§ 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.

F Division

1. GM1 William G. Austin
2. GM2 Charles B. Babin
3. FTC Charles D. Battles
4. YNSN Wayne R. Bauer
5. SA Frank R. Bieders
6. FT3 Charles L. Bruce
7. GM3 Darrell C. Burden
8. FT3 Charles J. Carson
9. SN Charles R. Chase
10. FT1 Carl V. Cornelius
11. SA Jerry D. Dietz
12. SN Ocus Dobson
13. FT2 Vivien M. Dunkin’ ⚠️ (extra apostrophe, confirm spelling)
14. FTSN Charles E. Dymoke
15. FT3 Robert G. Perrell Jr.
16. SN Andrew L. Ferrera
17. FT3 Lawrence B. Franklin
18. SN Charles R. Gerlich
19. FT3 Claude R. Gordy
20. SN Janies R. Haag ⚠️ (“Janies” uncommon — verify, likely “James”)
21. FT2 Stewart C. Hanley ⚠️ (comma missing after middle initial)
22. SA DeMoine W. Hardman ⚠️ (unusual given name, confirm spelling)
23. FT3 Donia R. Henager ⚠️ (unusual given name, confirm spelling)
24. SN Dean C. Houk
25. SN William T. Jacobs
26. SN Leonard B. Larsen
27. SN Donald G. Lf.non ⚠️ (OCR error, likely “Lenon” or “Lennon”)
28. SA Stanley O. Lyons
29. SN Francis W. McConnell
30. GMC Edward A. McLellan
31. SN Robert A. Minshall
32. FT3 David P. Moore
33. SN Charles R. Nelson
34. SN Jack L. Nystrom
35. SA William E. Pegram
36. SN Lewis E. Posey
37. SN Jerrald A. Reese ⚠️ (uncommon spelling; verify vs. “Gerald”)
38. SN Frank J. Roberto
39. FT2 John M. Rountree
40. FT3 George A. Sampson
41. YNSN Alejandro L. Sanchez
42. SN Wilbur T. Sloan
43. SA Thomas A. Smith
44. FT2 John D. Squires
45. SN Billie F. Stewart ⚠️ (uncommon spelling “Billie” — confirm)
46. FT3 Robert E. Stull
47. SA George D. Summers
48. FT3 Ronald D. Swanson
49. SN Carroll J. Tate
50. FTSN Jack Tate
51. FT2 Donald A. Tipton
52. FT1 George E. Tirpak
53. SN Billy J. Torix
54. FTSN Jerald L. Vandeventer ⚠️ (Jerald vs. Gerald)
55. FT3 Bernard H. Veehoff ⚠️ (surname uncommon)
56. SA Max B. Verhelst ⚠️ (surname uncommon)
57. SN Herbert Villarreal
58. SN Louis Vincent
59. FTI George J. Wagner Jr. ⚠️ (should likely be FT1 — OCR error)
60. FTSN Byron A. Wambles
61. SN Arthur J. Watts
62. FT3 John E. West
63. FT2 Billie W. Whitehead ⚠️ (uncommon spelling “Billie” — confirm)
64. FTSN Robert D. Williams
65. SN Glenwood Wright

📦 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

1. BAKER, Edwin C., ET2
2. CARLSON, Jack J., EMC
3. GUINN, William A., ET3
4. HARDY, Harold V., EMI
5. HARRINIGTON, George V. Jr., ET1
6. HOHE, Joseph D., EMI
7. HOLBROOK, Carleton M., AO1
8. HORNER, Billy E., FN
9. JOHNSTON, Mason S. Jr., EM2
10. KELLER, Dewey H., ET1
11. KLEPPER, Winston L., ETC
12. LUDWIG, Richard J., EM2
13. MASSEY, Harold A., AOC
14. PEARSON, Edward J., MR1
15. REED, David W., YN2
16. ROSS, Carl Jr., GM2
17. SHRIVER, Russell C., GMC
18. SMITH, Leroy E., EM2
19. 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

1. ENS Donald P. Bailey, SC
2. ENS Richard F. Brush, SC
3. LTJG Jerome J. Dasso, SC ⚠️ (likely LTJG, not “LTJC”)
4. LCDR Delos O. Druffel, SC
5. CDR Wells C. Felts, SC
6. CHPCLK Howard G. Ludwig ⚠️ (Chief Pay Clerk — warrant officer specialty)
7. LT Emmet P. Mallot, SC
8. ENS Joseph L. Malone Jr., SC
9. LTJG Alexander L. Michlfer, SC
10. LT Frank L. Spilman, SC
11. 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.

