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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


Contributed by Joe Radigan

USS INTREPID   (CV-11)
(later CVA-11 and CVS-11)


U.S.S. INTREPID
Courtesy of Al Grazevich


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Bravo - Quebec - Kilo
Tactical Voice Radio Call: "ATLAS"


Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons

 
 

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Navy Unit Commendation (2)
2nd Row: Navy Expeditionary Medal / China Service Medal (extended) / American Campaign Medal
3rd Row: Asiatic-Pacifc Campaign Medal (5 stars) / World War II Victory Medal / Navy Occupation Service Medal ("Asia" and "Europe" clasps)
4th Row: National Defense Service Medal / Vietnam Service Medal (5 stars) / Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
5th Row: Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm) / Philippine Liberation Medal / Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

CLASS - ESSEX (Short Hull)
Displacement 27,100 Tons, Dimensions, 872' (oa) x 93' x 28' 7" (Max)
Armament 12 x 5"/38AA, 32 x 40mm, 46 x 20mm, 82 Aircraft.
Armor, 4" Belt, 2 1/2" Hanger deck, 1 1/2" Deck, 1 1/2" Conning Tower.
Machinery, 150,000 SHP; Westinghouse Geared Turbines, 4 screws
Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 3448.

Operational and Building Data
Built by Newport News. Laid down 1 Dec 1941, launched 26 Apr 1943, commissioned 16 August 1943. SCB 27C reconstruction at Newport News started 9 April 1952, completed and recommissioned 20 June 1954. Redesignated as an attack carrier (CVA 11) 1 October 1952 while in overhaul. SCB 125 angled deck modernization at New York Navy 9/1956 to 2 May 1957. Redesignated as an ASW carrier (CVS 11) 31 Mar 1962. FRAM II life extension 3/1965 to 10/1965. Operated as light attack carrier with CVS designation off Vietnam.

FATE: Decommissioned to reserve, 15 March 1974; was last CVS in service. Donated as a Museum and Memorial, and ownership transferred to Sea*Air*Space Museum, 27 April 1981. Stricken upon transfer of custody to Museum, 23 March 1982. Preserved at Sea*Air*Space Museum in New York City. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ref. no. 86000082, and designated a National Historic Landmark, 14 January 1986.


Click On Image 
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Name
Intrepid
NS098641210
84k

"Intrepid" means "fearless, brave." CV-11 was named to commemorate the previous service of three US warships:

  1. A ketch captured to the Tripolitans.
  2. A steam torpedo ram.
  3. A steel-hulled bark.

NS098641210: "Burning of the Frigate Philadelphia in the Harbor of Tripoli, February 16, 1804." Oil on canvas, 60" by 42", by Edward Moran (1829–1901), signed and dated by the artist, 1897. It depicts USF Philadelphia, previously captured by the Tripolitans, ablaze after she was boarded and set afire by a party from the ketch USS Intrepid (in the foreground) led by LT Stephen Decatur. Painting in the U.S. Naval Academy Museum Collection. Gift of Paul E. Sutro, 1940. US Naval History and Heritage Command photo # NH 10849, via Tommy Trampp.

NavSource
The Early Years — World War II
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ba
733k

"New Carrier To Be Floated Here Monday"—"Admiral Hoover's Wife To Christen Intrepid"—"Ships Bearing the Name"

Donated by CAPT William H. Hoover, USN (Ret.)
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211al
125k

The future USS Intrepid (CV-11) awaiting her christening ceremony (Monday, 26 April 1943). Press photo.

S. Dale Hargrave
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211alh
244k

"The Intrepid aircraft carrier is launched in restricted wartime ceremonies on April 26, 1943 at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia. All photographs of the ship's christening were sent to Washington, D.C. for censorship prior to publication. Following its christening, the carrier was rushed to her fitting-out berth for completion before joining the fleet for her role in World War II."

Donated by CAPT William H. Hoover, USN (Ret.)
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ala
465k

Ship's sponsor, Mrs. John Howard Hoover (née Helen Braconier Smith), is in the middle, with the christening bottle in her hand.

