CVL-48 was named after an island in the Marianas (NS024845), the site of the initial Allied landings in that group on 15 June 1944. After bitter fighting ashore and at sea, the island was secured in mid-July and developed into an Allied air base.

NS0403529: Invasion of Saipan, June 1944. LVTs move toward the beach, past bombarding cruisers, on "D-Day", 15 June 1944. Cruiser firing in the background is USS Indianapolis (CA-35), flagship of Fifth Fleet commander Admiral Raymond A. Spruance. Photographed from USS Birmingham (CL-62). Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration, photo # 80-G-231838, via Scott Dyben.

(Map NS024845 courtesy of Google Maps.)

Saipan was launched on Sunday, 8 July 1945, and sponsored by Mrs. John W. McCormack (née Marguerite Harriet Joyce), wife of Representative John W. McCormack (D-MA), House Majority Leader at the time. New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, NJ.

National Archives and Records Administration, NARA II, College Park, MD.

"Inclining Experiments."

Photo and text from Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #98, August 2015.

[Sunday, ]14 July 1946. USS Saipan (CVL-48) is placed in commission at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Captain John Crommelin, USN Commanding. Note the fourth stack directly behind the island. It was removed in 1948 to reduce topside weight and help the rolls. It didn't.

Photo and text from Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #92, February 2014.

"Saipan had no shakedown cruise—Over the years, many have scoffed at the story that Saipan never had a shakedown cruise. It is a fact and I have just uncovered this document from some photos Tom O'Connor gave to me."

Photo and text from Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #108, February 2018.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) as completed, November 2, 1946.

Undated photo showing the back end of the island of USS Saipan (CVL-48). Note the flag bag and the ship's bell.

Series of five photos showing the island and masts of USS Saipan (CVL-48). Location and date unknown.

Photos now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

NS024846: NARA local identifier rg19nn-b1585-002-011.

NS024846a: NARA local identifier rg19nn-b1585-002-012.

NS024846b: NARA local identifier rg19nn-b1585-002-013.

NS024846c: NARA local identifier rg19nn-b1585-002-014.

NS024846d: NARA local identifier rg19nn-b1585-002-015.

"Most people believe that carriers had plenty of space. There is, but not for the men. For the airplanes. How many of you remember going from one end of the hangar deck to the other end. Ducking under wings and bumping your head on planes. The worst thing was catching your shins on the aircraft tie down wires and falling down. Really hurt didn't it? Just getting to the chow line which formed on the hangar deck was a challenge on most days while at sea."

Photo and text from Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #97, May 2015.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) underway at sea, with eight FH-1 Phantom jet fighters on her flight deck. The original print is dated June 1953, but the presence of FH-1s and the general rig of the ship indicate that the photograph was actually taken during the late 1940s.

USS Saipan (CVL-48), probably in the late 1940s. Note the mix of aircraft on her deck: early jet and a variety of prop types.

Bill Fessenden (Newmarket, NH) comments: "The photo was taken at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine (PNSY), during the ship's April (?) 1948 visit (DANFS). In the upper right background can be seen the US Route 1B bridge between New Castle, NH (on the left) and Portsmouth, NH. The large building on the horizon, to the left of the ship's island, is the locally famous Wentworth Hotel, on New Castle Island. The restored, late 19th century grand hotel, still stands, to this day. It should also be noted that PNSY was/is used primarily for submarine work, as evidenced by the submarine moored forward of the CVL, and the submarine components on the dock in the photo's foreground."

A McDonnell FH-1 Phantom fighter of U.S. Navy Fighter Squadron (VF) 17A "Phantom Fighters" is about to be catapulted from USS Saipan (CVL-48), 6 May 1948. Note the deck crewman enjoying the pleasures of the new jet age by warming himself with the exhaust from the Phantom's engines (arrow by Naval Aviation News).

Naval Aviation News, July 1948 issue.

A McDonnell FH-1 Phantom fighter of U.S. Navy Fighter Squadron (VF) 17A "Phantom Fighters" taking off from USS Saipan (CVL-48), 6 May 1948. One of the carrier's 40 mm quadruple bow-mounted AA mounts can be seen in the lower part of the picture.

Naval Aviation News, July 1948 issue. National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.7239.xxx.

A U.S. Navy McDonnell FH-1 Phantom of Fighter Squadron (VF) 17A aboard the USS Saipan (CVL-48), with its wings folded, May 1948.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.7238.019.

