CV-45 was named for a locality in Chester County, PA, where the Continental Army suffered bitter cold and privation during the winter of 1777–1778 while British troops basked in warmth and plenty in nearby Philadelphia. Yet, because of the inspiring example of leaders like George Washington and skillful training by drill instructors like Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus von Steuben, the American Army emerged from its winter encampment with renewed self confidence, courage, and fighting ability. The name Valley Forge has since become a symbol of the triumph of American patriotism and self-sacrifice. (Text from DANFS [Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.])

NS024556: Map courtesy of Google Maps.

NS024556a: Washington and Lafayette at Valley Forge. George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette on horseback at winter quarters in Valley Forge, Pa.; soldiers huddled around campfire in background. Painting by John Ward Dunsmore, c1907. Courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Reproduction Number LC-USZC4-6877, Call Number LOT 4412-ED.

The future USS Valley Forge (CV-45) under construction at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA. View of bow, looking aft, Wednesday, 15 November 1944.

The future USS Valley Forge (CV-45) under construction at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA. View of stern, looking forward, Wednesday, 4 April 1945.

The future USS Valley Forge (CV-45) under construction at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA. View of stern, looking forward, Friday, 8 June 1945.

Completing the biggest lifting job ever attempted at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, on 16 June 1945, three 75-ton cranes hoisted the 193-ton prefabricated stern section of the carrier Valley Forge into position to be welded onto the rest of the ship's hull.

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection.

The future USS Valley Forge (CV-45) under construction at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA. View of bow, looking aft, Monday, 22 October 1945.

Photo dated "1945."

Valley Forge (CV-45) was christened on Wednesday, 21 November 1945, and sponsored by Mrs. Mildred Strode, wife of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Alexander A. Vandegrift (who is standing at left).

Photo courtesy of Temple University Libraries, Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection (identifier P565007B).

The future USS Valley Forge (CV-45) being christened on 21 November 1945, with a large crowd of military personnel, dignitaries and observers in attendance.

Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, George D. McDowell Collection, No. SCRC 170.

Port bow view of USS Valley Forge (CV-45) (photo # USN-104625).

A 1946 view of USS Valley Forge (CV-45), with a single Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver and two Vought F4U Corsairs on her flight deck.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-703585.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) off the Philadelphia Navy Yard, 10 December 1946.

Courtesy of the U.S. Naval Institute Photo Collection, 1984.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC) Photograph, # NH 95361.

F8F-1 Bearcat, Fighter Squadron (VF) 12A/112 "Fighting Twelve"/"Fighting One Twelve," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 11, USS Valley Forge (CV-45), possibly during the ship's World Cruise, 9 October 1947–11 June 1948.

Attack Carrier Air Group (CVG) 11 prepares for a deck load launch from USS Valley Forge (CV-45) probably during her 1947–48 World Cruise. The F8F-1 Bearcats with the 100-series side numbers belong to the "Sundowners," then designated VF-11A [later VF-111], while the 200-series machines are from VF-12A, which became VF-112 in July of 1948. Photo courtesy of Steve Wells.

Picture and text from Aviation Elite Units: VF-11/111 "Sundowners" 1942–95, by Barrett Tillman with Henk van der Lugt. Osprey Publishing Ltd.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) underway with CVG-11 aboard, possibly during her World Cruise, 9 October 1947–11 June 1948.

A division of VF-11A Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat aircraft in formation, probably over Hawaii. The "V" tail code signifies Carrier Air Group (CVG) 11, which deployed with USS Valley Forge (CV-45) in 1947-48. Photo courtesy of Steve Wells.

Photo from VF-11/111 "Sundowners" 1942–95 (Aviation Elite Units #36), by Barrett Tillman.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) photographed circa 1947–48.

Courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1969.

Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph, # NH 67495.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) photographed circa 1947–48.

Courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1969.

Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph, # NH 67496.

The Sydney Harbor Bridge comes into view as USS Valley Forge (CV-45) approaches Sydney, Australia, first port of call on a training and good will cruise in Pacific waters, circa January–March 1948. Valley Forge was flagship of Rear Admiral H.M. Martin, Commander, Task Force 38. Planes on deck include F8F Bearcat fighters and TBM Avenger bombers. In the left background are two Royal Australian Navy cruisers. HMAS Australia is at the far left. HMAS Shropshire is beyond and somewhat further to the right. This photo was released for publication on 27 March 1948. Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collection of the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 96950).

