The Hook - History of USS Lexington - Summer 1992

On the Front Cover: Brightly colored paddles worked well in days of wooden decks and iron men. An incoming aircraft is slightly high on glide slope according to CVG-14 Landing Signal Officer LCDR Ernie Courtney on board USS Randolph (CVA-15), April 1954. Photo by Howard Lawson. GGA Image ID # 21ab17614d

Introduction

The Summer 1992 edition of The Hook delves into the storied history of the USS Lexington, known as "The Blue Ghost," through a detailed operational narrative spanning from 1943 to 1991. Complementing this central theme, the table of contents offers a diverse range of engaging topics, including personal anecdotes, carrier aviation updates, and retrospectives on pivotal naval events. From the pictorial celebration of the Lexington to updates on air wings and the reenactment of the Doolittle Raid, this issue encapsulates the rich heritage of naval aviation.

Table of Contents : Air Plan

• BRIEF
  • From the Chairman
    CAPT W.D. Knutson, USN(Ret)
• VULTURE'S ROW
• FROM THE CATWALK
  • Where Are They Now? -- Zeke Cormier
    Barrett Tillman
  • The Further Adventures of Youthly Puresome Of Teeny, Tiny Tinker Tankers
    CDR Jack Woodul, USNR(Ret)
  • Almost An Ace
    Bob Butcher
• LAUNCH
  • The Life and Times of "The Blue Ghost": An Operational History of USS Lexington (CV/CVA/CVS/AVT-16), 1943-1991, Part One
    Robert J. Cressman
  • A Lexington Pictorial
  • At Marshal: Summer of 1942
    Barrett Tillman
• AT MARSHAL
  • Command Changes
  • Air Wing/Squadron Updates
  • Intruder with the Top Down
  • Blue Wolves at Work
    Photos by LT Chris Buhlmann, USN
  • CVW-15 Deploys to NAS Fallon
    Photo essay by LT Tom "Tumor" Twomey, USN
  • Hail and Farewell: MCAS El Toro's VMFA(AW)-225 and VMFA-531
    Photo essay by Bob Lawson
• MANNING THE SPARE
  • Twenty Years, Same Pilot, Same Plane
• RESPOT
  • Doolittle Raid Reenacted
    Carl Snow
  • USS Midway Decommissioned
    Carl Snow
• IN REVIEW
• WAVEOFFS & BOLTERS
• INSIGNIA PAGE
  • In Memoriam: Carrier Air Wing Six, 1 September 1948-1 April 1992

About the Publication

The Hook is published quarterly by The Tailhook Association, a non-profit corporation dedicated to foster, encourage, develop, study and support the aircraft carrier, sea-based aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing, and aircrew of the United States of America and to educate the public in the aircraft carrier's appropriate role in the Nation's defense system.

Views expressed in The Hook are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of The Tailhook Association or the United States Navy. Printed in U.S.A. Bulk-rate postage paid at Bonita, California. Copyright ©1991 by The Tailhook Association. All rights reserved.

Subscription for The Hook is included in the $25.00 annual membership in The Tailhook Association. Regular Membership is open to anyone who has made a carrier landing as a pilot or aircrewman. Associate Membership is open to anyone having the background and interest to support the goals of The Tailhook Association, as stated above. Ordinary subscriptions are also available to organizations or individuals.

Conclusion

The Summer 1992 issue of The Hook brings together historical depth, personal stories, and vibrant photo essays to honor the legacy of naval aviation. With highlights such as the operational history of USS Lexington, carrier air wing updates, and reflections on historical milestones like the Doolittle Raid, this edition showcases the dedication and innovation that define carrier aviation. A must-read for enthusiasts and professionals, it underscores The Hook's mission to document and celebrate the achievements of the naval aviation community.

Executive Staff Members

• EDITOR : CAPT Steve Millikin, USN(Ret)
• MANAGING EDITOR : Jan C. Jacobs
• ASSOCIATE EDITORS
  • CAPT Wynn Foster, USN(Ret)
  • Barett Tillman
  • CWO4 Carl Snow, USN(Ret)
• CARRIER EDITOR : Robert J. Cressman
• EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
  • RADM James D. Ramage, USN(Ret)
  • Barrett Tillman
• CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
  • CDR Doug Siegfried, USN(Ret)
  • CDR Jack D. Woodul, USNR(Ret)
  • Hal Andrews
• CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
  • Douglas D. Olson
  • Michael L. Grove
  • Keith Snyder

Printed on Recycled Paper

Color by American Color

Printing by Neyenesch Printers, San Diego, Calif.

Typesetting by Slipshot Graphics, Inc.

Articles and news items are welcomed. Submit material for The Hook to: Editorial Offices, The Hook, Box 45308, NAS Miramar, San Diego, CA 92145, (619) 689-9227, FAX (619) 578-8839. Advertising information available from: Hook Media-Diane Stevenson, 3790 Via de la Valle, Suite 204, Del Mar, CA 92014, (619) 759-0861

VOLUME 20, NUMBER 2, SUMMER 1992
©1992 all rights reserved

ISSN: 0736-9220