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ale
415k

"The sponsor's party lines up before the bow of the Navy's newest carrier Intrepid. Left to right they are: Mrs. Shepler Fitzgerald, Washington, D.C., matron of honor; Mrs. John Howard Hoover, sponsor of the ship and wife of Vice Admiral Hoover, Washington, D.C.; Miss Jeanne Hoover, daughter of Admiral and Mrs. Hoover, and her mother's maid of honor; and Mrs. Robert Kirkpatrick, Washington, D.C., a matron of honor. Shorty after Mrs. Hoover smashed the bottle over the bow of the ship—it took three trys [sic]—the vessel was floated out of the graving dock where she was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia. The ceremony took place on Monday, April 26, 1943." File No: LAU-CV-113-41487.

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211alf
320k

-

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211alg
315k

-

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211alb
396k

"Mrs. John Howard Hoover splashes champagne over the bow of the aircraft carrier Intrepid at its April 26, 1943 christening at Newport News, Virginia. It took Mrs. Hoover, the wife of Vice Admiral Hoover, three swings to break the champagne bottle over the Intrepid, which became the fourth ship to bear the name. The Intrepid was the third aircraft carrier launched by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company following Pearl Harbor."

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ald
385k

"SPONSOR GETS CHAMPAGNE BATH—This is what happens when a ship's sponsor gets determined in cracking the bottle of champagne over her ship's bow. The lady hiding behind the suds is Mrs. John Howard Hoover of Washington, D.C., wife of Vice Admiral Hoover. It took her three swings to christen properly the new aircraft carrier Intrepid at Newport News, Va., on April 26, 1943—but on the third she got plenty of results." File No: LAU-CV-110-41490.

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211alc
532k

"WHEN LADIES MEET—Comparing notes following the christening of the new aircraft carrier Intrepid are Mrs. John Howard Hoover (right), sponsor of the vessel, who is holding her gift from the yard, and Miss Berline F. Cashwell of Fayetteville, N. C., who holds the big gloves she wears as a riveter at the Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. Miss Cashwell and many young women like her are helping to build ships like the Intrepid (background) which was christened on April 26, 1943. Mrs. Hoover, whose home is in Washington, D. C., is the wife of Vice Admiral John Howard Hoover, USN." File No: LAU-CV-111-41489.

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211bb
2.42M

"MRS. HOOVER'S PARTY AT FLOATING OF INTREPID"

"Carrier Intrepid Christened Here"—"First Major Warship To Be Floated From Submerged Shipway; Mrs. J. H. Hoover Sponsor"—"Officials Present"

"Carrier Floated"—"Launching Prayer"

Donated by CAPT William H. Hoover, USN (Ret.)
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021197
533k

USS Intrepid (CV-11), World War II.

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

Navy Yard Associates
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021122
84k

USS Intrepid (CV-11) off Newport News, Virginia, on 16 August 1943, the day she went into commission.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 53254).

NHC
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ap
603k

The ship's first commanding officer, Captain (later Admiral) Thomas L. Sprague, aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11), 1943–1944.

This image is part of a photograph album detailing the wartime service of the carrier Intrepid in the Pacific during World War II. Photo courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM).

NNAM via Bill Gonyo
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ai
118k

USS Intrepid (CV-11), port quarter view, Norfolk Navy Yard, 11 September 1943. Photo serial 6041(43).

Ed Zajkowski
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211aia
161k

USS Intrepid (CV-11), head-on view, Norfolk Navy Yard, 11 September 1943. Photo serial 6040(43).

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211aj
155k

USS Intrepid (CV-11), antenna arrangement, Norfolk Navy Yard, 23 November 1943. Photo serial 6557(43).

Ed Zajkowski
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021101
158k

On her way to the Norfolk Navy Yard, back from her training cruise, 25 November 1943, Intrepid is seen passing Old Point Comfort at Hampton Roads. As completed, she had four tall lattice masts, supporting radio antennas, which could be hinged outboard during flight operations. She is camouflaged in Measure 21.

NS021101: Stbd. bow view. Norfolk Navy Yard. Photo serial 6604(43).

NS021101c: Stbd. broadside view. Norfolk Navy Yard. Photo serial 6605(43).

