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NavSource Online:  Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


Courtesy of CAPT Gene Oleson, CHC, USN (Ret)
(bluejacket.com)

USS KEARSARGE   (CV-33)
(later CVA-33 and CVS-33)

U.S.S. KEARSARGE
Courtesy of Al Grazevich


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Tango - India - Lima
Tactical Voice Radio Call: "WILDCAT"


Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons


Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation / China Service Medal (extended) / World War II Victory Medal
2nd Row: Navy Occupation Service Medal ("Europe" clasp) / National Defense Service Medal (2) / Korean Service Medal (2 stars)
3rd Row: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3) / Vietnam Service Medal (5 stars) / Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm)
4th Row: United Nations Korean Medal / Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal / Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)

CLASS - ESSEX (Long Hull) AKA TICONDEROGA
Displacement 27,100 Tons, Dimensions, 888' (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

The third Kearsarge (CV-33) was launched 5 May 1945 by the New York Naval Shipyard, New York and commissioned 2 March 1946. Decommissioned 16 June 1950. Recommissioned 15 February 1952. SCB-27A modernization completed in March 1952. Redesignated CVA-33, 1 October 1952. SCB-125 modernization completed in January 1957. Redesignated CVS-33, 1 October 1958. Decommissioned 13 February 1970. Sold for scrapping in February 1974.


Click On Image 
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Name
Mt. Kearsarge
NS023384
150k

CV-33 was named Kearsarge to commemorate the prior service of other US warships that had borne the name. Kearsarge is a mountain in Merrimack County, New Hampshire (NS023384).

  1. A sloop-of-war.
  2. A battleship.

NS098617602: Watercolor of the first USS Kearsarge as she appeared during the Civil War, by Clary Ray (circa the 1890s). Naval History & Heritage Command, photo # KN-571.

(Map courtesy of HamsterMap.com.

NavSource
USS Kearsarge
NS098617602
66k
The Early Years
Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1944
NS023501b
254k

New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York, photographed 2 December 1944. Carriers under construction in dry docks (right center) are [2] Coral Sea, later Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) and probably [1] Reprisal (CV-35).

Description: Copied from "Navy Yards and Stations" 3rd Naval District, volume III.

Photo: Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), # NH 93235.

[3] Kearsarge (CV-33) and [4] Oriskany (CV-34) are under construction, and [5] Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) had been commissioned on 26 November.

NHHC, via Ron Reeves
Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1944
NS023501c
256k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023336
183k

Kearsarge (CV-33) slides down the ways from the New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, NY, on Saturday, 5 May 1945, after being christened by the ship's sponsor, Mrs. Aubrey W. Fitch, wife of Vice Admiral Aubrey W. Fitch, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air).

Robert M. Cieri
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023340
195k

USS Kearsarge (CV-33) at the New York Naval Shipyard, Naval Base Station, Brooklyn, N.Y., 27 March 1946. The CVE in the background is USS Wake Island (CVE-65).

Photos NS023341 and NS023342 appear to have been taken on or about the same date.

Pieter Bakels
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023341
147k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023342
162k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023387
459k

Aerial view of USS Kearsarge (CV-33) early in her career. Location and exact date unknown.

US Navy Photo, thanks to Jim Kurrasch, Battleship Iowa, Pacific Battleship Center
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023337
86k

A photo of USS Kearsarge (CV-33) taken 13 April 1946. No location data. USN Official Photo from NAS NYNY, photo number 11211-4-46.

Looks like USS Montauk (LSV-6) and USS Lyon (AP-71) are in the background.

David Buell
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023390
121k

Undated [circa 1947–1948] picture of a Sikorsky HO3S-1 belonging to [Experimental and Development Squadron (VX) 3] as it hovers over the flight deck of USS Kearsarge (CV-33). Note the F8F Bearcats parked amidships. Photograph by Lieutenant (J.G.) D. Daugherty, USN.

