CV-32 was initially named Crown Point after a British fort built in 1759 near the current location of Crown Point in Essex County, New York (NS02742a). With only a skeletal British force at the Fort, it was easily captured by Captain Seth Warner and 100 Green Mountain Boys on 10th or 11th May 1775, in the battle of Crown Point, at the start of the American Revolution.

Renamed Leyte, 8 May 1945, after the Battle for Leyte Gulf. Leyte is an island in the southeastern Philippine Islands (NS023246). The series of major air and surface engagements fought there, 23–26 October 1944, culminated in four almost simultaneous naval actions: the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, the Battle of Surigao Strait, the Battle off Samar, and the Battle of Cape Engano (Engaño). Combined, they defeated the Japanese challenge to drive American forces from the Philippines.

NS023246a: Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, 24 October 1944. Japanese battleship Musashi under intense attack by Task Force 38 aircraft. A destroyer is also receiving attacks beyond the battleship. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-281764).

NS023246b: US cruisers firing on the Japanese fleet in Surigao Strait, 24–25 October 1944. Photographed from USS Pennsylvania (BB-38). National Archives photo, # 80-G-288493.

NS023246c: Japanese battleship Yamato (foreground) and a heavy cruiser in action during the Battle off Samar. The cruiser appears to be either Tone or Chikuma. Photographed from a USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80) plane. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-378525).

NS023246c: Japanese aircraft carrier Zuiho under attack by planes from USS Enterprise (CV-6) during the Battle off Cape Engano, 25 October 1944. National Archives photo (# 80-G-281768).

CV-32 was the first U.S. warship named after the battle, but two previous ships that had borne the name Leyte:

1. A gunboat captured in 1898, during the Spanish-American War, that retained her Spanish name.
2. An Internal Combustion Engine Repair Ship, renamed Maui on 31 May 1945 to free her name for the aircraft carrier. This ship was named for the island, not for the battle.

(Maps NS022742a and NS023246 courtesy of Google Maps.)

Leyte (CV-32) slides down the ways into the James River, at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. She was christened on Thursday, 23 August 1945, by the ship's sponsor, Mrs. James M. Mead, wife of U.S. Senator Mead (D-New York).

Ship's sponsor, Mrs. James M. Mead (née Alice M. Dillon), wife of the Senator from New York, prior to the christening. With her is Rear Admiral Ormond L. Cox, Supervisor of Shipbuilding.

Mrs. Mead christening Leyte.

Undated, Official USN image. (See also this photo in the Collection of Robert Carey.)

As above.

Leyte (CV-32) underway, circa March 1946.

AP photo.

Photo of Leyte (CV-32), dated 13 March 1946. BuAer photo from Hampton Roads NAS, # 41379, taken at an altitude of 200 feet (approx. 60 meters). Location is Hampton Roads. Other ships in photo are not identified.

Leyte (CV-32) as completed.

Deck edge elevator at flight deck level, looking forward. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, 10 April 1946.

Deck edge elevator, main deck level, broadside, 10 April 1946.

Photos taken during USS Leyte (CV-32) shakedown cruise, 1946.

Fighter Squadron (VF) 7A (re-designated VF-18) pilots pictured on the flight deck of the carrier USS Leyte (CV-32) during her shakedown cruise, circa 1946. Photo courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum.

(Larger copy available on request.)

"March 18[, 1947]—CARRIER ASSIGNED—A Navy announcement, said that the 27,000-ton air craft carrier Leyte (above), would depart from Quonset Point, R.I., early in April for a visit to the Mediterranean. (AP Wirephoto from Navy) (m31900usn)"

USS Leyte (CVA-32). Crew's lounge aboard the carrier. Photograph released 2 September 1948.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-399875.

A Sikorski HO3S-1 helicopter flies beside the carrier during the Second Task Fleet's Operation Frigid, November 1948.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-K-9496).

Underway in the North Atlantic, during Operation Frigid, 20 November 1948. Photographed by PH1 B.T. Teigan.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-416025).

An HO3S-1 of Helicopter Utility Squadron (HU) 2 flies over USS Leyte (CV-32) during operations on 20 November 1948.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.195.003.

Caloosahatchee (AO-98), Leyte (CV-32), and Samuel B. Roberts (DD-823) conducting an underway replenishment during Operation Frigid, 20 November 1948. US Navy photo.

"Here is a USN photo of Leyte, CV 32. No date nor location information with the photo, but my guess would be that this was taken in 1949 based on markings, aircraft and radar."

