§ 3 Rosters, USS Essex CVA-9 Third Far East Cruise 1953-1954
Rosters for the Third Far East Cruise of the USS Essex Aircraft Carrier, 1953-1954, Section 3. | GGA Image ID # 2334ff318f
Section 3 Includes F Division, Marine Detachment Officers, Marine Detachment, Special Weapons Unit Officers, Special Weapons Unit, Supply Detachment Officers, S-1 Division, S-2 Division, S-3 Division, S-4 Division, Commander Air Task Group Two, Fighter Squadron One Hundred Forty Three, Attack Squadron Fifty Five, Fighter Squadron Twenty Three, Fighter Squadron One Hundred Twenty Three, Composite Squadron Thirty Five Detachment, Composite Squadron Eleven Unit, Composite Squadron Three Team, Composite Squadron Sixty One Photo Detachment, and Honorary Members.
Roster
F Division
- GM1 William G. Austin
- GM2 Charles B. Babin
- FTC Charles D. Battles
- YNSN Wayne R. Bauer
- SA Frank R. Bieders
- FT3 Charles L. Bruce
- GM3 Darrell C. Burden
- FT3 Charles J. Carson
- SN Charles R. Chase
- FT1 Carl V. Cornelius
- SA Jerry D. Dietz
- SN Ocus Dobson
- FT2 Vivien M. Dunkin’ ⚠️ (extra apostrophe, confirm spelling)
- FTSN Charles E. Dymoke
- FT3 Robert G. Perrell Jr.
- SN Andrew L. Ferrera
- FT3 Lawrence B. Franklin
- SN Charles R. Gerlich
- FT3 Claude R. Gordy
- SN Janies R. Haag ⚠️ (“Janies” uncommon — verify, likely “James”)
- FT2 Stewart C. Hanley ⚠️ (comma missing after middle initial)
- SA DeMoine W. Hardman ⚠️ (unusual given name, confirm spelling)
- FT3 Donia R. Henager ⚠️ (unusual given name, confirm spelling)
- SN Dean C. Houk
- SN William T. Jacobs
- SN Leonard B. Larsen
- SN Donald G. Lf.non ⚠️ (OCR error, likely “Lenon” or “Lennon”)
- SA Stanley O. Lyons
- SN Francis W. McConnell
- GMC Edward A. McLellan
- SN Robert A. Minshall
- FT3 David P. Moore
- SN Charles R. Nelson
- SN Jack L. Nystrom
- SA William E. Pegram
- SN Lewis E. Posey
- SN Jerrald A. Reese ⚠️ (uncommon spelling; verify vs. “Gerald”)
- SN Frank J. Roberto
- FT2 John M. Rountree
- FT3 George A. Sampson
- YNSN Alejandro L. Sanchez
- SN Wilbur T. Sloan
- SA Thomas A. Smith
- FT2 John D. Squires
- SN Billie F. Stewart ⚠️ (uncommon spelling “Billie” — confirm)
- FT3 Robert E. Stull
- SA George D. Summers
- FT3 Ronald D. Swanson
- SN Carroll J. Tate
- FTSN Jack Tate
- FT2 Donald A. Tipton
- FT1 George E. Tirpak
- SN Billy J. Torix
- FTSN Jerald L. Vandeventer ⚠️ (Jerald vs. Gerald)
- FT3 Bernard H. Veehoff ⚠️ (surname uncommon)
- SA Max B. Verhelst ⚠️ (surname uncommon)
- SN Herbert Villarreal
- SN Louis Vincent
- FTI George J. Wagner Jr. ⚠️ (should likely be FT1 — OCR error)
- FTSN Byron A. Wambles
- SN Arthur J. Watts
- FT3 John E. West
- FT2 Billie W. Whitehead ⚠️ (uncommon spelling “Billie” — confirm)
- FTSN Robert D. Williams
- SN Glenwood Wright
Marine Detachment Officers
- CAPT Edward R. Watson
- 1/LT Donald E. McQuinn
Marine Detachment
- PFC Kenneth J. Aagaard
- PVT Ralph J. Allent
- PFC Thomas E. Belk
- PFC Robert L. Benson
- PFC Quentin A. Berquist
- PFC Joseph A. Bielawski Jr.
- PVT Robert D. Bouters
- PFC Norman Brown
- PFC Cecil V. Carruth
- CPL Temple O. Carter
- PFC Carl E. Clouse
- CPL Alvah Coffey
- PFC Robert L. Cook
- PFC John E. Copeland
- PFC Ronald Cowman
- PFC Pat H. Crowhurst
- SGT Norman E. Day
- PFC William F. Dean
- PFC Elmer A. Diehr Jr.
- PFC Sylvester Douglas
- PFC Charles T. Elizondo
- PFC Donald R. Ellis
- PVT James W. Fehr
- SGT Marvin B. Ford
- PFC Felix M. Gallagher
- PFC Harold D. Gardner
- PFC Jackie Gillespie
- PVT John J. Grable
- PFC James M. Gresh
- CPL Russell E. Hanes
- PFC Paul D. Heppert
- PVT Peter B. Hitchins
- PFC Donald E. Hoodenpyle
- PFC Richard A. Howell
- CPL James M. Jensen
- PFC Jack T. Johnson
- PFC George P. Kontmenas
- CPL Edward J. Kozma
- PFC Richard T. Kunath
- CPL Allen L. Leffler
- PFC James J. Luckenotte
- PFC Harold L. Moore
- CPL Lee J. Okones
- PFC James B. Patterson
- PFC Robert L. Rieve
- PFC Ross H. Rodenbeck
- M/SGT Lloyd L. Sanderson ⚠️
- PFC Charles K. Sarcom
- PFC Anthony C. Spanier
- PFC John T. Specht
- PFC Henry Stickdorn Jr.
- PFC Donald L. Stratton
- PFC Floyd L. Stutts
- PFC Jimmie L. Sundy
- PFC Louis W. Swan Jr.
- PFC Lee L. Taylor
- S/SGT Leo C. Tubbs ⚠️
- PFC Gilbert J. Vargas
- PFC John E. Wheeler
- PFC Jesse N. Wilson
📜 Historical Note: Marines at Sea
The presence of Marines aboard U.S. Navy ships is a tradition that stretches back to 1775, when the Continental Marines were established. Their duties aboard carriers like the USS Essex (CVA-9) included:
- Security: guarding the captain, sensitive spaces, and brig.
- Weapons Support: manning secondary batteries or shipboard guns before guided missile systems dominated.
- Ceremonial Roles: raising colors, boarding parties, and dignitary honors.
- Landing Forces: providing detachments for shore operations or emergencies.
By the Korean War and Cold War eras, Marine detachments aboard carriers represented the historic bond between Navy sea power and Marine Corps amphibious capability—a visible reminder that wherever the fleet sailed, Marines were present.
Special Weapons Unit Officers
- ADAMS, Harold R., LCDR
- CUPP, Joseph H., LT
- LINDBURG, Norman L., LTJG
- McCREERY, Hugh H., LTJG
- POLK, Mavis X., LT
📦 The Special Weapons Unit reflected a major change in post-WWII naval warfare. By the 1950s, aircraft carriers weren’t just platforms for conventional bombs and guns — they also became potential delivery systems for nuclear weapons. Officers assigned to this unit carried immense responsibility, balancing secrecy, safety, and readiness during the tense years of the Cold War.
Special Weapons Unit
- BAKER, Edwin C., ET2
- CARLSON, Jack J., EMC
- GUINN, William A., ET3
- HARDY, Harold V., EMI
- HARRINIGTON, George V. Jr., ET1
- HOHE, Joseph D., EMI
- HOLBROOK, Carleton M., AO1
- HORNER, Billy E., FN
- JOHNSTON, Mason S. Jr., EM2
- KELLER, Dewey H., ET1
- KLEPPER, Winston L., ETC
- LUDWIG, Richard J., EM2
- MASSEY, Harold A., AOC
- PEARSON, Edward J., MR1
- REED, David W., YN2
- ROSS, Carl Jr., GM2
- SHRIVER, Russell C., GMC
- SMITH, Leroy E., EM2
- ZINK, Donald J., SK2
📦 Interpretive Sidebar – Guardians of the Atomic Age
By the 1950s, the Navy’s role had shifted from sea dominance to nuclear readiness. Carriers like USS Essex were capable of deploying aircraft armed with atomic payloads. The sailors in the Special Weapons Unit were the quiet professionals behind this capability. They maintained the electronics, secured the ordnance, and ensured absolute safety in an era where one mishap could have catastrophic consequences.
