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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive

USS CABOT   (CVL-28)
(later AVT-3)



(Profile courtesy of ©Windjammer-Arts Naval Art & Aviation Art)



Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Foxtrot - Delta - Yankee

Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons

   

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Presidential Unit Citation / American Campaign Medal
2nd Row: Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (9 stars) / World War II Victory Medal / Navy Occupation Service Medal ("Asia" and "Europe" clasps)
3rd Row: National Defense Service Medal (Korea) / Philippine Presidential Unit Citation / Philippine Liberation Medal (2 stars)

Specifications

Class: INDEPENDENCE

As built: Displacement: 11,000 tons (15,100 fl) — Dimensions: 600' wl (622' 6" oa) x 71' 6" (109' 2" fd) x 26' (max) / 182.9 wl (189.7 oa) x 21.8 (33.3 fd) x 7.9 (max) meters — Armor: 1.5"-5" belt, 3" main deck, 0.38" bridge — Power plant: 4 565-psi boilers, 4 geared turbines, 4 screws; 100,000 shp — Speed: 31.6 knots — Endurance (design): 12,500 nm @ 15 knots — Armament: 26 40-mm (2x4, 9x2); 16 20-mm — Aircraft: 30+ — Aviation facilities: 2 elevators; 1 hydraulic catapult — Crew: approx. 1,560


Operational and Building Data

Ordered as the Cleveland-class light cruiser Wilmington (CL-79). Contract awarded to New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N.J. Laid down 16 Mar 1942. Reordered as carrier and redesignated CV-28, 2 Jun 1942; renamed Cabot 23 Jun 1942. Launched 4 Apr 1943. Redesignated as "Light Aircraft Carrier" (CVL-28) 15 Jul 1943. Commissioned 24 Jul 1943. She was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation and nine "Battle Stars" for service during WW II; damaged by kamikaze 25 Nov 1944. Decommissioned to reserve 11 Feb 1947.

Recommissioned 27 Oct 1948 as a Naval Air Reserve training carrier. Modernized for ASW support in Mar 1950-Feb 1951. Decommissioned to reserve 21 Jan 1955. Reclassified as an "Aircraft Transport" and redesignated AVT-3, 15 May 1959, while in reserve.

Overhauled at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard (1965-67) in preparation for transfer to Spain. Loaned to Spain, renamed Dédalo and commissioned 30 Aug 1967; she was used as an ASW helicopter carrier and designated PH-01. Stricken from US NVR 1 Aug 1972; sold to Spain 5 Dec 1972. Reclassified as an aircraft carrier and redesignated PA-01, 28 Sep 1976, shortly before she began operating Harriers. Redesignated R-01, in accordance to NATO practice, in 1980.

FATE: Stricken from the Spanish Navy List, 5 Aug 1989, at New Orleans, and donated to a private organization for preservation as a museum ship. Plans to memorialize her, however, met with no success in subsequent years (see Hazegray & Underway); she was sold for scrapping in 1997 and towed to Port Isabel, TX (18 Oct), then to Brownsville (9 Aug 1998). Further efforts to preserve the last of the World War II CVLs failed, too, and stripping work began in Oct 2000; as of mid-2002, scrapping was nearing completion (visit USS Cabot Museum for more information and photos).


Click On Image 
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Name

NS022826a
161k

Ordered 9 September 1940 as a Cleveland-class light cruiser, this ship was assigned hull number CL-79 and named Wilmington, for a city in Delaware (NS022826a).

Designated for completion as an aircraft carrier, she was redesignated CV-28 on 2 June 1942, and renamed Cabot on 23 June 1942.

The first Cabot, a Continental Navy brig (1775–1777), was named after Giovanni Caboto (1450?-1499?), a Venetian navigator better known to the English-speaking world by the anglicized form of his name, John Cabot. Although most details of Cabot's life and voyages are a subject of debate among historians, it is certain that he was the first European (after the Vikings) to reach the North American continent, 24 June 1497, while sailing under the sponsorship of King Henry VII of England. On the ground that Cabot had been the first explorer to reach the mainland, England later claimed all of North America.

(The name Cabot was temporarily assigned to CV-16.)

The second Cabot, CVL-28, was named for the old "famous ship of that name." (Very special thanks to Robert J. Cressman, Naval History & Heritage Command.)

(Map NS022826a courtesy of Hamstermap.com.)

NS022826: The Continental Fleet at sea. Left to right are the brig Cabot, brig Andrew Doria, ship Alfred, sloop Hornet, schooner Fly, ship Columbus, sloop Providence, and schooner Wasp. Modern painting by W. Nowland Van Powell, from The American Navies of the Revolutionary War, 1974.

NavSource

NS022826
138k
In U.S. Service

NS022877
600k

Mrs. Albert C. Read (Elizabeth "Bess" Burdine Read), ship's sponsor of USS Cabot (CV-28), before launching at New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey. Photograph released 4 April 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-41536.