USS Leyte (CV-32), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3, circa 1949.

U.S. Naval Reserves ready to board USS Leyte (CV-32) at Norfolk, Virginia, for fleet maneuvers. Note USS Pawcatuck (AO-108) behind the Reservists. Photograph released 20 February 1949.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-399867.

Ensign Jesse L. Brown (left, front) and Ensign R.G. Rider play a game of backgammon (or "acey-ducey") in the Fighter Squadron 32 ready room, on board USS Leyte, 12 April 1949. Other squadron pilots are relaxing in the background.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-377908). This photo was taken by George Thomas Chapman, Jr., who retired as a Commander (thanks to Catherine C. Chapman, George's daughter, for the information. Catherine states this photo was set up)

Note: Midshipman Jesse L. Brown was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1948, the first African-American to achive this status, and received his commission as Ensign in April 1949. He was killed in action on 4 December 1950, while on a close air support mission near the Chosin Reservoir. Ensign Jesse LeRoy Brown was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the escort ship USS Jesse L. Brown (DE-1089, later FF-1089) was named in his honor.

Ensign Jesse L. Brown, USN, takes the oath of office on board USS Leyte (CV-32), 26 April 1949. Administering the oath is the ship's Commanding Officer, Captain William L. Erdmann. Lieutenant Commander E.D. Williams (center) is witnessing the ceremony.

Photo by George T. Chapman, Jr. (who retired as a Commander).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (#80-G-707201).

(See also photos NS0602108901–NS023236.)

A U.S. Army Ryan L-17A Navion (s/n 48-961) on the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CV-32), 1950. (In the background, however, there is a Grumman F8F Bearcat from Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, which deployed aboard Leyte in 1947–1948.)

San Diego Air & Space Museum photo, # 04-01849 L-17 Navion.

Carriers USS Wright (CVL-49) and USS Leyte (CV-32)—with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3—moored at Naval Air Station (NAS) Quonset Point, Rhode Island, circa 1950.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No.1996.488.195.006. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Date and location unknown (maybe a base in Japan, during the Korean War?).

Philip D. Eakins, FISC Yokosuka Det Sasebo, comments: "[P]hoto numbered NS023201 was indeed taken while Leyte was anchored in Sasebo harbor. [...] The small building on the hillside located behind the ship is located at the Akasaki Fuel Terminal, although it can’t be seen from the harbor now because of trees that have grown over the past 50+ years."

"The crew of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CV-32) spells out the name of the ship on the forward part of the flight deck while she lays at anchor at Sasebo, Japan, during her Korean War cruise in 1950–51. The planes of Carrier Air Group Three (CVG-3) are visible on deck."

U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation photo No. 1999.272.028.

(Taken at the same time as photo above.)

USS Leyte underway and about to launch two Grumman F9F Panthers, circa the early 1950s. Location unknown.

Group of Marine fighter pilots of VMF-223 aboard USS Leyte on a Mediterranean cruise, September 6, 1949-January 26, 1950. Captain Rex Wilson is 4th from left, seated.

Crewmembers swimming over the carrier's side, using her deck edge elevator as a diving platform, at Augusta, Sicily, 27 May 1950.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-415936).

USS Leyte (CV-32) itinerary, 2 May 1950–25 February 1951, Mediterranean–Norfolk to San Diego via Panama–WestPac–Korean War–San Diego to Norfolk via Panama.

