CV-10 was initially named Bon Homme Richard after Captain John Paul Jones's Bonhomme Richard (note different spelling), in turn named to honor Benjamin Franklin. Renamed, 26 September 1942, in tribute to USS Yorktown (CV-5), lost three months earlier at the Battle of Midway. The name Bon Homme Richard was subsequently assigned to CV-31.

The Siege of Yorktown or Battle of Yorktown (28 September–19 October 1781) was a decisive victory by a combined assault of French forces led by General Comte de Rochambeau and American forces led by General George Washington, over a British Army commanded by General Lord Cornwallis. It proved to be the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War, as the surrender of Cornwallis's army (NS020538) prompted the British government to eventually negotiate an end to the conflict.

Yorktown is a town in Virginia (NS020538a).

Three previous US warships had borne the name:

1. A sloop.
2. A gunboat.
3. An aircraft carrier, CV-5, lost at the Battle of Midway.

Map NS020538a courtesy of Google Maps.

NS020538: Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, by John Trumbull (oil on canvas, 1820).

Bon Homme Richard (CV-10), later renamed Yorktown, at the time her keel was laid down at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, 1 December 1941. View is looking aft.

Considerable progress on the construction of Bon Homme Richard (CV-10), later renamed Yorktown, is shown on 2 February 1942. View is looking aft.

Construction of Bon Homme Richard (CV-10), later renamed Yorktown. Erection of framing, looking forward, 2 February 1942.

Construction of Bon Homme Richard (CV-10), later renamed Yorktown. Erection of framing, torpedo bulkheads and shell plating, looking aft (NS021097) and forward (NS021097a), 4 March 1942.

The future USS Yorktown (CV-10) was launched at Newport News Shipbuilding, Virginia, on Thursday, 21 January 1943. After an illustrious career, she now serves as a museum ship at Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

NS0210ah: U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-33865.

NS0210aha: U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-33869.

"New Yorktown Launched — The new Aircraft Carrier Yorktown, already equipped with many of the mechanisms usually added later at a fitting basin, was in such a hurry to get down the ways and into action that she jumped the gun at her recent launching."

"However, the occasion went through without a mishap — due, in part, to Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt's swiftly stepping up and smacking the bow with the wine bottle. She had christened the first Yorktown seven years ago."

NS021021: From Our Navy magazine, 1 March 1943 issue.

NS021021a: USN photo. RADM Elliot Buckmaster, last skipper of the previous Yorktown (CV-5), is standing just behind Mrs. Roosevelt.

NS021021b: Moments after the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, christened Yorktown, the ship glided into the waters of the James River.

The future USS Yorktown (CV-10) on 15 April 1943. She was built at Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Company and is seen here steaming to Norfolk Navy Yard, to be commissioned later in the day.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.253.051.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) pictured underway shortly after her commissioning, 1943. Note the absence of any deck number.

Aircraft of Air Group Five embarked in USS Yorktown (CV-10) for her spring shakedown cruise off Trinidad, BWI. Operating as a catchall group, CVG-5 consisted of VF-1 (F6F-3 Hellcat), VB-4 and VB-6 (SB2C-1 Helldiver), and VT-5 (TBF-1 Avenger). Shown here are Grumman F6F-3 Hellcats being loaded aboard Yorktown at Norfolk Naval Base, circa May 1943. USN, courtesy Russ Egnor.

Photo and text from "Carrier Air War in Original WWII Color," by Robert Lawson and Barrett Tillman.

Gun mounts, gun tubs and directors almost totally obscure USS Yorktown's (CV-10) stack. Note the two sailors at the top of the stack—they give a good idea of the height of the island structure.

Aerial views of USS Yorktown (CV-10) at sea, 1943, as completed. Exact date and location unknown.

Note hull number painted "upside down" on the forward end of the flight deck.

NS021087: National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 2003.143.005.

NS021087a: National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 2003.143.007.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) operating at sea, circa mid-1943, with a TBF Avenger flying over her bow. This photo may have been taken during carrier trials for the SB2C Helldiver. Most of the planes on her flight deck are of that type. Photographed by Lieutenant Commander Charles Kerlee, USNR.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) underway circa mid-1943, possibly during her shakedown cruise in the late spring. Planes on deck include F6F Hellcat fighters and SB2C Helldiver scout-bombers. Note this carrier's unique longitudinal black flight deck stripe.

A Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat of Fighter Squadron (VF) 1, Carrier Air Group 5, is positioned for launch, May 1943, during USS Yorktown's (CV-10) shakedown cruise. The Hellcat is painted in the non-specular blue-gray over light-gray scheme. VF-1 (established on 15 February 1943, the second USN squadron with that designation) was redesignated VF-5 on 15 July 1943. USN photo by LT Charles Kerlee.

An undated picture of an SB2C-1 Helldiver after its tailwheel collapsed on landing aboard USS Yorktown (CV-10), location unknown. USN/LT Charles Kerlee, courtesy Russ Egnor.

Photo and text from "Carrier Air War in Original WWII Color," by Robert Lawson and Barrett Tillman.

Curtiss SB2C-1 Helldiver bombers of Bombing Squadron (VB) 5 pictured on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10). VB-5 went aboard Yorktown during May–June 1943 to participate in the ship's shakedown cruise. The results were disastrous, for the squadron's SB2C Helldivers suffered numerous mechanical difficulties, not the least of which was the propensity of the aircraft's tailhooks to pull out of their wells during recovery aboard the ship. Yorktown's skipper, CAPT Joseph C. "Jocko" Clark, became so irate that he had them replaced with Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless dive-bombers, which VB-5 eventually took into combat.

Photo courtesy of davewarbirds.com.

"USS Yorktown (CV-10) receives a fresh coat of red paint on her underwater hull, at the Norfolk Navy Yard, circa June 1943. Note sailors on scaffolding chipping paint from her underwater hull."

Undated, small image. Not much detail.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) passes through the Panama Canal en route to the Pacific, 11 July 1943. Note gun emplacement on the left.

U.S. Navy photo, now in the collection of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-K-8110.

"On Station," artwork by Tom Freeman. USS Yorktown (CV-10) en route to Marcus Island, late August 1943.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) as outfitted 22 August 1943.

Overhead plan and starboard profile meticulously drawn by John Robert Barrett.

F6F Hellcats line the deck of USS Yorktown (CV-10) prior to launching for the raid against Marcus Island, 30 August 1943. The raid marked the combat debut for the F6F Hellcat.

Scanned from Daybreak for Our Carrier, by LT Max Miller, USNR, published by Whittlesey House, New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 1944.

View of a worn three-tone scheme F6F-3 Hellcat taken aboard USS Yorktown (CV-10) in late 1943. The small "00" under the horizontal tail indicates a CAG's aircraft.

The flight deck crew of USS Yorktown (CV-10) secure Douglas SBD Dauntlesses that have just returned from a strike against Japanese-held islands, October 1943. Photo from Steichen At War: The Navy's Pacific Air Battles, by Christopher Phillips.

F6F-3 Hellcats of Fighting Squadron (VF) 5 are spotted for immediate take off from USS Yorktown (CV-10), October 1943.

Official U.S. Navy photo by LCDR Charles Kerlee, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration, # 80-G-474450.

A Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless dive-bomber of Bombing Squadron (VB) 5 from USS Yorktown (CV-10) over Wake Island, 5 or 6 October 1943. Photographed by LT Charles Kerlee of the Naval Aviation Photographic Unit commanded by LCDR Edward Steichen. General Photographic File of the Department of Navy.

Ordnancemen working on bombs amid F6F-3 Hellcat fighters parked on the Yorktown's hangar deck, circa October–December 1943. Other crewmen are watching a movie in the background. Bombs appear to include two 1000-pounders and one 500-pounder. Photographed by Lieutenant Charles Kerlee, USNR.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (# 80-G-419959).

Gilberts Operation, November 1943 — A Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat fighter makes condensation rings as it awaits the take-off flag aboard USS Yorktown (CV-10), 20 November 1943. The plane is from Fighting Squadron Five (VF-5). Yorktown was then hitting targets in the Marshall Islands to cover the landings in the Gilberts.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-204747-A).

"Flaming Kate" is a famous WW II photo taken from aft end of USS Yorktown (CV-10). Life magazine featured this picture in full page color. "Jap torpedo bomber [Nakajima B5N Kate] explodes in air after direct hit by 5 inch shell from U.S. aircraft carrier as it attempted an unsuccessful attack on carrier, off Kwajalein." Photographer's Mate Chief Petty Officer Alfred N. Cooperman, 4 December 1943. U.S. National Archives photo # 80-G-415001.