Fighter Squadron One Hundred Forty Three

1. AE2 Joseph C. Abell
2. SN James L. Adams
3. AO3 Alvin L. Allerton
4. ADC Fredinand A. Allocco
5. HM3 Alan G. Amsberry
6. AN James L. Baker
7. AM3 Joseph E. Baldwin
8. AOAN Bills W. Barker
9. LTJG James M. Barnes
10. AA Raymond F. Barnes
11. LTJG Robert B. Bernhardt
12. ENS Ronald W. Betts
13. AN Wildey E. Bittick
14. PR1 Melvin L. Boles
15. AM1 Anthou V. Boutte (Jr.)
16. TN Eugene J. Bristow
17. AEAN Joseph C. Brown
18. AD3 Richard H. Buchner
19. AT2 James P. Burgess Jr.
20. ADAA William C. Burleson
21. AD2 George W. Burrell
22. SN Jess L. Burton
23. ADAN Robert P. Busch
24. AMAN Trusvill C. Byrd
25. AM3 Ronald D. Carroll
26. AM1 Charley F. Carter
27. AD3 Raymond Cezar
28. LTJG William O. Charles
29. AO1 Gilbert F. Chavez
30. AOAN John G. Clements
31. AN James W. Closser
32. AN Ronald H. Cohn
33. AN Donald L. Coup
34. AD3 Robert G. Collier
35. AD3 William R. Condon
36. AE2 Robert E. Coontz
37. AT1 David W. Coulson
38. LT Billy M. Cox
39. SN Billy R. Crisp
40. AK3 Robin L. Cunning
41. AEAN William R. Curtis
42. AN Jay D. De Haven Jr.
43. LCDR Mason H. Dill
44. ADAN Ralph W. Dodd
45. ATAN John P. Donnelly
46. ADAN Frank D. Drake
47. LTJG Robert M. Dudzic
48. LTJG Homer G. Durham
49. ADAN Mark D. Eichelberger
50. AE1 Frederick H. Elliott
51. AE2 Louis R. Ellis
52. AMAN Edward M. Ervin
53. AE3 Nicholas J. Fazio
54. AN Herbert L. Feltner
55. ADS Joe L. Ferguson
56. AMAN Bobby L. Fields
57. ADEAN Leo J. Fitz
58. AN Jacob C. Foltz Jr.
59. ATAN Robert N. Ford III
60. AN William T. Forrest
61. AN Richard N. Gallagher
62. SN Richard C. Gavagnie
63. AM2 Eual W. Gilbreth
64. AD3 Billy J. Goins
65. LT Robert H. Gormley
66. AN Carrol E. Grantham
67. ADC Arthur H. Guencerich
68. LTJG Lawrence B. Guisinger
69. AD1 Wilbur T. Guy
70. LT Frank S. Haecherl
71. LTJG G. W. Hain
72. SN James B. Hannaman
73. AD3 Edward J. Hannan Jr.
74. LTJG Julian R. Hansen
75. AM2 Howard F. Harpel
76. CS3 Robert L. Harrington
77. ENS Leonard A. Haslim
78. SN Richard J. Havener
79. ADC Elmer G. Hieldbrant
80. SD1 John L. Hill
81. AD3 George J. Hoffman
82. LT William H. Hoover
83. AEC Robert E. Huffman
84. AO3 George L. Jagerhorn
85. AD3 Ercell C. Johnson
86. AD1 James B. Johnson
87. AD3 Lawrence G. Kahl
88. AD3 Joseph W. Kern
89. AD1 Albert V. Kissel
90. LT John E. Krimmel
91. SH1 Ransom J. Lane
92. LCDR Harold F. Lang
93. ADS Lloyd C. Libal
94. ATI Kenneth R. Locke
95. AM2 Norman L. Lovette
96. AO2 Robert M. Lucas
97. ADC James A. Luther
98. ENS Cecil R. Mason
99. AM3 Charles F. Mayes
100. ENS Donald L. McConnell
101. AT2 John D. McKibben
102. AD3 Bobby D. McKinley
103. AKAN Alvin H. McMillian
104. AD2 Gerald D. Mitchell
105. AN Norman H. Mitchell
106. AN Donald K. Mogensen
107. TN Charles D. Moore
108. AD1 Robert N. Moore
109. ATC Roy J. Moore
110. LTJG Robert R. Morris
111. AA Harold W. Mullen
112. AD3 John B. Murphy
113. AM3 William G. Myers
114. AN Thomas E. Neuwirth
115. AN Herbert H. Nicholas
116. AD3 Harland W. Nine Jr.
117. ATAN Eric A. Nordhausen
118. AO3 Johnathan L. O’Hara
119. ENS Jack L. O’Neel
120. AD2 John E. Pantalis
121. ADC Rene U. Paquette
122. AN William J. Patterson
123. AA Clarence D. Paul
124. CDR Paul M. Paul
125. AE3 Lawrence G. Perkins
126. ADAN Thomas W. Pramuka
127. AOC Wheeler Prather
128. AD3 Don V. Prisk
129. AD2 Louis E. Rainey
130. AD2 Bert E. Rickard
131. AD2 Albert P. Rivette
132. AM3 Alan Robinson
133. LTJG Valentine A. Schaeffer
134. PHAN Ray E. Shotwell
135. AD3 Donald R. Sichley
136. AE3 Frank Silvestri
137. BM1 Eugene T. Simmons
138. AE3 Donald E. Slusser
139. AO3 Albert N. Smith Jr.
140. AA Donald L. Smith
141. AM3 Clyde A. Snider Jr.
142. AMC Raymond F. Spurgeon
143. PN3 Norman A. Stahl
144. AN Edward E. Stauffer
145. SD3 Daniel L. Stewart
146. ENS Pat W. Stockdill
147. LT Richard H. Stolpe
148. AN Lloyd E. Tanner
149. AO3 Frederick V. Teufel
150. AD3 Alonzo N. Thayn
151. AD2 Benjamin F. Thompson
152. LT Vernon Thompson
153. AOAN Ralph E. Van Ostran
154. LTJG Dale R. Vandermolen
155. AD1 Cleo B. White Jr.
156. ENS James L. Walby
157. PR3 Glenn R. Williamson
158. YN1 James Wilson Jr.
159. SA Jimmie L. Winters
160. ADAN Grady L. Womack
161. ATAN Roger A. Wood
162. ENS Dean S. Woodman
163. LTJG Norman L. Youngblood
164. ADS John Zawacki
165. 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