For most visitors to a cruise book, this list might look like just another roll call. But in reality, these names belonged to sailors entrusted with one of the heaviest responsibilities of the Cold War: making sure America’s most powerful weapons worked — and were never mishandled.
⚠️ Specialty Notes:
ET (Electronics Technician) and EM (Electrician’s Mate) were vital here, as nuclear-era weapons required precision electronics and safeguards.
AO (Aviation Ordnanceman) and GM (Gunner’s Mate) handled the physical ordnance and its delivery systems.
YN (Yeoman) and SK (Storekeeper) provided administrative and logistical support, underscoring how even secretive units needed clerical efficiency.
Supply Detachment Officers
- ENS Donald P. Bailey, SC
- ENS Richard F. Brush, SC
- LTJG Jerome J. Dasso, SC ⚠️ (likely LTJG, not “LTJC”)
- LCDR Delos O. Druffel, SC
- CDR Wells C. Felts, SC
- CHPCLK Howard G. Ludwig ⚠️ (Chief Pay Clerk — warrant officer specialty)
- LT Emmet P. Mallot, SC
- ENS Joseph L. Malone Jr., SC
- LTJG Alexander L. Michlfer, SC
- LT Frank L. Spilman, SC
- CHPCLK George B. Tuzinsky ⚠️ (Chief Pay Clerk)
📦 Interpretive Sidebar – The Backbone of Sustained Operations
While the pilots, gunners, and deck crew often take the spotlight in a carrier’s story, the Supply Corps (SC) and Chief Pay Clerks (CHPCLK) quietly ensured that the Essex could remain at sea for months at a time. These officers handled:
🍞 Food for thousands of men daily.
⚙️ Spare parts and technical stores to keep machinery running.
💵 Payroll and financial records — critical for morale.
📦 Ammunition, aviation fuel, and consumables for flight ops.
Without supply and logistics, even the most powerful carrier would be dead in the water. This detachment reminds us that naval warfare depended as much on efficient planning and resupply as it did on firepower and tactics.
S-1 Division
- SKSN Billy H. Adams
- SN Raymond G. Baker
- AK2 Robert E. Bennett
- SN Edwin H. Bergeron
- AK2 Raymond L. Bly
- SN Robert A. Brace
- AKAN Bobby L. Byrd
- SKSN Thomas K. L. Chun
- AKAN John J. Coleman
- AK3 Robert A. Cunningham
- SK3 David P. Dackor
- AKAN Jimmie R. Deputy
- SN Johnny L. De Rosia
- SN Melvin W. Donaldson
- AKAN Melvin D. Findley
- SK3 John F. Fitzgerald
- AKAN Robert E. Friesen
- AK3 John Garcia
- AN Thomas F. Gasper
- SN John J. Graves
- SN Carl D. Harris
- SKSN Stanford Harrison
- AKAN Bruce F. Hawkins
- SKSN James L. Hennessey
- SK3 Weldon S. Herring
- AKAN Richard M. Hoyt
- SK3 Kenneth C. Jensen
- SN John A. Jermier ⚠️ (punctuation artifact “SN.”)
- SN Stanley H. Jones
- SN Ralph B. King
- SK3 Rex B. Kinney
- SN Glen D. Konkle
- AN Jon H. Korn
- SK1 Allan F. Kremer
- SN Jerald Lewis
- SN W. Bruce Ludeke
- SN Marvin B. Lykstad
- SK3 Michael A. Marchiano
- AN Donald E. Miller
- SN Clement T. Minehart Jr.
- SK2 Ronald N. Nash
- SK3 Billy J. Nelson
- SN Marvin E. Nickell
- AK3 Myron Noll
- SN Charles E. Norton
- AN Bertrum M. Olson
- SN Raymond R. Rask
- SK3 Lester Reisch
- AKCA John R. Sheehan ⚠️ (likely AKC = Aviation Storekeeper Chief; “A” may be stray)
- SKSN John R. Signan ⚠️ (possible OCR merge — “SIGN AN” looks like “Signan”)
- SN Joseph A. Sivigliano
- AK2 Carl B. Smith
- SN Jack Stansell ⚠️ (appears as “Stansell, Jack SN” → standardized)
- SN James W. Strutt
- SN Robert J. Sullivan
- SK3 “J. B.” Taylor ⚠️ (initials uncertain)
- AK3 Charles W. Thomas
- AN Fred Toy
- SKSN Veryl C. Varner
- SK3 Julian P. Wackerman
- SKC Duane H. Williams
- AK3 Charles J. Willibey
- AK3 Charles R. Wise
- SN Charles D. Wood
- SN James D. Wood
- SKSN William F. Wucher
📦 Division Context – The Supply Chain at Work
The S-1 Division was the heart of supply logistics on board the Essex. This team of Aviation Storekeepers (AK) and Storekeepers (SK) kept flight operations and the ship’s daily life flowing. From spare aircraft parts to clerical records, and from foodstuffs to general ship’s stores, these men ensured nothing ground to a halt.
S-2 Division
- CS2 James B. Actkinson
- AN Vincent M. Altamore
- ETSN Edward P. Andert
- AN Geoffrey L. Bailey
- SA Thomas E. Barber
- SN Eddie E. Barnes
- SN James T. Barnes
- FN Robert C. Barnes
- EMFA Robert E. Bates
- FN Jerry R. Baxter
- CS3N Clarence W. Bell ⚠️ (“CS3N” likely CS3; stray “N”)
- SN Jere L. Brennan
- AOAN Oren Brooks ⚠️ (listed as “AO AN” → likely AOAN)
- SN Stewart R. Brooks
- CS3 Darwin E. Buus
- AN Richard S. Castillon
- SA Jack R. Cavahnaugh
- AA Del W. Chandler
- FA Carol E. Christy
- AA Kerr L. Conkle
- CS2 Robert O. Cox
- CS3 Stanley C. Creller
- SK2 William R. Daily
- SN Ted Davidson
- CS1 John L. Davis
- CS2 Charles Decapri
- SN Duane C. Dettman
- CS2 Patrick R. Devoe
- ETSN Henry R. Dickhous
- AN Louis D. Dodson
- MM3 Jean C. Dugas Jr.
- CSC Guy D. Dutton
- FA Richard A. Dye
- PHAN Jerry D. Edington
- CS1 Willie Ellis
- SN William E. Elumbaugh
- FN Daniel P. Emert Jr.
- CSSN Henry B. Erb
- CS3 Frank T. Feden
- ABAN Eugene Feist
- BMSN Moreland E. Fickes ⚠️ (extra punctuation in original: “BMSN..”)
- AN George L. Finer Jr.
- AB3 Alfred W. Fischl
- CSSN Dale E. Fleming
- AA Richard B. Fletcher
- CSSN James H. Frey
- SA Laurence R. Gains
- AN Reuben Gallequilloss ⚠️ (surname appears garbled; check original roster)
- CS2 Waller E. Garner
- ICFN Jack E. Garnett
- MMFA John M. Gibson
- SN Henry F. Gietzen Jr.
- RMSN Donald R. Gifford
- CS1 Leon C. Gilgore
- SN Andrew W. Golson
- SA Manuel N. Gradillas ⚠️ (“GradlLLAS” OCR noise)
- TE3 Ronald L. Greenfield
- BM2 Richard G. Groves
- CSSN Danny M. Hampton
- SK2 Harold H. Hanger
- AKAN Charles Harper
- FA Leonard E. Hays
- CS3 Dennis L. Hedund ⚠️ (surname may be “Hedlund”)
- AOAN Robert H. Heffernan
- AN Robert O. Hewlett
- CS3 Alben L. Higgins
- CSSN Clifford Hinshaw
- SN Barrett L. Hobson
- SN Lester N. Hockett
- CS2 Douglas D. Hodge
- MMFN Ken Hogue Jr.