Japanese Kates attacking USS Yorktown (CV-10), part of the Task Force raiding the Marshall Islands, as seen from USS Lexington (CV-16). Photograph released 4 December 1943.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-205453.

Aerial of Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii. Shown: Ship dispersal and docking areas. Photograph released 12 December 1943.

The battleship at the navy yard pier is the New Mexico (BB-40) because of the mainmast configuration. Both of her sisters had their primary air search radar sets on the mainmast at the time. The three battleships nested by Ford Island are the Tennessee (BB-43), outboard; Colorado (BB-45) in the middle; and Pennsylvania (BB-38) inboard, on the Ford Island side.

Note the two Essex-class carriers off Ford Island: Essex (CV-9)—left—and Yorktown (CV-10)—right. USS Cowpens (CVL-25) is seen between and beyond Essex and Yorktown. USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) and USS Cabot (CVL-28) can also be seen to the left and beyond Essex (see also photo NS0209bia). (Special thanks to Max Stola, who checked the War Diaries to identify all carriers.)

View from a different angle, as above.

USS Enterprise (CV-6) is the carrier moored slightly to the left and down from the center of the photo. USS Lexington (CV-16) is in dry dock #4, to the left and up from the center of the photo. (Special thanks to Max Stola, who checked the War Diaries to identify all carriers.)

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-221096.

View from a different angle, as above.

The two moored carriers, slightly to the left and down from the center of the photo, are USS Cabot (CVL-28)—closer to camera—and USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24). (Special thanks to Max Stola, who checked the War Diaries to identify all carriers.)

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-221097.

LCDR Richard Upson was the Commanding Officer of Torpedo Squadron VT-5 from 15 February 1943, when it was reestablished at NAS Norfolk, VA, until 30 April 1944, when he failed to return from a SAR mission to locate a downed pilot. The squadron flew Avengers through the early offensive campaign in the Pacific from the deck of USS Yorktown (CV-10).

Photo courtesy of the National Museum of Naval Aviation.

Overhead view of USS Yorktown (CV-10) loading vehicles and supplies at Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda, California, 14 September 1943.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.243.041.

Island of USS Yorktown (CV-10), looking aft, in early 1944. A Mk.4 fire control radar is atop the forward 5" director; the port yardarm carries a TBS radio antenna (left) and an IFF antenna (right). There are two large, mattress air-search radar antennas, an SC-2 (left) and an SK (just to the right). There are also two SG surface-search radars, with a radio-homing beacon mounted above the SG at the top of the foremast.

Compare this view to that of September 1944, below.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) underway, possibly in the first half of 1944.

USS Yorktown (CV-10), 5 June 1944, probably at Majuro Atoll, wearing camouflage Ms. 33/10A. The vertical colors are navy blue, ocean gray and light gray.

NS021080: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-376105.

NS021080a: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-376106.

NS021080b: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-376107.

Underway during the Marianas operation, June 1944. The ship is painted in camouflage Measure 33, Design 10a. Photograph was received by the Naval Photographic Science Labratory on 17 July 1944.

A U.S. Navy Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat (BuNo 41090) of Fighter Squadron (VF) 1 from Carrier Air Group (CVG) 1, serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10) in June–July 1944. During this period Yorktown took part in the capture of Saipan, 1st Bonin raid, Battle of the Philippine Sea, 2nd and 3rd Bonin raids, capture of Guam, and raids on Palau, Yap, and Ulithi.

SB2C-1 Helldiver bombers return to the carrier after a raid in early July 1944. Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class O.L. Smith, USNR.

Note: The original caption for this photograph, released by Commander in Chief, Pacific, gives the date as 6 July 1944 and identifies the target as Chichi Jima, Bonin Islands, which was actually attacked on 4 June. Edward Steichen's "U.S. Navy War Photographs" identifies the target as Guam.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-241043).

Two U.S. Navy Curtiss SB2C-1C Helldiver dive bombers of Bombing Squadron (VB) 1 in the landing circle of USS Yorktown (CV-10) in July 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-376123.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) underway, date and location unknown. This photo made the cover of the U.S. Army-Navy "Recognition Journal," August 1944 issue.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-414666) by by Lieutenant Commander Charles Kerlee, USNR.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) running trials, 30 September 1944, after a refit at the Puget Sound Navy Yard. The pictures show the carrier camouflaged in Measure 33/10A, and details of the flight deck and the numerous gun mounts along its edge. Note that the two aft radio masts have been replaced by whip aerials. USN photos.

