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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


Courtesy of USS Saratoga Association

USS SARATOGA   (CV-3)



Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Echo - Lima - Bravo

Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons

 
 

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: American Defense Service Medal ("Fleet" clasp)
2nd Row: American Campaign Medal / Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (8 stars) / World War II Victory Medal

Lexington Class Aircraft Carrier
Awarded Laid down Launched Commissioned Decommissioned Stricken
(see below) 25 Sep 1920 7 Apr 1925 16 Nov 1927   15 Aug 1946
Builder: New York Shipbuilding Co., Camden, N.J.

Specifications
(As built, 1927)
Displacement (design): 36,000 tons standard; 38,746 tons
Dimensions (wl): 850' x 105' 5.25" x 24' 3"  /  259.1 x 32.1 x 7.4 meters
Dimensions (max.): (As of November 1944) 910' 1.75" x 130' 1.5"  /  277.4 x 39.7 meters
Armor: 7"-5" belt; 2" protective (3rd) deck; 3" (flat)-4.5" (slopes) over steering gear
Power plant: 16 boilers (300 psi); geared turbines and electric drive; 4 shafts; 180,000 shp (design)
Speed: 33.25+ knots
Endurance (design): 10,000 nautical miles @ 10 knots
Armament: 4 twin 8"/55 gun mounts; 12 single 5"/25 gun mounts
Aircraft: 90
Aviation facilities: 2 elevators; 1 flywheel catapult
Crew: 2,122 (ship's company + air wing)
Click on Thumbnail
for Full Size Image
Size Image Description Source
Name
Saratoga
NS020351a
141k

CV-3 was named for the Battle of Saratoga, September and October 1777. It was a decisive American victory resulting in the surrender of an entire British army of 9,000 men invading New York from Canada during the American Revolutionary War. The Battle of Saratoga was actually two battles about 9 miles south of Saratoga, New York (NS020351a), namely the Battle of Freeman's Farm and the Battle of Bemis Heights, and is related with the earlier Battle of Bennington, about 15 miles east of Saratoga. The surrender of General John Burgoyne, who was surrounded by much larger American militia forces, took place after his retreat to Saratoga. The capture of an entire British army secured the northern American states from further attacks out of Canada and prevented New England from being isolated. A major result was that France entered the conflict on behalf of the Americans, thus dramatically improving the Americans' chances in the war. The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point in the Revolutionary War.

The first Battle at Saratoga, generally referred to by historians as Freeman's Farm, began with John Burgoyne's offensive (19 September)—the British lost two men for every one American casualty. In terms of ground gained, however, both sides fought to a draw. In the second Battle, otherwise known as Bemis Heights (7 October), British losses were four to one. The rebels' victory was overwhelming. After negotiations, Burgoyne officially surrendered on 17 October. He returned to England in disgrace and was never given another command. When news of the American victory reached Europe, France entered the war on the side of the patriots. Money and supplies flowed to the American cause, providing Washington's Continental Army with the support necessary to continue its fight against Great Britain. Britain's loss at Saratoga was disastrous because it showed the European powers that the rebels were capable of defeating the English on their own. More than any other event, it would prove decisive in determining the eventual outcome of the War and the victory of Patriots.

American warships that had previously borne the name:

  1. A Continental Navy sloop-of-war.
  2. A corvette.
  3. A sloop-of-war.
  4. A cruiser.

NS020351: Surrender of General Burgoyne, painting by John Trumbull (1822); photograph by the Architect of the Capitol.

Map courtesy of Hamstermap.com. Partial text and painting courtesy of Wikipedia.

Submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Battle of Saratoga
NS020351
205k
Construction
CV-2 Lexington, CV-3 Saratoga
NS020292
48k

Contract design for the Lexington and the Saratoga, 1922. The oval opening right aft is for twin torpedo tubes.

Line drawing by A.D. Baker, III. Drawing and text from U.S. Aircraft Carriers: An Illustrated Design History, by Norman Friedman.

Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020352
191k

Launching of Saratoga at the New York Shipbuilding Corp., Camden, N.J., Tuesday, 7 April 1925. Photo by Aero Service Corp., Philadelphia, PA.

(Digitally enhanced by Tom Kermen.)