A U.S. Navy McDonnell FH-1 Phantom of Fighter Squadron (VF) 17A aboard USS Saipan (CVL-48), May 1948.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.7238.015.

A U.S. Navy McDonnell FH-1 Phantom of Fighter Squadron (VF) 17A recovering aboard USS Saipan (CVL-48), May 1948.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.7238.016.

U.S. Navy McDonnell FH-1 Phantoms of Fighter Squadron (VF) 17A operating off USS Saipan (CVL-48), in 1948. During the exercises the planes made strafing runs on a floating target. This was the first time that their guns had been fired from the air.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # No. 1996.253.7238.006.

E-R Division on the Med Cruise 1951.

Front Row L to R: McElwaine, Van Dine, Nadeau, Treat ETC, LT(JG) Shonk, CRELE Pierce, Brown, Unsworth, Hockensmith.

Back Row L to R: Tourand, Thompson, Gonglewski, Reed, Kelly, McMasters, Allen, Stark, Goforth, Worley, Zibuda, Seeley.

Photo and text from Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #108, February 2018.

An F4U-4 Corsair from VF-1L taking off from USS Saipan (CVL-48) circa 1947, during operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 1996.253.7141.007).

The U.S. Navy heavy cruiser USS Oregon City (CA-122) tows the light aircraft carrier USS Saipan (CVL-48) during a towing exercise in the Caribbean Sea, April 1947. U.S. Navy photo from the Saipan 1946–1947 Cruise Book.

USS Saipan (CVL-48), M Division, Med Cruise 1951.

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #102, August 2016.

USS Saipan (CVL-48), S-1 Division, Med Cruise 1951.

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #103, November 2016.

USS Saipan (CVL-48), 1st Division, Med Cruise 1951.

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #105, May 2017.

USS Saipan (CVL-48), Fox Division, Med Cruise 1951.

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #112, February 2019.

LT(JG) C.B. Griffin, USNR, made the 20,000th landing aboard USS Saipan (CVL-48).

Undated picture of the light aircraft carrier USS Saipan (CVL-48) underway, location unknown. Note the wartime aircraft types parked on her flight deck. U.S. Navy photo.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

USS Saipan, US Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. US Navy official photograph. This photo, a post card, "had to be [taken] before 1948 because the four original stacks are clearly visible. The stack immediately after the island was removed in 1948. It was done for two reasons. To reduce topside weight and to eliminate stack gas from going onto the bridge and Air Control spaces."

Civilians watch operations from USS Saipan's island. From the 7th to the 24th of February 1948, Saipan transported the United States delegation to the Venezuelan President Rómulo Gallegos inauguration and back. This photo may have been taken during this diplomatic mission.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) underway, early in her career (1946–1948), with Light Carrier Air Group 1 (CVLG-1) aboard. CVLG-1 deployed with the ship for her diplomatic mission to Venezuela in February 1948 (see NS024815).

The Venezuelan Presidential Inauguration Cruise of the U.S.S. Saipan CVL-48. February 7–24, 1948.

A McDonnell FH-1 Phantom fighter of Fighter Squadron VF-17A "Phantom Fighters" taxis to the catapult during carrier qualifications on the light aircraft carrier USS Saipan (CVL-48), in May 1948. USN photo scanned from The History of US Naval Air Power (Robert L. Lawson (ed.); The Military Press, New York (USA), 1985. ISBN 0-517-414813, p. 122.)

USS Saipan (CVL-48) on 6 May 1948. Note the general similarity to the Independence class ships; the principal differences are the two 40mm AA gun tubs on the forecastle and the absence of a hull bulge. By this time one smokestack had been removed to improve stability. Photo USN (G Albrecht Collection).

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

U.S. Marine Corps Piasecki HRP-1 Rescuers are preparing to fly out to the light aircraft carrier Saipan (CVL-48) for shipboard duties [late December 1948?]. U.S. Marine Corps photo.

From Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

Crewmen wash snow and ice from the flight deck and superstructure, during Operation Icecap. Ice is visible on the island and mast. Date may be circa late December 1948, when Saipan was sent to Greenland waters on a rescue mission.

One of five twin-rotored Piasecki helicopters to be used in an attempted rescue of airmen stranded on the Greenland icecap touches down on the deck of the USS Saipan (CVL-48) on 27 December 1948 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The carrier battled 100-mile-per-hour winds the previous day and would be delayed in reaching the rescue launching position. The helicopters, built at Morton, Pennsylvania, were securely lashed to the carrier's flight deck.