Yorktown's island in September 1944, after an extensive overhaul at Bremerton, Washington. (See NS021050a for details.)

Compare this view to that taken earlier that year, above.

Photo NS021050, with radar antennas annotated. The big SK air-search radar was moved aft to make room for an SM fighter-control set on the foremast. Mk-12/22 radars replaced the older Mk-4 fire-control set atop the Mk-37, 5" director. Radar beacons (CPN-6 and YJ) were added as well.

USS Yorktown (CV-10), bow view, port side, 6 October 1944. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo # 3270-44.

USS Yorktown (CV-10), stern view, starboard side, 6 October 1944. Puget Sound Navy Yard photo # 3266-44.

USS Yorktown (CV-10), seen from USS Wasp (CV-18), anchored in Berth 21 in Ulithi Atoll, West Carolina Islands, 5 December 1944. She is wearing a worn camouflage 33/10A. USS Hornet (CV-12) wearing 33/3A and then USS Hancock (CV-19) wearing 32/3A are in the background.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-290634.

Undated (probably late 1944–early 1945) starboard quarter view of USS Yorktown (CV-10) as an accompanying destroyer approaches for refueling. Booms have been rigged which will support the refueling hoses.

Source: Australian War Memorial, photo No. 302776.

Larger, but cropped, copy of the photo above. This photo was received as pertaining to USS Wasp (CV-18) but the rigging and aircraft tail markings identify Yorktown (thanks to John Chiquoine and Dave Schroeder for pointing it out). Note how heavily weathered her paint is.

Undated (probably late 1944–early 1945) aerial view of USS Yorktown (CV-10) conducting flight operations. A Curtiss SB2C Helldiver has just landed and is taxiing forward. Another Helldiver is visible, airborne, forward of the bridge, and appears to have been waved off and will go around for another chance.

Source: Australian War Memorial, photo No. 302777.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) underway, circa the first half of 1945.

USS Yorktown (CV-10). After Action Reports, January 1945.

USS Yorktown (CV-10). After Action Reports, February 1945.

Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver bombers from Bombing Squadron (VB) 3, Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10), fly over the invasion fleet, while en route to bomb targets on Iwo Jima, 22 February 1945. Note bombs under the planes' wings and Yorktown's geometric air group identification symbol on the SB2Cs.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-304753.

USS Cimarron (AO-22) steams a steady course as USS Yorktown (CV-10) comes alongside, to refuel and resupply the carrier while underway in the Pacific Ocean, 4 March 1945.

US National Archives photo.

USS Cimarron (AO-22) steams alongside USS Yorktown (CV-10) to refuel and resupply the carrier while underway in the Pacific Ocean, 4 March 1945.

US National Archives photos.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) approaching USS Wasp (CV-18), as they and other unidentified ships are operating off Kyushu, Japan on 18 March 1945.

(Maybe taken on the same occasion as the photo above?)

National Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.243.023.

Ten-Go Operation, 7 April 1945. Japanese battleship Yamato listing to port and down at the bow, during attacks by U.S. Navy carrier planes north of Okinawa. One of her escorting destroyers is at left. The original photo caption reads: "Japanese battleship Yamato lists to port (at right) just prior to VT-9 (USS Yorktown) torpedo attack. She is making 10 to 15 knots. A Japanese destroyer cruises ahead. Photographed from a USS Yorktown (CV-10) plane." Collection of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC) photo, # NH 62585.

Captain Walter F. Boone (at microphone) assumes command of USS Yorktown (CV-10) as her final war time commander at 1405 on 23 April 1945, as her former captain Thomas S. Combs and Admiral Arthur W. Radford look on. Score cards in the background are for Air Groups Five, Three, and Nine; three of the four Air Groups Yorktown embarked during hostilities.

U.S. Navy photo now in the custody of the US National Archives and Records Administration in College Park, Maryland (# 80-G-320145).

Fighter squadrons took their toll of would-be kamikazes at Okinawa. One of the better-known fighter squadrons was VF-9 "Hellcats." One of VF-9's divisions was led by LT Eugene Valencia. The division, flying their Hellcats, became known as the "Flying Circus," the most successful combat team in Navy history. Here they pose for a publicity photograph (circa May 1945) after their score of Japanese planes totaled fifty. From left to right are LT(JG)s Harris Mitchell (10 kills), Clinton Smith (16 kills), and James French (11 kills), and LT Eugene Valencia (23 kills).