1950

?? May		Through the Straits of Gibraltar
?? May		Anchored in Palmas Bay, Sardinia, Italy
21 May		Departed Palmas Bay, Italy
23 May		ENS MOHRING crashed at sea. Not recovered. [ENS Carol R. Mohring, F4U-4 Corsair BuNo 80950, VF-32 "Swordsmen"]
25 May		Arrived Augusta Bay, Sicily
31 May		Departed Augusta Bay, Sicily
2 June		Arrived [Cagliari], Sardinia
5 June		Departed [Cagliari], Sardinia
8 June		Arrived Naples, Italy
16 June		Departed Naples, Italy
21 June		Arrived Leghorn, Italy (Livorno)
28 June		Departed Leghorn, Italy
3 July		Arrived Cannes, France
15 July		Departed Cannes, France
20 July		Arrived Athens, Greece
27 July		Departed Athens, Greece
31 July		Arrived Izmir, Turkey
7 August		Departed Izmir, Turkey
10 August		Arrived Beirut, Lebanon
13 August		Departed Beirut, Lebanon
14 August		Arrived [Souda] Bay, Crete
14 August		Departed [Souda] Bay, Crete
17 August		Through the Straits of Gibraltar
24 August		Arrived Norfolk, Virginia
7 Sept.		Departed Norfolk, Virginia
10 Sept.		Arrived Panama, Cristobal
11 Sept.		Departed Cristobal through Canal
11 Sept.		Arrived Balboa, Canal Zone
12 Sept.		Departed Balboa, Canal Zone
17 Sept.		Arrived San Diego, California
19 Sept.		Departed San Diego, California
23 Sept.		Arrived Hawaii for two days operations
25 Sept.		Docked at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, T.H.
26 Sept.		Departed Pearl Harbor, T.H.
29 Sept.		Crossed International Date Line, lost Friday
3 Oct.		Arrived Yokosuka, Japan
6 Oct.		Departed Yokosuka, Japan
8 Oct.		Arrived Sasebo, Japan
9 Oct.		Departed Sasebo, Japan, for Korea
10 Oct.		First Strike on North Korea
30 Oct.		Arrived Sasebo, Japan
5 Nov.		Departed Sasebo, Japan
4 Dec.		Ensign Brown, lost over Korea, NNW ?
26 Dec.		Arrived Sasebo, Japan, after 51 days at sea

"The painting is somewhat amateurish, but I thought it might be a good contribution to NavSource.org because of the historical accuracy and significance. It was painted in September 1950 by a naval aviator (Richard D. McKenzie) while he was with VF-31 Squadron on board the USS Leyte. He flew several aircraft from the USS Leyte, including the Panther F9F shown landing on the USS Leyte in the painting. I do not know his rank at the time of the painting, but he finished his service with the Navy as a Commander."

"Richard's funeral was April 24, 2012 in Wichita, KS with full military honors."

USS Leyte (CV-32) shown well lighted, at the carrier pier at NAS North Island, San Diego, CA on 19 September 1950. Working through the night combat loading, she will get underway for the Korean Peninsula at day break.

An F4U-4 Corsair launches from USS Leyte (CV-32) for a mission over Korea, 1950–1951.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-GK-11806.

An F4U-4 Corsair, Fighter Squadron (VF) 32 "Swordsmen," launches from USS Leyte (CV-32) for a mission over Korea, 1950–1951.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-GK-11810.

An F4U-4 Corsair, Fighter Squadron (VF) 33 "Tarsiers," launches from USS Leyte (CV-32) for a mission over Korea, 1950–1951.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-GK-11815.

Airplanes aboard USS Leyte (CV-32) in Korean waters, 1950–1951. Left to right: AD-3N Skyraider, Composite Squadron (VC) 33 "Avengers" Det. 3; two F9F-2 Panthers, Fighter Squadron (VF) 31 "Tomcatters;" F4U-4 Corsair, probably from VF-33 "Tarsiers."

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-GK-11873.

At anchor in Sasebo harbor, Japan, in November 1950, during a break in her Korean War combat operations. Photographed by AFC O.H. Wilson.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-434496).

Ensign Darrell F. Kirkpatrick of Attack Squadron (VA) 35 "Black Panthers" abandons his Douglas AD-3 Skyraider (BuNo 122803, modex K-505) after the starboard wing tip caught the #1 5" mount and the plane crashed over the side of USS Leyte (CV-32), 10 November 1950. VA-35 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3 aboard the aircraft carrier for a deployment to the Mediterranean, the Western Pacific and Korea from 6 September 1950 to 3 February 1951.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-426241.

USS Leyte (CV-32) underway in Korean waters. The photo was taken on 15 November 1950, three days before Ensign F. C. Weber, flying an F9F-2 Panther from VF-31 assigned to Leyte, shot down a North Korean MiG-15 (photo # USN-421908).

Moored off Naval Operating Base, Yokosuka, Japan, during a break from Korean War operations, 1 December 1950. Note old fortification in the left background.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-424599).

USS Leyte (CV-32) and the Gearing-class destroyer USS Henderson (DD-785) being refueled off Korea between October 1950 and January 1951. USN photo. U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News, October 1951 issue.

Ensign Jesse L. Brown, USN, in the cockpit of an F4U-4 Corsair fighter, circa 1950. He was the first African-American Naval Aviator, and flew with Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) from USS Leyte (CV-32).

Photo by George T. Chapman, Jr. (who retired as a Commander).

Official U.S. Navy Photographs, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), #80-G-708014 and 030318-N-0000X-002.