1. AO3 Thomas E. Adkisson
2. PRAN Don S. Adams
3. AN William S. Allen
4. BMC William V. Allen
5. CS3 Henry A. Akin
6. SN James L. Anderson
7. AT3 Robert R. Anthony Jr.
8. AM3 James E. Arasim
9. AO3 Edward L. Ashlock
10. LCDR Frank W. Ault
11. AN William A. Baker
12. AO3 Edwin M. Balderston
13. ATAN Zimri Ball
14. LTJG Edward C. Bauer
15. AD2 Conrad W. Beckman
16. AD1 William R. Bedwell
17. AN David L. Bell
18. ALCA Dean W. Bennett
19. AM2 Lawrence W. Berg
20. AN Earl A. Bertinot
21. AD1 William S. Brandenburg
22. ENS Bertram N. Blount
23. LTJG William R. Boyce
24. AD1 Raymond E. Breton
25. ADAN Richard T. Brown
26. AMC Eli T. Burdett Jr.
27. ADC Gilbert T. Byrnes
28. AD3 James R. Carr
29. ENS Duane B. Carson
30. AE2 Ted L. Carter
31. ENS William B. Clark Jr.
32. AE3 David E. Cole
33. ADAN Anthony J. Cottone
34. AD2 Francis L. Corkran
35. AN Edwin R. Creech
36. SA Vena L. Cutrer
37. SN Karl L. Dappen
38. AN Clifford E. Davis
39. YN3 Dale D. De Moss
40. AO3 Richard G. Desmarais
41. ADS Arthur R. Dison
42. AM3 Robert L. Easterday
43. SN George R. Eaton Jr.
44. AN Ronald A. Engel
45. AT2 Jay E. Farnsworth
46. AN Robert Z. Fenn
47. ENS Harford Field Jr.
48. AOC Lemuel J. Fillmore
49. AN Richard W. Finn
50. ENS Thomas Finn
51. AD2 Laurent J. Forcier
52. HM1 Charles W. Fritz
53. PN2 Mark O. Gautier Jr.
54. AO3 Carol J. Gautreau
55. AO3 Lawrence Giacobozzi Jr.
56. AKAN Henry F. Gibbs
57. AO3 Huey L. Gibson
58. AN James E. Gilbert
59. AN Gordon R. Gilhuber
60. DK2 Bud J. Gill
61. AKAN Lawrence T. Gill
62. ATAN Herbert L. Gilsdorf
63. ATAN Karl M. Green
64. AN Melvin Griffith
65. ADAN James T. Halbert
66. YN3 Fowler H. Hall
67. ENS Michael J. Haller
68. SN Eulis Harris
69. TN Thomas Harris
70. LT Gustave R. Hartwig
71. AN Anthony M. Hawkins
72. SD3 Willie Hayes
73. AN Bennie R. Henderson
74. SA Arturo Hernandez
75. AM2 Charles E. Hernandez
76. AN Orville E. Hill
77. ADC Wilmer C. Hitesman
78. ADAN Carl L. Holt
79. AOAN Lloyd L. Hotchkiss Jr.
80. AO2 Robert E. Hunter
81. PR1 David T. Hutchinson
82. AE1 Roger C. Huttner
83. AT2 Billy Hyde
84. ATC Clarence B. Ince
85. AD1 Dale L. Jeanguenat
86. AD3 James M. Johnson
87. AN Harley L. Jones Jr.