Quartermaster 3rd Class W.E. Dillard at the helm of USS Yorktown (CV-10) as Ensign Joseph Connelly monitors meters mounted to the overhead of the pilot house on Sunday, 6 May 1945, as the carrier's air group supports the invasion of Okinawa.

US Navy photo now in the custody of the US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in College Park, Maryland (# 80‑G‑320133).

A U.S. Navy Curtiss SB2C-4E Helldiver of Bombing Squadron (VB) 88 in flight somewhere in the Western Pacific, circa August 1945. VB-88 was assigned to USS Yorktown (CV-10) during the period July–September 1945. Note the "RR" tailcode which had replaced the geometric symbols in July 1945. An Essex-class carrier of Task Force 38 is visible below.

U.S. Navy photo from U.S. Navy National Naval Aviation Museum, photo No. 1996.253.397.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 20 March 1952, new splinter shields and director foundation on stern sponson (photo # NY8-6126).

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 17 November 1952, general island view from starboard quarter (photo # NY8-7430).

Eight views of USS Yorktown (CVA-10) the day she was recommissioned after SCB-27A modernization, 20 February 1953.

NS021073: [Starboard] broadside view. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard photo (NY8 7897). NARA Local Identifier "19-NN-CVA 10 Yorktown-142324".

NS021073a: Head-on view. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard photo (NY8 7900). NARA Local Identifier "19-NN-CVA 10 Yorktown-142327".

NS021073b: View from directly astern. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard photo (NY8 7901). NARA Local Identifier "19-NN-CVA 10 Yorktown-142328".

NS021073c: [Port] broadside view. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard photo (NY8 7902). NARA Local Identifier "19-NN-CVA 10 Yorktown-142329".

NS021073d: Bow view about 45° off centerline. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard photo (NY8 7903). NARA Local Identifier "19-NN-CVA 10 Yorktown-142330".

NS021073e: Stern view about 135° off centerline. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard photo (NY8 7904). NARA Local Identifier "19-NN-CVA 10 Yorktown-142331".

NS021073f: Head-on view. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard photo (NY8 7905). NARA Local Identifier "19-NN-CVA 10 Yorktown-142332".

NS021073g: View from directly astern. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard photo (NY8 7906). NARA Local Identifier "19-NN-CVA 10 Yorktown-142333".

A U.S. Navy Douglas AD Skyraider of Attack Squadron (VA) 65 "Fist of the Fleet" is launched from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CVA-10). VA-65 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 2 aboard Yorktown for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 3 August 1953 to 3 March 1954.

U.S. Navy photo from the Yorktown 1953–1954 Cruise Book.

USS Aludra (AF-55) replenishes the radar picket destroyer USS Southerland (DDR-743) off Taiwan, in 1954. The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CVA-10) is visible in the background. Yorktown, with assigned Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15, was deployed to the Western Pacific from 1 July 1954 to 28 February 1955.

U.S. Navy photo from the Yorktown 1953–1954 Cruise Book.

USS Sicily (CVE-118) photographed at the Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, circa February 1954, with USS Yorktown (CVA-10) at right and eleven LCM landing craft in the foreground. Grumman AF Guardian anti-submarine aircraft are parked on Sicily's flight deck. Douglas AD Skyraider attack planes are parked aft on Yorktown's flight deck.

The original caption, released by Commander Naval Forces Far East on 18 February 1954, reads: "Twins, Almost — The Essex-class carrier USS Yorktown (CVA-10) and her smaller counterpart, the escort carrier USS Sicily (CVE-118), rest side by side during a recent in-port maintenance period at the Yokosuka, Japan, Naval Base".

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97318).

"SXP460-3/3-SAN FRANCISCO: With Angel Island as background, two mighty carriers pass each other in Bay 3/3[/1954], as the USS Yorktown (front) sails in from 7-month Korean patrol, passing the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, outward-bound for Bremerton, Wash., where she'll undergo modernization. UNITED PRESS TELEPHOTO jrh (SPL for WC)"

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 10 May 1954.