- CS1 William C. Honaker Jr.
- CSSN Joseph W. Hopkins
- CS2 Joseph L. Hotard
- CS1 Doynne K. Hudson
- SN Robert A. Hint ⚠️ (surname unclear; verify)
- FN Edgar L. Inman
- SD1 McClinton Jagers
- ADAN William James Jr.
- EMFN Arthur D. Jesser
- CS3 Gary W. Johnson
- SN Gordon H. Johnson
- SA Hugh L. Johnson
- SN Terrill Jordan
- CS3 Kenneth P. Keskeny
- SH3 Isaac M. Lang
- SN George E. Langlois
- FN William L. Larue Jr.
- SN Luverne N. Link
- SA William A. Lorton
- AOAN Ray A. Lynch
- AN Harn L. Lyth ⚠️ (OCR issue; check spelling “Harn/Harry”)
- AA Michael Magana
- SN Bobby G. Malady
- SN Vernon E. Malone
- CS3 Gerald Mannarino
- AA William H. Markel
- FA Jack J. Martin
- CS2 Dennis S. McCoy
- SA Jack E. McKenzie
- AN Donald J. McKinney
- CSSN Donald S. Melot
- CS2 Charles Miller
- SN James H. Miller
- FA Dale L. Misfeldt
- CSSN John P. Moore
- ATAN Robert D. Morefield
- CS2 John W. Morris
- BM2 Walter H. Morse
- FA Wayne D. Norton
- CS3N Leroy F. Novak ⚠️ (“CS3N” should likely be CS3)
- FA Ivan C. Oliver
- SA Paul S. Orlando
- CS3 James E. Outlaw
- CSSN Gene Patterson
- AA William A. Patterson
- CS2 Woodrow W. Petterson
- CS1 Robert F. Peterson
- ABAN Thomas P. Pierce
- AN Charles F. Renfrow
- SN Robert C. Reynoso
- FN Byron A. Roberts
- SA Charles F. Robinson
- CS2 Albert R. Rule
- CS2 Ivan W. Sanderson
- CS3 Frank V. Savariste
- CS2 Richard S. Schaub
- SN Herbert E. Schmidt
- CS2 David Scott
- FA Joseph F. Scott
- SN Percy Shaw
- SN Gerald L. Simms
- CS2 Edward Sklar
- ATAN James R. Solliday
- RDSN Harold D. Spears
- AN Merlin G. Stephens
- FA Calvin L. Stevens
- CS3 Richard C. Stidd
- CSSN Lloyd E. Thayer
- CS1 Frederick Thomas
- SHSN Billy J. Thompson
- SN Billy L. Tilton
- MMFN Franklin J. Tompkins
- AN Louis L. Virden Jr.
- SN Mylan G. Voss
- RMSN Robert L. Vvaag ⚠️ (“VVAAG” → likely “Vaag” or “Vnaag”)
- SA Edgar L. Utts ⚠️ (appears as “U \ TTS”)
- SN Lester Watts
- AN Vernon L. Weckner
- CSC Fred A. Welch
- SN Carson E. Willis
- CS2 William D. Wilson
- SA Francis L. Wolcott
- FA Fletcher A. Wolen
- CSSN Teddy F. Yates
- MMFA Paul J. Zukauskas
📦 Division Context – Feeding the Fleet
The S-2 Division was responsible for the galley and mess services on board the Essex. These men—cooks (CS), commissarymen (CSSN/CSC), storekeepers, and supporting crew—literally kept the ship running by preparing thousands of meals daily. In a carrier community, the galley was a lifeline, especially on extended deployments where morale often hinged on a hot meal after long hours on watch or flight operations.
S-3 Division
- SH2 Russell L. Archer
- SHSN Stuart W. Archer
- SN Edwin V. Bayhylle Jr.
- SHSN John J. Relics ⚠️ (surname possibly garbled; check original)
- SN Tom A. Berge
- SHSN Arthur E. Bilderback
- SHSN Marion E. Blake
- SHSN Lauren W. Bonar
- SH2 Howard M. Bond
- SN Robert C. Brown
- Ponciano Cabuang ⚠️ (rate missing in roster)
- SHSN Robert Campbell Jr.
- SN William J. Carter
- SHSN Donald R. Cooper
- SH3 Eugene M. Costello
- SH3 Edward E. Dalton
- SH3 Robert L. Damron
- SA Tom E. Danieri
- SHSN Boyd A. Davie
- SN Ray L. Dodd
- SH3 Lindy C. Ellason
- SN Michael A. Finigan
- SK3 John B. Flood
- SN James O. Fortner
- AN Robert W. Francis
- SHSN Frank Gentile
- SH3 Gerald E. Gray
- DK2 Morris E. Halliburton
- SHSN Charles Hanek
- SA Jack V. Hostutler
- SH3 Eugene W. Howe
- SK2 George H. Kelley
- SN George Keolian
- DKC Lloyd J. Kilgore
- SHC Parnell E. LaLonde
- SN Fernzwood M. Lee
- SH1 Bryce Lindsay
- SHSN George M. Martin
- SHSN Stephen L. Miller
- SH3 Thomas “C” Mullins
- SHSN A. J. Nichols
- SH1 Heber Nording
- DK2 Robert D. O’Farrell
- SHSN Billy W. Osborne
- SH2 Morgan G. Osborne
- SN A. Jack Parker
- SN Kenneth R. Parker
- SN Montie B. Pitts
- DKSN Kenneth L. Plucker
- SN Douglas W. Rehbein
- SN Tahnte Roesli ⚠️ (verify given name spelling “Tahnte”)
- SH3 David S. Sanderford
- SN Richard C. Sparks
- SN Stanford L. Swayze
- DK2 Kavo G. Sypolt ⚠️ (OCR noise; “Kavo” may need correction)
- SN Douglas L. Taylor
- SN William R. Taylor
- SH3 Aquilino S. Tiong
- SH3 Robert E. Wagner
- SN Billy Ward
- DKS Carl D. Ward
- SHSA Claud V. Ward
- SN Keith A. Waun
- SN Louis L. Weier
- SH3 Don Wetherington
- SHSA Gerald L. White
- DK3 Marvin D. White
- SN Doyle F. Wiggins
- SN Lyle S. Wilmot
- SH1 Leslie Wray ⚠️ (listed as “SHI” → should be SH1)
- SH2 Howard Zerrenn er ⚠️ (spacing/garble; likely Zerrener)
📦 Division Context – Ship’s Services (S-3)
The S-3 Division handled ship’s services: laundry, barber shop, tailor shop, and cobbler shop. These sailors were crucial to maintaining cleanliness, appearance, and daily routines aboard the Essex. For a ship carrying thousands, their work ensured uniforms were serviceable, bedding was clean, and small comforts—like a proper haircut—helped preserve morale during long deployments.
S-4 Division
- TN George H. Anthony
- SD3 Absalon Bernal
- SD3 Eddie Alexander
- SD3 Herbert M. Blay
- SD3 Cecil Bledsoe
- SD3 Alfonso M. Cabiles
- TN Ulysses Cash
- SD3 Sergio Cendreda
- TN Diosdado Geralde
- SD3 Lester H. Clark
- TN McKinley Cooper
- TN Robert Davies Jr.
- TN Charlie Davis
- SD3 Marcelino Filamor
- SDC William B. Goodman
- TA James Jr. Green ⚠️ (unusual rating — flagged)
- SD2 Willie Hill
- SD3 Herman L. Holmes
- TN Cle Earnest Hubbard
- SD2 Samuel “F” Jackson Jr.