NARA

NS022877a
757k

Mrs. Albert C. Read (Elizabeth "Bess" Burdine Read), ship's sponsor of USS Cabot (CV-28), christening the ship at New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey. Photograph released 4 April 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-41539.

NARA

NS022877b
924k

The future USS Cabot (CV-28), launching at Camden, New Jersey. Photographed on Sunday, 4 April 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-41832.

NARA

NS022808
36k Postcard.  Date unknown Joe Radigan
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022892
26k USS Cabot (CVL-28) underway, date and location unknown. Tommy Trampp
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022814
73k USS Cabot (CVL-28) off the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania, on 27 August 1943.

Bureau of Ships Photograph, from the Collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 45507).

NHC

NS022807
47k

This picture was taken on 29 October 1943, off Philadelphia Navy Yard, with the usual radar equipment, but with an incomplete flight deck identification number. Cabot evidently carried Measure 14 camouflage on commissioning, and, like Langley (CVL-27) and Lexington (CV-16) was never given a multi-color camouflage design.

(Thanks to Robert Hurst, who provided this information).

Joe Radigan
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022811
106k

Closeup view of the ship's port side bridge wing, showing her insignia, circa 1943-44. The design is based on the slogan of Cabot's first Commanding Officer, Captain Malcolm F. Schoeffel: "Up Mohawks, At 'Em!". "Mohawk" was the ship's voice radio call sign at the time. (See also NS022848).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-263253).

Scott Dyben
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022873
92k

US Marine Detachment aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28), crossing the Equator, January 1944.

Platoon Sergeant Francis J. Hayde, USMC, 1943–1945, is in the photo, in the dark blue tunic, wiping something from his eye.

Donald F. Hayde,
for his father, PLSGT Francis J. Hayde, USMC

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022875
80k

Marine Detachment aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28) exercising 20-mm gun, port side amidships. Date and location unknown.

Donald F. Hayde,
for his father, PLSGT Francis J. Hayde, USMC

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022889
673k

Burial at sea, 30 April 1944. AMM2/c Wallace James Schuetz, Torpedo Squadron (VT) 8, Carrier Air Group (CAG) 8, USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) was killed in action the previous day, while attacking Truk, when his aircraft (TBF-1C Avenger BuNo 47922, #27), was hit by Japanese AAA. Since the flight deck of his own carrier was fouled, and believing his gunner was seriously wounded but still alive, pilot, ENS (LT(JG)?) L.G. Mason, recovered aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28). Sadly, 22-year-old Schuetz was already dead. He was buried at sea with full military honors at 1116, 30 April.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022889a
652k
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022889b
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CVL-28 Cabot
NS022891
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Japanese carrier Chiyoda is hit aft and near-missed several times during air attacks by Task Force (TF) 58 planes, 20 June 1944. Photographed by USS Cabot (CVL-28).

NS022891: Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), #80-G-263175.

NS022891a: Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), #80-G-263175.

NARA
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022891a
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CVL-28 Cabot
NS022882
48k

Last photo of Figthing Squadron (VF) 31 "Flying Meataxers" aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28). With 165.6 victories, VF-31 was the highest-scoring CVL (light carrier) squadron, and the 7th Navy squadron. With half the planes and pilots, it equalled or even outscored some VF squadrons aboard Essex-class carriers. They had the highest kill ratio per pilot of any squadron in the U.S. Navy, a record that stands today. Cabot carried Air Group 31 from the time of her shakedown cruise until they were rotated out of active duty in October of 1944. Air Group 31 was replaced by Air Group 29, that served aboard Cabot until 11 July 1945. AG31 was in turn relieved by Air Group 32, that served for the last six weeks until the end of hostilities.

VF-31's second cruise, aboard USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) in July 1945, produced only three days of air combat, but added 19 kills to their score.

(Partial text from U.S. Navy Fighter Squadrons in World War II, by Barrett Tillman.)

Bill Gonyo
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022882a
480k

LT Adolph J. "Al" Mencin was the Executive Officer (XO) of VF-31. During his tenure aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28) he was awarded the Silver Star twice, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with three Gold Stars. He was an air combat Ace with six victories over Japanese aircraft. The "Flying Meataxers" destroyed 165.6 Japanese airplanes in aerial combat, top among all CVL (light carrier) squadrons. They deployed with Cabot from November 1943 through September 1944. The squadron was established on 1 May 1943, under command of LCDR Robert A. Winston, and left San Diego NAS in November 1943, to take part in the havoc that the Fast Carrier Task Force wreaked upon the Japanese Navy in 1944.

CVL-28 Cabot
NS022841
667k

A view of the island of USS Cabot (CVL-28). USN photo. Judging from Air Group 29's (VF-29 & VT-29) scoreboard this picture was probably taken in October (or perhaps November) 1944.

