atoll sometime between 15 and 19 May 1944. Hand written id's by Bob Cosgrove (note cryptic note at the bottom). About half the men in this picture would earn the Navy Cross in October–November 1944, and at least three of them (Otto R. Bleech, Edwin S. Filipczak and Paul E. Southard, Jr.) would be killed in action in 1944–5.

CDR Michael Cosgrove (Ret.), son of Robert D. Cosgrove
CV-9 Essex
NS020993a
56k
CV-9 Essex
NS020993b
81k

Men of Torpedo Squadron Fifteen (VT-15) aboard USS Essex (CV-9). Photo taken at Majuro Atoll sometime between 15 and 19 May 1944. Hand written id's by Bob Cosgrove—his crewmen (Digby Denzel and Loyce Deen) are at the far left, rows 1 & 2.

CDR Michael Cosgrove (Ret.), son of Robert D. Cosgrove
CV-9 Essex
NS020993c
157k
CV-9 Essex
NS020944
77k

This SB2C Helldiver of VB-15 had its rudder practically torn off over Marcus Island, 19 May 1944, but Lt(jg) James Wanner Barnitz was able to bring it back aboard Essex. Gunner was ARM3c Herbert N. Stienkmeyer, USNR.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS020943
118k

Good shot of VB-15 and VT-15 aircraft on the Essex, turning into the wind, May 27th, 1944 just before the Marianas campaign. The light carrier is San Jacinto (CVL-30) and the Essex-class carrier is Wasp, (CV-18).

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS020945
151k

Lt(jg) Cliff Jordan and his gunner, ARM2c Stan Whitby, from VB-15, return from a mission in support of the invasion of Saipan with damage to the right elevator and stabilizer, 19 June 1944. They shot down a Japanese Kate torpedo bomber with their SB2C-3 Helldiver in the process!

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ax
3.37M

The Essex Buccaneer, Vol. 1, No. 2, April 25, 1944.

Mark Herber
CV-9 Essex
NS0209axa
3.14M

The Essex Buccaneer, Vol. 1, No. 3, May 12, 1944.

CV-9 Essex
NS0209axb
3.06M

The Essex Buccaneer, Vol. 1, No. 4, June 25, 1944.

CV-9 Essex
NS0209axc
3.58M

The Essex Buccaneer, Vol. 1, No. 5, July 4, 1944.

CV-9 Essex
NS0209axd
6.03M

The Essex Buccaneer, Vol. 1, No. 6, August 11, 1944.

CV-9 Essex
NS020976
38k

Model of USS Essex (CV-9) painted in Measure 32, Design 6/10D camouflage, as she appeared during most of 1944.

Courtesy of Joel Rosen, Motion Models
CV-9 Essex
NS020985
121k

Model of USS Essex (CV-9), as she appeared during World War 2, on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. Photos taken on 13 June 2008.

Photos by Judson Phillips
CV-9 Essex
NS020985a
78k
CV-9 Essex
NS020954
133k

TBM-1C from VT-15 aboard Essex having wounded removed, October 1944.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bh
573k

Japanese aircraft carrier Zuiho under attack during the Battle of Cape Engaño, 25 October 1944, part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf. Photographed from an Avenger of VT-15, Air Group 15, USS Essex (CV-9).

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-47162.

NARA
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bu
863k

Commander David McCampbell, USN, (Commander, Air Group Fifteen) poses in the cockpit of his F6F-5 Hellcat aboard USS Essex (CV-9), circa early October 1944.

Note 21 kills marked on the plane, the number credited to CDR McCampbell as of this time.

In a letter written in 1982, McCampbell said that the photographer was Joe Rosenthal.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-K-2179.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bua
526k

Another photo of CDR McCampbell and his F6F-5 Hellcat, probably taken on the same occasion as the photo above.

CV-9 Essex
NS020955
91k

CDR David McCampbell, Commander, Air Group 15, in his F6F-5 Hellcat, "Minsi III". This photo must have been taken after October 24, 1944. On that day, CDR McCampbell shot down nine Japanese aircraft, to raise his total to 30. He became the Navy's top "Ace," with 34 confirmed air victories (plus 20 aircraft destroyed on the ground).

LCDR Paul S. Rundall, USN(Ret).
via his grandson, Ryan Romero
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bv
860k

Commander David McCampbell, USN, (Commander, Air Group Fifteen) poses in the cockpit of his F6F-5 Hellcat aboard USS Essex (CV-9), circa late October 1944. Note 30 kills marked on the plane. (See also NS0209bx, below.)