Photo and partial text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

Robert Hurst
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023382
40k

Photos from the collection of Clarence Ray Sheppard, who served in the US Navy, 1941–1972, and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO, E-9). Clarence served aboard USS Kearsarge (CV-33) and these photos were taken in the late 40s (1947–49), possibly somewhere in the Caribbean.

NS023382: Kearsarge at anchor.

NS023382a: F4U-5N Corsairs, VC-4 "Nightcappers."

NS023382b: F8F-1B (F8F-1?) Bearcats, VF-3A (redesignated VF-31) "Tomcatters" (side numbers 1xx), and VF-4A (VF-32) "Swordsmen" (2xx).

NS023382c: AM-1 Mauler, VC-4 "Nightcappers."

NS023382d: F8F-1B Bearcat, VF-4A (redesignated VF-32 in 1948) "Swordsmen."

NS023382e: F8F-1/F8F-1B Bearcat?.

Karl E. Sheppard, Msgt, USAF, Retired (son of Clarence Ray Sheppard)
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023382a
129k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023382b
152k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023382c
95k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023382d
101k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023382e
226k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023370
153k

An SB2C-5 Helldiver of Attack Squadron (VA) 34 pictured in the midst of a spectacular barrier crash on the flight deck of USS Kearsarge (CV-33) during operations in the Atlantic Ocean, circa 1948.

U.S. Navy photo by AF3 Gene Marlowe.

Pieter Bakels
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023375
236k

USS Kearsarge (CV-33) at Golfe Juan, France, August 1948.

U.S. Navy photo.

David Buell
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023399
574k

USS Kearsarge (CV-33). Photos are dated September 1948, but this is not confirmed.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023399a
603k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023304
105k

Sikorski HO3S-1 helicopter in flight over the carrier's flight deck, during Operation "Frigid", November 1948.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-K-9495).

Scott Dyben
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023344
103k

USS Kearsarge (CV-33) at anchor with boat booms swung outboard and liberty boats alongside, while operating in the Mediterranean in 1948, location unknown. The aircraft ranged on deck include Bearcats, Avengers and Helldivers. U.S. National Archives photo, from "Jets at Sea," by Leo Marriott.

Robert Hurst
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023310
96k

USS Kearsarge (CV-33) in a harbor during the later 1940s, with her crew paraded on the flight deck for inspection.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97402).

NHC
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023315
211k

USS Kearsarge (CV-33),mid- to late-1940s.

Paul Petosky, SSG, US Army (retired)
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023321
65k

At anchor, probably in the late 1940s.

Ric Hedman TN(SS), USS Flasher and USS Cusk
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023322
114k

Have you ever wondered why this structure is called "island"? Photo probably taken in the late 1940s.

Ric Hedman TN(SS), USS Flasher and USS Cusk
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023347
122k

A Martin AM-1 Mauler of Attack Squadron (VA) 174 "Battering Rams" taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CV-33) during carrier qualifications, 27 December 1948. The tests took place in the Atlantic Ocean off Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island. USN photo from Naval Aviation News, February 1949; also National Museum of Naval Aviation photo #1996.253.1857.

Robert Hurst
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023393
440k

USS Kearsarge (CV-33), 25 April 1949. Preparing to launch radio-controlled drone aboard. Facing camera (left to right): ADC C.E. Parker, and AN J. Cardice. Photographed by AF3 Gene Marlowe.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-419150.

NARA
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023393a
459k

USS Kearsarge (CV-33), 25 April 1949. Drone launched aboard and operated by Lieutenant M.R. Bush, right foreground. Photographed by AF3 Gene Marlowe.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-419151.

NARA
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023394
538k

Aboard USS Kearsarge (CV-33), 6 July 1949, left to right: Lieutenant Robert E. Merchant; Rear Admiral Joseph J. Clark; and Captain Patrick Henry, Jr., discussing operations during reserve training cruise held onboard.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-419159.