The curved antenna of the surface search SG radar is seen on the raised circular platform. Forward of and below it is the SC-2 air search radar antenna. A second air search radar (SK) was installed on a stub mast between the pairs of uptakes—all fleet carriers were fitted with two air search sets as insurance against the failure of one of them in combat, and the wide separation of both main radars aboard CVLs often resulted in better radar performance than that enjoyed by the heavier and larger CVs.

David Buell
Larger copy submitted by Pieter Bakels
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022812
76k

USS Cabot (CVL-28) is hit by a Kamikaze, while operating with Task Force 38 off Luzon, 25 November 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-289608).

Scott Dyben
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022812a
77k

"Destroyed gun tub."

Donald F. Hayde,
for his father, PLSGT Francis J. Hayde, USMC

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022842
184k

Memorial service aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28). USN photo via Floating Drydock.

In all probability this picture shows the burial at sea, November 26, 1944 of five of the victims of the kamikaze attack the day before.

Donald F. Hayde comments: "The group on the left are Marines and the body no doubt is of Sergeant Major Lewis J. Camp, since he was the only Marine KIA [that day]."

(For a list of casualties, see "The Kamikaze Attack and Related Stories," Chapter 7 of J. Ed Hudson's A History of the USS Cabot (CVL-28): A Fast Carrier in World War II.)

David Buell
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022842a
70k

"RIP Sgt Maj Lewis J. Camp."

Donald F. Hayde,
for his father, PLSGT Francis J. Hayde, USMC

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022868
394k

Captain Stanley J. Michael, commanding officer of USS Cabot (CVL-28), presents the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Arthur Ray Hawkins, 1944–1945. Hawkins was awarded three Navy Crosses and three Distinguished Flying Crosses while serving with Fighting Squadron (VF) 31 aboard Cabot and USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24), and went on to become one of the original members of the "Blue Angels."

Bill Gonyo
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022874
61k

Commander William Henry Anderson served in Torpedo Squadron (VT) 29, embarked aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28) between 1944 and 1945. During this period then Lieutenant Anderson was awarded the Navy Cross (October 1944) and two Distinguished Flying Crosses (January–February 1945 and April 1945).

Citation (Navy Cross): "The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Henry Anderson, Jr. (0-116656), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-NINE (VT-29), embarked from the U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28), in the Philippine Sea on 24 October 1944. Lieutenant Anderson participated in torpedo attacks which severely crippled an enemy Battleship Task Force. The action, in which he was an integral part, successfully accomplished in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft barrages, removed a serious threat to our ground forces. His outstanding courage and determination in the face of great danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0876 (11 January 1945).

Bill Gonyo
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022860
88k

Port broadside photo of USS Cabot (CVL-28) during flight operations, circa 1945. An F6F Hellcat fighter is in the process of recovering aboard.

Mike Green
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022815
96k USS Cabot (CVL-28) flies a long "Homeward Bound" pennant as she departs the Western Pacific for overhaul in San Francisco, California, 13 April 1945. She had been operating in the combat zone since January 1944. View looks aft from the ship's island, with her SK-1 radar antennna at left and other shipping in the distance. Aircraft on Cabot's deck include (from right front): OS2U, SOC, TBM, SB2C, F4U and F6F types.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 96958).

NHC
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022813
112k

Underway at sea, 26 July 1945.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-262768).

Cabot had departed Pearl Harbor on 24 July as part of Task Force 12.3 with battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38), a destroyer screen, and a new Air Group (AG32) aboard. En route to Eniwetok, the carrier launched three strikes on Wake Island on 1 August; Pennsylvania and DD's also used their guns against the Japanese-held island—the main goal of the strikes was to destroy all shore batteries.

Scott Dyben
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022843
181k

Another view of USS Cabot (CVL-28) at sea. It appears to have been taken shortly after photo NS022813, above.

David Buell
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022872
147k

USS Cabot (CVL-28), Cuba, 27 April 1946.

Photos by Ralph K. Lichtenberger RM3/c
USS LSM(R)-510,
submitted by his son, Ralph Lichtenberger AM3 USN
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022872a
153k
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022801
67k Cabot underway with aircraft on deck in this undated image (possibly taken in the late 1940s; note the SK-2 radar antenna on the mast between her funnels). USN
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022859
268k

Undated (late 1940s) aerial photo of USS Cabot (CVL-28).

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum photo.

Mike Green

NS022840
240k

Official US Navy Photograph of USS Cabot (CVL-28,) as a Naval Reserve Training Carrier, berthed at Alleghany Pier Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL in 1949.

The photo is from Headquarters Naval Air Training Command, NAS Pensacola.

Robert M. Cieri
Cabot CVL-28
NS022879
49k

Photo believed to have been taken aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28) in 1949, in Miami, Florida.

Tommy Trampp

NS022857
780k

USS Cabot (CVL-28) underway. Planes on deck appear to be from Glenview, Illinois, based VF-721 Reserve squadron. USN photo, dated February 1949.

David Buell

NS022851
265k

"Every flight student mades at least six landings aboard USS Cabot; here she steams past Fort Barrancas on way home."