- TN Leaster Jordan
- TN Frank Kennedy
- TN Thomas L. Lanier
- TN Robert Lewis
- SD3 Arturo L. Mangubat
- TN Samuel H. Mayo
- SD1 Samuel McCombs
- TN Willie C. McKleberry
- SD1 Jesse B. Owens
- SDC John Owens
- SD3 Johnny Owens
- SD2 Charles M. Parker
- TN Edwin J. Porter III
- TN Ernest Proee Jr.
- TN Leland E. Reed
- SDCA James Richardson ⚠️ (very unusual rating — flagged)
- SD1 Mack J. Scott
- TN Gilbert G. Simon
- SD3 John E. Smith
- TN Melvin O. Stokes
- TN John L. Wesson
Commander Air Task Group Two
- CDR Lucian C. Powell Jr.
Fighter Squadron One Hundred Forty Three
- AE2 Joseph C. Abell
- SN James L. Adams
- AO3 Alvin L. Allerton
- ADC Fredinand A. Allocco
- HM3 Alan G. Amsberry
- AN James L. Baker
- AM3 Joseph E. Baldwin
- AOAN Bills W. Barker
- LTJG James M. Barnes
- AA Raymond F. Barnes
- LTJG Robert B. Bernhardt
- ENS Ronald W. Betts
- AN Wildey E. Bittick
- PR1 Melvin L. Boles
- AM1 Anthou V. Boutte (Jr.)
- TN Eugene J. Bristow
- AEAN Joseph C. Brown
- AD3 Richard H. Buchner
- AT2 James P. Burgess Jr.
- ADAA William C. Burleson
- AD2 George W. Burrell
- SN Jess L. Burton
- ADAN Robert P. Busch
- AMAN Trusvill C. Byrd
- AM3 Ronald D. Carroll
- AM1 Charley F. Carter
- AD3 Raymond Cezar
- LTJG William O. Charles
- AO1 Gilbert F. Chavez
- AOAN John G. Clements
- AN James W. Closser
- AN Ronald H. Cohn
- AN Donald L. Coup
- AD3 Robert G. Collier
- AD3 William R. Condon
- AE2 Robert E. Coontz
- AT1 David W. Coulson
- LT Billy M. Cox
- SN Billy R. Crisp
- AK3 Robin L. Cunning
- AEAN William R. Curtis
- AN Jay D. De Haven Jr.
- LCDR Mason H. Dill
- ADAN Ralph W. Dodd
- ATAN John P. Donnelly
- ADAN Frank D. Drake
- LTJG Robert M. Dudzic
- LTJG Homer G. Durham
- ADAN Mark D. Eichelberger
- AE1 Frederick H. Elliott
- AE2 Louis R. Ellis
- AMAN Edward M. Ervin
- AE3 Nicholas J. Fazio
- AN Herbert L. Feltner
- ADS Joe L. Ferguson
- AMAN Bobby L. Fields
- ADEAN Leo J. Fitz
- AN Jacob C. Foltz Jr.
- ATAN Robert N. Ford III
- AN William T. Forrest
- AN Richard N. Gallagher
- SN Richard C. Gavagnie
- AM2 Eual W. Gilbreth
- AD3 Billy J. Goins
- LT Robert H. Gormley
- AN Carrol E. Grantham
- ADC Arthur H. Guencerich
- LTJG Lawrence B. Guisinger
- AD1 Wilbur T. Guy
- LT Frank S. Haecherl
- LTJG G. W. Hain
- SN James B. Hannaman
- AD3 Edward J. Hannan Jr.
- LTJG Julian R. Hansen
- AM2 Howard F. Harpel
- CS3 Robert L. Harrington
- ENS Leonard A. Haslim
- SN Richard J. Havener
- ADC Elmer G. Hieldbrant
- SD1 John L. Hill
- AD3 George J. Hoffman
- LT William H. Hoover
- AEC Robert E. Huffman
- AO3 George L. Jagerhorn
- AD3 Ercell C. Johnson
- AD1 James B. Johnson
- AD3 Lawrence G. Kahl
- AD3 Joseph W. Kern
- AD1 Albert V. Kissel
- LT John E. Krimmel
- SH1 Ransom J. Lane
- LCDR Harold F. Lang
- ADS Lloyd C. Libal
- ATI Kenneth R. Locke
- AM2 Norman L. Lovette
- AO2 Robert M. Lucas
- ADC James A. Luther
- ENS Cecil R. Mason
- AM3 Charles F. Mayes
- ENS Donald L. McConnell
- AT2 John D. McKibben
- AD3 Bobby D. McKinley
- AKAN Alvin H. McMillian
- AD2 Gerald D. Mitchell
- AN Norman H. Mitchell
- AN Donald K. Mogensen
- TN Charles D. Moore
- AD1 Robert N. Moore
- ATC Roy J. Moore
- LTJG Robert R. Morris
- AA Harold W. Mullen
- AD3 John B. Murphy
- AM3 William G. Myers
- AN Thomas E. Neuwirth
- AN Herbert H. Nicholas
- AD3 Harland W. Nine Jr.
- ATAN Eric A. Nordhausen
- AO3 Johnathan L. O’Hara
- ENS Jack L. O’Neel
- AD2 John E. Pantalis
- ADC Rene U. Paquette
- AN William J. Patterson
- AA Clarence D. Paul
- CDR Paul M. Paul
- AE3 Lawrence G. Perkins
- ADAN Thomas W. Pramuka
- AOC Wheeler Prather
- AD3 Don V. Prisk
- AD2 Louis E. Rainey
- AD2 Bert E. Rickard
- AD2 Albert P. Rivette
- AM3 Alan Robinson
- LTJG Valentine A. Schaeffer
- PHAN Ray E. Shotwell
- AD3 Donald R. Sichley
- AE3 Frank Silvestri
- BM1 Eugene T. Simmons
- AE3 Donald E. Slusser
- AO3 Albert N. Smith Jr.
- AA Donald L. Smith
- AM3 Clyde A. Snider Jr.
- AMC Raymond F. Spurgeon
- PN3 Norman A. Stahl
- AN Edward E. Stauffer
- SD3 Daniel L. Stewart
- ENS Pat W. Stockdill
- LT Richard H. Stolpe
- AN Lloyd E. Tanner
- AO3 Frederick V. Teufel
- AD3 Alonzo N. Thayn
- AD2 Benjamin F. Thompson
- LT Vernon Thompson
- AOAN Ralph E. Van Ostran
- LTJG Dale R. Vandermolen
- AD1 Cleo B. White Jr.
- ENS James L. Walby
- PR3 Glenn R. Williamson
- YN1 James Wilson Jr.
- SA Jimmie L. Winters
- ADAN Grady L. Womack
- ATAN Roger A. Wood
- ENS Dean S. Woodman
- LTJG Norman L. Youngblood
- ADS John Zawacki
- AM3 Avrel E. Zschomler
✈️ Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) – Role Aboard the Essex
Fighter Squadron 143, known as “Pukin’ Dogs” in later years, was part of the Essex’s air superiority arm. The primary mission of a fighter squadron was to protect the carrier and its strike groups from enemy aircraft. These aviators were the shield of the fleet, scrambling to intercept incoming threats, maintain control of the skies, and escort bombers and attack aircraft during their missions.
VF squadrons operated some of the Navy’s most advanced aircraft of the time, built for speed, maneuverability, and firepower. On the Essex, VF-143 pilots and support crews would have been responsible for:
- Combat Air Patrol (CAP): Flying protective circles around the carrier to detect and intercept enemy planes.
- Escort Missions: Guarding attack squadrons on their way to and from strike targets.
- Air Superiority: Engaging in dogfights to secure dominance in contested airspace.
- Fleet Defense: Responding rapidly to any aerial threats against the task force.
For the sailors serving on the Essex, the presence of VF-143 meant confidence that the skies overhead were guarded. Their role was not just about offense or defense alone, but about ensuring the carrier could safely project its power wherever it sailed.
Attack Squadron Fifty Five
- AO3 Thomas E. Adkisson
- PRAN Don S. Adams
- AN William S. Allen
- BMC William V. Allen
- CS3 Henry A. Akin
- SN James L. Anderson
- AT3 Robert R. Anthony Jr.