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-K-2178.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020946
98k

Lt(jg) William S. Rising (right) and his radioman/gunner, ARM2c John W. Montgomery, of VB-15, were shot down over Manila Bay on 6 November 1944. They spent almost seven weeks crawling through rice paddies and avoiding Japanese forces on Luzon and Mindoro with the help of friendly Filipinos until finally picked up by PT boats on 23 December.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS020994
178k

Bob Cosgrove giving a brief aboard USS Essex (CV-9) prior to a raid on Formosa.

CDR Michael Cosgrove (Ret.), son of Robert D. Cosgrove
CV-9 Essex
NS020900
146k

Bob Cosgrove and crew in front of a TBM Avenger. From left, Digby Denzel (radioman), Bob Cosgrove (pilot), Loyce Deen (gunner).

CDR Michael Cosgrove (Ret.), son of Robert D. Cosgrove
CV-9 Essex
NS020900a
173k

Bob Cosgrove landing his TBM-1C Avenger, BuNo 46353, on USS Essex (CV-9), with his dead gunner, Loyce Deen, killed by an AA shell exploding in the turret while on a run on an IJN cruiser in Manila Bay, 5 November 1944.

"[T]he pilot was an expert for the plane was a wreck and barely flyable." (Philip A. St. John, USS Essex CV/CVA/CVS-9, (Paducah, KY: Turner Publishing, 1999), 40.)

CV-9 Essex
NS020900b
89k

Deck crewman has covered up Deen while a decision is being made what to do with the aircraft, which sustained heavy battle damage.

CV-9 Essex
NS020900c
93k

Deen will be buried in his plane. The service on the fantail with the chaplain standing on the wing of the plane. In attendance, RADM Frederick C. Sherman, Task Group 38.3 commander, and David L. McDonald, XO of Essex and eventually CNO (1963–1967).

CV-9 Essex
NS020900d
137k

TBM-1C Avenger BuNo 46353 pushed off the flight deck after the completion of the funeral service.

CV-9 Essex
NS020992
160k

Left to right: Bob Chaffe, Bob Cosgrove, Harry Goodwin, Jerry Crumley, Charlie Hurd, Walt Harper. All pilots in Torpedo Squadron Fifteen (VT-15). Taken early November 1944 after an awards ceremony, shortly before the air group left USS Essex (CV-9). Chaffe, Cosgrove, Goodwin and Crumley were eventually awarded Navy Crosses for action during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, 24–25 October 1944.

CDR Michael Cosgrove (Ret.), son of Robert D. Cosgrove
CV-9 Essex
NS0209aa
.PDF file
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650k

CAPT Robert D. Cosgrove's Aviators Flight Log Book while he was aboard USS Essex (CV-9), April–November 1944.

CDR Michael Cosgrove (Ret.), son of Robert D. Cosgrove
CV-9 Essex
NS020991
157k

USS Essex (CV-9) refueling from the T2-SE-A1 oiler USS Tallulah (AO-50) in a heavy sea off Luzon, 9 November 1944.

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bx
1.16M

CDR David McCampbell (see NS0209bu, above) with 34 "kill" markings on his F6F-5 Hellcat, Minsi III, with an unidentified Sailor. The photo must have been taken on or after 14 November 1944.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ci
654k

USS Essex (CV-9), aerial attack on Japanese shipping in Manila Bay, Philippines, by carrier aircraft. Note the docks and ships burning. Photograph released: 14 November 1944.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-272959.

NARA
CV-9 Essex
NS020911d
241k

On 25 November 1944, USS Essex (CV-9) was off Luzon, 165 miles east of Manila, sending strikes to enemy airfields and interdicting shipping around the islands. At 1255 two kamikazes singled out Essex. Both were hit by anti-aircraft fire and one crashed into the sea. The other bomber, identified as a Yokosuka D4Y3 Suisei ("Comet") model 33 (Allied reporting name Judy) and flown by LT Yamaguchi Yoshinori, kept boring straight in.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020911e
483k

USS Essex (CV-9) about to be hit by a Japanese Judy aircraft during Kamikaze attacks off Luzon, 25 November 1944. The plane, afire from anti-aircraft gun hits, struck near the carrier's forward elevator. Note Cleveland-class light cruiser in the left distance. Photographed from USS Ticonderoga (CV-14).

