Please report any broken links or trouble you might come across to the Webmaster. Please take a moment to let us know so that we can correct any problems and make your visit as enjoyable and as informative as possible.

NavSource Online: Escort Carrier Photo Archive

USS BLOCK ISLAND   (CVE-106)
(later LPH-1, CVE-106 and AKV-38)



Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Kilo - Alfa - Quebec

Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons


Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: China Service Medal (extended) / American Campaign Medal / Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (2 stars)
2nd Row: World War II Victory Medal / Navy Occupation Service Medal ("Asia" and "Europe" clasps) / National Defense Service Medal

CLASS - COMMENCEMENT BAY
Displacement 21,397 Tons (full load), Dimensions, 557' 7" (oa) x 75' x 30' 8" (Max)
Armament 2 x 5"/38AA 36 x 40mm, 20 x 20mm, 33 Aircraft.
Machinery, 16,000 SHP; Allis-Chambers, Geared Turbines, 2 screw
Speed, 19 Knots, Crew 1066.

Operational and Building Data

Built by Todd Pacific, Tacoma, Wash. Initially named Sunset Bay. Keel laid 25 Oct 1943, launched 10 Jun 1944; commissioned 30 Dec 1944. Placed in service, in reserve, 28 May 1946.

After being placed in reserve, she was moved to the Naval Air Facility (NAF) at Annapolis, Maryland and used as a barracks for enlisted personnel as well as a mess hall for midshipmen undergoing flight indoctrination at the NAF. She was also used as a training facility for enlisted aviation personnel. She was towed to Norfolk and returned to the reserve fleet on 30 October 1950. (Thanks to Ken Sabel.)

Recommissioned as an ASW carrier, 28 Apr 1951. Decommissioned 27 Aug 1954. Reclassified as an "Amphibious Assault Ship (Helicopter)" and redesignated LPH-1, 22 Dec 1957, but conversion cancelled in Jun 1958. Reverted to original CVE designation, 17 Feb 1959. Reclassified as a "Cargo Ship and Aircraft Ferry" (AKV-38), 7 May 1959. Stricken from the Navy list 1 Jul 1959 and scrapped.


Click On Image
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Name
Block Island
NS0310620
177k

CVE-106 was initially named Sunset Bay.

Renamed Block Island, 5 July 1944, to commemorate the service of the previous Block Island, torpedoed and sunk on 29 May. Block Island is a sound that lies east of Long Island, N.Y., and south of Rhode Island. It takes its name from Block Island which it separates from the Rhode Island coast (NS0310620, courtesy of Google Maps).

NS0302102: The first USS Block Island (CVE-21) shortly after leaving Norfolk, 15 October 1943, on her first anti-submarine cruise. (National Archives and Records Administration, photo # 80-G-87149, via Tony Drury.)

NavSource
USS Block Island (CVE-21)
NS0302102
135k
World War II
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310606
41k

USS Block Island (CVE-106), location and date unknown (appears to be early in her career). Camouflaged in Measure 33, Design 18A.

Hazegray & Underway, via Gerd Matthes
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310607
90k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) underway, date and location unknown. She is wearing a very simple [Measure 33 Design 18A camo]. US Navy courtesy of Floating Drydock.

Photo from Naval Camouflage 1914–1945, A Complete Visual Reference, by David Williams.

Robert Hurst

NS0311652
146k

Commencement Bay-class carriers. Top to bottom: USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116); USS Annapolis (AGMR-1), ex-USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107); and USS Block Island (CVE-106).

From "Historic Fleets," Naval History magazine, 1997.

Tommy Trampp
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310602
35k Date and place unknown. Tom Sparkman
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310618
31k USS Block Island (CVE-106), date and location unknown. Tommy Trampp
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310604
133k

BuAer photo of USS Block Island (CVE-106), taken on 13 January 1945 off the north end of Vashon Island, Washington. Taken at an altitude of 500 feet. Speed of CVE-106 was listed as 8 knots. Photo #Stl 1728-1-45.

David Buell
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0406234
545k

USS Birmingham (CL-62), maneuvering alongside USS Block Island (CVE-106), 30 January 1945. Taken by LT(JG) Hoffman from an airship of ZP-31. USN photo.