Source: Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, George D. McDowell Collection.

A series of photos of an F4U Corsair from VMF-211 that went into the water after a deck launch some time in the late 1940s.

Saipanorama #92, February 2014, page 9.

"This 1949 photo taken from the endpapers of New York Shipbuilding's 50th anniversary book, shows Newton Creek at high tide. The view is to the southeast, toward Gloucester Heights. Yorkship Village (Fairview) is at the upper left, flanked by the North Branch and the wide tidal floodplain of the creek's main channel. A causeway bridge across the main channel links Yorkship Village's Collings Road with Gloucester at the upper right. A rail line (note the freight train) follows the west bank of the creek. Conspicuously missing from this image are the east end of the Walt Whitman Bridge, I-676, and the bridge interchange, all built in the late 1950s. Most of the tidal floodplain seen here was filled and the course of the North Branch was altered during construction. The mouth of Newton Creek is at the center right. A heavy cruiser or battleship is moored in the creek. Another capital ship occupies one of the open slipways. Portions of two light carriers can be seen in the wet slip at the lower left, adjacent to the covered slipways."

"In the lower left of center of the photo are two CVL's afloat and fitting-out. I believe this to be the sisters USS Saipan (CVL-48) and USS Wright (CVL-49), the last two CVL's to be built. This being the case, the photo would have to have [been] taken in the time period between 1 Sep 45 (launch of CVL-49) and 14 Jul 46 (commissioning of CVL-48)."

"The large vessel fitting out to the right of the carriers, afloat and under cover, appears to be an Alaska Class Large Cruiser. USS Hawaii (CB-3) was launched on 3 Nov 45, and construction photos show the fitting out of the vessel under cover."

"The cruiser hull on the stocks on the right of the photo could be [the] canceled USS Youngstown (CL-94). Scrapping of the incomplete vessel began on the builder's way on 21 Jan 1946."

"Not seen on the stocks is another light cruiser, USS New Haven (CL-109), which was launched 14 Dec 1945, 67.8% complete. Construction was canceled 14 Aug 45."

"The[re] is also what appears to be a Baltimore class heavy cruiser at the far right of the photo, in near-complete condition. USS Toledo (CA-133) was launched in May 1945, and commissioned 27 Oct 1946. In the early spring of 1946, this vessel may have been this far along in its fitting-out, to have reached the ship's condition of the photo, but that is only speculation, on my part."

Accident report, 16 February 1950: "Marine Corps pilot 1st Lt. Loren Grover of Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 212 launched from Saipan in F4U-4 (BuNo 81473) assigned to VMF-211. As the plane gained speed, the left wing rose toward the folded position. Upon reaching the end of the flight deck, the left wing was at about a 45-degree angle. As soon as the plane became airborne, the wing was torn off. The Corsair rolled to the left, hit the water off the port bow in a 35-degree, nose-down attitude on its back, and sank. An extensive search was conducted, but the pilot was never recovered. The accident board determined there was a failure to check the left wing for positive lock before final turn-up and launch."

From Naval Aviation News, November–December 1997 issue.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) entering port with a full deck of planes, probably in the early 1950s.

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #99, November 2015.

This photo is labeled as "3rd and 4th Divisions 23 June 1950." This apparently was before the large drafts of men started coming aboard at the beginning of the Korean War. Tom Pendergast came aboard in November 1950 and there were two Deck Division at that time. The First and Second Divisions. The Third and Fourth Divisions were apparently merged into the First and Second Division. Does anyone remember why and when this was done?

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #94, August 2014.

A TBM Avenger from VS-31 that hit the last stack, broke up and went over the side sometime in 1950.

Saipanorama #92, February 2014, page 9.

USS Saipan (CVL-48), 27 March 1951. There are several different Squadrons and Detachments represented on the flight deck: VF-42 (?) (tail code "C"), VC-4 ("NA"), VC-12 ("NE"), and VC-33 ("SS").