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-270738.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020911f
741k

A Judy dive bomber about to hit USS Essex (CV-9), 25 November 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-270710.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020911g
1.77M

Yokosuka D4Y3 Suisei model 33 (Judy) about to hit USS Essex (CV-9), 25 November 1944. Pilot was LT Yamaguchi Yoshinori, who was part of the Yoshino Special Attack Corps and flew from Mabalacat Air Field in the Philippines. Seventeen men lost their lives—the Japanese pilot and 16 Essex crewmen.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-270649.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020911h
87k

LT Yoshinori Yamaguchi's Yokosuka D4Y3 Suisei model 33 (Judy) in a suicide dive against USS Essex (CV-9), 1256 hours, 25 November 1944. Dive brakes are extended, the burning non-self-sealing port wing tank of the Suisei is trailing smoke. Note tail number 17. (Colorized photo.)

Photographed by LCDR Earl Colgrove, USNR.

The plane was not carrying a bomb, but its gasoline exploded, setting fires on the deck and catwalk. The carrier's flight deck was damaged, along with her Group 4 20mm battery and hangar deck in the area of the impact. The fires were brought under control and by 1326 Essex was able to resume flight operations. There was little structural damage.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020911a
496k

A Japanese kamikaze hits USS Essex (CV-9) on 25 November 1944, during naval operations under Admiral Halsey in support of US landings on Leyte. (See also NS020911.)

Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), Naval Historical Foundation Collection, Photo # UA 478.12.01.

Robert Hurst
Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020911j
1.74M Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020911i
421k
CV-9 Essex
NS015714k
204k

USS Essex (CV-9) takes a hit, as seen from USS South Dakota (BB-57).

"On 25 November 1944, for the first time in her far-ranging operations and destruction to the enemy, Essex received injury. A kamikaze hit the port edge of her flight deck landing among planes gassed for takeoff, causing extensive damage, killing [16], and wounding [54]." (Quoted from DANFS.)

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS020911c
734k

USS Essex (CV-9) is shown just after being crashed by a Japanese Kamikaze, 25 November 1944. Essex is camouflaged in Ms. 32/10D and destroyer USS Prichett (DD-561), left, is wearing 32/13D. This photo was taken from USS South Dakota (BB-57).

United States National Archives and Records Administration, Photo No. 80-G-270749.

Courtesy of C. Lee Johnson, (usndazzle.com),
via Mike Green
CV-9 Essex
NS020911r
49k

USS Essex (CV-9) afire after the Kamikaze attack, 25 November 1944. This photo was taken from USS South Dakota (BB-57).

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-9 Essex
NS020911
419k

Japanese Kamikaze aircraft explodes after crashing into the carrier's flight deck amidships, during operations off the Philippines, 25 November 1944. Photographed from USS Langley (CVL-27).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-273032.

(See also NS020911a.)

Scott Dyben
Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020911b
54k

USS Essex (CV-9), November 1944, following a kamikaze hit. The ammo cans are visible on the bulkhead inboard of the catwalk.

National Archives photo # 80-G-270718.

(See also NS020911a.)

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS020911k
396k

USS Essex (CV-9), 25 November 1944. Fire on the flight deck and in the 20mm battery, resulting from a suicide dive by a Japanese plane. Looking down from island. USS Langley (CVL-27) can be seen in the background.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020911m
619k
CV-9 Essex
NS020911n
534k
CV-9 Essex
NS020911l
96k

Fire-fighters and scattered fragments of the Japanese kamikaze cover the flight deck of USS Essex (CV-9), 25 November 1944.

CV-9 Essex
NS020911p
385k

USS Essex (CV-9), 25 November 1944. Hole in the flight deck as a result of a Japanese kamikaze crash.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS020911o
663k

USS Essex (CV-9), 25 November 1944. Repair parties covering over the hole. Flight operations were resumed a few minutes later.

CV-9 Essex
NS020911q
506k

Side view of damage.

CV-9 Essex
NS020911s
100k

Damage to USS Essex (CV-9) after Kamikaze attack on 25 November 1944. The attack did not stop her and she was soon back in action.

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ck
442k

Burial at sea of men killed in the 25 November 1944 kamikaze attack.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-9 Essex
NS0209cka
601k
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ay
47k

VF-9 "Cat o'Nines/Hellcats" patch. Painted on canvas and made by Max Berman Costume and Props of Los Angeles for RKO movie studios.