David Buell
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310615
1.38M

As above. BuAer photo # 302556.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310615a
242k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) in Puget Sound, 30 January 1945, after USS Birmingham (CL-62) has passed by. The wake of Birmingham is at the left of the photo. Photo taken by an aircraft from squadron ZP-31.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo # 80-G-302556.

Courtesy of C. Lee Johnson, usndazzle.com,
via Mike Green
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310609
112k A Vought F4U-1D Corsair of Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 511, attached to Marine Carrier Air Group (MCVG) 1, on the deck of the U.S. Navy escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-106) preparing to launch, on 5 February 1945. MCVG-1 was the first all-Marine carrier air group in the Second World War. Photo taken by Pfc. E. Powers, USMC. National Naval Aviation Museum, photo No. 1996.253.7161.004. Robert Hurst
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310636
553k

A U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Grumman F6F-5N Hellcat of Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 511 aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 4 February 1945. Photo taken by PFC. E Powers, USMC.

U.S.Naval History and Heritage Command Photo, # USMC 43748.

Robert Hurst
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310625
-

Shots of F4U Corsairs and F6F Hellcats landing on USS Block Island (CVE-106) with arresting gear and taking off from it. Shots of F6F being loaded onto ship with crane, and shots of pilots in planes. These include Maj R.B. Porter, Capt William Hogue, Lt Edward J. Wallof, Lt Troyer, and Lt Pickering.

USMC video, digitized by the University of South Carolina.

Other videos related to Block Island, in the same collection.

Courtesy of University of South Carolina Libraries,
Digital Collections
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310630
444k

USS Block Island (CVE-106), crash of TBM-3 Avenger (No. 68479), Marine Torpedo Bomber Squadron (VMTB) 233, Marine Carrier Air Group (MCVG) 1, after being hit by another Avenger which went over the side of the escort carrier. Pilot was Lieutenant Jack Marconi. The torpedo-bomber is lodged on forward end of flight deck and forecastle. Photographed by Chief Photographer’s Mate P. M. Castner, received 3 April 1945.

NS0310630: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-328396.

NS0310630a: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-328397.

NS0310630b: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-328398.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310630a
527k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310630b
490k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310630c
649k

As above.

The Avenger is shown hitting the water after being pushed over the side. Photographed by Chief Photographer’s Mate P. M. Castner, received 3 April 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-328399.

CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310631
393k

USS Block Island (CVE 106), altar prepared for Catholic mass aboard the escort carrier. Photographed by Photographer's Mate Second Class T.K. Britt, received 29 April 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-328401.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310631a
479k

USS Block Island (CVE-106). Chaplain Lieutenant John M. Sullivan, from USS Enterprise (CV-6) saying mass aboard the escort carrier. Photographed by Photographer's Mate Second Class T.K. Britt, received 29 April 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-328402.

CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310631b
464k

USS Block Island (CVE-106). Unit insignia on tail of FG-1D Corsair (BuNo 87828)(#77) aboard the escort carrier. Photographed by Photographer's Mate Second Class T.K. Britt, received 29 April 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-328403.

This particular aircraft, attached to Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 511, Marine Carrier Air Group (MCVG) 1, was lost on 27 May 1945. Block Island's War Diary reads: "0515 – Launched 4 VF led by Squadron Commander Major R. C. [Robert Claude] MAZE, USMC, for sweep over Ishigaki."

"While making rocket attack on boat yard and small craft at Ishigaki Town, Major MAZE's plane was not observed to come out of its dive and was seen to crash in shallow water off shore. It is believed that this plane was hit by AA. The submerged plane is visible in later photographs taken of the area."

CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310603
126k

USS Block Island (CVE-106). Photo is dated 30 April 1945. If this date is correct, then location is Ulithi, Caroline Islands.

Official US Navy photograph.

Robert M. Cieri
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310608
149k A U.S. Marine Corps Grumman F6F-5N Hellcat of VMF(N)-511 is launched from the deck of the escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-106) off Okinawa on 10 May 1945. Mechanics dubbed this aircraft the "Hanger Queen" because it had been "down" several times in one week for minor repairs. Here, "Hanger Queen" is about to head for Sakashima in support of the Okinawa campaign. The catapult officer in the foreground resembles a baseball umpire calling a strike on the Japanese by launching this plane. Photo taken by PFC Harvey M. Uribe, USMC.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 1996.253.7190.001).