88. AD1 W. R. Jones
89. LTJG James T. Kearns
90. AN Gerald L. Key
91. ATAN Dale G. Kimmel
92. ENS Robert H. Krane
93. ENS Ronald S. Kuchac
94. AM3 Isham H. Land
95. ENS Thomas J. Lawton
96. AD3 John H. Leonhard
97. ADC William F. Lezon
98. LTJG Donald Lister
99. AT1 George A. Lloyd
100. AT2 Richard M. Long
101. AO3 Alvin B. MacPherson
102. AM1 Bedford B. Marshall
103. ADAN Freddie G. Marshall
104. AECA Robert C. Martens
105. PH3 Richard C. McConnell
106. ADAN Francis J. McManus Jr.
107. AD3 William R. Messecar
108. LTJG William L. Millar
109. AE3 Stanley Mojack
110. AD1 Oren E. Morgan Jr.
111. LTJG Peter M. Moriarty
112. AO3 Loren D. Muller
113. AM2 Richard A. Nesbitt
114. ADC Lawrence O. Nettles
115. AE3 Arlo R. Nord
116. AN Daniel W. Norsworthy
117. PN2 Robert L. Opalek
118. AO1 Eugene L. Ough
119. LT John D. Page
120. BM1 Billy B. Pease
121. AN Fred H. Peck
122. AN William H. Perryman
123. LTJG Millard E. Phillips
124. AO3 Donald D. Postlethwaite
125. LTJG John J. Puttkammer
126. LTJG Richard R. Rak
127. SH1 Harold Redman
128. AN Richard J. Reed
129. SD2 John Roberts Jr.
130. AG3 Jack J. Romine
131. ENS Ivar A. Rosendale
132. AOC Curtis W. Routzong Jr.
133. AD3 Wendall L. Roy
134. AMAN Norman W. Runge
135. ADAN Gordon T. Ryan
136. ENS William B. Schardt
137. AM3 Charles M. Schwab
138. TN Mack Scott Jr.
139. TA Charles E. Sharpley ⚠️
140. ENS Rolland K. Shea
141. ADAN William D. Sheaffer
142. AE3 Larry D. Siemers
143. AN Herman R. Smith
144. SN David F. Stanley
145. SN Robert A. Stephens
146. AO1 Melvin G. Stewart
147. AM2 James E. Strahl
148. AOAN Don L. Strickland
149. AT2 Thomas C. Sturtevant
150. AOC Marion V. Sumrall
151. AN Edwin M. Sutheimer
152. AN Aulbrey N. Swann
153. ENS Eugene J. Thomas
154. AD3 James C. Thomas
155. LCDR Robert J. Thompson
156. AN Cecil R. Tiller
157. AD3 Louis Uribe
158. AMAN Glenn R. Vaughn
159. AE1 Robert M. Wagner
160. DK1 James E. Walsh
161. AN Bobby C. Watt
162. ATAN Howard J. Weber Jr.
163. AN Alonzo A. Welch Jr.
164. AN Carl Whitaker Jr.
165. ADAN John R. Wilcox
166. ENS William R. Wilson Jr.
167. AD3 Donald L. Wilson
168. AR Charles R. York
169. 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