- AM3 James E. Arasim
- AO3 Edward L. Ashlock
- LCDR Frank W. Ault
- AN William A. Baker
- AO3 Edwin M. Balderston
- ATAN Zimri Ball
- LTJG Edward C. Bauer
- AD2 Conrad W. Beckman
- AD1 William R. Bedwell
- AN David L. Bell
- ALCA Dean W. Bennett
- AM2 Lawrence W. Berg
- AN Earl A. Bertinot
- AD1 William S. Brandenburg
- ENS Bertram N. Blount
- LTJG William R. Boyce
- AD1 Raymond E. Breton
- ADAN Richard T. Brown
- AMC Eli T. Burdett Jr.
- ADC Gilbert T. Byrnes
- AD3 James R. Carr
- ENS Duane B. Carson
- AE2 Ted L. Carter
- ENS William B. Clark Jr.
- AE3 David E. Cole
- ADAN Anthony J. Cottone
- AD2 Francis L. Corkran
- AN Edwin R. Creech
- SA Vena L. Cutrer
- SN Karl L. Dappen
- AN Clifford E. Davis
- YN3 Dale D. De Moss
- AO3 Richard G. Desmarais
- ADS Arthur R. Dison
- AM3 Robert L. Easterday
- SN George R. Eaton Jr.
- AN Ronald A. Engel
- AT2 Jay E. Farnsworth
- AN Robert Z. Fenn
- ENS Harford Field Jr.
- AOC Lemuel J. Fillmore
- AN Richard W. Finn
- ENS Thomas Finn
- AD2 Laurent J. Forcier
- HM1 Charles W. Fritz
- PN2 Mark O. Gautier Jr.
- AO3 Carol J. Gautreau
- AO3 Lawrence Giacobozzi Jr.
- AKAN Henry F. Gibbs
- AO3 Huey L. Gibson
- AN James E. Gilbert
- AN Gordon R. Gilhuber
- DK2 Bud J. Gill
- AKAN Lawrence T. Gill
- ATAN Herbert L. Gilsdorf
- ATAN Karl M. Green
- AN Melvin Griffith
- ADAN James T. Halbert
- YN3 Fowler H. Hall
- ENS Michael J. Haller
- SN Eulis Harris
- TN Thomas Harris
- LT Gustave R. Hartwig
- AN Anthony M. Hawkins
- SD3 Willie Hayes
- AN Bennie R. Henderson
- SA Arturo Hernandez
- AM2 Charles E. Hernandez
- AN Orville E. Hill
- ADC Wilmer C. Hitesman
- ADAN Carl L. Holt
- AOAN Lloyd L. Hotchkiss Jr.
- AO2 Robert E. Hunter
- PR1 David T. Hutchinson
- AE1 Roger C. Huttner
- AT2 Billy Hyde
- ATC Clarence B. Ince
- AD1 Dale L. Jeanguenat
- AD3 James M. Johnson
- AN Harley L. Jones Jr.
- AD1 W. R. Jones
- LTJG James T. Kearns
- AN Gerald L. Key
- ATAN Dale G. Kimmel
- ENS Robert H. Krane
- ENS Ronald S. Kuchac
- AM3 Isham H. Land
- ENS Thomas J. Lawton
- AD3 John H. Leonhard
- ADC William F. Lezon
- LTJG Donald Lister
- AT1 George A. Lloyd
- AT2 Richard M. Long
- AO3 Alvin B. MacPherson
- AM1 Bedford B. Marshall
- ADAN Freddie G. Marshall
- AECA Robert C. Martens
- PH3 Richard C. McConnell
- ADAN Francis J. McManus Jr.
- AD3 William R. Messecar
- LTJG William L. Millar
- AE3 Stanley Mojack
- AD1 Oren E. Morgan Jr.
- LTJG Peter M. Moriarty
- AO3 Loren D. Muller
- AM2 Richard A. Nesbitt
- ADC Lawrence O. Nettles
- AE3 Arlo R. Nord
- AN Daniel W. Norsworthy
- PN2 Robert L. Opalek
- AO1 Eugene L. Ough
- LT John D. Page
- BM1 Billy B. Pease
- AN Fred H. Peck
- AN William H. Perryman
- LTJG Millard E. Phillips
- AO3 Donald D. Postlethwaite
- LTJG John J. Puttkammer
- LTJG Richard R. Rak
- SH1 Harold Redman
- AN Richard J. Reed
- SD2 John Roberts Jr.
- AG3 Jack J. Romine
- ENS Ivar A. Rosendale
- AOC Curtis W. Routzong Jr.
- AD3 Wendall L. Roy
- AMAN Norman W. Runge
- ADAN Gordon T. Ryan
- ENS William B. Schardt
- AM3 Charles M. Schwab
- TN Mack Scott Jr.
- TA Charles E. Sharpley ⚠️
- ENS Rolland K. Shea
- ADAN William D. Sheaffer
- AE3 Larry D. Siemers
- AN Herman R. Smith
- SN David F. Stanley
- SN Robert A. Stephens
- AO1 Melvin G. Stewart
- AM2 James E. Strahl
- AOAN Don L. Strickland
- AT2 Thomas C. Sturtevant
- AOC Marion V. Sumrall
- AN Edwin M. Sutheimer
- AN Aulbrey N. Swann
- ENS Eugene J. Thomas
- AD3 James C. Thomas
- LCDR Robert J. Thompson
- AN Cecil R. Tiller
- AD3 Louis Uribe
- AMAN Glenn R. Vaughn
- AE1 Robert M. Wagner
- DK1 James E. Walsh
- AN Bobby C. Watt
- ATAN Howard J. Weber Jr.
- AN Alonzo A. Welch Jr.
- AN Carl Whitaker Jr.
- ADAN John R. Wilcox
- ENS William R. Wilson Jr.
- AD3 Donald L. Wilson
- AR Charles R. York
- SA Charles L. Young
⚡ Attack Squadron 55 (VA-55) – Striking Power of the Essex
Attack Squadron 55, often nicknamed the “Warhorses,” brought the offensive punch to the Essex air group. Unlike the fighter squadrons, whose mission was primarily defense of the fleet, VA squadrons specialized in delivering precision strikes against enemy ships, installations, and ground forces.
The men of VA-55 trained for missions that required courage and accuracy under fire:
- Strike Missions: Launching bombing runs against high-value targets such as bridges, supply depots, or airfields.
- Close Air Support (CAS): Assisting ground forces by attacking enemy positions directly threatening them.
- Anti-Shipping Operations: Targeting enemy vessels to disrupt logistics and fleet movements.
- Night or All-Weather Strikes: Using advanced equipment and training to hit targets when surprise mattered most.
For the Essex, VA-55 represented its long-range striking arm. Once fighters cleared the skies, the attack squadron carried the war directly to the enemy. The blend of skill from pilots, ordnance crews, and maintenance personnel ensured that these aircraft could take off loaded with bombs or rockets, complete their missions, and return ready to strike again.
The squadron’s motto and legacy reflected its mission: to hit hard, hit fast, and keep the carrier battle group on the offensive.