Naval Aviation News, November 1949 issue

NS022871
570k

US Navy photo (probably 1940s) of USS Cabot (CVL-28) underway.

Tommy Trampp
Jim Kurrasch, Battleship Iowa, Pacific Battleship Center
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022864
90k

USS Cabot (CVL-28) in February 1950, from the banks of the Mississippi River near New Orleans, LA.

Picture was taken by Lise M. Detruit.

Walter Protheroe
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022844
96k

A photo of USS Cabot (CVL-28), shown with the AF Guardians of ASW squadron VS-24 on deck, in the early 1950s. USN photo via Floating Drydock.

David Buell
USS Cabot (CVL-28) underway, circa 1951–1952, with what appear to be two AF-2 Guardians from Antisubmarine Squadron (VS) 24 "Duty Cats."

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos, via Michael Mohl.

CVL-28 Cabot
NS022886
rg19nn-b1585-001-043
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CVL-28 Cabot
NS022886a
rg19nn-b1585-001-044
353 Kb
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022886b
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256 Kb
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022886c
rg19nn-b1585-001-046
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CVL-28 Cabot
NS022886d
rg19nn-b1585-001-047
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  CVL-28 Cabot
NS022886e
rg19nn-b1585-001-048
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CVL-28 Cabot
NS022886f
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CVL-28 Cabot
NS022886g
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CVL-28 Cabot
NS022884
512k

USS Cabot (CVL-28) underway, first half of the 1950s.

USN
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022865
194k

USS Cabot (CVL-28), loading supplies in preparation for her single Mediterranean cruise, 9 January–26 March 1952. This photo was taken on 30 December 1951, most likely in Pensacola, Florida.

Ron Reeves

NS022806
132k

The Cabot is seen in 1952 as a training and Anti-Submarine warfare carrier. Decommissioned in 1947, the Cabot was recommissioned in this role on October 27, 1948.

Note: This image and at least another, similar one, have been several times miscaptioned as "World War 2 images." In fact, they were taken after the ship's FY51 ASW modernization (project SCB-54), as indicated by her port H-4B catapult, modernized island and two, rather than four, funnels. An SNJ trainer is spotted on her flight deck.

USN

NS022837
219k

John F. Floberg, in an SNJ-5C, landing on USS Cabot (CVL-28), April 18, 1952. Official US Navy photograph #441730.

Mr. Floberg, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air (December 5, 1949–July 23, 1953), qualified as a carrier pilot that day: "On April 18, he made 10 carrier landings and take-offs from the USS Cabot at Pensacola, the last three of them piloting his SNJ without a safety pilot in the rear seat." ("Naval Aviation News," June 1952 issue.)

Robert M. Cieri
USS Cabot
NS022858
135k

Alfred Ravo by a twin Bofors 40mm gun mount, aboard USS Cabot (CVL-28), 1952.

Eddie Ravo, son of Alfred Ravo,
USS Cabot
USS Cabot
NS022858a
127k

Alfred Ravo and mates on the flight deck, 1952.

USS Cabot
NS022858b
86k

Sikorsky HRS-2 Chickasaw, BuNo 129033, modex HT6, from Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (HMR) 262 "Flying Tigers," 1952.

USS Cabot
NS022858c
100k

Marines on the flight deck of USS Cabot (CVL-28), 1952. Note a Midway-class carrier on the opposite side of the pier, and a Piasecki HUP-1 Retriever helicopter from Helicopter Utility Squadron (HU) 2 "Fleet Angels" forward of the island.

USS Cabot
NS022881
151k

Workmen guide USS Cabot (CVL-28) into drydock at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, 19 April 1953. One workman is using a pointer to communicate directions and the line at the left is actually pulling and spotting the ship in the drydock.

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection, photo # P556189B.

Mike Green
Reserve Fleet at Philadelphia
NS04020308
1.30M

Reserve Fleet Basin, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Pennsylvania, photographed on 19 May 1955 with numerous cruisers, escort carriers, and auxiliaries in reserve.

The nearest ship is the never-completed Hawaii (CB-3), which lacks her previously-installed three 12" gun turrets.

The cruisers outboard of Hawaii are (in unknown order) Honolulu (CL-48), Columbia (CL-56), Denver (CL-58), Galveston (CL-93), and Portsmouth (CL-102).

To their left are Tranquility (AH-14), Sanctuary (AH-17), and Pocono (AGC-16).

Behind Hawaii (from left to right) are Montpelier (CL-57), Houston (CL-81), Huntington (CL-107), Savannah (CL-42), Cleveland (CL-55), and Wilkes Barre (CL‑103).

Beyond them (from left to right) are Wichita (CA-45), Oregon City (CA-122), Chester (CA-27), and New Orleans (CA-32).

The cruisers on the left side of the basin (from front to rear) are Minneapolis (CA-36), Tuscaloosa (CA-37), San Francisco (CA-38), Augusta (CA-31), Louisville (CA-28), and Portland (CA-33).