One of the longest-serving fighter squadrons of the war (aboard Ranger, Essex, Lexington and Yorktown), VF-9 was also one of the few to engage two enemy powers—Vichy French (Morocco, November 1942, from Ranger) and Japanese aircraft (March 1943–June 1945; Essex, Lexington and Yorktown). With 256.75 victories, VF-9 finished the war as the third-ranking FitRon in the Navy; top scorer was LT Eugene A. Valencia, with 23.

Tommy Trampp
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bj
553k

The Essex Buccaneer, 8 December 1944. Articles on CAPT Carlos W. Wieber and CDR David McCampbell.

Mark Herber
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bk
1.60M

The Essex Buccaneer, Vol. 1, No. 8, 25 December 1944. Christmas issue.

Mark Herber
CV-9 Essex
NS020921
64k

Fire aboard USS Essex (CV-9) after an F6F-5P's Hellcat drop tank burst on landing, 16 December 1944.

National Archives (College Park, MD) photo # 80-G-301346.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-9 Essex
NS020949
86k

Ship's newspaper logo, circa 1944-1945.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS020956
105k

(Poor quality) photo of a VT-83 TBM heading for a water landing after having most of its tail shot away, early-mid 1945. Tough bird!

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS0209cb
375k

Multi-language "I am an American aviator" pamphlet, to be used in Southeast Asia.

"I am an American aviator.
My plane is destroyed.
I cannot speak your language.
I am an enemy of the Japanese.
Kindly protect me, heal me, and lead me to the nearest Allied military office.
The government of my country will reward you."

Mark Herber

NS021743
203K

Task Group 58.3, under Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman, departs Ulithi on 10 February 1945. Seen from USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) are USS Cowpens (CVL-25), left, and USS Essex (CV-9), center.

Task Force 58 conducted attacks against the Tokyo area (16–17, and 25 February) both to neutralize the enemy's airpower before the landings on Iwo Jima (19 February) and to cripple the aircraft manufacturing industry.

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS020947
147k

Underway, March 1945. By this time she had been repainted into Measure 21 camouflage.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS020957
133k

A VB-83 SB2C-4 from Essex, March 1945.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bp
409k

USS Essex (CV-9) V-3 "Bogeys," 12 March 1945.

(Note, however, that the envelope enclosing the photo gives the date as 11 March 1945.)

Mark Herber
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bpa
482k
CV-9 Essex
NS020960
76k

Corsairs from VBF-83 flying from the Essex in March of 1945. Essex had the first F4U-1D/FG-1D's deployed on a fleet carrier. Note that the ship's fighter squadron, VF-83, was equipped with F6F Hellcats.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS020948
101k

VB-83's SB2C-4's Helldivers during the Okinawa Invasion, 1 April 1945.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS0209by
110k

"Captain Hugh N. Batten was born in Huntington, West Virginia on October 17, 1923. He entered the Naval Aviation Cadet program in 1942 and received his wings and commission in December 1943. Batten checked out in F4F Wildcats and F6F Hellcats and in December 1944 joined Fighting Squadron 83 (VF-83) which would go aboard the USS Essex in early 1945, as a part of the famed Carrier Task Force 58."

"Batten flew his first combat mission on March 19, 1945 and as the formation passed over Kure Naval Base 25 to 30 enemy fighters were sighted. Batten and his wingman, Lt. (j.g.) Samuel Brocato, tied into a formation of Jack fighters and using mutual support tactics managed to down two of them apiece. His next action came on April 6, 1945 off Okinawa. While on defensive patrol, Batten and his wingman got into a formation of Zekes headed for the fleet. Using the tactics that had proven so successful previously, he and his wingman Brocato each downed four of the enemy fighters earning a Navy Cross for both pilots. Final combat came for Batten and Brocato on July 28th when they teamed to destroy two Tonys over an airfield in central Kyushu, Japan."

"Hugh Nash Batten was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery, section 64, site 767."

Navy Cross Citation reads: "The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Hugh Nash Batten (NSN: 0-326456), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VF-83), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against the enemy on Combat Air Patrol over our Task Force operating in the vicinity of Okinawa on 6 April 1945. During this flight Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Batten initiated an attack against nine enemy fighters and shot down four of them. His courage and skill in pressing home an attack against forces greatly superior in number was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bill Gonyo
CV-9 Essex
NS020961
93k

A Corsair just about to plow through a wave breaking over the bow with full flaps, full up elevators and full right rudder.