Fighter Squadron Twenty Three
- AOAN James W. Actkinson
- AM2 William S. Ander A. ⚠️
- AM3 Thomas J. Baker
- LTJG Theodore G. Baldwin
- CSSN James H. Bankston
- ATAN Victor E. Bates
- AN Harold R. Brackett
- AMAN George F. Breen
- ATAN Henry A. Brendel
- LT Robert E. Brownlee
- AOAN Walter E. Burlock
- CSSN Lawrence D. Buttelwerth
- LT Leonard D. Byler
- AKAN Manuel D. Carrera
- AO1 James M. Chisholm
- AE1 Richard A. Christianson
- AD3 Paul J. Clarkson
- SN John G. Cook
- ALC Morris E. Coon
- AD2 Philip A. Cooper
- AO1 Richard M. Cortese
- AMAN Lindon W. Cox
- AE2 Stanton H. Crocker
- AOAN James H. Crum
- AM3 Louis Cueto ⚠️
- AD3 Donald E. Dooley
- LT William Au. Doubt ⚠️
- ENS Milton K. Draper
- AMS Russell V. Dye
- AO3 Buddy J. Ellis
- AT2 Roy F. Fakler
- AN Lloyd V. Farris
- AMC Clarence R. Ferguson
- AT2 Robert T. Fowler
- ENS James E. Friesner
- YNSN Ronald L. Gager
- AM3 Felix T. Grech
- AM3 Philip A. Guzman
- AEC Paul A. Hair
- AN John L. Hanson
- ADAN Wayne L. Hanson
- LCDR Payton O. Harwell
- AD3 Richard D. Henderson
- ADC Byrl T. Hewitt
- AE3 Robert E. Hill
- AT3 Allen W. Hingle
- AM3 Ralph G. Huber
- LTJG Bruce A. Iversen
- CAPT William C. Jackson, USAF
- AK3 James M. Jefferies
- ADAN Harold D. Jeremiah
- AD3 Keith D. Johnson
- TN Paul S. Johnson
- AT2 John B. Kapelowitz
- ADAN Jack W. Keisner
- AT3 Hubert A. Larson
- AD1 Charles E. Leonard
- AOAN Carl F. Lewallen
- TN Charles W. Lewis
- LCDR Paul R. Lewis
- AD2 Harold A. Link
- ENS Richard E. Lucey
- AMAN Pablo P. Luevano
- AD2 Richard L. Malkiewicz
- AE3 Claude G. Manis
- AOAN Clifford L. May
- TN Willie McKinney ⚠️
- AD3 Llewellyn E. Meyer
- AEAN Richard A. Minor
- LT Joseph M. Mitchell
- LCDR William J. Moran
- ADC Harry H. Muth
- AN Darrell M. Murry
- AD2 Walter J. Myers
- AD1 Olin E. Nail
- AN John F. Nash
- AE3 Clarence E. Nelson
- AN Charles R. Oliver
- AD3 Robert R. Olsen
- ADAN Donald E. Olson
- AK1 Donald L. Ostergard
- AMC Peter J. Patrick
- AD3 John J. Paul
- AKAN Clarence L. Paulsen
- ADAN James W. Payne
- AD1 Kenneth W. Payne
- AM2 Vernon E. Pierce
- LT Ralph E. Post
- ADAN Stanley J. Poplawski
- AM1 Joseph C. Presgraves
- AE3 Henry V. Preslicka
- AD2 Charles W. Reed
- AD1 William F. Reid
- AO3 Walter A. Rice
- AT1 Albert D. Richards
- ADC Frank H. Richardson
- SN James P. Richardson ⚠️
- AT3 Dwight C. Robison
- ADC Louis L. Rose
- AM2 Dale O. Sanders
- ATAAN Richard R. Saras ⚠️
- BM2 Arnold K. Sartin
- LT Harry C. Scarborough
- LT Cedric W. Sheppard
- AD1 Stephan Shinkevich ⚠️
- ENS John C. Sides
- AOAN Robert C. Smith
- SHSN Kenneth P. Spencer
- AT3 Ertle H. Spurlock
- PR1 Harold E. Staats
- AN Ronald Stacey ⚠️
- AD3 Harold A. Summer
- AN Richard F. Tellez
- AOS Carl L. Thoming ⚠️
- ENS Glyn T. Thoreston
- HM3 John R. Toulson
- PNSN Richard L. Triplett
- AO3 Louis A. Vetrano
- AD3 James A. Wallace
- AO3 John S. Walsh
- AE2 Edward G. Ward
- AK3 Donald J. Weage ⚠️
- AMS Donald A. Weber
- AEAN Cloyd D. Wells
- AOC William J. Wheat
- AO1 Carl C. White
- ADC Morgan M. White
- AMAN Daryl L. Whitney
- AD3 Richard H. Weibusch
- AN Glenn E. Williams
- AD3 Morris L. Williams
- AE3 Tommy G. Williams
- YN3 Gordon B. Winchell
- PH2 Darrell E. Wood
- AE3 Charles G. Woodward
- ADAN Garland E. Woodward
- AE3 John W. Wright
✈️ Fighter Squadron 23 (VF-23) – Shield of the Essex
Fighter Squadron 23, known as the “Vigilantes,” embodied the defensive strength of the Essex air wing. Their primary mission was to ensure air superiority, keeping the skies clear of enemy aircraft and protecting both the carrier battle group and the attack squadrons during offensive operations.
Key responsibilities of VF-23 included:
- Combat Air Patrol (CAP): Circling above the fleet to intercept enemy bombers and fighters before they could strike.
- Escort Missions: Guarding VA-55 and other strike aircraft as they carried out bombing runs.
- Interception and Dogfighting: Engaging enemy fighters head-on to establish air dominance.
- Fleet Defense: Serving as the first line of aerial protection against threats from the sea or land.
While VA squadrons brought the punch, VF squadrons like VF-23 provided the shield. The men of this unit—pilots, mechanics, ordnance handlers, and support crew—were indispensable to the Essex’s survival at sea. Every bomb dropped by an attack squadron often depended on a fighter pilot who had fought hard to secure the skies above.
Their motto could well have been: “No strike without cover—no fleet without fighters.”
Fighter Squadron One Hundred Twenty Three
- AD3 Oakley H. Andrews
- AN Oscar K. Anthony
- AD3 Fote E. Backy
- LT Wallace B. Bagwell
- AEC Donald B. Baschky
- SN Edward W. Bonney II
- HM3 Lester E. Boston
- LT Rudolph Branum (n)
- AD3 Caughey F. Brewton
- AE2 Arthur W. Brome
- AT3 Albert D. Brown
- AN Frederick W. Brown Jr.
- AM2 Clifford K. Bunch
- AM3 Vincent C. Canepa
- CS3 Anthony P. Caputo
- AT3 Robert P. Carlton
- ENS Frederick P. Causey
- LTJG William J. Childs
- LT Robert Clark (n)
- SN Shields H. Clark
- ENS Bobby W. Click
- LTJG Milton J. Chewnting
- PR2 Eugene T. Collins
- ADAN David H. Connor
- AN Alroy M. Cox Jr.
- AMAN William B. Crist
- AN Robert E. Curran
- AM1 William R. Doidge
- AO2 Jack G. Dail
- ATC Herman Dramen (n)
- AOAN Edward L. Driver
- AMAN Gay J. Duta Jr.
- LT Charles J. Eckman
- AT1 Don N. Elliott
- AK2 William A. Ellis
- LTJG Marshall E. Ewing
- BM1 Lawrence E. Fickett
- ENS Thomas B. Fitzgerald
- ADC Carl Gerger (n)
- AD1 John A. Goempler
- ADAN Donald K. Goetschius
- LTJG Forrest D. Goetschius
- AD3 George B. Gordon
- AD2 Joseph A. Gordon
- OAN Harry L. Grady Jr.
- AO2 Rufus H. Greenia
- AE3 Wendell L. Grout
- TN Andrew Guiang (n)
- ENS Freeman O. Hansen II
- LT Walter E. Hallen
- AD1 Elba R. Hayes
- [Unclear rating: “He Urd, Donald i… IES” — probable OCR error, may need roster check]
- AN Johnny W. Hersey
- AN Richard O. Hickman
- SD3 Earl Hightower (n)
- AOAN Frank “J” Hildreth
- LCDR Robert T. Hoppe
- LTJG Stephen J. Hoye
- AN Jackson I. Hurst Jr.
- [No rank given] Clifford L. Jones Jr.
- TN Chester Jordan (n)
- AD3 William G. Kerher
- ADC Sherman M. Kirby
- ADAN Bruce D. Lance
- LTJG Thomas B. Leary
- AN Thomas T. Looney
- AE3 Howard H. MacFarlane
- PR3 Kenneth E. Mann
- AMAN Herman E. Manuel
- AE3 John H. McKinney
- AN Eugene E. McKown
- ADEC Robert L. McLendon
- LCDR John E. McQuary
- SH2 Waldo C. Medcalf
- AMAN Angelo R. Mirabella
- AD3 Robert J. Michels
- ADC Haney E. Moody Jr.