NARA
SCB-27A Modernization
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023359
110k

"View of After Main Centerline Elevator looking forward. Soft patch removed on second deck." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 19 March 1951. Photo NY8-4995. Ripping out the centerline elevator before plating this area over.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023360
79k

'3"/50 Cal. Gun Sponson Fr. 180 Port.' Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 16 May 1951. Photo NY8-5189.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023360a
84k

'3"/50 Cal. Gun Sponson Fr. 108 Stbd.' Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 16 May 1951. Photo NY8-5190.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023361
73k

"Fwd. Main Centerline Elevator Platform Complete, awaiting delivery of machinery for installation." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 29 May 1951. Photo NY8-5245.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023362a
497k

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 18 June 1951. USS Kearsarge (CV-33). View showing Gun Sponsons 3"/50 Cal. Mount #37, 39, 311, and 20 MM Mount #213 and 215. Photo NY8-5314.

National Archives and Records Administration, Seattle.

David Buell
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023362b
421k

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 18 June 1951. USS Kearsarge (CV-33). 3"/50 Gun Sponsons and Mk 51 Director. Main deck, Stern. Photo NY8-5315.

National Archives and Records Administration, Seattle.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023362
87k

'3"/50 Cal. Sponsons and Secondary Conning Station, Bow.' Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 18 June 1951. Photo NY8-5317. Also note the scaffolding on the sides for blister work.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023363
115k

"Stbd. Catapult Track Fdn." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 18 July 1951. Photo NY8-5351.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023364
100k

'3"/50 cal. Gun Sponson stbd. for Mounts No. 33 and 35.' Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 20 August 1951. Photo NY8-5537.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023365
103k

"View from port side showing #3 and #4 Propellers after installation." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 19 September 1951. Photo NY8-5619.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023366
88k

"View of Island looking aft from Flight Deck." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 27 November 1951. Photo NY8-5783.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023366a
101k

"View of Flight Deck looking down from 07 tower level." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 27 November 1951. Photo NY8-5785.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023366b
57k

'View of Stbd. Bow showing 3"/50 cal. Mounts in place.' Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 27 November 1951. Photo NY8-5786.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023367
70k

"Stbd. Profile of Island & Mainmast." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 20 December 1951. Photo NY8-5861.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023367a
78k

"Port Profile showing Boat & Airplane Crane Boom in place." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 20 December 1951. Photo NY8-5862.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023368
81k

"Island Structure looking Aft from Stbd side of Flight Deck." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 16 January 1952. Photo NY8-5935.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023368a
55k

"Aft Hangar Division Doors, looking Aft from Frame 122." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 16 January 1952. Photo NY8-5938.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023368b
68k

"Electric Stairway looking Fwd from Fr. 102." Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 16 January 1952. Photo NY8-5940.

Seattle NARA, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard General Correspondence Files, 1947-58.

Korea
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023333
133k

Aerial view of USS Kearsarge, after SCB-27A modernization.

David Buell
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023300
640k

USS Kearsarge (CV-33) entering San Francisco Bay, California (April 1952?), following her SCB-27A conversion.

Kearsarge, with assigned Carrier Air Group (CVG) 101, deployed to Korea 11 August 1952–17 March 1953.

U.S. Navy photo, from the Kearsarge 1952–1953 Cruise Book.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023395
340k

Overhead view of USS Kearsarge (CV-33) underway, probably in the Pacific circa 1952. The ship is recovering aircraft with one plane that just landed being moved forward past the island. Off the starboard side of the ship an HO3S helicopter is flying plane guard.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.198.013.

Mike Green
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023391
353k

U.S. Navy Vought F4U Corsairs on the deck of USS Kearsarge (CV-33) at Yokosuka, Japan, in August 1952. Visible are F4U-4s from Fighter Squadron (VF) 884 "Bitter Birds" (modex A4xx) and F4U-5Ns from Composite Squadron (VC) 3 Det. F "Blue Nemesis" (NPxx). Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 101 aboard Kearsarge for a deployment to Korea from 11 August 1952 to 17 March 1953. On 4 February 1953 CVG-101 was redesignated CVG-14 and VF-884 became VF-144.