Ed Zajkowski
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021101c
165k Ed Zajkowski
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021101a
77k Robert Hurst
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021101b
3.15M

Thanksgiving Day Menu, 25 November 1943.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211bm
669k

USS Intrepid (CV-11) underway, 26 January 1944, on her way to launch strikes against Truk Atoll (now Chuuk Lagoon). The forward flight deck is filled with Carrier Air Group 6 SBD Dauntless and TBF/TBM Avenger aircraft. Note there is a single F4U Corsair on the outrigger sponson.

Courtesy of Jim Kurrasch, Battleship Iowa, Pacific Battleship Center
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021121
85k

Crewmen prepare to load a 2000-pound general-purpose bomb in the bomb bay of a TBM "Avenger" aircraft, 27 January 1944. Intrepid was then en route to support the invasion of Roi and Namur Islands, Kwajalein Atoll. Note inscriptions on the bomb, from Torpedoman 3rd Class R.A. Franco, addressed to "Hon. Hirohito, Imperial Palace, Tokyo". Also note flame reducer on the plane's exhaust port, and landing gear details.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-227134).

NHC
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211aq
260k

"It is not all work for the men of the USS Intrepid (CV-11). Volley ball." However, the "Beware of Propellers" admonition reminds that this is one of the most dangerous workplaces in the world. Photo is dated 10 February 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-227150.

Andrew Faltum
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ao
223k

"It is not all work for the men of the USS Intrepid (CV-11). Sun bathing on the flight deck." Photo is dated 18 February 1944 but this might be incorrect, since the ship was torpedoed on the 17th.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-227167.

Andrew Faltum
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021155
47k

The night of 17 February 1944 an aerial torpedo struck Intrepid's starboard quarter, 15 feet below her waterline, flooding several compartments and jamming her rudder hard to port. By racing her port screw and idling her starboard engine, Captain Thomas L. Sprague kept her on course until two days later strong winds swung her back and forth and tended to weathercock her with her bow pointed toward Tokyo. Sprague later confessed: "Right then I wasn't interested in going in that direction." At this point the crew fashioned a jury-rig sail of hatch covers and scrap canvas which swung Intrepid about and held her on course. Decorated by her crazy-quilt sail, the carrier stood into Pearl Harbor 24 February 1944.

Read "Forward repair of rudder damage" at the Researcher @ Large website.

Tracy White
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021155a
219k

Damage to the starboard side of the 3rd deck aft caused by the torpedo hit of 17 February 1944. This view was taken looking aft from the CPOs mess (stations 184–192).

USN photo.

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021155b
157k

Starboard stern view of USS Intrepid (CV-11), showing the jury-rigged rudder control and patch over the hole caused when she was hit by a torpedo on 17 February 1944. Photo taken at the Hunters Point Navy Yard near San Francisco, California, after her long journey back from the front.

US Navy photograph now in the custody of the US National Archives, College Park MD.

Read "Forward repair of rudder damage" at the Researcher @ Large website.

Tracy White
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211am
233k

USS Intrepid (CV-11), painted in Measure 32, Design 3A, refitting at Hunters Point, June 1944.

Ed Zajkowski
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ama
289k
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211amb
337k
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211amc
308k
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211amd
401k
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ae
135k

USS Intrepid (CV-11) leaves Hunters Point for Pearl Harbor, 9 June 1944, after repairs from a torpedo hit she received 17 February (see NS021155). As was often the case, she was ferrying aircraft and vehicles to Hawaii, before returning to the forward battle areas.

Tommy Trampp
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211bk
640k

Battle of Leyte Gulf, October 1944. High aerial of part of Japanese fleet, as seen from a plane from USS Intrepid (CV-11). Curved wakes are cut by ships in water of Tablas Strait.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-47154.

NARA
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211bka
677k

Battle of Leyte Gulf, October 1944. High aerial of part of Japanese fleet, as seen from a plane from USS Intrepid (CV-11). Curved wakes are cut by ships in water of Tablas Strait.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-47155.

CV-11 Intrepid
NS021107
80k

A U.S. Navy Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver caught in the after radio mast of the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) after a night landing accident on 30 October 1944. The plane was assigned to Bombing Squadron (VB) 7 aboard USS Hancock (CV-19).

Naval History and Heritage Command photo, # NH 95398.