Ron Reeves
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020352a

"AIRPLANE CARRIER GOES INTO THE DELAWARE. Photograph taken at Camden, N.J., yesterday, after the Saratoga had been christened by Mrs. Wilbur, wife of the Secretary of the Navy. The vessel will carry 72 airplanes, has a speed of 33 knots and hour [sic], and develops 180,000 horsepower. Copyright by Miller Service."

The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., Wednesday, 8 April 1925.

Library of Congress, Chronicling America, via Michael Mohl
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020399
180k

"This is an incidental view of USS Saratoga in the wet basin slip at New York Ship, Camden NJ. The date is unspecified but between April 1925 and November 1927. In this period the Swiss Brown Boveri Corp had taken over running the business. From the Aero Service photo collection at ISM, for educational and non-commercial use."

John Chiquoine
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020379
5.37M

'Instructions For Operation And Maintenance, 12" DAMAGE CONTROL PUMP, Installed Aboard Aircraft Carrier, CV-3 U.S.S. Saratoga'

The date would be 'as commissioned.'

Ed Zajkowski
The Pre-War Years
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203bc
128k

This appears to be the commissioning ceremony of USS Saratoga (CV-3), 16 November 1927. Temple University Libraries, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin photographs.

Via Michael Mohl
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020382
151k

A Chance Vought UO-1 piloted by LCDR Marc Mitscher makes the first landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-3). The fore-and-aft arresting wires were engaged by a "comb" between the aircraft's wheels. The "fiddle bridges" held the wires off the flight deck. Athwartship wires which were snagged by an arresting hook on the aircraft were in simultaneous use. The fore-and-aft wires were soon abandoned. U.S.Navy photo.

Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020321
99k

Painting by Walter L. Greene, 1927, depicting the ship launching aircraft.

Courtesy of the Navy Art Collection, Washington, DC.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 42486-KN).

Michael Mohl
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203ab
67k

"Airplane Carrier Saratoga."

Edward Shenton American Aviation Art, Vintage Art Deco Graphic Art, Illustration Print, 1928.

Tommy Trampp
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020331
120k

USS Saratoga, probably in January 1928, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Jack Treutle
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203ai
61k

Stern view of USS Saratoga (CV-3), anchored near the Norfolk Naval Operating Base after completing her first sea trials on 6 January 1928. She stayed in Norfolk for two days to take on naval stores and ammunition. Photo courtesy of the Norfolk Public Library.

Bill Gonyo
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020303
114k

This ship is in fact Saratoga (CV-3), early in her career.

Manuel D. Tafoya, Sr.
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020316
35k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) at anchor in the late 1920s.

Ron Reeves
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020353
57k

USS Los Angeles (ZR-3) landing on USS Saratoga (CV-3), 27 January 1928. Note lines used to walk the airship forward from the aircraft carrier's stern.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 44097).

Paul Rebold
ZR-3 Los Angeles + CV-3 Saratoga
NS02990303
79k

USS Los Angeles (ZR-3) landing on USS Saratoga (CV-3), 27 January 1928.

U.S. Naval History & Heritage Command photograph (# NH 63067).

Naval History & Heritage Command
ZR-3 Los Angeles + CV-3 Saratoga
NS02990303a
84k

USS Los Angeles (ZR-3) on the after flight deck of USS Saratoga (CV-3), 27 January 1928, after she had landed on board the carrier.

U.S. Naval History & Heritage Command photograph (# NH 44095).

Naval History & Heritage Command
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020313a
198k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) in the Gaillard Cut (Culebra Cut), Panama Canal, bound for the Pacific, on the morning of 7 February 1928.

(Thanks to John Fry for his help.)

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.011.003.

David Buell
Larger copy submitted by Mike Green
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020313
51k

USS Saratoga steams through the Panama Canal, 7 February 1928. She has two floatplanes on her flight deck. Note that the outer portions of platforms for her 5"/25 guns have been folded up to clear her of the lock walls.

From the collection of EM Gerald M. Charpentier, USN (1917-1920). Contributed by his niece, Elaine C. Witty, via Larry Bohn.
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020313b
44k

USS Saratoga steams through the Panama Canal, probably on the same occasion as photo NS020313, above.

Robert Ruiter; Amsterdam, the Netherlands
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020313e
79k

As above.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020313c
161k

"USS Saratoga & HMS Despatch in Miraflores locks, Panama Canal," 7 February 1928.