POWER FOR PEACE—One of the feature attractions at the Alameda Naval Air Station Armed Forces Day Saturday, May 15th will be the famed 'Fighting Lady,' veteran aircraft carrier of World War II and Korea, the USS Yorktown. She is shown here getting a new coat of paint recently at Naval Shipyard, Hunters Point. Visiting hours are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. EVERYONE IS INVITED, so come on over to NAS ALAMEDA Saturday and join your friends."

Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum.

USS Yorktown (CVA-10) after SCB-125 modernization, exact date and location unknown. Official US Navy photo.

A U.S. Navy North American AJ-2 Savage (BuNo 134058, modex NF-12) of Composite Squadron (VC) 6 "Fleurs" Det. 1 on the (port) deck edge elevator of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CVA-10) circa 1956. From this angle it appears that the aircraft almost would not fit in the hangar—even with the ability to fold the airplane's wings and vertical stabilizer, the Savage was a challenge to maneuver around the limited confines of an aircraft carrier.

Naval History and Heritage Command photo.

USS Yorktown (CVA-10) off Point Loma, California, sometime in 1955–1957. Official US Navy photo.

Two views of USS Yorktown (CVA-10) most likely taken in 1956. That year, "The Fighting Lady" deployed to WestPac, March 19–September 13, with ATG-4 aboard.

USS Yorktown (CVA-10), WestPac, April–May 1956, seen from USS Shangri-La (CVA-38).

Aerial 3/4 port bow view of the attack aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CVA-10) underway, dated 6 May 1956. Yorktown deployed to WestPac with Air Task Group 4 (ATG-4) on 19 March. Planes in this photo show a mix of "aTg" and "M" (Carrier Air Group 2, CVG-2) tail codes — ATG-4 was assigned tail code letter "Z" on 24 July 1956. Official US Navy photo (# USN-1033-L).

Starboard 3/4 bow view of USS Yorktown (CVA-10) with USS Hopewell (DD-681) of DESDIV 152 coming alongside for refueling operations during 1957 Far East Cruise.

Official U.S. Navy photo from the estate of W.P. Tyler, CO of USS Hopewell at the time.

Starboard quarter view of USS Hopewell (DD-681), DESDIV 152, alongside USS Yorktown (CVA-10) during refueling ops, 1957 Far East Cruise.

Official U.S. Navy photo from the estate of W.P. Tyler, CO of USS Hopewell at the time.

Stern aerial view of USS Yorktown (CVA-10), taken during her 4th Westpac Deployment (9 March–25 August 1957). The embarked Air Group was CVG-19, tailcode "B".

USS Pictor (AF-54) conducting an underway replenishment with USS Yorktown (CVA-10) and USS Bausell (DD-845) in 1957, in the Pacific Ocean.

Yorktown returned to Alameda on 25 August, and was reclassified as an "Antisubmarine Warfare Support Aircraft Carrier" and redesignated CVS-10 on 1 September.

Underway as a CVS, circa 1958-1959.

USS Yorktown (CVS-10) at sea off Hawaii, circa the early 1960s. Note HSS-1 helicopters on her flight deck, with noses painted red.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97458-KN).

USS Yorktown (CVS-10) underway in June 1962, location unknown. She has S2F Tracker and AD-5W Skyraider fixed-wing aircraft and HSS-1 Seabat helicopters on deck.

USS Mars (AFS-1) during an underway replenishment with USS Yorktown (CVS-10), mid-1960s. US Navy photo from All Hands magazine, August 1967.

Photo of Combat Information Center aboard USS Yorktown (CVS-10), 1964. Identified is CDR Robert E. Nelson. Official Navy photo.

A Royal Navy Fairey Gannet AEW.3 from 849 Naval Air Squadron (A Flight) takes off from the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CVS-10). The Fighting Lady, with assigned Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group (CVSG) 55, was deployed to the Western Pacific and Vietnam from 22 October 1964 to 17 May 1965. 849 Naval Air Squadron (A Flight) was assigned to HMS Victorious (R38).

Task Force 77 operating in the South China Sea, March 1965 [Note: Although the official caption gives a date of "March 1965," the ships' deck logs show that Operation Candid Camera actually took place on 21–22 February]. It had recently launched strikes against North Vietnam. Carriers present are (clockwise from bottom): Ranger (CVA-61), Yorktown (CVS-10), Coral Sea (CVA-43) and Hancock (CVA-19). The guided missile cruiser Canberra (CAG-2) is in the center of the formation. The destroyer screen includes: England (DLG-22), Gurke (DD-783), Rogers (DD-876), Walker (DD-517), O'Bannon (DD-450), Somers (DD-947), Jenkins (DD-447), John A. Bole (DD-755), Higbee (DD-806), Buck (DD-761), Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) and Ernest G. Small (DD-838). This photograph was specially posed, and does not represent a normal operating formation.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1109915).