- SN Oscar Morales (n)
- PH3 Donald O. Morgan
- AN William R. Mueller
- ENS Richard A. Murphy
- AD3 Donald V. Nash
- LTJG Anthony Nesky (n) Jr.
- AM3 Lawrence W. Newton
- AM2 Theodore J. Nix
- AD2 Withers J. Nowlan
- PNSN Charles F. Olmstead
- AO1 Alfred J. Papa
- LCDR Irving L. Patterson
- LCDR Gerald E. Peddicord
- AN Robert T. Pieroni
- CDR Lucien C. Powell Jr.
- SN Herbert C. Reese
- AN Michael J. Reiter
- AM1 William M. Reynolds
- AO3 John D. Rhodes
- AO3 Richard L. Roenker
- AO3 George W. Sabo
- AD3 Warren C. Sanders
- AEAN Duane A. Scheepsma
- AM3 John W. Schlote
- AT3 Allen A. Schmidt
- AN Ernest L. Shetler Jr.
- LT James L. Shipman
- AOC Walter P. Smolovic
- AMC Walter E. Snyder
- AM2 Pierce B. Stockman
- ADAN Richard D. Thomas
- AD1 Edward S. Thoma
- AD3 James C. Waddell
- YNSN Cecil O. Walker
- YN2 Oscar R. Walker Jr.
- AN Charles E. Waters
- AK3 William J. Webber
- AN Larry A. Wheller
- AE1 Forrest D. Williams
- AO3 Glade L. Wistisen
- LTJG Edward H. Wood
- LTJG Harry W. Wright
- LTJG Maxie G. Young
✈️ Fighter Squadron 123 (VF-123) – Guardians of the Fleet
Fighter Squadron 123 was a critical component of the Essex air wing, providing the frontline defense of the carrier and its task force. Like VF-23, the men of VF-123 were responsible for establishing and maintaining air superiority, ensuring that no enemy aircraft could penetrate the fleet’s protective shield.
Their duties included:
- Combat Air Patrol (CAP): Flying high above the Essex to detect and intercept incoming threats.
- Escort & Support: Guarding VA-55 and other strike squadrons during bombing missions, making sure attack aircraft reached their targets and returned safely.
- Interception: Using speed and maneuverability to outmatch enemy fighters in aerial combat.
- Fleet Security: Acting as the fleet’s airborne guardians, ready at a moment’s notice to engage any hostile presence.
VF-123 was more than just a squadron of pilots—it was a team of ground crews, ordnance handlers, aviation mechanics, and specialists, all working in unison to keep aircraft in the sky and ready for battle. Their presence aboard the Essex symbolized the carrier’s protective shield, ensuring the survival of the ship, its crew, and the success of every mission.
In short, VF-123 represented the eyes, fists, and armor of the Essex in the skies above.
✈️ Fighter vs. Attack Squadrons
Fighter Squadrons (VF)
Primary role: air-to-air combat.
Their job was to protect the carrier, its fleet, and its strike aircraft against enemy fighters or bombers.
In the Korean War/Vietnam era, VF units often flew F9F Panthers, F2H Banshees, or later F-8 Crusaders and F-4 Phantoms.
Think defensive and offensive “dogfighters.”
Attack Squadrons (VA)
Primary role: air-to-ground strikes.
Pilots flew attack aircraft like the AD Skyraider or later the A-4 Skyhawk.
Their missions included bombing runs, close air support for ground troops, and interdiction of enemy supply lines.
Think offensive strike power.
Composite Squadrons (VC)
Primary role: specialized support missions.
Unlike VF or VA squadrons, Composite units blended aircraft and pilots to handle reconnaissance, electronic countermeasures, anti-submarine patrols, and nuclear weapons delivery.
VC detachments were small, highly trained units “plugged into” a carrier air group to provide unique capabilities the other squadrons couldn’t.
Think the specialists—filling in the gaps to make the carrier air wing a fully rounded fighting force.
👉 Together, VF + VA + VC formed the backbone of the Carrier Air Group (CAG): fighters cleared the skies, attackers struck enemy targets, and composites handled specialized, mission-critical roles.
Composite Squadron Thirty Five Detachment
- AO2 John P. Allen
- SD2 Thomas (n) Allen
- AN Merle D. Blehm
- AN Bobby C. Bradshaw
- AN Harold L. Browning
- AN Robert “A” Burge
- ADC Cari D. Clymer
- AD1 Robert F. Connelly
- AE3 James C. Davies
- AD2 William E. Decker
- ATAN James M. Driml
- AD3 Melvin J. Elkins
- AN Thomas R. Ferguson
- AN Edward F. Fountain Jr.
- AOU3 Donald L. Frazier
- ADAN James L. Green
- AE3 Frederick (n) Gross Jr.
- AN Gordon D. Hartman
- AD1 Richard P. Hitchcock Jr.
- AN Colbert H. Hogan
- AN Brady D. Jackson
- AOAN Ira D. Johnson
- LT Norman E. Larsen
- AD3 Bernard G. Lee
- AM2 Ronald W. Leff
- ATC Thomas R. Legett Jr.
- ADAN Leroy (n) Lester
- AN Bryant L. Mason Jr.
- AN Emery E. Neff Jr.
- LCDR Albert N. Nelson
- AN Billy R. Pierce
- AN James C. Pritchett
- ATAN Kenneth E. Reeb
- ALI John K. Rezek
- LTJG Donald K. Robbins
- AD3 Lewis J. Robles
- LT Wallace L. Russell
- AT3 Phillip J. Scalzo
- SA David R. Scott
- LTJG John D. Shaw
- AN Glenn R. Slack
- AD3 Billy R. Slaughter
- ADAN Waller L. Smith
- AOAN French A. Tickner
- AM1 Lloyd L. Whaley
- AN James B. Whorton
- AD3 Dewayne L. Walters
🛩️ Composite Squadron 35 (VC-35) Detachment – Role Aboard the Essex
Composite squadrons like VC-35 were the “jack-of-all-trades” units of the carrier air wing. Unlike fighter squadrons (focused on air superiority) or attack squadrons (focused on strike missions), composite squadrons combined multiple specialties into one detachment. Their personnel often included fighter pilots, attack specialists, and reconnaissance crews, providing the Essex with a flexible tool for missions that didn’t fit neatly into one category.
On the Essex, the VC-35 detachment would have been tasked with roles such as:
- Night attack and all-weather missions – supporting strikes when other squadrons were grounded.
- Reconnaissance – gathering intelligence on enemy positions, ships, or terrain.
- Target spotting and support – coordinating with attack squadrons to improve bombing accuracy.
- Escort and backup – filling in when more fighters or attackers were needed.
This mix of capabilities made composite squadrons a critical force multiplier. They could reinforce either the fighter or attack elements of the air group, or take on missions requiring specialized skills and equipment. For sailors and Marines aboard the Essex, VC-35 provided an added layer of assurance: whatever the mission, the air wing had the flexibility to adapt.
Composite Squadron Eleven Unit
- AT2 Joseph S. Allbright
- AT3 Joseph W. Aubin
- LCDR John N. Bryant
- LTJG Sterling F. Chappell III
- AD3 Bernard C. Charles
- AD3 Melburn L. Chastain
- AM2 Normal L. Driml
- AN Robert L. Dye
- ADC John W. Fuller
- ADAN Jerold D. Hickey
- ADAN Marshall W. Huddleston
- LT Nicoles E. Joyner Jr.