Tommy Trampp
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020313d
90k
CV-3 Saratoga + CV-2 Lexington
NS020367
414k

USS Lexington (CV-2), left, and USS Saratoga (CV-3), right, moored at Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, 22 September 1928. Note Sara had a walkway on the face of her stack—one of the few distinguishing features between these otherwise nearly identical twins. She did not have her distinctive black stripe on the funnel yet. This was added after their first Fleet Problem participation in January 1929.

"FIRST PICTURE OF LEX AND SARA TOGETHER"

"Uncle Sam's $100,000,000 sisters pose for their first picture together. The giant new airplane carriers Lexington (left), and Saratoga, tied up at the Puget Sound Navy Yard at Bremerton, Wash., where they are undergoing engine readjustments to bring their speed up to the specified figure. This is the first time since they were launched that the big ships have been close enough to be photographed together."

Evening Star, Washington DC, 24 September 1928.

Robert M. Cieri
Darren Large
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020366
49k USS Saratoga (CV-3) underway circa 1928. Appearance characteristics at this time included the very wide funnel and the four 8in/55 LA guns in twin mounts on the starboard side of the flight deck. Note also the light-coloured awnings for the groups of three 5in/25 AA guns. Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203ar
263k USS Saratoga (CV-3) prewar. Location and date unknwon. Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020394
128k

A U.S. Navy Boeing F2B-1 (A-7440) belonging to Fighting Squadron VF-1B based aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-3), circa 1928. Note the unit's "High Hat" insignia below the cockpit. USN photo.

Scanned from United States Navy and Marine Corps Fighters 1918–1962, compiled by Paul R. Matt and edited by Bruce Robertson.

Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020337
52k

Aerial view of USS Saratoga (CV-3), probably in 1929, location unknown.

Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020354
211k

A Torpedo and Bombing Squadron TWO B (VT-2B) T4M-1 making an approach on USS Saratoga (CV-3), 1929. Note the squadron's dragon insignia on the fuselage just aft of the lower wing.

Scott Ridlon
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203aq
172k

Stunt Fliers of Squadron VF-1B photographed on 16 August 1929, posed in front of a Boeing F2B-1 fighter plane. VF-1B was assigned to USS Saratoga (CV-3). Those present are Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Frank C. Sutton, USN; Lieutenant Leslie E. Gehres, USN; Lieutenant Jackson R. Tate, USN; Lieutenant (Junior Grade) George T. Mundorff, Jr., USN; Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Creighton K. Lankford, USN; Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Frank O'Beirne, USN; Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Frederick N. Kivette, USN; Ensign William H. McMullen, USNR; Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Clarence Wade McClusky, Jr., USN.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), 80-G-425912.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020210
192k

USS Lexington (CV-2), top; USS Saratoga (CV-3); and USS Langley (CV-1), accross the pier from Saratoga. Bremerton, Washington, 11 November 1929. This is one of the earliest known photos of Saratoga with her distinctive funnel stripe.

From the collection of Joseph P. English. Contributed by his son, George E. English.
CV-1 Langley + CV-2 Lexington + CV-3 Saratoga
NS020210a
1.34M

As above, cropped.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Robert Hurst.
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203bd
73k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) coming into dock, Puget Sound Navy Yard, Washington, 17 November 1930. This photo documents the extension to Dry Dock No. 2.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, id. 299629. Record Group 181, NAIL Control Number NRIS-181-PSNSHISTPHO-685.

NARA,
via Michael Mohl
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203al
501k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) entering San Francisco Bay, 18 December 1929.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, id. 23935571.

David Upton
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020304
61k Undated, underway with aircraft on deck. USN
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020320
139k At anchor, date and place unknown. Michael Donegan
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020315
336k

Undated, pre-war photo of USS Saratoga (CV-3) off Ballast Point, Point Loma, California.

Mike Brock
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203ap
562k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) underway, launching aircraft, circa 1929.

This carrier is sometimes identified as USS Lexington (CV-2). However, the shape of the radio compass booth, suspended from the underside of the lower top, identifies her as Saratoga.

Curt Molten,
grandson of CAPT Robert P. Molten,
Saratoga's CO in 1940
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020322
141k

Aircraft on the flight deck, preparing for launching, circa 1929-30. Planes in the foreground are Boeing F3B-1 fighters [of VB-2B squadron]. In the background are fifteen Martin T4M-1 torpedo planes, of Torpedo Squadron Two (VT-2B).

Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, D.C. Collection of Admiral William V. Pratt.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 75874).

Note: This photo may have been taken in early 1929, during Fleet Problem IX. In any event, it can't have been taken later than September 1929: the foremost T4M is sitting on the "fiddle bridge" arresting gear, which was removed from Saratoga in said month. The carrier had spent three months (June-August) at anchor at San Pedro, without any aircraft. Sources: Tracy White, Researcher @ Large; John Fry, USS Saratoga CV-3, pages 29–36.

NHC
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203au
116k

Sara's massive stack, flight deck and island structure views, circa 1929–1931.

Collection of RADM Theodore R. Frederick,
via Edwin Kaukali
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020323
391k

Vought O2U-2 Corsair aircraft, of Marine Corps Scouting Squadron 14 (VS-14M) fly past USS Saratoga (CV-3) while preparing to land on board, circa 1930. Note Marine Corps insignia painted under the after cockpit of the closest aircraft.

Courtesy of PHC John L. Highfill, USN (Retired).

Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC) Photograph (# NH 94899).

NH&HC,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-2 Lexington, CV-3 Saratoga, AO-9 Patoka
NS020243
543k

USS Los Angeles (ZR-3) flies over ships of the U.S. Fleet, circa 1930. Photographed from on board the airship, with two of her engine cars in the foreground. Ships below are USS Patoka (AO-9), closest to the camera, and the aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Saratoga (CV-3).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-462136).

Hampton Roads Naval Museum
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020339
61k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) at anchor circa 1930, location unknown.

Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020327
331k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) in drydock at Hunter's Point, San Francisco, California, circa the early 1930s. (The S.S. Mexican is in the right distance. She was USS Mexican (ID # 1655) in 1917–1919.)

Courtesy of PHC John Highfill, USN (Retired).

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 94849).

Michael Mohl
Darryl Baker
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020329
31k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) anchored, most likely, at San Diego, early 1930s. Photo by Teddy Krueger, USS Holland (AS-3).

Rick Larson, MMCM(SS) ret.
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020318
47k

Flight deck scene, 1930s.

Photo by Robert Bressan
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203ax
66k

"U.S. Aeroplane Carrier Saratoga," 1931. Gouache on paper painting by noted marine painter Worden Wood (1880–1943).

Via Michael Mohl
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020340
98k

A painting of USS Saratoga (CV-3) underway in the 1930s, made by Michael Donegan for Trumpeter models.

Michael Donegan, NAVYDAZE
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020386
65k

A flight of 17 U.S. Marine Corps Boeing F4B-4 fighters of Marine Fighter Squadron VF-9M assigned to USS Saratoga (CV-3) in the early 1930s. The squadron was later redesignated VMF-111.

U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News, October 1981 issue.

Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203ad
354k

Two views of USS Saratoga (CV-3), early-to-mid 1930s.

Photos by CWO4 Cecil Wood USMC, contributed by his son Donald Wood
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203ada
120k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203az
2.44M

USS Saratoga (CV-3) in San Diego Bay, California, circa the first half of the 1930s. Note USS Langley (CV-1) and USS Wright (?) (AV-1) in the background, moored at Naval Air Station San Diego (North Island).

Courtesy of the San Diego Air & Space Museum, Catalog # SHIPS01376.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020317
50k

A Boeing F4B-4 of Fighting Squadron 6 (VF-6B) departs from the flight deck of the carrier USS Saratoga. Photo taken sometime between June 1931 and June 1933. Photo courtesy of the Boeing Airplane Company.

Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020387
195k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) recovering her planes off Maui, Hawaii, 2 March 1932.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, #80-G-466400.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-3 Saratoga
NS013818a
134k

Puget Sound, possibly in the second quarter of 1932, shortly before photo below. Identifiable ships in this photo are, from left to right: U.S. Crane Ship No. 1, ex-Kearsarge (BB-5); seaplane tender Jason (AV-2); one of the Colorado-class battleships, possibly the West Virginia (BB-48), in the dry dock; and a Pennsylvania-class battleship along the pier. The aircraft carrier in the photo is USS Saratoga (CV-3) — note the "SARA" on the flight deck aft.