James Shriver, PHCM, USN (Ret), notes: "The photo [...] was taken in an exercise we called 'Operation Candid Camera.' On day one it was tried by a Vigilante photo plane. They missed. So the next day it was tried again and the photos were taken with a hand held camera from a HS-8 helicopter. The photographer was PH1 Elvin C. Conarty (now deceased). I was there... I processed the film and printed the photos."

Operation Candid Camera, as above.

USS Yorktown (CVS-10) in posed formation with her escorts and some of her aircraft during Exercise Sea Imp, a major Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) exercise conducted in the western Pacific during the first part of 1966. The two leading escorts are USS Goldsborough (DDG-20) at left and USS Bronstein (DE-1037) at right. Other escorts include two destroyers and two escort ships. Planes overhead include S-2, E-1 and SH-3 types.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (photo # USN 1120536).

USS Yorktown (CVS-10) with escorts, possibly during South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) Exercise Sea Imp, 1966. (See NS021018.)

"USS Yorktown (CVS-10) with HMAS Melbourne (R21), HMS Devonshire (D02), May 1966."

"With most of her fixed wing aircraft ranged forward and side hangar lift in operation, the famous Yorktown is again seen at the SEATO Exercise Sea Imp with a Royal Navy County-Class destroyer, we think Devonshire ahead, and Melbourne in the distance behind."

"There is another vessel between the two carriers with what looks like a cruiser stern, but we don't know what it is. Yorktown has a Grumman Tracker on the hangar lift, and another on the flight deck straight above, by the helicopter."

"USS Yorktown (CVS-10) with probably HMS Devonshire (D02), May 1966. Photos taken from HMAS Yarra (DE45)."

Colorized photo of five U.S. Navy Essex-class aircraft carriers at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, California (USA), on 2 August 1966: USS Bennington (CVS-20), USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), USS Yorktown (CVS-10), USS Valley Forge (LPH-8, converted to Amphibious Assault Ship (Helicopter)), and USS Hornet (CVS-12).

Official U.S. Navy photograph, # CVS-20-160-8-66.

USS Yorktown (CVS-10) as an anti-submarine (ASW) carrier in 1968, with S-2 Trackers ASW, E-1 Tracer early-warning planes, and an SH-3 Sea King ASW helicopter on her flight deck.

(USN photo # 1129551).

"CVS-10-0486-12-68 Point Loma (Dec. 13, 1968)—The Antisubmarine Warfare Support Aircraft Carrier USS Yorktown (CVS-10). Official Navy Photograph by PH2 Hill from Naval Photographic Center Naval Station, Washington, D.C. 20390. (Photo 1143832)."

Entering Pearl Harbor, with the aircraft from the movie "Tora! Tora! Tora!" on board, December 1968.

"NXP/RYOR1617966-12/27/68—ABOARD THE USS YORKTOWN: Apollo 8 space capsule, which had just carried three American astronauts 500,000 miles on man's first trip to the moon and back, is hauled aboard the recovery ship Yorktown after its splashdown in the Pacific early 12/27[, 1968]. UPI RADIO jm"

The Apollo 8 Command Module on the deck of USS Yorktown (CVS-10) after being recovered, 27 December 1968.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) photo, # S68-56310.

"Navy Moves Some Ships on Short Notice. — Washington, Oct. 18 [1969] (UPI) — The navy placed some of its ships on emergency alert as part of an apparent readiness test today, causing alarm as ships were pulled suddenly from European and American ports." Article from the Chicago Tribune.

USS Yorktown (CVS-10) left Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) left Mayport, Florida.

"The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, known as the 'Fighting Lady of World War II,' passed Boston Light 3/3[, 1970] as she arrived in Boston to await decommissioning in June. The ship tied up at the South Boston Annex of the Boston Naval Shipyard. UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL TELE"

"VOYAGE TO CHARLESTON—A tug tows decommissioned carrier U.S.S. Yorktown through New York harbor yesterday [(9 June 1975)] at start of vessel's voyage to Charleston, S.C., where she is to become a state naval museum. Carrier, nicknamed the 'Fighting Lady,' had been decommissioned earlier in the day during a ceremony in Bayonne, N.J. AP Photo"

Mid- to late-1960s.