1. AOAN James W. Actkinson
2. AM2 William S. Ander A. ⚠️
3. AM3 Thomas J. Baker
4. LTJG Theodore G. Baldwin
5. CSSN James H. Bankston
6. ATAN Victor E. Bates
7. AN Harold R. Brackett
8. AMAN George F. Breen
9. ATAN Henry A. Brendel
10. LT Robert E. Brownlee
11. AOAN Walter E. Burlock
12. CSSN Lawrence D. Buttelwerth
13. LT Leonard D. Byler
14. AKAN Manuel D. Carrera
15. AO1 James M. Chisholm
16. AE1 Richard A. Christianson
17. AD3 Paul J. Clarkson
18. SN John G. Cook
19. ALC Morris E. Coon
20. AD2 Philip A. Cooper
21. AO1 Richard M. Cortese
22. AMAN Lindon W. Cox
23. AE2 Stanton H. Crocker
24. AOAN James H. Crum
25. AM3 Louis Cueto ⚠️
26. AD3 Donald E. Dooley
27. LT William Au. Doubt ⚠️
28. ENS Milton K. Draper
29. AMS Russell V. Dye
30. AO3 Buddy J. Ellis
31. AT2 Roy F. Fakler
32. AN Lloyd V. Farris
33. AMC Clarence R. Ferguson
34. AT2 Robert T. Fowler
35. ENS James E. Friesner
36. YNSN Ronald L. Gager
37. AM3 Felix T. Grech
38. AM3 Philip A. Guzman
39. AEC Paul A. Hair
40. AN John L. Hanson
41. ADAN Wayne L. Hanson
42. LCDR Payton O. Harwell
43. AD3 Richard D. Henderson
44. ADC Byrl T. Hewitt
45. AE3 Robert E. Hill
46. AT3 Allen W. Hingle
47. AM3 Ralph G. Huber
48. LTJG Bruce A. Iversen
49. CAPT William C. Jackson, USAF
50. AK3 James M. Jefferies
51. ADAN Harold D. Jeremiah
52. AD3 Keith D. Johnson
53. TN Paul S. Johnson
54. AT2 John B. Kapelowitz
55. ADAN Jack W. Keisner
56. AT3 Hubert A. Larson
57. AD1 Charles E. Leonard
58. AOAN Carl F. Lewallen
59. TN Charles W. Lewis
60. LCDR Paul R. Lewis
61. AD2 Harold A. Link
62. ENS Richard E. Lucey
63. AMAN Pablo P. Luevano
64. AD2 Richard L. Malkiewicz
65. AE3 Claude G. Manis
66. AOAN Clifford L. May
67. TN Willie McKinney ⚠️
68. AD3 Llewellyn E. Meyer
69. AEAN Richard A. Minor
70. LT Joseph M. Mitchell
71. LCDR William J. Moran
72. ADC Harry H. Muth
73. AN Darrell M. Murry
74. AD2 Walter J. Myers
75. AD1 Olin E. Nail
76. AN John F. Nash
77. AE3 Clarence E. Nelson
78. AN Charles R. Oliver
79. AD3 Robert R. Olsen
80. ADAN Donald E. Olson
81. AK1 Donald L. Ostergard
82. AMC Peter J. Patrick
83. AD3 John J. Paul
84. AKAN Clarence L. Paulsen
85. ADAN James W. Payne
86. AD1 Kenneth W. Payne
87. AM2 Vernon E. Pierce
88. LT Ralph E. Post
89. ADAN Stanley J. Poplawski
90. AM1 Joseph C. Presgraves
91. AE3 Henry V. Preslicka
92. AD2 Charles W. Reed
93. AD1 William F. Reid
94. AO3 Walter A. Rice
95. AT1 Albert D. Richards
96. ADC Frank H. Richardson
97. SN James P. Richardson ⚠️
98. AT3 Dwight C. Robison
99. ADC Louis L. Rose
100. AM2 Dale O. Sanders
101. ATAAN Richard R. Saras ⚠️
102. BM2 Arnold K. Sartin
103. LT Harry C. Scarborough
104. LT Cedric W. Sheppard
105. AD1 Stephan Shinkevich ⚠️
106. ENS John C. Sides
107. AOAN Robert C. Smith
108. SHSN Kenneth P. Spencer
109. AT3 Ertle H. Spurlock
110. PR1 Harold E. Staats
111. AN Ronald Stacey ⚠️
112. AD3 Harold A. Summer
113. AN Richard F. Tellez
114. AOS Carl L. Thoming ⚠️
115. ENS Glyn T. Thoreston
116. HM3 John R. Toulson
117. PNSN Richard L. Triplett
118. AO3 Louis A. Vetrano
119. AD3 James A. Wallace
120. AO3 John S. Walsh
121. AE2 Edward G. Ward
122. AK3 Donald J. Weage ⚠️
123. AMS Donald A. Weber
124. AEAN Cloyd D. Wells
125. AOC William J. Wheat
126. AO1 Carl C. White
127. ADC Morgan M. White
128. AMAN Daryl L. Whitney
129. AD3 Richard H. Weibusch
130. AN Glenn E. Williams
131. AD3 Morris L. Williams
132. AE3 Tommy G. Williams
133. YN3 Gordon B. Winchell
134. PH2 Darrell E. Wood
135. AE3 Charles G. Woodward
136. ADAN Garland E. Woodward
137. 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