(See also NS023211, NS023224 and USS Jesse L. Brown.)

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Thomas J. Hudner, Jr., USN, photographed wearing the Medal of Honor, which he received for heroism during the Korean War. Photograph is dated 29 November 1951.

On 4 December 1950, while serving with Fighter Squadron (VF) 32, aboard USS Leyte (CV-32), during the Korean War, LT(JG) Hudner crash-landed his own plane near the Chosin reservoir in a brave effort to rescue Ensign Jesse L. Brown (see NS0602108901), another VF-32 pilot whose plane had been shot down.

On 7 May 2012 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced that an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, DDG-116, would be named Thomas Hudner after the Korean-war hero, who retired from the Navy as a Captain in February 1973. (In May 2012 Hudner was the last living Navy recipient of the Medal of Honor from the Korean War.)

Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 97091.

Fighter Squadron (VF) 31 "Tomcatters" F9F-2 Panthers, Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3, circa 1951.

USS Leyte (CV-32) steams around the end of Naval Air Station, North Island, as she arrives at San Diego, California, after the end of her Korean War combat tour. The scene is partially framed by the tail of a PBM-5 patrol bomber (Bureau # 84771). Photograph is dated 3 February 1951.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (# NH 97296).

This AD-4N Skyraider, attached to VC-33 "Avengers," had some problems to recover aboard (1950–51).

"Leaving Hampton Roads (in background) en route to Med," 3 September 1951.

Official US Navy Photograph, an aerial 3/4 port bow view of USS Leyte CV-32, taken on 3 September 1951, in Hampton Roads with her crew spelling out "LEYTE" on the flight deck. Also on deck are F9F-2 Panthers of VF-34 "Blue Blasters." She was departing for her 5th Med Cruise (6th if her 1950–1951 World Cruise is taken into account).

Aerial port beam view of USS Leyte (CV-32) anchored in Gulf Juan (Occitan: Gòuf Joan), France, near Cannes and the Lérins Islands (French: Îles Lérins), during the ship's 5th Mediterranean Cruise, 3 September–21 December 1951. The embarked Air Group was CVG-3, tailcode "K". Official U.S. Navy photograph.

"AD-3 (122805[, NE41]) of VC-12, gets chewed up by a landing AD-4Q (124042[, SS45]) of VC-33 on board USS Leyte. Both aircraft suffered strike damage, and one of the pilots was killed. 14 January 1952." Jim Sullivan, Skyraider in action (Carrollton, TX: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1983), 21.

(See also the collection of Robert Carey.)

(If you have any information concerning this accident, please let us know.)

May 1952, Quonset Point Rhode Island. Official USN image.

The ASW aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CVS-32) underway, date and location unknown, with ZPG-2 aloft and unidentified destroyer in attendance (USN photo.)

" USS LEYTE CVS-32 EXPLOSION: On 16 October 1953, at 1515, while still under conversion to an antisubmarine carrier, Leyte suffered an explosion in her port catapult machinery room. Within minutes naval base and city fire trucks were on the scene. After a hard and gallant fight, the fire was extinguished at 1957. As a result of the fire, 37 men died and 28 were injured. Conversion completed 4 January 1954, Leyte departed Boston for Quonset Point, R.I., as flagship of CarDiv 18. She conducted anti-submarine operations in the Atlantic and Caribbean over the next five years. She also served briefly as an interim amphibious assault ship in 1957, with her normal air group replaced with Marine Corps transport helicopters."

NS023247a–023247b: Fitchburg (Mass.) Sentinel, Saturday, 17 October 1953.

NS023247c: "USS Leyte (CV-32)—In Memory of Our Shipmates and Civilians Lost in the Disasterous Explosion Aboard the USS Leyte on October 16, 1953 While in the Boston Naval Shipyard"

NS023247d–NS023247e: Two AP photos covering Leyte's catapult machinery room explosion.

Photo of USS Leyte (CVS-32) signed for LT J.F. Ambrose by the ship's commanding officer, CAPT Elliott W. Parish, Jr., 22 April 1955.

USS Leyte (CVS-32) refueling from USS Nantahala (AO-60), 30 July 1955, during a Bermuda cruise.

Grumman S2F-1 Anti-submarine Aircraft "... gets a 'go' signal from USS Leyte flight deck 0fficer as she is launched for anti-submarine patrol during LANTPHIBEX. The specially-designed aircraft were kept flying around the clock during the overseas transit of the amphibious force, and combined with sonar-equipped helicopters and Navy blimps, provided effective protection against four marauding 'Enemy' subs." Quoted from the original caption, which was released by USS Leyte (CVS-32) under date of 1 November 1955.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (# NH 97297).