USS Yorktown CV 10.

USS Yorktown (CVA-10), CIC patch. Jack's father was the CIC officer aboard Yorktown from 1953 to 1955.

Far East Cruise, January–July 1960.

Navigators Far Gar Way, USS Yorktown (CVS-10).

"Fighting Lady. USS Yorktown CVS-10."

Alumni USS Yorktown (CV-10), "The Fighting Lady."

Made at the height of World War II, released to the public in January 1945, and considered one of the best documentaries of that time, The Fighting Lady records the life of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown from her launching in 1943 through her victorious sweep across the Pacific. The Fighting Lady received the Academy Award for Best Documentary as well as a Special Documentary Award from the New York Film Critics. Noted photographer CDR Edward J. Steichen, USNR, supervised the making of the film and famous actor LT Robert Taylor, USNR, was the narrator. (Although most footage was shot aboard Yorktown, several scenes were filmed aboard other Essex-class carriers, most notably USS Hornet, USS Ticonderoga and USS Bunker Hill).

Simultaneously with the filming of The Fighting Lady some background shots were taken for Wing and a Prayer (1944, directed by Henry Hathaway; starring Don Ameche and Dana Andrews).

NS021033a: Two first pages of a condensation of the script of The Fighting Lady.

Yorktown was also featured in a short (19') documentary, Jet Carrier, produced in 1954 by Otto Lang.

Simultaneously with the filming of The Fighting Lady some background shots were taken for Wing and a Prayer (1944), directed by Henry Hathaway, starring Don Ameche and Dana Andrews.

Watch the original theatrical trailer for Wing and a Prayer on YouTube (will open in a new window or tab).

"Temporarily out of CONTROL," an episode of the "Get Smart" show (season 4, episode 12) was filmed aboard USS Yorktown (CVS-10). The episode was written by Arne Sultan, Leonard Stern, Alan Burns and Chris Hayward; directed by James Komack; and aired on 14 December 1968. Don Adams, Barbara Feldon and Edward Platt were the featured stars.

(Thanks to Dan Turygan for pointing it out.)

In December 1968 USS Yorktown played the role of the Imperial Japanese Navy's aircraft carrier Akagi in the film "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (released in 1970, directed by Richard Fleischer, Kinji Fukasaku and Toshio Masuda; starring Martin Balsam, Sô Yamamura, Joseph Cotten and Tatsuya Mihashi).

While it does contain some factual errors, in general terms "Tora! Tora! Tora!" can be considered a fairly accurate account of the events leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, and of the attack itself.

Yorktown's "make up" included sandbags around the bridge, and flight deck markings repainted to make her look like a straight deck carrier. Flight deck crewmen were disguised to resemble WW2 Japanese sailors. Curiously, Akagi (Vice Admiral Nagumo's flagship for the Pearl Harbor attack) was one of two carriers in the Japanese strike force to have a port side island — Yorktown, like all US carriers, had hers on the starboard side.

Curtiss P-40 and Tom E. Rostkowski, ATN2, VA-87 "Golden Warriors," on Flight Line at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, February 1969.

Tom E. Rostkowski, ATN2, VA-87 "Golden Warriors," with a "Japanese" Val (actually, a highly modified Vultee BT-13 trainer) on Flight Line at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, circa February 1969.

Bob Kazdan with a "Japanese" Val on Flight Line at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, circa February 1969.

Japanese dive bombers on Flight Line at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, February 1969. Planes in photos NS021034a, NS021034b and NS021034c were used in the movie "Tora! Tora! Tora!" and brought over on USS Yorktown (CVS-10).

Single "Japanese" plane taxiing to take off on Flight Line at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, February 1969.

A B-17 at Barbers Point, HI, for the filming of Tora, Tora, Tora. Tom took this photo in January 1969, while on a Det. from VA-87.

Ex-USS Yorktown (CVS-10), Bayonne, New Jersey, December 1974.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) painted in Measure 33 Design 10A camouflage, 1944–1945.

USS Yorktown (CV-10) painted in Measure 33 Design 10A camouflage, circa June 1944.