USN Photo courtesy of Pieter Bakels.
Photo & partial text id. courtesy of Chris Hoehn & David C. Nilsen
With additional information from David Stubblebine.
CV-2 Lexington
NS0403432
1.26M

Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington. The aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Saratoga (CV-3) at the yard. Photo appears to be dated 8 June 1932, but Saratoga was in Dry Dock #2 on that date. Also present is USS Jason (AV-2), an old collier converted into a seaplane tender, at left. The future USS Astoria (CA-34) is under construction in drydock, upper right. Photographed from a USAAC plane.

(Thanks to David Stubblebine for providing additional information.)

Naval History & Heritage Command (NHHC) photo (# NH 93556).

NHHC, via Tom Bateman
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020324
98k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) dressed with flags on Navy Day, 27 October 1932.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-1007395).

NHC

NS0203ao
386k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) crossing the Panama Canal, pre-1933.

Photos from the souvenir album of Pvt. Walter Fish, stationed at Ft. Amador.

Steve Hatchett

NS0203aoa
277k

NS0203aob
340k

NS0203bg
180k

Three U.S. Navy Curtiss BFC-2 Goshawk fighters assigned to Fighting Squadron (VF) 2B in the 1930s. The squadron was redesignated from VF-1B to VF-2B and then to VF-3B and was the only one which operated the BFC-2, from February 1933 to February 1938. It was based aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-3).

U.S. Navy Commander, Naval Air Forces Centennial of Naval Aviation website.

Robert Hurst

NS020159
194k

Ships of the United States Fleet pictured at anchor inside the breakwater at Colon, Canal Zone, 1933. Identifiable ships include the aircraft carriers Lexington (CV-2), Langley (CV-1), and Saratoga (CV-3), as well as the battleships Texas (BB-35) and New York (BB-34). Omaha-class and Pensacola-class cruisers are also visible.

National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) photo (# 1996.488.001.006).

NNAM

NS020205
166k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) and USS Lexington (CV-2) in front of Diamond Head. Regardless of what is printed on the picture, it must have been taken after 1933, when Saratoga's bridge was modified.

[On July 1, 1932 Sara was berthed at Pier 6, Bremerton, WA.]

Geoff Bell
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203be
544k

USS Saratoga (CV-3). Photo possibly taken at the same time as the photo above.

"Chief Carpenters Mate Alvin (Pappy) Caldwell, joined the Navy in 1937. Following his training, he was assigned to the Pacific and served short tours on both the USS Saratoga and USS Lexington. Both of these assignments were before the war started. He subsequently was assigned to the USS Fulton submarine tender and was the first ship's company and a Plankowner on the USS Fulton. He remained in the Navy through all of World War II completing his service as a Chief Carpenters Mate. [This photo and NS020341c] were in a frame Dad made during the war from wood recovered from battle-damaged ships."

Peter B. Caldwell, LCDR, USN (Ret.),
for his father, Chief Carpenters Mate Alvin ("Pappy") Caldwell
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020301b
127k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) steams north for the Presidential Review, 31 May 1934. The "Crowing Cock" emblem can be seen on the stack stripe.

National Museum of the U.S. Navy photo (Lot-854-5).

Courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, via Michael Mohl
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020301
215k

Sara's aircraft prepare to take off during a Presidential Review by President Roosevelt, off New York City, May 31, 1934. As President Roosevelt watched from USS Indianapolis (CA-35), 90 ships passed by, led by USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) flying the 4-star flag of Admiral Sellers. Note one of Saratoga's two destroyer plane guards (upper left corner).

Image # 80-G-462893.

National Archives
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020301a
89k

Sara prepares to pass in review for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 31 May 1934 (see NS020301). (Thanks to John Fry for dating the photo).

Photo from NARA, San Francisco.

Tracy White, Researcher @ Large
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020332
134k

Believed to have been taken off New York City. If this is correct, this photo must have been taken in May-June 1934 — there was a Presidential Review on May 31, see above.

Rich Delaney
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020350
105k

USS Lexington (CV-2), left, and USS Saratoga (CV-3) open to the public for viewing at New York City, June 1934.

Photo from the collection of Edmund Cokely WO2, USN (Ret.) Submitted by his son-in-law, John Dupre'
CV-2 Lexington + CV-3 Saratoga et al.
NS010558
112k

Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington. Aerial photograph taken in the mid-1930s. Alongside the pier in center are the aircraft tender (ex-collier) Jason (AV-2), laid up in 1932 and sold in 1936, and the crane ship Kearsarge. Also present are the aircraft carriers Lexington (CV-2) and Saratoga (CV-3), the latter with her distinctive funnel stripe.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 45236).