1. AD3 Oakley H. Andrews
2. AN Oscar K. Anthony
3. AD3 Fote E. Backy
4. LT Wallace B. Bagwell
5. AEC Donald B. Baschky
6. SN Edward W. Bonney II
7. HM3 Lester E. Boston
8. LT Rudolph Branum (n)
9. AD3 Caughey F. Brewton
10. AE2 Arthur W. Brome
11. AT3 Albert D. Brown
12. AN Frederick W. Brown Jr.
13. AM2 Clifford K. Bunch
14. AM3 Vincent C. Canepa
15. CS3 Anthony P. Caputo
16. AT3 Robert P. Carlton
17. ENS Frederick P. Causey
18. LTJG William J. Childs
19. LT Robert Clark (n)
20. SN Shields H. Clark
21. ENS Bobby W. Click
22. LTJG Milton J. Chewnting
23. PR2 Eugene T. Collins
24. ADAN David H. Connor
25. AN Alroy M. Cox Jr.
26. AMAN William B. Crist
27. AN Robert E. Curran
28. AM1 William R. Doidge
29. AO2 Jack G. Dail
30. ATC Herman Dramen (n)
31. AOAN Edward L. Driver
32. AMAN Gay J. Duta Jr.
33. LT Charles J. Eckman
34. AT1 Don N. Elliott
35. AK2 William A. Ellis
36. LTJG Marshall E. Ewing
37. BM1 Lawrence E. Fickett
38. ENS Thomas B. Fitzgerald
39. ADC Carl Gerger (n)
40. AD1 John A. Goempler
41. ADAN Donald K. Goetschius
42. LTJG Forrest D. Goetschius
43. AD3 George B. Gordon
44. AD2 Joseph A. Gordon
45. OAN Harry L. Grady Jr.
46. AO2 Rufus H. Greenia
47. AE3 Wendell L. Grout
48. TN Andrew Guiang (n)
49. ENS Freeman O. Hansen II
50. LT Walter E. Hallen
51. AD1 Elba R. Hayes
52. [Unclear rating: “He Urd, Donald i… IES” — probable OCR error, may need roster check]
53. AN Johnny W. Hersey
54. AN Richard O. Hickman
55. SD3 Earl Hightower (n)
56. AOAN Frank “J” Hildreth
57. LCDR Robert T. Hoppe
58. LTJG Stephen J. Hoye
59. AN Jackson I. Hurst Jr.
60. [No rank given] Clifford L. Jones Jr.
61. TN Chester Jordan (n)
62. AD3 William G. Kerher
63. ADC Sherman M. Kirby
64. ADAN Bruce D. Lance
65. LTJG Thomas B. Leary
66. AN Thomas T. Looney
67. AE3 Howard H. MacFarlane
68. PR3 Kenneth E. Mann
69. AMAN Herman E. Manuel
70. AE3 John H. McKinney
71. AN Eugene E. McKown
72. ADEC Robert L. McLendon
73. LCDR John E. McQuary
74. SH2 Waldo C. Medcalf
75. AMAN Angelo R. Mirabella
76. AD3 Robert J. Michels
77. ADC Haney E. Moody Jr.
78. SN Oscar Morales (n)
79. PH3 Donald O. Morgan
80. AN William R. Mueller
81. ENS Richard A. Murphy
82. AD3 Donald V. Nash
83. LTJG Anthony Nesky (n) Jr.
84. AM3 Lawrence W. Newton
85. AM2 Theodore J. Nix
86. AD2 Withers J. Nowlan
87. PNSN Charles F. Olmstead
88. AO1 Alfred J. Papa
89. LCDR Irving L. Patterson
90. LCDR Gerald E. Peddicord
91. AN Robert T. Pieroni
92. CDR Lucien C. Powell Jr.
93. SN Herbert C. Reese
94. AN Michael J. Reiter
95. AM1 William M. Reynolds
96. AO3 John D. Rhodes
97. AO3 Richard L. Roenker
98. AO3 George W. Sabo
99. AD3 Warren C. Sanders
100. AEAN Duane A. Scheepsma
101. AM3 John W. Schlote
102. AT3 Allen A. Schmidt
103. AN Ernest L. Shetler Jr.
104. LT James L. Shipman
105. AOC Walter P. Smolovic
106. AMC Walter E. Snyder
107. AM2 Pierce B. Stockman
108. ADAN Richard D. Thomas
109. AD1 Edward S. Thoma
110. AD3 James C. Waddell
111. YNSN Cecil O. Walker
112. YN2 Oscar R. Walker Jr.
113. AN Charles E. Waters
114. AK3 William J. Webber
115. AN Larry A. Wheller
116. AE1 Forrest D. Williams
117. AO3 Glade L. Wistisen
118. LTJG Edward H. Wood
119. LTJG Harry W. Wright
120. 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