Among the other ships in reserve in the basin are Fomalhaut (AE-20), Webster (ARV-2), Albemarle (AV-5), Tangier (AV-8), Pocomoke (AV-9), Chandeleur (AV-10), Abatan (AW-4), Mission San Carlos (AO-120), Prince William (CVE-31), Anzio (CVE-57), Block Island (CVE-106), Palau (CVE-122), and San Carlos (AVP-51).

Moored in the shipyard at the extreme left are Tennessee (BB-43), California (BB-44), and Cabot (CVL-28).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-668655).

Robert Hurst
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022845
310k

A photo of Cabot (CVL-28), taken in Delaware Bay, 24 August 1967, six days before she was commissioned in the Spanish Navy as Dédalo (PH-01). Note that she is still flying US Colors, but has Spanish flight deck markings in process of being applied.

USN Photo.

David Buell
Memorabilia
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022848
98k

Ship's patch: "Up An At-Em Mohawks." (See NS022811).

Robert M. Cieri
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022848a
20k

"USS CABOT CVL 28"

Courtesy of Popular Patch
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022848b
554k

USS Cabot (CVL-28).

Wolfgang Hechler
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022848c
320k
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022847
112k

Model and plate on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. Photos taken on 13 June 2008.

Photos by Judson Phillips
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022847a
123k
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022847b
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CVL-28 Cabot
NS022847c
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CVL-28 Cabot
NS022847d
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In Spanish Service


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: Echo - Bravo - November - Yankee
Portaaeronaves Dedalo Portaaeronaves Dedalo
Patch and plaque courtesy of Francisco Javier Santos Vazquez, La Coruña, Spain

Portahelicopteros Dedalo
Pennant courtesy of Manuel García García, Spain

Name
Dedalo
NS022876
78k

In Spanish service Cabot was named Dédalo (Daedalus), after the first Spanish seaplane carrier. Built in 1901 as the German merchantman Neuenfels, she was one of six vessels handed over to Spain after World War I as war reparations, and was given the temporary name España nº 6. In 1921 she was transferred to the Spanish Navy, converted into a seaplane carrier and renamed Dédalo. The carrier took part in the Rif War and in September 1925 her seaplanes supported the amphibious landing at Al Hoceima (Alhucemas, the first amphibious landing in history with significant seaborne air support). Dédalo made history again on 7 March 1934, when a rotorcraft (piloted by its inventor, Juan de la Cierva), landed on and took off from a ship, near the port of Valencia, Spain (NS022876, photo signed by de la Cierva himself. The original picture is in the Museo Naval, Madrid). The veteran vessel was decommissioned in January 1935.

NS022876b: Watercolor © by Manuel García García, depicting the first Spanish Dédalo.

NS022876c: The photograph that inspired the above watercolor.

NS022876a: In Greek mythology, Daedalus was a skillful craftsman and artist. He created the Labyrinth for king Minos of Crete, where the Minotaur (a half-man, half-bull creature) was kept. When he was imprisonedin a tower to prevent the secret of his Labyrinth from spreading to the public, he made two sets of wingswith feathers and wax, for himself and his young son Icarus (NS022876a, Daedaulus and Icarus, painting by Charles Le Brun, circa 1645). They jumped off a window and flew toward freedom (unfortunately, Icarus forgot his father's advice, flew too high and the sun melted the wax in his wings, causing him to fall to his death).

NavSource
Dedalo
NS022876b
709k © Manuel García García
Dedalo
NS022876c
289k Collection of Jaume Cifré Sánchez,
via Manuel García García
Dedalo
NS022876a
90k NavSource

NS022869
78k

Ex-USS Cabot (AVT-3) on the day she was transferred to the Spanish Navy as SPS Dédalo (PH-01). Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 30 August 1967.

Courtesy of Temple University Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs.

Temple University, via Michael Mohl

NS022869a
99k

The Spanish flag is hoisted during the transfer ceremony for USS Cabot as she becomes Dédalo. Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 30 August 1967.

Courtesy of Temple University Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs.


NS022869b
87k

Returning the salute from two Spanish seamen after the ceremony are 7-year old Peter Durban, of West Hereford, Conn., grandson of RADM Michael, WW II captain of Cabot, and Spanish Lieutenant San Martín. Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 30 August 1967.

Courtesy of Temple University Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs.


NS022832
63k

Dédalo at anchor, circa 1968. She has three Sikorsky CH-19E Chickasaw (HRS-3 under the pre-1962 designation system) parked on the flight deck; they were assigned to the "Segunda Escuadrilla" (Second Squadron) and affectionately nicknamed Pepos in the Spanish Navy. The small helicopter, aft, appears to be a Bell 47 from "Primera Escuadrilla" (First Squadron).

Robert Hurst
Dedalo PH01, ex-Cabot CVL-28
NS022832a
69k

Another view of Dédalo (PH-01), very similar to the one above and probably taken on the same occasion.


NS022839
57k

The Spanish aircraft carrier Dédalo, ex-USS Cabot, underway, date and location unknown. Note early flight deck markings.