Steve Whitby
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ai
84k

F4U Corsairs and F6F Hellcats of Air Group 83 aboard USS Essex (CV-9), during the Okinawa Campaign.

Robert Rocker
CV-9 Essex
NS0209ak
167k

A Marine Corps F4U-1D Corsair comes in for a landing aboard the carrier USS Essex (CV-9). Photo USN.

From Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

Robert Hurst
CV-9 Essex
NS020989
50k

Partial view of USS Essex (CV-9) flight and hangar decks, looking down elevator shaft. Photo by Paul Madden CPHOM.

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS015703q
693k

USS South Dakota (BB-57)—background—firing, as seen from USS Essex (CV-9), during the occupation of Okinawa. USN photo.

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS015701b
333k

Anti-aircraft bursts from Task Force 58 as a Japanese plane is hit and explodes just beyond USS Essex (CV-9), in an action off Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 11 April 1945. Photo taken from USS South Dakota (BB-57). USN photo.

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS020915
124k

USS Essex (CV-9) receiving provisions via highline from USS Mercury (AK-42) on 27 April 1945, while operating off Okinawa. Essex crewmen in the foreground are stacking bags of flour. Note man on Mercury's forward hatch, directing the hoisting of another load from her hold.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-373777).

Scott Dyben
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bw
161k

As seen from USS Essex (CV-9), USS Astoria (CL-90), USS Randolph (CV-15), and other units of Task Force 58 steam in the Pacific, circa May 1945. Carrier in the background might be USS Bunker Hill (CV-17).

Brent Jones,
via Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS020916
490k

Underway at sea during the Okinawa Campaign, 20 May 1945. Note that her air group contains both F4U Corsair and F6F Hellcat fighters.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80‑G-373816.

Scott Dyben
Mark Herber
CV-9 Essex
NS020990
65k

TBM Avengers and SB2C Helldivers from Essex Air Group 83 dropping bombs on Hakodate, Japan, July 1945.

Pieter Bakels
CV-9 Essex
NS020958
91k

Men of USS Essex posed in front of the ship's scoreboard, mid-1945.

Photo by LCDR Paul S. Rundall, USN(Ret).

Contributed by his grandson, Ryan Romero
CV-9 Essex
NS0209au
132k

Men of Engineering Department (?), B Division (?), USS Essex (CV-9). Owen Charles Candler is third from right, front row.

Linda Candler Hastings, daughter of Owen Charles Candler
CV-9 Essex
NS0209bt
5.00M

Roster of Officers, 22 August 1945.

Mark Herber
CV-9 Essex
NS0209br
4.84M

The Essex Buccaneer, Vol. 2, Nos. 5 and 6, August and September 1945.

Mark Herber
CV-9 Essex
NS0209co
143k

"Information for Passengers," possibly from a Magic Carpet trip.

Paula Huston for her father Raymond Huston, Yorktown's musician and plank owner.
Via Robert Hall
CV-9 Essex
NS020959
112k

"Essex-class aircraft carrier." (From a Russian publication).

This drawing shows the appearance of a "short hull" Essex late in the war, with two lattice radio masts, island structure modified with an extended flag bridge and one quad 40-mm gun mount removed, and up to 18 quad Bofors gun mounts (16 visible here plus one or two on the bow, hidden by the flight deck). Essex herself, however, carried her original five lattice radio masts through the entire war and had no more than eleven 40-mm mounts: one on the bow and one on the stern, one on each 5" sponson, two on the (never fitted) hangar deck catapult's port side extension, three on the island and two on the starboard quarter.

Alex Tatchin

For more photos and information about this ship, see:

Read the USS Essex (CV-9 / CVA-9 / CVS-9) DANFS History entry

Crew Contact and Reunion Information
Date:
Place:
Contact: Tom Ferelli, Storekeeper
Address: 19808 N43rd Ln., Glendale, AZ 85308-7390
Phone: cell (602) 882-0375
E-mail: tferelli@gmail.com
Web site: USS Essex Association
Remarks: USS Hornet & USS Essex Joint Reunion
(CV-8, CV/CVA/CVS-12) & (CV/CVA/CVS-9, LHD-2)
All Ship's Officers, Air Groups, Crew, Marines and Families Welcomed.
*Must be a Member of Hornet or Essex to receive the room block rate*

Related Links
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan.
Korean Combat Action Reports located on the Naval History & Heritage Command Web Site
USS Essex (CV/CVA/CVS-9/LHD-2) Association

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Last update: 10 June 2023