Robert Hurst
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310632
469k TBM-3 Avengers, Marine Torpedo Bomber Squadron (VMTB) 233, Marine Carrier Group (MCVG) 1, from USS Block Island (CVE-106), flying over Yontan Airfield on West Coast of Okinawa, Ryukyus, 20 May 1945.

NS0310632: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-331003.

NS0310632a: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-331008.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310632a
348k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310610
104k A Marine "ordie" maintaining the .50 cal. MGs of a VMF-511 F4U-1D Corsair assigned to MCVG-1 aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106) during the battle for Okinawa, on 5 June 1945. MCVG-1 and Block Island were the first Marine/CVE team to form. USMC, courtesy Robert J. Cressman.

From Carrier Air War in Original Color, by Robert Lawson and Barrett Tillman.

Robert Hurst
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310633
464k

Sailors bring an exhausted Australian soldier aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106). The soldier was liberated from three years of labor in Formosan prison camp. Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett, 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343550.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310633a
530k

Liberated British and Australian prisoners from a Formosan prison camp revel in clean clothes, cots, Red Cross kits, and a friendly welcome aboard their rescue ship, USS Block Island (CVE 106). Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett, 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343551.

CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310633b
394k

Liberated British and Australian prisoners from a Formosan prison camp get their first real meal aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106) after a three-year confinement. Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett and Marine M.J. Kane (rank not given), 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343552.

CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310633c
524k

Liberated British Officers from a Formosan prison camp try out new clothes aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106) after three years confinement. Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett, 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343554.

CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310633d
439k

Liberated British and Australian prisoners from a Formosan prison camp get their first real meal aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106) after three years confinement. Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett and Marine M.J. Kane (rank not given), 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343559.

CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310633e
319k

Bombardier Walter G. McFarlane, liberated after 3.5 years captive at Singapore, enjoys the comforts provided on the hangar deck of USS Block Island (CVE-106). Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett, 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343560.

CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310634
636k

Brought to liberty from under Japanese maltreatment on Formosa, before occupation forces appeared to take over the island. These 474 British and American soldiers rest, eat and sleep on the hangar deck of USS Block Island (CVE-106). Photograph released 27 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-495664.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310617
171k Carrier Division 27 successfully weathering China Sea Typhoon, October 1945. Taken by USS Salerno Bay (CVE-110). Ships shown are: USS Block Island (CVE-106), USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107), USS Siboney (CVE-112) and Salerno Bay.

NS0310617; U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-354599.

NS0310617a; U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-354600.

NS0310617b; U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-354604.

NS0310617c; U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-354605.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310617a
125k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310617b
154k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310617c
523k NARA, via Yu Chu
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310628
771k

"Bomb Shell Reconversion—(U.S. Marine Corps Photo), Marine Lt. Col. John F. Dobbin of Brighton, Mass., has turned a 500-pound practice bomb shell into a detachable baggage compartment on his Corsair fighter plane. The Leatherneck officer demonstrates the gadget on the flight deck of the USS Block Island, the escort carrier from which he led the first strike of a carrier-based Marine air group."

The Roanoke Rapids Herald, Thursday, 17 January 1946.

Chronicling America,
via Michael Mohl
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310612
129k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) alongside the Naval Air Facility (NAF) at Annapolis, Maryland sometime between May 1946 and October 1950. (Thanks to Ken Sabel.)

Ron Reeves
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310619
76k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) mast and antennae, view from astern. Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, NY4-739, 1 of 4. Probably in 1951, at about the time of her recommissioning.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # rg19nn-b1584-005-018.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310619a
98k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) mast and antennae, head-on view. Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, NY4-739, 2 of 4. Probably in 1951, at about the time of her recommissioning.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # rg19nn-b1584-005-019.

CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310619c
109k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) mast and antennae. Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, NY4-739, 4 of 4. Probably in 1951, at about the time of her recommissioning.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # rg19nn-b1584-005-021.

CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310613
190k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, circa 1952, with Antisubmarine Squadron (VS) 801 embarked.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection (# 1996.488.035.006).

Mike Green
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621
186k

Interior views of USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621: rg19nn-b1584-005-022.

NS0310621a: rg19nn-b1584-005-023.

NS0310621b: rg19nn-b1584-005-024.

NS0310621c: rg19nn-b1584-005-025.

NS0310621d: rg19nn-b1584-005-026.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621a
193k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621b
270k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621c
133k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621d
204k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621e
272k

Photos taken aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621e: rg19nn-b1584-005-027.

NS0310621f: rg19nn-b1584-005-028.

NS0310621g: rg19nn-b1584-005-029.

NS0310621h: rg19nn-b1584-005-030.

NS0310621i: rg19nn-b1584-005-031.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621f
347k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621g
349k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621h
304k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621i
299k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621j
586k

Photos taken aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621j: rg19nn-b1584-005-032.

NS0310621k: rg19nn-b1584-005-033.

NS0310621l: rg19nn-b1584-005-034.

NS0310621m: rg19nn-b1584-005-035.

NS0310621n: rg19nn-b1584-005-036.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621k
675k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621l
664k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621m
504k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621n
553k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621o
823k

Photos taken aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621o: rg19nn-b1584-005-037.

NS0310621p: rg19nn-b1584-005-038.

NS0310621q: rg19nn-b1584-005-039.

NS0310621r: rg19nn-b1584-005-040.

NS0310621s: rg19nn-b1584-005-041.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621p
795k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621q
844k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621r
824k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621s
781k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621t
359k

Photos taken aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621t: rg19nn-b1584-005-042.

NS0310621u: rg19nn-b1584-005-043.

NS0310621v: rg19nn-b1584-005-044.

NS0310621w: rg19nn-b1584-005-045.

NS0310621x: rg19nn-b1584-005-046.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621u
349k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621v
253k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621w
277k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310621x
350k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310626
512k

Photos taken aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310626: rg19nn-b1584-005-047.

NS0310626a: rg19nn-b1584-005-048.

NS0310626b: rg19nn-b1584-005-049.

NS0310626c: rg19nn-b1584-005-050.

NS0310626d: rg19nn-b1584-005-051.

NARA
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310626a
478k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310626b
571k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310626c
508k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310626d
384k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310627
257k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) departs Philadephia Naval Shipyard, 5 January 1952, for Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where she carried out flight operations and other training until mid-March.

NS0310627: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741269, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140641.

NS0310627a: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741271, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140642.

NS0310627b: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741273, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140643.

NS0310627c: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741275, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140644.

NS0310627d: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741277, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140645.

NS0310627e: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741279, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140646.

NS0310627f: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741281, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140647.

NS0310627g: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741283, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140648.

NARA,
via Michael Mohl
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310627a
312k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310627b
312k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310627c
244k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310627d
246k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310627e
258k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310627f
243k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310627g
244k
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310623
225k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) refueling USS Hunt (DD-674) in the Western Atlantic, probably in January-April 1952. Reserve Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 831 (called to active duty in 1951; redesignated VS-36 in February 1953) was aboard Block Island.

David Buell
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310614
220k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) anchored at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, 22 February 1952.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 2012.004.011).

Mike Green
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310624
227k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) underway, summer 1953, with Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 22 aboard.

David Buell
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310635
182k

A U.S. Navy Grumman AF-2S Guardian of Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 30 "Sea Tigers" about to launch from the escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-106) in 1953. VS-30 was assigned to Block Island for cruises to the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic and Europe between 5 January and 26 June 1953.

U.S. Navy photo from the Block Island 1953 Cruise Book.

Robert Hurst
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310605
195k

Recovery of Ensign E.H. Barry, pilot of a Grumman AF-2 Guardian from anti-submarine squadron VS-22, by a Piasecki HUP-1 Retriever helicopter after the plane was forced to ditch immediately after launching on 12 August 1953. The parent escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-106) is standing by in the background.

NS0310605: Photo USN. Source U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation, photo No. 1996.488.035.009.