NHC
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020349
578k

Launching biplanes, circa the mid-1930s.

Ron Titus
Ron Reeves
USS Saratoga (CV-3) departing San Francisco, 23 February 1935. Note Golden Gate Bridge under construction, and USS Texas (BB-35) in the background in photos NS0203avb and NS0203avc.
Courtesy of the Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum, via Darryl Baker.

NS0203av
895k

NS0203ava
925k

NS0203avb
832k

NS0203avc
833k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020310
149k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) landing planes on 6 June 1935.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-651292).

Scott Dyben
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020335
44k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) underway circa 1936, location unknown.

Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020391
109k

"King Neptune and his Party hold court aboard CV-3 Saratoga on May 20, 1936. This visit of His Majesty Neptunus Rex saw one of the largest single group of pollywogs to be initiated to date, including the Vice Admiral Henry Varnum Butler, who had yet to cross the equator in 45 years of Naval service."

National Archives photo (# 80-G-188724).

Tracy White,
Researcher @ Large
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020391a
188k

"Pollywogs undergoing initiation on the flight deck of Saratoga. Medical personnel were reportedly sent before King Neptune first, so they could staff the ship's hospital for the rest of the crew. Satatoga's Captain, William 'Bull' Halsey, saw to it that one of Saratoga's Pollywog ensigns who had aided a 'mutiny' of pollywogs received 'a helluva beating' during his initiation but kept his record clear of charges. That officer later earned two silver stars during World War Two and commanded nine submarine patrols against the Japanese."

National Archives photo (# 80-G-188725).

CV-3 Saratoga
NS020377
38k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) and three battleships at anchor, San Francisco Bay, most likely on the occasion of the inauguration of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, November 1936.

Ron Reeves
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020381
229k

Grumman J2F-1 Duck, BuNo 0174, number 4 plane of the USS Saratoga (CV-3) Utility Unit, circa 1936–1940.

Brad Proffitt, for his father Floyd Proffitt, USS Thresher (SS-200)
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020341
115k

Left to right: USS Saratoga (CV-3), USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Ranger (CV-4) off Honolulu, with Diamond Head in the background. This picture was probably taken in April 1938, during Fleet Problem XIX.

(See also photos NS020201, NS020434 and NS020401).

Photo from the collection of Edmund Cokely WO2, USN (Ret.)
Submitted by his son-in-law, John Dupre'
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020341a
41k

NS020341a: Left to right: USS Ranger (CV-4), USS Lexington (CV-2), and USS Saratoga (CV-3).

NS020341b: Saratoga.

Photos taken by Roger's grandfather, probably in April 1938, at about the same time as the photo above.

(See also photos NS020201, NS020434 and NS020401).

Roger Reynolds
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020341b
49k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020341c
435k

Foreground to background: USS Saratoga (CV-3), USS Lexington (CV-2) and USS Ranger (CV-4), possibly on the same occasion as photos above.

(See also photos NS020201, NS020434 and NS020401).

Peter B. Caldwell, LCDR, USN (Ret.),
for his father, Chief Carpenters Mate Alvin ("Pappy") Caldwell
(See also NS0203be.)
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020342
214k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) underway, seemingly heading north after leaving San Diego. She was awarded the large "E," for Engineering Excellence, for the first time on August 16, 1938. The photo must have been taken before August 1939, when Sara was awarded a second "E," denoted by a hashmark under the giant "E" on her stack. (USN photo.) (Please disregard what is printed on the photo.)

Ron Titus
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020369
84k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) sometime between mid-1938 and mid-1939 (note single Engineering Excellence "E" on her stack).

Paul Rebold
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203aj
312k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) sometime between mid-1938 and mid-1939. Possibly second half of 1938, in Californian waters. Photographed by Geo. Winstead.

Courtesy of Jim Kurrasch, Battleship Iowa, Pacific Battleship Center
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020384
430k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) passing under the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco. Date may be January 1939.

Mike Brock
CV-3 Saratoga
NS09120129
229k

USS Relief (AH-1) and USS Saratoga (CV-3)—background—at anchor off one of the Hawaiian Islands, circa summer of 1939–summer 1940.