US Navy photo from the Kearsarge 1952–53 Cruise Book.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023348
104k

USS Kearsarge underway during her WestPac/Korean War deployment, 11 August 1952–17 March 1953. Parked aft on deck are F2H-2 Banshees from Fighting Squadron (VF) 11 "Red Rippers," tail code "T," and at least one F2H-2P Banshee from Composite Squadron (VC) 61 Det. F "Eyes of the Fleet," tail code "PP."

Photo by LT(JG) Philip Nelson, USS McNair (DD-679).

Steve Nelson, for his father,
LT(JG) Philip Nelson, hometown of Tulsa, OK
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023378
86k

McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee fighter (BuNo 125663) flying over Wonsan, North Korea, with Wonsan airfield immediately below. Photograph is dated 20 October 1952. Pilot of this plane is Ensign Buffkin. It appears to be from USS Kearsarge (CVA-33).

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-480436.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
Color copy submitted by Robert Hurst
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023338

"F2H-2 Banshee jet fighters—members of Fighting (sic) Squadron Eleven—return to carrier USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) after flying mission over North Korea." Photo is dated 29 October 1952.

This picture was published in All Hands magazine, June 1953 issue, page 18.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.198.011.

Stanley Svec
Larger copy submitted by Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023319
42k

Aerial view of USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) with Task Force 77, circa 1953 (photo # NAH-001131).

NHC
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023355
111k

Grumman F9F-5 Panthers of VF-112 "Fighting Twelve" aboard USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) being prepared for launching, circa 1953. Photo US Navy.

Robert Hurst
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023369
413k

A McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee fighter drops a 250-pound bomb on a North Korean target. Photograph is dated 6 March 1953, but was taken earlier than that. This plane is from USS Kearsarge (CVA-33).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-479814).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023323a
288k

Six photos of USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) at Long Beach, 14 May 1953, soon after returning from her single Korean War deployment.

NA Riverside, photo # 19511–19517.

Dave Schroeder and John Chiquoine
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023323b
243k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023323c
194k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023323d
236k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023323e
207k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023323f
217k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023323
191k

Dry-docking, Long Beach Naval Shipyard, 14 May 1953 (as above).

Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret. USS Vega
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023396
258k

USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) at Long Beach, 16 May 1953, soon after returning from her single Korean War deployment.

NA Riverside, photo # 19518.

Dave Schroeder and John Chiquoine
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023374
79k

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-6 Cougar of Fighter Squadron (VF) 143 "Kingpins" landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) off the coast of Southern California, in 1953. National Museum of Naval Aviation photo No. 1996.253.7411.037.

Robert Hurst
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023397
75k

AD3 Wayne Gustave Holdinghausen, USS Kearsarge (CVA-33), early 1954.

Gary Holdinghausen,
son of Wayne G. Holdinghausen,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023324
95k

USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) after SCB-27A modernization, sometime in 1952–1954. From Our Navy magazine, First of May 1954.

Stanley Svec
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023311
112k

USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) with two AJ Savage heavy attack aircraft on her flight deck, following her SCB-27A modernization, circa 1952-55.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97403).

NHC
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023318
87k

This photo was taken in Hong Kong harbor, circa 1952-55, and presents the contrast between a Chinese junk and one of our carriers

Dean C. Andrus, DK2, USS Alfred A. Cunningham (DD-752) 1951-54,
via Mark Roberts
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023334
211k

Aerial view of USS Kearsarge underway, possibly in 1953–1954.

David Buell
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023383
348k

USS Kearsarge (CVA-33), antenna arrangement, looking to stbd from port. San Francisco Naval Shipyard, photo # NY1-1248-(G-S)-7-1-54.

Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023383a
277k

USS Kearsarge (CVA-33), antenna arrangement, looking to starboard. San Francisco Naval Shipyard, photo # NY1-1254-(G-S)-7-1-54.

After SCB-125 Modernization
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023301
15k Undated, after 1956-57 modernization (SCB-125). USN
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023335
84k

USS Kearsarge underway with an unidentified replenishment ship alongside, date and location unknown.