Photo by Marius Bar, Toulon, France.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) at anchor on 26 April 1951, in an unknown Mediterranean port. There are two unidentified antennas on the radar mast, as well as SPS-6 and SP. The wide bow allowed two 40mm AA mounts to be fitted side by side. Of note Saipan was not placed in reserve after World War Two and continued in service without interruption until 1957. Photo Marius Bar.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

"In 1951 Saipan was ordered to the Mediterranean to serve with the Sixth Fleet. One of the port calls[, 5–9 May,] was in Algiers where Saipan tied up with a 'Mediterranean Moor'. That is that Saipan was moored stern first with the bow sticking out in the harbor. The anchors were down to hold the ship in place. Barges were strung along the Starboard side of Saipan and the USS Quillback SS 424 was moored on the other side of the barges."

From Saipanorama, the Newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #102, August 2016.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) at anchor circa 1952, location unknown.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) rolls to starboard in heavy Atlantic Ocean seas, circa 1952.

National Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 1996.488.035.008.

Anti-submarine patrols in the Caribbean. Saipan passes Morro Castle while departing San Juan, Puerto Rico after a weekend liberty while on ASW patrols. Circa March 1952.

Photo from Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #105, May 2017.

"Jets on Saipan April 13, 1952"

Photos and text from Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #98, August 2015.

In the summer of 1952, 26 Atlantic Fleet ships, including USS Saipan (CVL-48) took 3,600 Naval Academy and Naval Reserve "Middies" (midshipmen) on their training courses, to eight ports in Western Europe and then to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Saipan visited Torquay, England, and Dublin, Ireland.

Newspaper clip and two views of an UNREP with USS Salamonie (AO-26).

USS Saipan (CVL-48) underway circa 1953, location unknown (USN photo.)

USS Saipan CVL-48, VMA-324, HU-1, Far East and Around the World, 1953–1954.

"40mm gun crews in the Yellow Sea in Korea." "Elevator Crews During the World Cruise." From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #106, August 2017.

"Marine Corps Heavy Attack Squadron VMA-324, Circumnavigated the globe aboard USS Saipan (CVL-48), Served in Korea and French Indo-China 1953–54"

"AD Skyraider aircraft of VMA-324 on deck of USS Saipan (CVL-48) in the Yellow Sea. Planes were lined up three across. This photo shows how dangerous it was for Plane Captains and Flight Deck Crews. The watch words were 'Never stand up in the sleapstream of a propeller' ' The alternative to staying alert on the Flight Deck is that you could have a very bad day' and 'The penalty for failure on the Flight Deck is death. Maybe not your death, but someone usually dies if you fail to stay alert and do your job right'"

Photo and text from Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #108, February 2018.

Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 324 "Vagabonds" celebrating the Marine Corps birthday on the hangar deck of USS Saipan (CVL-48) while in the Far East, November 1953.

Lieutenant Colonel Julius W. Ireland, USMC, Commanding Officer of Marine Attack Squadron 324 (VMA-324) is greeted by a French Navy officer, after his squadron delivered AU-1 Corsair aircraft to the French at Tourane (Danang) airfield, Indo-China, on 18 April 1954. One of the AU-1s is behind them. The planes were transported to the area by USS Saipan (CVL-48).

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 84042).

Note: COL Julius Wirth Ireland, USMC (Ret.), 93, died in Honolulu, HI, 28 July 2010.

French Naval Aviator C.A. Libiot (left center) greets Second Lieutenant John F. Schrepferman, USMCR, of Marine Attack Squadron 324 (VMA-324) as VMA-324 pilots delivered AU-1 Corsair aircraft to the French at Tourane (Danang) airfield, Indo-China, on 18 April 1954. Libiot and other French aviators had trained at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, with some of VMA-324's pilots. Three of the AU-1s are behind them. The planes were transported to the area by USS Saipan (CVL-48).

USS Saipan (CVL-48) off Tourane (Danang), Indo-China, on 18 April 1954, just prior to launching twenty-five AU-1 Corsair aircraft, which were flown ashore for delivery to the French.

"SXP897-5-21-NAGASAKI, JAPAN.: Crewmembers of the USS Saipan line up on the carrier's flight deck to spell out in Japanese characters, Minasan Konichiwa (hello everyone), as their ship enters the port here for open house on Armed Forces Day. U.S. NAVY PHOTO FROM UNITED PRESS TELEPHOTO" (21 May 1954). The photo was taken on 14 May (thanks to Tom Pendergast, Secretary-Treauser, USS Saipan CVL-48 Association.)

USS Saipan (CVL-48) with HRS and HUP helicopters on her flight deck, circa the mid-1950s.

Courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1969.