John Spivey
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021125
121k

USS Intrepid (CV-11) operating in the Philippine Sea in November 1944. Note F6F Hellcat fighter parked on an outrigger forward of her island. In this picture Intrepid is camouflaged to Measure 32, Design 3A.

(Thanks to Robert Hurst, who provided additional info).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97468).

NHC
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021123
73k

Japanese Kamikaze suicide plane disintegrates in flames after hitting USS Intrepid (CV-11), during operations off the Philippines on 25 November 1944. Collection of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 62958).

NHC
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021123b
213k

As seen from USS New Jersey (BB-62), USS Intrepid (CV-11) belching smoke and fire after being hit by a Japanese kamikaze off Northern Luzon, P.I., 25 November 1944.

Pieter Bakels
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021123a
95k

USS Intrepid (CV-11) crew clear away wreckage from the hangar deck, following a fire resulting from the attack of two kamikaze aircraft, 25 November 1944. Six officers and 59 Sailors were killed in the attack but Intrepid maintained station, and in less than two hours had extinguished the blaze.

U.S. Navy photo (# 270841).

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021123c
136k

Wounded sailors are treated on the flight deck of USS Intrepid (CV-11) after a Japanese suicide pilot crashed his plane on the carrier's deck, off the coast of Luzon, Philippine Islands, 25 November 1944.

AP Photo/US Navy.

Tommy Trampp
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021153
18k

USS Intrepid (CV-11) continues operations near Luzon despite kamikaze hit, 25 November 1944.

NHC
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ak
232k

Burial at sea ceremonies aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11), 26 November 1944.

"Shortly after noon 25 November a heavy force of Japanese planes struck back at the carriers. Within 5 minutes 2 kamikazes crashed into the carrier killing 6 officers and 59 bluejackets. Intrepid never lost propulsion nor left her station in the task group; and, in less than 2 hours, had extinguished the last blaze. The next day, Intrepid headed for San Francisco, arriving 20 December for repairs." (Quoted from DANFS.)

Tommy Trampp
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211aka
1.92M

Burial at sea ceremonies aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11), 26 November 1944.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211akb
616k

Burial services for battle dead aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11) in the Philippine Sea. Photographed by PhoM1/c W.J. Fay, 26 November 1944.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-389935.

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211akc
2.25M

Burial at sea ceremonies aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11), 26 November 1944.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo.

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211akd
2.00M

Burial at sea ceremonies aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11), 26 November 1944.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo.

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211ake
854k

Burial at sea, 26 November 1944, for the officers and men killed by Japanese kamikaze attack. The ship had been hit while operating off the Philippines on the previous day. Photographed by Lieutenant Barrett Gallagher, USNR.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-468912.

CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211be
234k

USS Intrepid (CV-11) refueling from USS Taluga (AO-62), circa 1945.

Photos from the LT(JG) Lloyd Lavack Collection.

Tommy Trampp
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211bea
129k
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211as
280k

Mog-Mog Island, Ulithi, 1945. Sailors return to USS Intrepid (CV-11) after some rest and recreation.

Brent Jones via Pieter Bakels
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211an
94k

This carrier appears to be USS Intrepid (CV-11), probably in March–April 1945, location unknown.

Nancy Renna, for her father Pete Renna, USN (1943–1946)
CV-11 Intrepid
NS091903406
570k

USS Chicopee (AO-34) refueling USS Intrepid (CV-11) to port while simultaneously refueling USS Norman Scott (DD-690) to starboard, Pacific Ocean, 10 April 1945.

Pieter Bakels
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021114a
97k

Gunners aboard USS Yorktown (CV-10) watch two kamikaze aircraft attack USS Intrepid (CV-11), 16 April 1945. One plane crashes on Intrepid's flight deck while its bomb explodes beside the carrier; the other plane misses the carrier and crashes near the bomb splash.

Photographed by PhoM1/c William Helms, USNR. U. S. Navy Photo.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret)
CV-11 Intrepid
NS021114
66k

Okinawa Campaign, March–June 1945—USS Intrepid (CV-11) afire, after she was hit by a Kamikaze off Okinawa on 16 April 1945. Photographed from USS Alaska (CB-1), as a Fletcher-class destroyer steams by in the foreground.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-328441).