Robert Hurst
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023379
55k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33), exact date (late 1950s–early 1960s) and location unknown.

Tommy Trampp
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023389
79k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33). Exact date (late 1950s–early 1960s) and location unknown.

Tommy Trampp
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023339
83k

USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) approaching the Golden Gate, 1957.

(Digitally enhanced by Tom Kermen.)

Bob Bobster
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023325
87k

Standing out of San Diego, circa 1957.

Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret. USS Vega
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023398
445k

FJ-3M Fury, BuNo 141374 (modex NC102), Fighter Squadron (VF) 53 "Blue Knights," Air Task Group (ATG) 3, USS Kearsarge (CVA-33), 1957–1958. A squadron mate, BuNo 141368, is in the left background.

VF-53 was redesignated VF-124 ("Gunfighters") on 11 April 1958.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023392
1.27M

Standing out of San Diego with Air Task Group (ATG) 3, maybe on 9 August 1957. USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) and ATG-3 deployed to WestPac between 9 August 1957 and 2 April 1958.

David Buell
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023350
120k

A Douglas AD-5W Skyraider (BuNo 132751) of Airborne Early Warning squadron (VAW) 11 Det. J, "Early Eleven," on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) in the Western Pacific. VAW-11 Det. J was assigned to Air Task Group (ATG) 3 aboard Kearsarge for a deployment to WestPac from 9 August 1957 to 2 April 1958. National Museum of Naval Aviation photo (# 1996.253.2225).

Robert Hurst
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023388
418k

Photos taken in early 1958, during Kearsarge's deployment to WestPac, 9 August 1957–2 April 1958.

NS023388–NS023388c: AJ-2 Savage, BuNo 134049, modex ZH21, Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 16 "White Blades" Detachment J, Air Task Group (ATG) 3.

NS023388d: Shipmates/Squadronmates, in front of AJ-2 Savage BuNo 130412 (ZH11), VAH-16 "White Blades." In the background, there is an F9F-8P Cougar from Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 61 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. J.

Photos by Richard ("Dick") Morris.
Submitted by his daughter, Paula Morris Gann,
via Jacqueline Cusick and Bob Canchola
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023388a
389k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023388b
404k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023388c
343k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023388d
480k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023388e
377k

Photos taken during Kearsarge's deployment to WestPac, 9 August 1957–2 April 1958.

NS023388e: HUP-2 Retriever, BuNo 128562, modex UP9, Helicopter Utility Squadron (HU) 1 "Pacific Fleet Angels" Detachment J, Air Task Group (ATG) 3.

NS023388f: AJ-2 Savage.

NS023388g: AJ-2 Savage, BuNo 130412 (ZH11), Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 16 "White Blades," Det. J (same as above?).

NS023388h: AD Skyraider.

NS023388i: AD-7 Skyraider, BuNo 142076 (NC406), Attack Squadron (VA) 96 (same as above? Squadron was disestablished on 10 April 1958, just eight days after Kearsarge returned to homeport).

Photos by Richard ("Dick") Morris.
Submitted by his daughter, Paula Morris Gann,
via Jacqueline Cusick and Bob Canchola
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023388f
379k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023388g
1.22M
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023388h
359k
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023388i
1.82M
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023385
424k

USS Kearsarge (CVA-33) about to enter San Francisco Bay, 25 April 1958. She is followed by the cruiser USS Roanoke (CL-145) and several destroyers. Photo was released by the Public Information Office 12th Naval District and it is from the files of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.

Darryl Baker
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023326
93k

Long Beach Naval Shipyard, circa 1960.

Don Bodron, Captain, USCG (Ret.)
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023386
44k

Grumman S2F-1/S-2A Tracker (BuNo 136658, NS35) of Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 29 "Tromboners," in flight. VS-29 was assigned to Anti-Submarine Carrier Air Group (CVSG) 53 aboard USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) and flew the Tracker (S2F-1 until 1962, S-2A afterwards) from 1960 to 1963. Note that both the MAD boom ("stinger") and the radar radome are extended. BuNo 136658 was later sold and converted into one of 19 Firecats (fire-fighting planes) in service with the Sécurité Civile in France (# T12).