Robert Hurst
Dedalo
NS022870
87k

Helicopter carrier Dédalo (PH01), ex-USS Cabot, underway in 1969, location unknown. Official Spanish Navy photo.

Robert Hurst

NS022834
397k

Location unknown, sometime in 1972-1981. The three small helicopters on the flight deck, forward, are Hughes 500M (the export version of the Hughes 369) assigned to the "Sexta Escuadrilla" (Sixth Squadron) and were received by the Spanish Navy starting in April 1972. The quad 40-mm/56-cal Bofors gun mount on the forecastle was swept overboard by a wave in 1981 or earlier.

Omar Rubido, former member of the Armada Española

NS022835
51k

Circa 1974, location unknown. As received by the Spanish Navy, Dédalo had somewhat upgraded electronics, including an SPS-40 air search radar.

Robert Hurst

NS022833
73k

Anchored off Alborán island, Mediterranean Sea, between Spain and Morocco; 1976 (thanks to Manuel Oliva, who provided this information). The Sea King helicopter parked on the flight deck appears to be number "005-4," an SH-3D which was lost in an accident in April 1976.

Robert Hurst

NS022866
941k

SPS Dédalo (PH-01), ex-USS Cabot (CVL-28/AVT-3), with USS Oak Ridge (ARDM-1) in the background. Rota, Spain, 3 July 1976.

© Richard Leonhardt

NS022866a
846k

SPS Dédalo (PH-01), ex-USS Cabot (CVL-28/AVT-3). USS Oak Ridge (ARDM-1) in the background, with a submarine aboard and an APL alongside. Rota, Spain, 3 July 1976.

© Richard Leonhardt

NS022866b
848k

SPS Dédalo (PH-01), ex-USS Cabot (CVL-28/AVT-3), with USS Raleigh (LPD-1) forward. Rota, Spain, 3 July 1976.

© Richard Leonhardt

NS022867
904k

SPS Dédalo (PH-01), ex-USS Cabot (CVL-28/AVT-3), with USS Elmer Montgomery (FF-1082) and USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32) in the background. Rota, Spain, 4 July 1976.

© Richard Leonhardt

NS09670112
409k

The Spanish Navy helicopter carrier Dédalo (PH-01) moored pierside at Naval Station Rota, Spain, 1(?) September 1976. Oak Ridge (ARDM-1) is in the background, and the ship on the right, painted white, may be the survey ship USNS Wyman (T-AGS 34).

Department of Defense photo # DN-ST-87-06233.

Yu Chu

NS022888
508k

The Spanish aircraft carrier Dédalo, ex-USS Cabot, underway after 1976, location unknown. Note four Harrier (Matador) V/STOL jets on deck. Spanish Navy photo.

Robert Hurst
Dedalo/ex-USS Cabot
NS022838
1.18M

The Spanish aircraft carrier Dédalo, ex-USS Cabot, underway circa 1978, location unknown. Note three Harrier (Matador) V/STOL jets forward and ASW helicopters aft. Spanish Navy photo.

Robert Hurst
Jaume Cifré Sánchez

NS022810
79k Barcelona, Spain, November 28, 1978Dédalo (PA-01) had her ECM equipment (WLR-1) mounted on a pole mast located between the stacks. Her island supported another pole mast for radar and other electronic equipment antennas (SPS-10 surface search radar, SPS-6C and SPS-40A air search, URN-22 TACAN, etc.); an SPS-8 height finder was mounted directly atop the island. Also visible are the aircraft crane and gun sponsons with twin 40-mm/56-cal Bofors; note a Mk.51 optical gunfire director on a small sponson below and slightly aft of the aircraft crane. © Fabio Peña

NS022827
91k Pierside at Rota, Cádiz, Spain, April 1979. A good view of the structures supporting the uptakes and the island. Note that, as in a CVE, the island was built entirely outside the hull and the flight deck. The stacks were angled away from the flight deck in an attempt to reduce corrosion from exhaust gases on parked aircraft. Photos © by Teodoro Moreno.
Submitted by his daughter, Sole.

NS022828
102k

NS022883
257k

Spanish Navy AH-1G Huey Cobra of the Séptima Escuadrilla (Squadron Seven) (USAF # 71-15091), on the flight deck of Dédalo. Late 1970s.

Yu Chu

NS022849
151k

A port beam view of the Spanish aircraft carrier Dédalo (R-01), formerly USS Cabot (AVT-3), foreground, and the guided-missile frigate Baleares (F-71), participating in exercise Ocean Venture '81, September 1981, in the Atlantic Ocean.

U.S. Navy photo by JO1 Lon Cabot (DVIC id.: DN-ST-82-04670).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Dedalo
NS022885
226k

During the 1980–1981 [19 November 1980–10 June 1981] Med-Indian Ocean cruise aboard USS Independence (CV-62) we stopped at Rota [early June 1981] to take on some stores. Dédalo was pierside taking on sodas.