- AN John L. Kibler
- LT Roch A. Le Jeune
- AN Ambrose Marbory (n)
- AN James W. Mathews
- AT3 Russell J. Mullikin
- AE3 Ronald H. Nelson
- ATAN Arthur B. O’Leary
- AD3 Thomas E. Phillips
- LCDR Joseph (n) Pierce
- AT1 Kenneth M. Prideaux
- ADAN Glenn L. Robinson
- AT2 Louis D. Seybold
- AD3 James M. Smith
- ADAN Francis C. Stanley
- TA Charles H. Stewart
- AD2 Galen F. Swann
- YN3 Gary E. Turpin
- AM2 Jack D. Via
- AN Marvin M. Whitworth
- ATAN Richard V. Wood
🛩️ Composite Squadron Eleven (VC-11) – Versatility in the Air Wing
Composite squadrons like VC-11 were designed to fill the gaps between fighter and attack units, providing specialized capabilities that enhanced the Essex’s overall mission. These detachments often flew a mix of aircraft—sometimes modified fighters, reconnaissance planes, or electronic countermeasure platforms—depending on the operational needs of the carrier.
On the Essex, VC-11 contributed flexibility and adaptability: while fighter squadrons protected the skies and attack squadrons struck targets, VC-11 could be tasked with reconnaissance, target spotting, electronic warfare, or utility support. Their presence ensured that the carrier air group could respond to a wider range of missions, both offensive and defensive.
By combining varied skills and aircraft under one command, Composite Squadron Eleven served as a force multiplier, making the Essex’s air wing more versatile and responsive to the changing demands of naval aviation.
Composite Squadron Three Team
- SN Jerry D. Barbee
- AOAN Joe L. Barter
- AD3 August (n) Bordonaro
- AN Jerry H. Boyd
- AO3 Robert C. Brown
- AD3 Curtis K. Buck
- AD2 Carl L. Bullington
- AT3 Ramon A. Bybee
- AM1 Wayne H. Castle
- AMAN Coy D. Christy
- AD3 Thomas P. Crunk
- AMS Robert IV. Dean
- AN Robert R. Eckhardt
- AE3 Donald L. Freeman
- AKAN William A. Gentry
- AL3 Glen (n) Hall
- ADAN Bobby (n) Hubbard
- TN Vernis L. James
- AT3 Donald N. Jessen
- AOAN Dale H. Johnson
- ALC Ralph “B” Johnson
- AD1 William A. Karr
- AEAN David R. Knox
- ADAN Don A. Madden
- LT Edwin L. March
- AN Ronald M. Martin
- AT3 Teruo D. Matsunami
- AT3 John D. Mayfield
- AMAN James L. Minchew
- AOAN Jack H. Mulvey
- AN Frank O. Murray
- AE3 Robert K. Patchen
- AT1 Alexander B. Pease
- AN Ronald D. Rhoads
- LT William H. Robinson
- ADAN Yester L. Rouse
- ADC Richard D. Rushton
- AE3 Walter B. Sanders
- AD3 Irving D. Smith
- PRAN Paul (n) Standring
- AMAN Shirley T. Stephens
- LCDR Harvey W. Sturdevant
- AM3 Elliott B. Turner
- AOC Duncan (n) Wells
- ADAN Joc M. Wheeler
🛩️ Composite Squadron Three (VC-3) Detachment – Role Aboard the Essex
Composite Squadron Three (VC-3) was a specialized unit that blended the skills of fighter and attack squadrons into a flexible detachment. Rather than being tied to a single mission profile, VC-3 could provide whatever the carrier air group required—fighter protection, ground attack, reconnaissance, or even training support. On USS Essex, the VC-3 detachment acted as a “force multiplier,” filling operational gaps and adapting to evolving mission needs in real time.
These squadrons were particularly valuable in the Cold War era, where a carrier might face rapidly changing threats—ranging from enemy aircraft and submarines to the need for precision strikes ashore. VC-3 sailors and aviators demonstrated versatility, keeping the Essex combat-ready in a wide spectrum of scenarios.
Composite Squadron Sixty One Photo Detachment
- APPLE, John D., AD2
- BELTRAN, Rudolfo G., AN
- BROCK, Freeman L. Jr., PH3
- CACCIATORE, Angelo, (n), AK3
- CAPPS, Clarence J. Jr., SA
- CAREY, James A., AN
- DAVIS, Milton (n), SD3
- GALE, Anthony L., AT3
- HALEY, George M., ADC
- HALL, Don L., AN
- HAVRON, Billy L., LT
- HOTCHKISS, Laurence G., AE1
- JOHNSON, Gerald M., LT
- MILLER, George O., AM3
- NORRIS, Kenneth M., AD1
- PETERSON, Melvin A., AMAN
- ROMANO, John A., LT
- ROMERO, Isaias E., AA
- SALTER, William L., Jr., AEAN
- SHIERS, Richard G., LT
- STUDDARD, James B., Jr., AN
- WEEREN, Hans H. H., ADAN
- WELLBORN, Frank G., AD3
- WILSON, Kenneth E., AN
- YOST, Natham H., PHAN
📷 Composite Squadron Sixty-One (VC-61) Photo Detachment – Eyes of the Essex
Composite Squadron Sixty-One’s Photo Detachment (VC-61) served as the eyes of the USS Essex. These men specialized in aerial photography, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering missions. Using specially equipped aircraft, they captured images that provided commanders with critical information—enemy positions, damage assessment after strikes, and photographic records of naval operations.
In an era before satellite imagery, photo reconnaissance units like VC-61 were indispensable. Their work often meant flying unarmed or lightly armed aircraft into contested airspace, relying on speed, altitude, and skill to gather the photographs needed to guide both air and ground operations. For the Essex, VC-61’s contribution went far beyond documentation—it gave the carrier battle group sharper situational awareness and the ability to adjust strategy in real time.
VC-61 would have used Aircraft like F9F-6P Panther or RF-8 Crusader photo variants
🌟 Honorary Members of the USS Essex Cruise Book
In addition to the officers, enlisted men, Marines, and aviators who served aboard the Essex, the cruise book also recognizes a select group of Honorary Members. These men, while not part of the ship’s standing roster, were acknowledged for their valued connection to the ship and her crew. Whether through distinguished service, special contributions, or close association with the carrier’s operations, they were granted a place of honor in this historical record.
Honorary Members
- James J. Cooper
- Joseph F. Huston
- Calvin R. Larson
- William R. Maleckar
- Frank McNair
- Ralph C. Taylor
- William A. Witte
- David Powers
- Elwood F. Kirkman
- M. K. Berry
- R. Clay Underwood
- John Branson Wright
- Edward W. Schoenhof
- Thomas B. Potter
- Archie A. Alexander
Their inclusion reminds us that a ship’s legacy is not only shaped by those who stood the daily watches, but also by those whose efforts and influence helped the Essex succeed in her broader mission.
USS Essex CVA-9 Third Far East Cruise 1953-1954 Rosters
Rosters: Section 1;
Section 1 Includes Commander Carrier Division Three, Chief of Staff, Carrier Division Three, Commanding Officers, Executive Officer, Administrative Department Officers, X Division, Operations Department Officers, OA Division, OE Division, Ol Division, OL Division, OR Division, OS Division, Navigation Department Officers, N Division, Medical Department Officers, H Division, Dental Department Officers, D Division, Air Department Officers, V-1 Division, V-2 Division, V-3 Division, V-4 Division, V-6 Division, and V-7 Division.
Section 2 includes the Helicopter Unit, Detachment Officer-in-Charge, Helicopter Unit One Detachment, Engineering Department Officers, A Division, B Division, E Division, M Division, R Division, Gunnery Department Officers, G-1 Division, G-2 Division, G-3 Division, G-4 Division, and G-5 Division.
Section 3 Includes F Division, Marine Detachment Officers, Marine Detachment, Special Weapons Unit Officers, Special Weapons Unit, Supply Detachment Officers, S-1 Division, S-2 Division, S-3 Division, S-4 Division, Commander Air Task Group Two, Fighter Squadron One Hundred Forty Three, Attack Squadron Fifty Five, Fighter Squadron Twenty Three, Fighter Squadron One Hundred Twenty Three, Composite Squadron Thirty Five Detachment, Composite Squadron Eleven Unit, Composite Squadron Three Team, Composite Squadron Sixty One Photo Detachment, and Honorary Members.