Official US Navy Photo courtesy of PHC(AW/SW) Mahlon K. Miller, USN.

Robert Hurst
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023351
89k

A series of nine photos taken aboard USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) in May 1960.

Grumman S2F Tracker, apparently attached to Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 21 "Lightning Bolts," part of Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group (CVSG) 53, about to launch from the starboard catapult.

Gary Schreffler
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023351a
80k
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023352
121k

Piasecki HUP-2 Retriever, BuNo 128585, modex UP32, Helicopter Utility Squadron (HU) 1 "Pacific Fleet Angels."

CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023352a
93k
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023352b
99k
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023352c
88k
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023352d
89k
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023353
97k

This plane, recovering aboard Kearsarge, appears to be a McDonnell F3H Demon attached to VF-121 "Pacemakers," the West Coast training unit for pilots and support personnel. VF-121 Demons had a red nose, tail, and tail plane outer tips.

CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023354
95k

Grumman F9F-8T Cougar (a two-seat trainer aka "Twogar") recovering aboard Kearsarge.

CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023327
142k

October 3, 1960, with the aircraft used by the "Blue Angels" since their organization, lined up forward of the island.

Robert M. Cieri
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023346
89k

"ENEMY SUB KILLERS — Nestled alongside the U.S.S. Kearsarge (CVS-33) at San Diego, are three modern destroyer escorts and three destroyers of the COMCRUDESPAC force. The carrier and her group of 'greyhound' make up a Navy Hunter-Killer Group now operating in the Pacific. Included are the (outboard in) USS Bridget (DE-1024), USS Evans (DE-1023), USS Hooper (DE-1026) all of CORTRON THREE; USS Lofberg (DD-759), USS Taussig (DD-746) and the USS John A. Bole (DD-755), all of DESDIV 72." Official U.S. Navy photograph dated 4 March 1961.

Hoyt "Bud" Colburn collection,
via Carol Edgemon Hipperson,
author of "Radioman: An Eyewitness Account of Pearl Harbor & World War II in the Pacific
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023320
41k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) after addition of angled deck (photo # NAH-003841).

NHC
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023345
194k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) underway with Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group 53 (CVSG-53) aboard, first half of the 1960s.

Michael Donegan
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023332
174k

Three Navy SH-3A Sea King helicopters, #60, 62 and 55, from Squadron HS-6 "Indians," flying over USS Kearsarge (CVS-33). Location unknown. Time frame is probably 1962–1964.

Photo from the Adriani-Evans Collection.

John N. Adriani, Sr.
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023312
138k

Sigma 7 Project Mercury Space Capsule is towed toward USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) for pickup, after its orbital flight with astronaut (Commander, USN) Walter Schirra on board, 3 October 1962. Note rescue swimmer on the capsule's flotation collar, and a Kearsarge 26-foot motor whaleboat standing by.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97404).

NHC
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023312a
42k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) near Honolulu, 3 October 1962. Astronaut Walter M. Schirra emerges from Sigma 7 spacecraft after being hoisted aboard carrier.

CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023312b
78k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) returns to Pearl Harbor with astronaut "Wally" Schirra and his space capsule, October 1962.

(From "Warship Boneyards," by Kit Bonner and Carolyn Bonner. Author's collection.)

Robert Hurst
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS0544550
207k

Pacific Ocean, 15 May 1963, crew members of the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) spell out "Mercury 9" on the ship's flight deck while accompanied by USS Fletcher (DD-445). The ships were steaming toward the recovery area, where astronaut Gordon Cooper was expected to splash down in his Faith 7, Mercury space capsule. US Navy photo cataloged by NASA.

Robert M. Cieri
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023358
483k

"SAILORS ABOARD THE KEARSARGE photograph and inspect Astronaut Gordon Cooper's space capsule, Faith 7, during voyage from Cooper's splashdown point to Hawaii."