1. AO2 John P. Allen
2. SD2 Thomas (n) Allen
3. AN Merle D. Blehm
4. AN Bobby C. Bradshaw
5. AN Harold L. Browning
6. AN Robert “A” Burge
7. ADC Cari D. Clymer
8. AD1 Robert F. Connelly
9. AE3 James C. Davies
10. AD2 William E. Decker
11. ATAN James M. Driml
12. AD3 Melvin J. Elkins
13. AN Thomas R. Ferguson
14. AN Edward F. Fountain Jr.
15. AOU3 Donald L. Frazier
16. ADAN James L. Green
17. AE3 Frederick (n) Gross Jr.
18. AN Gordon D. Hartman
19. AD1 Richard P. Hitchcock Jr.
20. AN Colbert H. Hogan
21. AN Brady D. Jackson
22. AOAN Ira D. Johnson
23. LT Norman E. Larsen
24. AD3 Bernard G. Lee
25. AM2 Ronald W. Leff
26. ATC Thomas R. Legett Jr.
27. ADAN Leroy (n) Lester
28. AN Bryant L. Mason Jr.
29. AN Emery E. Neff Jr.
30. LCDR Albert N. Nelson
31. AN Billy R. Pierce
32. AN James C. Pritchett
33. ATAN Kenneth E. Reeb
34. ALI John K. Rezek
35. LTJG Donald K. Robbins
36. AD3 Lewis J. Robles
37. LT Wallace L. Russell
38. AT3 Phillip J. Scalzo
39. SA David R. Scott
40. LTJG John D. Shaw
41. AN Glenn R. Slack
42. AD3 Billy R. Slaughter
43. ADAN Waller L. Smith
44. AOAN French A. Tickner
45. AM1 Lloyd L. Whaley
46. AN James B. Whorton
47. 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