Scott Dyben
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211bq
345k

USS Intrepid (CV-11) in Buckner Bay, Okinawa between 19 and 25 September 1945. Photos from USS Saugatuck (AO-75) passing in or out of anchorage. Intrepid was operating as air cover for Allied forces in China and Korea.

Carmen Costa and John Chiquoine
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211bqa
335k
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211bt
1.35M

U.S. personnel being transported back to the United States aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) during Operation Magic Carpet, 1945–1946.

Photo by PhoMC Edward F. Dolezal, U.S. Navy.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 2005.100.001.042.

John Spivey
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211bn
404k

USS Intrepid off the coast of Japan, with Mount Fuji in the background. After several months of occupation duty, the carrier weighed anchor and headed for home, 2 December 1945.

Courtesy of Jim Kurrasch, Battleship Iowa, Pacific Battleship Center
CV-11 + CB-1
NS04020109
75k

USS Alaska (CB-1) cruising in company with USS Intrepid (CV-11), 16 April 1945. The carrier is smoking from an earlier kamikaze strike and is getting ready to retire homeward for repairs, via Ulithi and Pearl Harbor. The plane is a Helldiver returning to USS Bennington (CV-20).

USN
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211bv
5474k

USS Intrepid (CV-11) underway, probably at the end of World War II when she was acting as an aircraft transport, with a deckload of PBY Catalina aircraft.

David Buell
After SCB-27C Modernization
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211ac
184k

A Vought F7U-3M Cutlass of Fighter Squadron (VF) 83 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CVA-11) in 1954.

U.S Navy photo from U.S. Naval Aviation, edited by M. Hill Goodspeed (National Museum of Naval Aviation).

Robert Hurst
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021115
109k

USS Intrepid (CVA-11) operating off Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 9 February 1955, shortly after her SCB-27C modernization. F2H "Banshee" jet fighters are on her flight deck.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-659612).

Scott Dyben
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021129
228k

USS Intrepid (CVA-11) underway, possibly during her May-November 1955 Med cruise. USS Salem (CA-139) is in the background.

Bob Daly/
PC-1181
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211bf
626k

USS Intrepid (CVA-11) underway, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 4, circa 1955 (see also photo above).

Collection of CDR Judson C. Davis,
submitted by his son, Lipo Davis,
via Bob Canchola
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021117
93k

USS Intrepid (CVA-11) prepares to launch a McDonnell F2H-2 "Banshee" jet fighter from the starboard catapult, June 1956. Note details of the carrier's island, including radar antennas.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-K-20593).

Scott Dyben
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021113
264k This photo of Intrepid was taken sometime in the mid 50's in the Med. © Larry Bohn
After SCB-125 Modernization (1957-1962)
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211bl
2.13M

AD-6 Skyraider, BuNo 139636, modex AF-412, Attack Squadron (VA) 25 "Tigers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 6, circa 1957. (This photo may have been taken during Exercise Strike Back.)

In the background, left to right: A squadron mate and three F9F-8B Cougars, VA-66 "Waldomen."

Jay Richards, for his grandfather, LT(JG) B. Richards.
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211bla
2.07M

LT(JG) B. Richards and his AD-6 Skyraider, BuNo 139636, modex AF-412, Attack Squadron (VA) 25 "Tigers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 6, circa 1957.

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211blb
1.97M

Two Skyraiders attached to Attack Squadron (VA) 25 "Tigers." That on the left is AD-6 BuNo 135273, modex AF-407 (later transferred to the USAF as 52-135273).

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211blc
1.65M

Landing Signal Officer (LSO).

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211bld
1.70M

AD-5 Skyraider, Attack Squadron (VA) 25 "Tigers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 6, recovering aboard USS Intrepid (CVA-11), circa 1957. (This photo may have been taken during Exercise Strike Back.)

Parked on deck are FJ-3/3M Fury of Fighter Squadron (VF) 33 "Tarsiers" (side numbers 2xx) and F2H-3/4 Banshee of VF-71 (side numbers 1xx).