Brad Proffitt, for his father Floyd Proffitt, USS Thresher (SS-200)
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020375
167k

This tobacco card was issued by John Player & Sons in the U.K. in 1939 and came from a series entitled "Modern Naval Craft."

Tommy Trampp
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020375a
163k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020380
34k USS Saratoga (CV-3) at anchor. Location is believed to be Hawaii. Date is unknown, but may be late 1930s–early 1940s. Tommy Trampp
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020306
54k USS Saratoga (CV-3) at anchor, 1939–1940 (note hashmark in lieu of a second Engineering "E.") Good view of her forward twin 8" mounts. USN
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020338
65k

Brewster F2A-1 Buffalo, Bureau Number 1393, after LT John Smith "Jimmy" Thach tipped the aircraft onto its nose on the Saratoga's deck, 11 March 1940. Ensign Edward Butch O'Hare also flew this aircraft several times during the summer and fall of 1940. Photo source unknown.

Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020325
105k

Captain Albert C. Read, USN, Commanding Officer, USS Saratoga (CV-3) inspects the ship's Marines during change of command ceremonies, 15 March 1940. Captain Robert P. Molten, USN, the new CO, is visible over Read's right shoulder, also wearing a "fore and aft" hat.

Collection of Vice Admiral Dixwell Ketcham, USN.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 95723).

NHC
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203ba
358k

"THE END OF THE BLACK STRIPE—A rare and fascinating view of USS Saratoga (CV-3) in the newly built Dry Dock #4 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on March 3, 1941."

"You can see the yard workers in the process of painting out the famous black stripe that had been there since 1929 to distinguish her from her near identical sister, USS Lexington (CV-2)."

"From 6 January to 28 April 1941, Saratoga underwent a long-deferred modernization at the Bremerton Navy Yard that included the widening of her flight deck at her bow and the installation of additional antiaircraft guns and a CXAM-1 radar."

("338-41. Puget Sound Navy Yard. 3 March 1941. Equipment building. General view, looking Southeast. Allotment 17X1227 047")

Darren Large
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020355
79k

USS Saratoga (CV-3) launching planes, circa summer 1941, as seen from the rear cockpit of a plane that has just taken off. Aircraft on deck are Douglas TBD-1 Devastator torpedo planes, probably from squadron VT-3.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-21191).

Paul Rebold
CV-2 Lexington
NS0202az
3.15M

"LATEST OFFICIAL PICTURES OF OUR NAVY IN ACTION"

"America's First Line of Defense As Streamlined As It Is Alert"

"Navy pilots can hold position in formation flying with wings almost touching wings. Each plane, in 'tight' formations, is a protection to its neighbors. These planes are Vought-Sikorsky dive bombers from the Saratoga."

Detroit Sunday Times Pictorial Review, Sunday, 10 August 1941.

Library of Congress, Chronicling America, via Michael Mohl
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020378
65k

A Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3) prepares to take off from USS Saratoga (CV-3), circa October 1941. The plane's pilot is probably LT John S. Thach, VF-3 Commanding Officer.

Photograph from Department of the Navy collections in the U.S. National Archives (# 80-PR-1154).

Robert Hurst
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020356
96k

Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat fighters, of Fighting Squadron Three (VF-3), on board USS Saratoga (CV-3) in early October 1941. Plane on the aircraft elevator is BuNo 3982 (3-F-9, later 3-F-15), piloted by Ensign Gayle Hermann.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 97485).

Paul Rebold.

Some caption details are taken from John B. Lundstrom's "The First Team."
Memorabilia
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203ah
550k

"The U.S.S. Saratoga, airplane carrier, at anchor in the harbor, San Diego, California." Undated postcard.

Arnold Putnam
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020334
246k

USS Saratoga, "The Ship of Happy Landings," Christmas Menu, 1936. Long Beach, California.

Commanding Officer was Captain William F. Halsey, Jr. Later, he was Commander, Third Fleet in the advance across the Pacific during World War II, and attained the rank of Fleet Admiral (the fourth and last officer to hold that rank).

Executive Officer was Commander Frederick C. Sherman. A renowned leader of carrier task groups during World War II, he was awarded three Navy Crosses and attained the rank of Vice Admiral.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020334a
170k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020334b
165k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020334c
11k Judith Kirkland Qualm,
daughter of
Frederick B. Kirkland, USMC
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020334d
101k

Christmas Church Service, 1936.