"At the end of September [1955, USS Saipan (CVL-48)] was ordered to Mexico to again assist in hurricane relief work. From 1 to 9 October, her helicopters evacuated survivors, flew in rescue personnel, and distributed food, water, and medical supplies, primarily in the flooded Tampico area. On 12 October, she returned to Pensacola, where she remained until April 1957." (Quoted from DANFS.)

NS024858: Flood victims at Panuco, Mexico, wade through flood waters in the downtown streets. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 330-PS-7528 (USN 651156).

NS024858a: A U.S. Navy HUP-2 Retriever helicopter, BuNo 128499, attached to Helicopter Training Unit (HTU) 1, and operating from Saipan, lowers its hoist to rescue a Mexican family from an isolated house near Tampico, Mexico. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 330-PS-7528 (USN 681154).

NS024858b: A U.S. Navy HUP-2 Retriever helicopter, attached to HTU-1 and operating from Saipan, brings Mexican woman and children to high ground at Tampico, Mexico. Navy helicopters carried food, medicine, and doctors to the areas in Mexico stricken by Hurricane Janet and evacuated isolated people to high ground. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 330-PS-7528 (USN 681155).

NS024858c: A Mexican woman and her three children are stranded by flood waters from Hurricane Janet on top of a church at Tampico, Mexico. This photograph was taken by a U. S. Navy helicopter from Saipan. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 330-PS-7528 (USN 681157).

Starboard bow view of USS Saipan (CVL-48) underway, circa 1956.

National Naval Aviation Museum, Eisenbarth Photograph Collection, photo # 2008.122.099.

USS Saipan (CVL-48) underway circa the mid-1950s, with eleven AD Skyraider attack planes (from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 324 "Vagabonds") parked on her flight deck, aft. Note submarine approaching, in the right distance.

The light carrier Saipan (CVL-48), October 1956, at the end of her active carrier career. She was armed with three quadruple and ten twin 40-mm guns, controlled by six Mark 57 radar fire control systems (with Mark 28 radar) and eight Mark 51 mod 2s. Other major electronic equipment included an SPS-4 (surface/zenith search), SPS-6B, SPS-8, SR (after radar mast), SPN-2, SPN-12, TACAN (URN-3), YG (beacon), and HF/DF (after radar mast).

Drawing and text from U.S. Aircraft Carriers: An Illustrated Design History, by Norman Friedman.

USS Saipan's commanding officer, CAPT William R. Kane, was killed in a plane crash on 5 February 1957, and was succeeded by CAPT Geoffrey P. Norman. The ship's XO, CDR Noel R. Bacon, was also injured.

Artwork reproduction of an insignia received during the 1950s.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 70134-KN).

Two more artwork reproductions of Saipan's insignias.

USS Saipan (CVL-48), WestPac (and Around the World) cruise, 28 September 1953–21 July 1954.

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #74, October 2009:

• Sea story: while under tow from Bayonne to Philadelphia, decommissioned Saipan almost rammed the tug.
• Obituary for Admiral Ralph W. Cousins, who, as a Commander, served aboard Saipan in 1950–52.

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #92, February 2014:

• Black Ship Festival, fall 1954.

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #92, February 2014:

• Commander Hal Buell Honored.

"You all remember the two 50 man motor launches that Saipan had. It was the only way off the ship when we anchored out, which was most of the time. At liberty call everyone would line up by rate to be inspected by the OOD. Loading boats went by rank no matter how long you were in line. First Class, Second Class, Third Class, and then the non rated men. Chiefs went to the head of the line at any time. No matter how long you were in line if a higher rated man came up he went ahead of you. Remember the saying, 'Rank has it's privileges', it really was true. Remember having 500 men ready to go ashore with two boats and a half hour run to the fleet landing and back. When in Norfolk, the base used to lend us another motor launch. Remember the 'covered wagons?' Simply a motor launch with a canvas top. The OOD sent the boats off with the order 'Shove off cox'n, your boat's loaded. Make for the fleet landing and return immediately."

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #93, May 2014.

"First Division men are marrying up the mooring lines and putting the rat guards on. What is the man on the anchor doing? Judging from this photo, Saipan is moored port side to. This was unusual because the Quarterdeck was on the starboard side and Saipan would always tie up starboard side to if possible."

From Saipanorama, the newsletter of the USS Saipan CVL48 Assn., issue #96, February 2015.