NS0310605b: Press Wirephoto version of the above. "A helicopter is low over the water in an attempt to rescue Ensign E.H. Barry of Indianapolis, Indiana, after his Grumman plane hit the sea on takeoff from Aircraft Carrier Block Island. Barry is caught in a tug-of-war between the helicopter and his parachute, which opened unexpectedly. Seconds later he was yanked from the rescue sling and back into the water. He finally was saved by a boat crew from the Destroyer Bearss, from which this picture was made by a navy photographer. Aug. 12 1953."

NS0310605a: Photo USN. Source Naval Aviation News, October 1953 issue.

NS0310605c: Telephoto version of the photo above. "Virginia Capes: Telephoto shows air sea rescue of Navy pilot Ensign E.H. Barry, of Indianapolis, Indiana, who was forced to ditch his plane after taking off from Carrier Block Island. Helicopter was unable to complete rescue when Barry's parachute opened, pulling him from helicopter's sling. Motor whaleboat then completed rescue. In above photo, Barry is hanging from helicopter sling with parachute shrouds trailing in sea. Moments later chute opened. Ditch plane is right. Aug. 12 1953."

Pieter Bakels
Mike Green
Robert Hurst
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310605b
175k Duane Bass, nky-photos.com
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310605a
128k Robert Hurst
Gerd Matthes, Germany
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310605c
227k Duane Bass, nky-photos.com
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310601
53k Block Island was the first ship designated as a helicopter-assault ship, or LPH. Conversion work began in January 1958, but was cancelled six months later. USN
In "Mothballs"
Reserve Fleet at Philadelphia
NS04020308
1.30M

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Hurst
Memorabilia
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310629
145k

Plank Owner's Certificate for Edward M. Courtney, 30 December 1944.

Tommy Trampp
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310616
10.2M

Chips off the Old Block, Vol. II, No. 1, U.S.S. Block Island, 30 December 1944.

Thomas Doll
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310622
4.45M

"DEBARKATION OF PASSENGER PERSONNEL", 9 December 1945.

"Putting into Saipan on 23 October [1945], Block Island soon sailed for the United States, picked up planes and passengers at Guam, and reached Pearl Harbor on 2 December. Returning to sea on the 5th, she arrived at San Diego on the 11th." (Quoted from DANFS, Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.)

Kathy Murphy
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310611
185k

The officers of the Block Island Association in 2007. Left to right: Otis Long, Bill MacInnes (Editor of Chips, BI Newsletter), Bob Mathis, Dick Johnson, Walter (Smiley) Burnette, and Bob Wolfe.

Ron Reeves
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310611a
226k

"In 1969, Block Island resident Maizie Rose enlisted the help of Senator Claiborne Pell and tracked down the bell at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. The bell was placed outdoors at the Island's American Legion Park, across from the cemetery. At the base is a plaque stating: 'Ship's Bell of U.S.S. Block Island CVE 106 World War II, Dedicated May 31, 1971.' On May 31, 1971 (Memorial Day), Maizie spoke at the dedication. After honoring the men who served on the two Block Island aircraft carriers, she pulled the bell rope three times: 'This bell will be symbolic of more than three centuries of our history. On Memorial Day, in years to come, it will reverberate across our hills.' The Block Island's bell, as does any symbol of distinguished cooperation and individual striving, represents more than what most passersby would realize."


For more information about this ship, see:

Read the
USS BLOCK ISLAND (CVE-106 / LPH-1 / AKV-38) DANFS History entry
Crew Contact and Reunion Information
Date:  
Place:  
Contact: Bill MacInnes
Address: 6650 Richard St.,
San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: 619- 460- 3568
E-mail: wmacinnes@aol.com
Web site:  
Remarks:  

Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan.
USS Block Island Association
Escort Carrier Sailors & Airmen Association

Main
Photo Index
Escort Carrier
Photo Index Page
Amphibious Assault Ship (Helicopter) (LPH)
Page
Aircraft Transport (AKV)
Page

Comments, Suggestions or Image submissions, E-mail Carrier Information
Problems and site related matters, E-mail Webmaster

This page was created by Paul Yarnall and is maintained by Fabio Peña
All pages copyright NavSource Naval History

Last update: 19 July 2024