Paul Cronin, AKC (AW) USN, Retired
Dedalo
NS022893
670k

A view of ships docked at the pier at Naval Station Rota, Spain, dated 1 November 1981. The docked ships include the Spanish small aircraft carrier Dédalo (R01), left. Two tugboats nudge the destroyer USS Jonas Ingram (DD-938) into docking position, and the guided missile cruiser USS Wainwright (CG-28) is off Jonas Ingram's starboard bow.

U.S. Navy photo, author unknown. DVIC id: DN-ST-82-01789.

Yu Chu

NS022878
518k

An aerial view of ships anchored, 13 February 1982 (Rota, Spain?). The ships are, from front to back, the Spanish aircraft carrier Dédalo (R-01), the amphibious transport dock USS Raleigh (LPD-1) and the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA-2).

Source: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, Photo VIRIN : DN-SC-82-08574.

Yu Chu

NS022830
61k

Arsenal de Cartagena, Spain, circa September 1982. Note gangway with "R-01" hull number: Dédalo received a new, "R"-series number, in accordance with European NATO navies practice for aircraft carriers, in 1980 — many months before Spain's official entry into the Organization, in May 1982.

© Gonzalo Aira

NS022831
80k

Then Seaman Aira with one of the Sea Kings assigned to "Quinta Escuadrilla" (Fifth Squadron) on the flight deck of Dédalo, Arsenal de Cartagena, Spain, circa September 1982. The Spanish Navy received 18 SH-3's between 1966 and 1981, of which 14 remained in service at the time this photo was taken — four having been lost in accidents.

© Gonzalo Aira

NS022816
100k

Barcelona, Spain, January 22, 1983Dédalo (R-01) with four AV-8A Harrier (Matador, in the Spanish Navy) parked forward. Dédalo was the first carrier in the world to operate these VSTOL aircraft in a strike role.

Note the flight-deck extension to port, needed to wheel aircraft around the forward elevator well.

© Fabio Peña

NS022861
126k

Dédalo (R-01) at Barcelona, Spain, 21 January 1984, flying the flag of VADM Enrique Contreras, General Commander of the Fleet. Parked on deck are four AV-8A Matador (Harrier) VSTOL aircraft, and four SH-3D Sea King and four Agusta-Bell AB-212 helicopters.

The aircraft carrier was to receive her second Battle Ensign on 22 January. Her first (Spanish) Battle Ensign had also been presented by the city of Barcelona, on 12 October 1968. The change was needed to match the new, constitutional Spanish flag.

© Fabio Peña

NS022861a
156k

NS022846
161k

A photograph of the SNS Dédalo, formerly USS Cabot (CVL-28) taken in April 1984 in Rota, Spain.

Photo by William F. Fessenden

NS022852
38k

Aboard Dédalo (R-01), somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea, off the Spanish coast, circa 1984.

José Hidalgo Aponte

NS022852a
38k

NS022853
46k

Aboard Dédalo (R-01), Rota, Spain, circa 1984.

José Hidalgo Aponte

NS022853a
33k
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022804
53k

A photo of Cabot in Spanish service (R-01 Dédalo). Photo was taken May 1985 at Muelle del Centenario (Centennial Pier),* La Coruña, Spain during Dia de las Fuerzas Armadas.

*  (Thanks to Francisco Javier Santos Vazquez.)

© Ignacio López

NS022836
153k

In port, Vigo, Spain, June 1987.

Manolo Budiño Carlés

NS022805
105k Attached is a picture I took of SNS Dédalo taken June of 1987 in Rota, Spain. © Thomas S. LaLumiere
Former Sergeant, USMC

NS022862
191k

An aerial port bow view of the Spanish aircraft carrier Dédalo (R01) underway in the Mediterranean Sea, 1 June 1988. Note the four AV-8S Matadors aft, plus a Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King and two Agusta-Bell 212s on the flight deck.

USN photo by LCDR John Leenhouts (# DN-SC-88-08303).

Jaume Matamala
Robert Hurst
Dedalo
NS022862a
136k

An air-to-air front view of a Spanish AV-8S Matador aircraft in flight over the Spanish aircraft carrier Dédalo (R01), below, in the Mediterranean Sea, 1 June 1988.

USN photo by LCDR John Leenhouts (# DN-SC-88-08301).

Robert Hurst
Dedalo
NS022862b
452k

An aerial port view of the Spanish aircraft carrier Dédalo (R01) underway in the Mediterranean Sea, 1 June 1988 (see above).

USN photo by LCDR John Leenhouts (# DN-SC-88-08302).

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)

NS022890
338k

Island of the Spanish aircraft carrier Dédalo (R01), Rota, Spain, circa late 1988.

Compared to photo NS022866, note absence of SPS-8A radar antena, and two stays supporting the mast, after a helicopter accident in 1986.