Judith Kirkland Qualm,
daughter of
Frederick B. Kirkland, USMC
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020334e
90k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020365
66k

Frederick B. Kirkland, aboard USS Saratoga (CV-3), was appointed a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps on 4 January 1938. (Note signature of Captain John H. Towers).

Judith Kirkland Qualm,
daughter of
Frederick B. Kirkland, USMC
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020372
91k

Grand March Skate, December 1936.

Judith Kirkland Qualm,
daughter of
Frederick B. Kirkland, USMC
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020372a
92k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020364
105k

Ship's Bell, displayed at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. Photo taken on 13 June 2008.

Photo by Judson Phillips
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020374
157k

Ship's Patch.

Courtesy of Don McGrogan, BMCS, USN Ret.
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020388
42.6M

Sara: The Story of the U.S.S. Saratoga.

Bruce Williams,
In Memory of
Al "Buddy" Williams, QM-3, CV-3
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020393
333k

Victory Dinner menu, 15 August 1945.

Bruce Williams,
In Memory of
Al "Buddy" Williams, QM-3, CV-3
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020392
79k

1945 Vintage Ad: Sperry Corp. Gyroscope, US Navy WWII Aircraft Carrier Saratoga.

Tommy Trampp
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203ac
60k

Halyard Keeper, USS Saratoga (CV-3), 1933.

James M. Clark enlisted in the Navy in 1929. He was a Radioman, RM3, and his first ship was Saratoga. He served aboard Sara from January 1930 until September 1935 (or maybe 1939, this is not clear).

David Park, great-nephew of James M. Clark
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203aca
29k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203acb
87k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS0203acc
50k
Sara in the Movies
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020300
149k

Hell Divers is a Metro-Goldwin-Mayer film released in 1932, directed and produced by George Hill, with Wallace Beery, Clark Gable, Conrad Nagel, Dorothy Jordan, Marjorie Rambeau, and Marie Prevost. It contains real footage shot aboard Saratoga, and some film frames were censored by inserting black bars at the bottom, to hide details of the arresting hooks and wires—at the time, they represented cutting-edge naval aviation technology. VF-1B "High Hatters" pilots "doubled" for the actors in the flying scenes.

NS020300: Theatrical release poster.

NS020300a: Actor Conrad Nagel (left) and LT(JG) Herbert S. Duckworth, John's father.

NS020300b: Hollywood set.

NS020300c: LT(JG) Edward P. "Bud" Southwick (left) and actor Wallace Beery (right, facing camera).

NS020300d: (Left to right) Actor Clark Gable, LT(JG) "Jimmy" Thach, and John's mom.

NS020300e: LT(JG) Edward P. Southwick (left) and actor Wallace Beery. Note the VF-1B "High Hatters" squadron insignia.

NS020300f: (Left to right) Actor Cliff Edwards; LT(JG) John S. "Jimmy" Thach, later ADM; actor Clark Gable; actor (and USNR officer) Wallace Beery; LT(JG) Herbert S. Duckworth, later VADM; and LT(JG) Edward P. "Bud" Southwick, later RADM. They are standing by a Curtiss F8C-4 Helldiver aircraft of Fighting Squadron 1B, at Naval Air Station, North Island, California, 16 September 1931.

Wikipedia
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020300a
146k John Duckworth, son of VADM Herbert S. Duckworth
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020300b
282k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020300c
184k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020300d
135k John Duckworth, son of VADM Herbert S. Duckworth
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020300e
119k
CV-3 Saratoga
NS020300f
190k

For more photos and information about this ship, see:

Read the USS Saratoga (CV-3) DANFS History entry

Crew Contact and Reunion Information
Date:  
Place:  
Contact: Mr. Brad Senter
Address: 1302-28th Avenue North — Texas City, TX 77590
Phone: (toll free) 1-877-360-SARA (7272)
E-mail: USS Saratoga Association
Web site: USS Saratoga Association
Remarks:  

Related Links
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan
USS Saratoga Association web site
USS Saratoga (CV-3) by John Fry
Operation Crossroads: Bikini Atoll, US Naval History & Heritage Command website
The First Aircraft Carriers Part One: The First American Flattops- Langley, Lexington and Saratoga, an article by Father Steve Dundas

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Last update: 15 January 2024