1. AT2 Joseph S. Allbright
2. AT3 Joseph W. Aubin
3. LCDR John N. Bryant
4. LTJG Sterling F. Chappell III
5. AD3 Bernard C. Charles
6. AD3 Melburn L. Chastain
7. AM2 Normal L. Driml
8. AN Robert L. Dye
9. ADC John W. Fuller
10. ADAN Jerold D. Hickey
11. ADAN Marshall W. Huddleston
12. LT Nicoles E. Joyner Jr.
13. AN John L. Kibler
14. LT Roch A. Le Jeune
15. AN Ambrose Marbory (n)
16. AN James W. Mathews
17. AT3 Russell J. Mullikin
18. AE3 Ronald H. Nelson
19. ATAN Arthur B. O’Leary
20. AD3 Thomas E. Phillips
21. LCDR Joseph (n) Pierce
22. AT1 Kenneth M. Prideaux
23. ADAN Glenn L. Robinson
24. AT2 Louis D. Seybold
25. AD3 James M. Smith
26. ADAN Francis C. Stanley
27. TA Charles H. Stewart
28. AD2 Galen F. Swann
29. YN3 Gary E. Turpin
30. AM2 Jack D. Via
31. AN Marvin M. Whitworth
32. 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

1. SN Jerry D. Barbee
2. AOAN Joe L. Barter
3. AD3 August (n) Bordonaro
4. AN Jerry H. Boyd
5. AO3 Robert C. Brown
6. AD3 Curtis K. Buck
7. AD2 Carl L. Bullington
8. AT3 Ramon A. Bybee
9. AM1 Wayne H. Castle
10. AMAN Coy D. Christy
11. AD3 Thomas P. Crunk
12. AMS Robert IV. Dean
13. AN Robert R. Eckhardt
14. AE3 Donald L. Freeman
15. AKAN William A. Gentry
16. AL3 Glen (n) Hall
17. ADAN Bobby (n) Hubbard
18. TN Vernis L. James
19. AT3 Donald N. Jessen
20. AOAN Dale H. Johnson
21. ALC Ralph “B” Johnson
22. AD1 William A. Karr
23. AEAN David R. Knox
24. ADAN Don A. Madden
25. LT Edwin L. March
26. AN Ronald M. Martin
27. AT3 Teruo D. Matsunami
28. AT3 John D. Mayfield
29. AMAN James L. Minchew
30. AOAN Jack H. Mulvey
31. AN Frank O. Murray
32. AE3 Robert K. Patchen
33. AT1 Alexander B. Pease
34. AN Ronald D. Rhoads
35. LT William H. Robinson
36. ADAN Yester L. Rouse
37. ADC Richard D. Rushton
38. AE3 Walter B. Sanders
39. AD3 Irving D. Smith
40. PRAN Paul (n) Standring
41. AMAN Shirley T. Stephens
42. LCDR Harvey W. Sturdevant
43. AM3 Elliott B. Turner
44. AOC Duncan (n) Wells
45. 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

1. APPLE, John D., AD2
2. BELTRAN, Rudolfo G., AN
3. BROCK, Freeman L. Jr., PH3
4. CACCIATORE, Angelo, (n), AK3
5. CAPPS, Clarence J. Jr., SA
6. CAREY, James A., AN
7. DAVIS, Milton (n), SD3
8. GALE, Anthony L., AT3
9. HALEY, George M., ADC
10. HALL, Don L., AN
11. HAVRON, Billy L., LT
12. HOTCHKISS, Laurence G., AE1
13. JOHNSON, Gerald M., LT
14. MILLER, George O., AM3
15. NORRIS, Kenneth M., AD1
16. PETERSON, Melvin A., AMAN
17. ROMANO, John A., LT
18. ROMERO, Isaias E., AA
19. SALTER, William L., Jr., AEAN
20. SHIERS, Richard G., LT
21. STUDDARD, James B., Jr., AN
22. WEEREN, Hans H. H., ADAN
23. WELLBORN, Frank G., AD3
24. WILSON, Kenneth E., AN
25. 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

1. James J. Cooper
2. Joseph F. Huston
3. Calvin R. Larson
4. William R. Maleckar
5. Frank McNair
6. Ralph C. Taylor
7. William A. Witte
8. David Powers
9. Elwood F. Kirkman
10. M. K. Berry
11. R. Clay Underwood
12. John Branson Wright
13. Edward W. Schoenhof
14. Thomas B. Potter
15. 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