Photo by Antonio Gómez Martín

NS022809
64k The Dédalo (ex USS Cabot) in Palma de Mallorca (Spain) in June 1989. Four AV-8A Harriers can be identified on the flight deck. © José M. Rico
Webmaster of The Battleship Bismarck website

NS022863
108k

Commemorative Medal.

Manuel García García

NS022856
143k

Dédalo arrives in New Orleans, LA, 2 August 1989.

NS022856: About to pass under the Huey P. Long Bridge.

NS022856a: A harbor tug shoots her fire hoses in salute. Photo by Alexander Barkoff.

NS022856b: The same photo, as shown on The Times-Picayune, Thursday, 3 August 1989.

NS022856c: Moored, close to Bourbon Street.

NS022856d: Decommissioned and stricken from the Spanish Navy, and handed over to the Cabot/Dédalo Association, 5 August 1989.

NS022856eNS022856h: More photos taken on the same occasion. Note, in photo NS022856g, two men are in the uniform of the Granaderos de Galvez. These pictures were probably taken by Mr. Howard H. Skidmore, CAPT, USN (Ret.).

NS022856i: Ex-Cabot, ex-Dédalo, as seen from the Huey P. Long Bridge, 7 August 1989.

Manuel García García

NS022856a
611k

NS022856b
335k

NS022856c
165k

NS022856d
151k

NS022856e
131k Manuel García García

NS022856f
113k

NS022856g
113k

NS022856h
145k

NS022856i
114k
The Scrapping
Photos of ex-USS Cabot/SPS Dédalo taken in New Orleans by Robert Webber, 1990 (or possibly earlier).
Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)


CVL-28 Cabot
NS022887
108 Kb
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022887a
220 Kb
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022887b
266 Kb
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022887c
170 Kb
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022887d
225 Kb

NS022854
160k

A series of photos of ex-USS Cabot (CVL-28/AVT-3), ex-SPS Dédalo (PH-01/PA-01/R-01).

New Orleans, Louisiana, May 1990.

John Skillman.

NS022854a
103k

NS022854b
117k

NS022854c
136k

NS022854d
137k

NS022854e
152k

NS022854f
99k

A series of photos of ex-USS Cabot (CVL-28/AVT-3), ex-SPS Dédalo (PH-01/PA-01/R-01).

New Orleans, Louisiana, May 1990.

John Skillman.

NS022854g
113k

NS022854h
145k

NS022854i
143k

NS022854j
117k

NS022854k
133k

NS022829
132k New Orleans, 1994. Photo by Bruce Leininger.
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022802
52k

New Orleans — Seen here docked in New Orleans LA, At the time she was waiting to be preserved as a memorial after her return from Spain. That effort failed and she was towed to Brownsville TX. in January 1998 to be broken up. A Judge for the Federal district of south Texas halted the scrapping and the matter is still pending. (NOTE) Cabot is the only remaining member of her class, and essentially unaltered from her W.W.II appearance. (see Fate).

© Bill Bollinger 
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022803
53k New Orleans — See above. © Bill Bollinger 
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022822
64k New Orleans — Photo by Chuck Self. Steve Whitby
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022823
92k New Orleans — Photo by Chuck Self. Steve Whitby
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022824
129k New Orleans — Photo by Chuck Self. Steve Whitby
CVL-28 Cabot
NS022825
135k New Orleans — Photo by Chuck Self. Steve Whitby
Ex-Cabot/Dédalo
NS022817
45k Brownsville — View of the Navigation Station. Photo by Stephen O'Neal. © USS Cabot Museum / ECOSAT
Ex-Cabot/Dédalo
NS022818
32k Brownsville — View of the hangar deck, looking aft. Photo by Stephen O'Neal. © USS Cabot Museum / ECOSAT
Ex-Cabot/Dédalo
NS022819
48k Brownsville — October 2000. © USS Cabot Museum / ECOSAT
Ex-Cabot/Dédalo
NS022880
79k Brownsville, Texas, at around the same time as the photo above. Yu Chu
Ex-Cabot/Dédalo
NS022820
71k

Brownsville—21 March 2001. In a last minute effort to preserve something of the ship, the Texas Air Museum (Rio Hondo, Tx) acquired the island, CIC, and pilot briefing room for a museum exhibit which would have served as the USS Cabot Memorial.

NS022820a: The island, however, was finally demolished. (See video here.)

© USS Cabot Museum / ECOSAT
Ex-Cabot/Dédalo
NS022820a
28k Yu Chu
Ex-Cabot/Dédalo
NS022821
62k Brownsville — June 2002. © USS Cabot Museum / ECOSAT

For more photos and information about this ship, see:

Read the USS CABOT (CVL-28 / AVT-3) DANFS History entry
Crew Contact and Reunion Information
Date:  
Place:  
Contact:  
Address:  
Phone:  
E-mail:  
Web site: USS Cabot CVL-28 Association
Remarks:  

Related Links
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan.
USS Cabot CVL-28 Association
A History of the USS Cabot (CVL-28): A Fast Carrier in World War II, by J. Ed Hudson

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