UPI Telephoto, courtesy of the Chicago Tribune.

Tommy Trampp
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023372
92k

Left to right: USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754); an unidentified auxiliary, possibly USS Castor (AKS-1); and USS Kearsarge (CVS-33). Circa 1964–68.

(See NS023371 and NS023349.)

Ray "Dutchy" Brauer, RAN, 1964–1988
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023380
37k

This Grumman S-2 Tracker (BuNo 136708, modex NS37) of Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 29 "Tromboners" rolls to the catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) during flight operations circa 1964, location unknown. Photo courtesy of Mahlon K. Miller, USN.

Courtesy of The World's First Grumman S-2 Tracker Website, via Robert Hurst
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023381
35k

Deck crew around a Grumman S-2 Tracker of either VS-21 "Lighting Bolts" or VS-29 "Tromboners" aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) during a rainy day in 1964, location unknown. Photo courtesy Mahlon K. Miller, USN.

Courtesy of The World's First Grumman S-2 Tracker Website, via Robert Hurst
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023381a
35k

Undated image of a Grumman S-2E Tracker as it comes to recover aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CVS-33), location unknown. Photo courtesy Mahlon K. Miller, USN.

Courtesy of The World's First Grumman S-2 Tracker Website, via Robert Hurst
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023305
273k

Two A-4C Skyhawk aircraft, of Attack Squadron (VA) 146 "Blue Diamonds," fly past USS Kearsarge (CVS-33), 12 August 1964. These planes, from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, are Bureau #s 149551 and 149570.

CVW-14's aircraft, deployed aboard USS Constellation (CVA-64), had attacked North Vietnamese torpedo boat bases at Hon Gay and Loc Chao on 5 August (Operation Pierce Arrow), following the Tonkin Gulf incidents.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, # USN 1107965, from the Naval History & Heritage Command (NHHC).

Scott Dyben
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023313
136k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) at sea, 12 December 1965. She has nine A-4 attack jets on her flight deck, as well as one S-2 anti-submarine plane. Photographed by PH3 Michael D. Stearns.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1117602).

NHC
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023306
153k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) underway in Hawaiian waters, 5 July 1966, with S-2 and E-1B airplanes and SH-3 helicopters on her flight deck. Photographed by Ph1(AC) R. Sheffield.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (photo # KN-13416).

Scott Dyben
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS09065712
280k

USS Regulus (AF-57), center, during an underway replenishment with the guided missile destroyer USS Cochrane (DDG-21) and the antisubmarine warfare aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (CVS-33), while operating on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin in November 1966.

Robert M. Cieri
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023328
157k

March 1967, steaming off the coast of Southern California.

Robert M. Cieri
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023314
109k

Sikorski SH-3A Sea King helicopters, of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Six (HS-6) lift off from the flight deck of USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) as she enters Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 27 June 1967. The USS Arizona Memorial is in the distance. Helicopter at left is Bureau # 152124. Photographed by PH3 B.L. Kleckner.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1124878).

NHC
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023329
191k

Overhead look at Aircraft Carriers and Amphibious Assault Ships (Helicopter) at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, July 1967. Left to right: USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63), USS Bennington (CVS-20), USS Kearsarge (CVS-33), USS Princeton (LPH-5), USS Valley Forge (LPH-8), USS Yorktown (CVS-10, top right corner).

Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret. USS Vega
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023331
182k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) underway with Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group 53 (CVSG-53) aboard, circa 1967-1968.

Robert M. Cieri
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023307
97k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) underway in the Pacific Ocean, 5 December 1968.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (photo # KN-18336).

Scott Dyben
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023308
93k

Yokosuka, Japan, circa 1969. Bow of USS Oklahoma City (CLG-5) in the left foreground.

David Guerra
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023376
151k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33), with Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group (CVSG) 53 aboard, conducting an UNREP with USS Caliente (AO-53), off Vietnam, circa the second quarter of 1969. This was Kearsarge's last deployment.