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211ble
1.84M

Aircraft of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 6 aboard USS Intrepid (CVA-11), circa 1957. F2H-3/4 Banshee, Fighter Squadron (VF) 71 (side numbers 1xx); FJ-3/3M Fury, VF-33 "Tarsiers" (2xx); AD-5W Skyraider, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 12 "Bats" Det. 33 (7xx); AD-6 and AD-5N variants of the Skyraider, Attack Squadron (VA) 25 "Tigers" (4xx) and All-Weather Attack Squadron (VA(AW)) 33 "Night Hawks" Det. 33 (8xx).

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211blf
1.88M

Skyraiders (foreground) and Banshees (middle distance).

NATO Exercise Strike Back, 1957

USS Intrepid (CVA-11) deployed, 3 September-22 October 1957, to take part in NATO's Operation Strike Back, the largest peacetime naval exercise up to that time in history. Strike Back involved some 150 ships from six countries (Canada, The Netherlands, France, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States) including nine large aircraft carriers: HMS Ark Royal, HMS Eagle, HMS Bulwark, USS Forrestal (CVA-59), USS Saratoga (CVA-60), USS Essex (CVA-9), USS Intrepid (CVA-11), USS Wasp (CVS-18) and USS Tarawa (CVS-40).

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021142
70k

Departing Norfolk, September 3, 1957, for Operation Strike Back.

Photos by Glenn Herzenach PNSN, USN (USS Intrepid, 1957-1958).

Submitted by Robert Hall.
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021134
41k

Sequence showing final approach and landing of a F2H-3 Banshee of VF-71, in the North Atlantic.

Note two-letter tail code on aircraft of Carrier Air Group Six (CVG-6). Although officially introduced per MIL-I-18464B(Aer), 30 September 1958, examples could already be seen in the second half of 1957. CVG-6's tail code was changed from "C" to "AF." The effective date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957).

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021135
43k
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021136
40k
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021137
44k
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021143
48k

Two Grumman F9F-8B Cougar of VA-66 "Waldomen" and three North American FJ-3 Fury of VF-33 "Astronauts" parked on deck, North Atlantic. The empty "slot" marks the point where another FJ-3 fell overboard.

Both squadrons received new aircraft shortly after Strike Back: VA-66 transitioned to the Douglas A4D-1 Skyhawk and VF-33 transitioned to the short-lived Grumman F11F-1 Tiger.

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021146
58k

Four North American FJ-3 Fury and a Douglas AD-6 Skyraider of VA-25. North Atlantic.

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021138
29k

Take off, North Atlantic.

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021147
43k

North American FJ-3 Fury taking off. North Atlantic.

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021144
34k

One of the "Fleet Angels" of HU-2 takes off.

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021140
39k

An AD-5W Skyraider of VAW-12 "Bats" landing on USS Intrepid.

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021141
39k

Arriving Brest, France, October 1957. Parked on deck are F2H-3 Banshees of VF-71 and F9F-8B Cougars of VA-66 "Waldomen."

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021148
30k

Off Brest, France.

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021149
42k

From the fantail.

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021150
46k

Flight deck.

CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021151
28k

Glenn Herzenach, PNSN.


CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211bo
182k

A U.S. Navy Douglas AD-5N Skyraider (BuNo 135038, modex GD-802) from All-Weather Attack Squadron (VA(AW)) 33 "Night Hawks" Det. 33 in flight, 1958. VA(AW)-33 Det.33 was assigned to Air Task Group (ATG) 181 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CVA-11) for a deployment to the North Atlantic from 9 June to 8 August 1958.

U.S. Navy photo from the Intrepid 1958 Cruise Book

Robert Hurst
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211boa
78k

A U.S. Navy Douglas AD-6 Skyraider (Bu 137537, modex AM-406) from Attack Squadron (VA) 42 "Green Pawns" refueling in flight a Grumman F9F-8P Cougar (BuNo 141688, GA-901) from Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 62 "Fighting Photos" Det. 33, 1958. Both squadrons were assigned to Air Task Group (ATG) 181 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CVA-11) for a deployment to the North Atlantic from 9 June to 8 August 1958.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, No. 1996.253.2671.

Robert Hurst
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021130
100k

Mayport, Fla., September 1958.

