Research Library, USS Midway Museum

24 October 1950, 70 years ago today: Douglas AD Skyraider attack planes from the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) fire five-inch rockets at a North Korean field position. U.S. Navy photo # 80-G-422387

EOD Detachment Norfolk from Naval Station Norfolk successfully detonated the buried unexploded ordnance shortly after 12:30 p.m. today. The three-person explosi...ve ordnance disposal team reported that there was a dull thud and sand tossed into the air approximately 60 feet. They used a combination of explosives including C-4. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse grounds and nearby parking and beach areas have reopened. "Cape Hatteras National Seashore appreciates the significant efforts and expertise provided by U.S. Navy EOD Detachment Norfolk," stated David Hallac, Superintendent, National Parks of Eastern North Carolina. "Their immediate response helped protect visitors and nearby structures."

22 October 1965, 55 years ago today: This photograph was taken of the radar arrangement on the conventionally-powered Forrestal-class attack aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) at the San Francisco Naval Shipyard in California. From the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). NARA 7578698

The oldest commissioned ship still afloat, the U.S.S. Constitution, or "Old Ironsides," first launched into Boston Harbor on October 21, 1797. (Photo: The Library of Congress)

20 October 1975, 45 years ago today: The Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CV-19) returns from her final deployment to San Francisco, California. Hancock, with Carrier Air Wing Two One (CVW-21) embarked, was deployed to the Western Pacific from 18 March to 20 October 1975. U.S. Navy photo from Hancock's 1975 cruise book

20 October 1955, 65 years ago today: The Essex-class attack aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39), and the Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer USS Purdy (DD-734) refuel at sea from the U.S. Navy fleet oiler USS Neosho (AO-143) in the Mediterranean. U.S. Navy photo # 80-G-684504

19 October 1985, 35 years ago today: Two Sikorsky SH-3H Sea Kings of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Two (HS-2) "Golden Falcons" lower rescue swimmers to assist survivors of another SH-3H that crashed due to engine failure in the Indian Ocean. National Naval Aviation Museum photo # 2011.113.224

18 October 2010, 10 years ago today: Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Gilbert Gutierrez, from Guam, makes a dental mold aboard the nuclear-powered U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68). Nimitz was preparing for a scheduled Docking Planned Incremental Availability in Bremerton, Washington and was homeported at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, California. U.S. Navy photo # 101018-N-2918M-027 by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Peter Merrill

16 October 1945, 75 years ago today: The Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) is seen at sea. The original photograph is dated 16 October 1945. It has been autographed by Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, who served on board Bunker Hill from January to May of 1945 while he was Chief of Staff to Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, Commander, Task Force 58. From the collection of Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, USN. U.S. Navy photo # NH 42373

Throwback to my days on the USS Midway, my second favorite naval ship. (My first is obviously the USS Gabrielle Giffords.)

U.S. Navy aircraft carriers involved in the quarantine operation: USS Essex (CVS-9) USS Randolph (CVS-15) USS Wasp (CVS-18)... USS Independence (CVA-62) USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) Source: "Cordon of Steel: The U.S. Navy and the Cuban Missile Crisis" by Curtis A. Utz https://www.facebook.com/AmericanExperiencePBS/videos/1092655847858578

13 October 1945, 75 years ago today: The Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34) is launched at New York Naval Shipyard, making her the first U.S. Navy carrier to be launched in the postwar era. She was sponsored by Mrs. Ida D. Cannon, wife of the Honorable Clarence Cannon, Congressman of the 9th District of Missouri. Beacuse of the end of the war and shrinking budgets, Oriskany's construction was put on hold 12 August 1947. She remained in a state of preservation until after the outbreak of hostilities in Korea in June 1950, then rushed to completion. She commissioned in the New York Naval Shipyard on 25 September 1950 with CAPT Percy H. Lyon in command. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QWQb8qp0S4

Happy Birthday Number 245, United States Navy!

12 October 1945, 75 years ago today: The Yorktown-class aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) is seen underway off New York City. National Naval Aviation Museum photo # 1996.488.272.028