"WAP-121906 12/20/55 OFF CAPE HATTERAS: An airship from U.S. Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, N.J., refuels from aircraft carrier USS Leyte during Atlantic Fleet amphibious operations off Cape Hatteras 11/2. The airship was part of a Task Force providing round-the-clock anti-submarine warfare cover for the amphibious forces. The Leyte pumped 500 gallons of fuel to the airship thru a 300-foot hose while maintaining a speed of 22 knots. U.S. NAVY PHOTO FROM UNITED PRESS TELEPHOTO rkm"

San Diego Air & Space Museum photo, # 056-10_0029720.

A Grumman S2F-1 Tracker of U.S. Navy anti-submarine squadron VS-31 "Topcats" about to take off from the aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CVS-32) in May–June 1957. VS-31 was engaged in an anti-submarine exercise against the submarine USS Halfbeak (SS-352), which resulted in the submarine being "sunk" five times. The first plane visible (modex SP-20) was flown by CDR J.R. Rutledge, commanding officer of VS-31. Note that this plane is still painted in overall glossy sea blue, whereas the other planes are already painted in the then new gray-white paint scheme. VS-31's tail code was changed to "MC" later that year. U.S. Navy "Naval Aviation News," July 1957.

USS Leyte (CVS-32) off Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, while embarking Marines prior to the "invasion" of the Panama Canal Zone, during amphibious exercises in 1957. She has thirteen HRS and two HUS helicopters of Marine Air Group 26 on her flight deck. Photo was released by the Department of Defense on 2 July 1957.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (# NH 97298).

"NORFOLK, Va., July 12[, 1957]—HELICOPTER LOWERS DOME TO DECK OF CARRIER—A helicopter lowers a fabric and aluminum dome to the deck of the aircraft carrier Leyte here yesterday. The geodesic dome is designed for use by the United States Marine Corps as a field hospital or repair hut. (APWirephoto)"

Personnel of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 9 "Sea Griffins" in front of one of their Sikorsky HSS-1 Seabat helicopters on board the ASW aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CVS-32) in 1958. U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News, September 1958 issue.

Grumman S2F-2 Tracker Anti-submarine Aircraft landing aboard USS Leyte (CVS-32) during an anti-submarine exercise. The photograph was received by the Naval Photographic Center in February 1958.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1034039).

USS Leyte (CVS-32) operating with a ZPG-2 blimp and an unidentified destroyer of Destroyer Squadron Twenty, during anti-submarine exercises in February 1958.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1034040).

USS Seawolf (SSN-575) with USS Leyte (CVS-32) and a ZPG-2 blimp, in the background, during an ASW exercise off the coast of Key West, FL, in February 1958.

USN photo # 1034051-2-58 TH.

USS Leyte (CVS-32) seen from HMS Birmingham (C19), being assisted to her berth in Wolfe's Cove, Quebec, 1958. The ships, along with units of the French and Canadian Navies, were participating in special ceremonies marking the 350th anniversary of the founding of Quebec.

Leyte called at Quebec 27 June–3 July 1958.

Source: Imperial War Museums Admiralty Official Collection, Photo No. © IWM (A 34062).

"NXP071514-7/15/58—NEW YORK: People line up at pier 84 on the North River [15 July 1958] to view the aircraft carrier Leyte just before the vessel pulled out for unknown waters. All leaves were cancelled by Atlantic Fleet headquarters in face of the current Middle East crisis. It is speculated that the Leyte may be steaming toward the eastern Mediterranean to bolster 6th Fleet forces there. UPI TELEPHOTO"

USS Leyte (CVS-32), Final Deployment Cruise Book (cover).

Ex-USS Leyte (AVT-10) in mothballs, Bayonne, NJ, 1960s.

Ex-USS Leyte (AVT-10) being towed from drydock in Bayonne, NJ, to Virginia for scrapping. September 1970.

"CARRIER IN RIVER — That's the decommissioned aircraft carrier Leyte out at the end of the dock. And the body of water? Why, that's the little old Rappahannock River, hardly the haunt of flattops. The carrier, bought by a Chesapeake company for scrap, was anchored in the river for a while because she couldn't squeeze through a bridge span and get to Chesapeake as scheduled. (AP Wirephoto)"