Dennis Marshall, however, comments: "I was aboard the USS Intrepid from 1956 to 1959. The ship was never in Mayport, Fla. during those years. [...] Intrepid was in the northern Atlantic on operation Strikeback in late 1957 with yours truly aboard. We returned to Norfolk in early 1958 and continued workup off Virgina Beach. I do not have the exact dates, however the ship deployed for the Mediterranean from Norfolk, Va. in late 1958 and returned in 1959 several weeks prior to the end of my enlistment on 30 September 1959. It may be that the ship left Norfolk for Mayport in the months or year later."

Anonymous.

Color restored by Roy Thomas.
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211af
190k

USS Intrepid (CVA-11) underway with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 6 embarked, circa 1959–61. Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, or Mediterranean.

Jim Karr.
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS0211bg
392k

USS Intrepid (CVA-11) underway off Norfolk, 25 March 1960, with an unusual mix of aircraft. An S2F Tracker is readied for launch from the starboard catapult, while an A3D Skywarrior and three F4D Skyrays are just abaft the island.

Collection of CDR Judson C. Davis,
submitted by his son, Lipo Davis,
via Bob Canchola
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS09052303
113k

USS Nitro (AE-23) replenishing USS Intrepid (CVA-11). US Navy photo, circa 1960‐1962.

Joe Radigan, MACM USN Ret
CVA-62 Independence, CVA-60 Saratoga, CVA-11 Intrepid
NS026222
566k

USS Independence (CVA-62), USS Saratoga (CVA-60), and USS Intrepid (CVA-11) (listed from bottom to top) underway, 17 November 1960, with crewmen paraded on deck in a spellout commemorating the 50th birthday of Naval Aviation.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 97716.

NH&HC
Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-11 Intrepid, CVA-60 Saratoga, CVA-62 Independence
NS0211bd
563k

USS Intrepid (CVA-11), with USS Saratoga (CVA-60) and USS Independence (CVA-62) in the background. This photo was likely taken on the same occasion and around the same time as the photo above.

Bo Smith,
via Bob Canchola
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021198
110k

USS Intrepid (CVA-11) appears in the background of these photos taken in Norfolk, mid-1961, by PH3 Larry Blumenthal, to check out some new lenses. The name of his fellow photographer escapes Larry at the moment.

Courtesy of
Larry Blumenthal, PH3, 1957–61.
"US Navy Photos"
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021198a
115k
CVA-11 Intrepid
NS021198b
103k
CVA-11 Intrepid + AF-10
NS09061034
85k

USS Aldebaran (AF-10) and USS Intrepid (CVA-11) during an underway replenishment, circa 1962, probably in the Mediterranean Sea.

US Navy photo

Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
Memorabilia
CV-11 Intrepid
NS0211at
1.36M

USS Intrepid (CV-11), "Large Aircraft Carrier — World War II, Navy Yard—Hunters Point, Calif."

Brian Scythes, for his father
Welcome Aboard
CVS-11 Intrepid
NS021169
150k

Welcome Aboard the Anti-Submarine Warfare Support Aircraft Carrier USS Intrepid (CVS-11), "The Fighting I." (1962).

Robert M. Cieri
CVS-11 Intrepid
NS021170
121k

In 1968-1969 USS Intrepid (CVS-11), "The Fighting I," was operating as an attack carrier under Captain V. F. Kelley, with Carrier Air Wing 10 aboard.

Robert M. Cieri
CVS-11 Intrepid
NS021171
128k

In 1969-1970 USS Intrepid (CVS-11), "The Fighting I," was operating as an ASW carrier under Captain H. N. Moore, Jr.

Robert M. Cieri
Patches
CVS-11 Intrepid
NS021168
264k

USS Intrepid (CVS-11), In Mare, In Coelo.

Robert M. Cieri

For more photos and information about this ship, see:

Read the
USS INTREPID (CV-11 / CVA-11 / CVS-11) DANFS History entry

Crew Contact and Reunion Information
Date:  
Place:  
Contact: Mr. Robert Dunne - Membership Chairman
USS Intrepid Former Crew Members Association, Inc.
Address: P.O. Box 654, Bingham, ME 04920-0654
Phone: 207-672-3119
E-mail: memberscvs11@gmail.com
Web site: USS Intrepid Former Crew Members Association, Inc.
Remarks:  


Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan.
USS Intrepid Former Crew Members Association, Inc.
Researcher @ Large Website
Historic Naval Ships Association

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Last update: 15 August 2024