Bill Dougherty
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023371
65k

Douglas A-4G Skyhawk, BuNo N13-154907, RAN Hull Code 886, VF-805 Squadron, HMAS Melbourne (CVS-21), traps aboard USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) during Crossdeck 69, circa May 1969.

"Dutchy" was part of the maintenance crew which accompanied #886 during the crossdeck, conducted just weeks prior to the tragic collision between Melbourne and USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754) (see NS023349).

Ray "Dutchy" Brauer, RAN, 1964–1988
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023349
84k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) underway near the Philippine Islands, 3 June 1969, with HMAS Melbourne in the foreground. Note damage to the bow of the Australian carrier, as a result of her collision with USS Frank E. Evans (DD-754).

Oscar Boudreaux, USS John W. Thomason DD760 Association,
via Ron Reeves
CVS-33 Kearsarge + AO-51 + DE-1037
NS0602103732
332k

USS Ashtabula (AO-51) simultaneously refueling USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) and USS Bronstein (DE-1037) off the Vietnam coast in the Gulf of Tonkin, 22 June 1969.

NS0602103732: National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # #1996.488.198.018.

Mike Green
CVS-33 Kearsarge + AO-51 + DE-1037
NS0602103734
667k Robert Hurst
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023309
96k

Decommissioning party salutes the colors, as Kearsarge goes out of commission for the last time, at Long Beach, California, 13 February 1970. Those present are (from left to right): Captain Frederick W. Zigler, USN, Commanding Officer, Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility; Rear Admiral Norman C. Gillette, USN, Commander Anti-Submarine Warfare Group Three; Rear Admiral William T. Rassieur, USN(Retired), former Commanding Officer of the ship; Captain Leonard M. Nearman, USN, ship's Commanding Officer; and Mr. C.E. (Gene) Gallman, representing the Mayor of Long Beach.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 69774).

Naval History & Heritage Command
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023309a
87k

SDCS James R. Dawson presents the commissioning pennant to Kearsarge's last Commanding Officer, Captain Leonard M. Nearman, following the hauling down of the ship's colors during her decommissioning ceremonies, at Long Beach, California, 13 February 1970.

Naval History & Heritage Command photo (# NH 69785).

Naval History & Heritage Command
Memorabilia
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023343
417k

Kearsarge (CV-33) launching ticket, obverse and reverse.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023343a
219k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023356
126k

USS Kearsarge (CV-33) Commissioning Ceremony, New York Naval Shipyard, 2 March 1946. Invitation and program.

Thomas Becher
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023356a
160k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023356b
93k
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023356c
11.6M
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023357
20.4M

Kearsaga, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2 March 1946. Souvenir issue, commissioning of USS Kearsarge (CV-33).

Thomas Becher
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023316
29k

USS Kearsarge (CVA-33).

CAPT Gene Oleson, CHC, USN (Ret)
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023317
33k

USS Kearsarge (CVA-33), Task Force 77.

CAPT Gene Oleson, CHC, USN (Ret)
CVA-33 Kearsarge
NS023317a
194k

V-6 Division — Korea — 52-53 [11 August 1952–17 March 1953] — U.S.S. Kearsarge — CVA-33.

Tommy Trampp
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023330
93k

USS Kearsarge (CVS-33).

Jack Treutle
CVS-33 Kearsarge
NS023373
72k

A souvenir from Crossdeck 69.

(See NS023371.)

Ray "Dutchy" Brauer, RAN, 1964–1988
Ex-USS Kearsarge
CV-33 Kearsarge
NS023302
39k Being towed away for scrapping. USN

For more photos and information about this ship, see:

Read the
USS KEARSARGE (CV-33 / CVA-33 / CVS-33) DANFS History entry

Crew Contact and Reunion Information
Date:  
Place:  
Contact: John Bennett
Address: 5960 Fossella Blvd
Dublin, OH 43016-7396
Phone: 614-876-7796
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Remarks:  

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Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan.
Korean Combat Action Reports located on the Naval History & Heritage Command Website

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Last update: 13 February 2024