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) at Sydney, Australia, 1948, with Attack Carrier Air Group (CVAG) 11.

Commander Frank G. Raysbrook, USN, Executive Officer, USS Valley Forge (CV-45), is pictured with three of the Royal Party of Arabian guests who were aboard to witness training operations while at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, 25 March 1948.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-400490.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia. Note, the Arabian Ensign flying with Rear Admiral Harold M. Martin's Two-Star Flag. The flag was hoisted when Crown Prince Saud came aboard, 25 March 1948.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-400491.

Captain Richard W. Ruble, Commanding Officer, and Rear Admiral Harold M. Martin, COMCARDIV FIVE, greeting Arabian guests aboard USS Valley Forge (CV-45) at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, 25 March 1948.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-400496.

On the hangar deck of USS Valley Forge (CV-45) at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, 25 March 1948. Shown are Captain Richard W. Ruble, members of the Royal Party of Crown Prince Saud and Rear Admiral Harold M. Martin, COMCARDIV FIVE.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-400497.

William F. MaGuire, CSM, and Lieutenant Commander George W. Brooks with an Arabian guard on the hangar deck of USS Valley Forge (CV-45), at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, 25 March 1948.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-400498.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) gets up steam as she prepares to leave Trincomalee, Ceylon, after a two-day visit by U.S. Task Force 38, circa April 1948. The British heavy cruiser Norfolk is in the right background, and a Royal Navy light cruiser is partially visible at left. Photograph was released for publication on 24 April 1948.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 96932).

At Gibraltar, April-May 1948, during her cruise around the World.

Colorized version, author unknown, of photo above.

USS Rendova (CVE-114) entering Gibraltar harbor in April 1948, with a deckload of aircraft, including AT-6 training planes to be delivered to the Turkish Air Force (see NS0311403).

Photographed from USS Valley Forge (CV-45), which was then on her 'round the World cruise. Note Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat fighters of VF-11A "Sundowners" (1xx side numbers) and VF-12A "Fighting Twelve" (2xx) in the foreground. (VF-11A was redesignated VF-111 and VF-12A became VF-112 on 15 July 1948.)

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration, # 80-G-705546.

Four F8F Bearcat fighters fly past USS Valley Forge (CV-45), 28 April 1948.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (#80-G-705399).

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) at Gibraltar during her cruise around the world, circa May 1948. Photograph was released for publication on 19 May 1948. Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (# NH 96933).

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) steams out of Gibraltar harbor, en route to Bergen, Norway, during her cruise around the world, circa May 1948. Photograph was taken from one of the carrier's aircraft, which had been based ashore during her visit to Gibraltar. It was released for publication on 19 May 1948. Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (# NH 96934).

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) along with USS William C. Lawe (DD-763), USS William M. Wood (DD-715), USS Lloyd Thomas (DD-764) and USS Keppler (DD-765) at Pearl Harbor during their 1948 World Cruise. (Thanks to Andrew P. for identifying the location.)

We had just come back into SF Bay following one of the largest post WW2 exercises in 1948. The total number of ships included all the West Coast carriers, Boxer, Antietam, Valley Forge, Princeton, and Tarawa. Boxer, Valley Forge, and Tarawa went into SF the others into San Diego. Our force attacked the West Coast from Hawaii, the other force was defending.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) anchored off Coronado, California, in October 1948, while on maneuvers off the California coast.

LIFE magazine, Allan Grant photographer, shared by Peter DeForest.

View of the carrier's island, with members of the American Ordnance Association visiting on board, while the ship was operating near Long Beach, California, 27 April 1949. An F8F-2 Bearcat fighter is parked alongside the island. Note large SX radar antenna atop the tripod mast, and many onlookers standing on the island walkways.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-K-9904).

Members of the American Ordnance Association aboard USS Valley Forge (CV-45) during a demonstration cruise. Movie photographers for cruise from Naval Air Station, San Diego, California, are shown with 35mm Mitchell Camera. (Left to right): AFC V.J. Inglewright and AFC J.W. Burton, 27 April 1949.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-400463.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) rounds Diamond Head, Oahu, while en route from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to San Diego, California, on 17 May 1949. She was transporting the headquarters of Rear Admiral H.B. Sallada, Commander, Air Force, Pacific Fleet, from Pearl Harbor to San Diego, and carried a deck load of flying boats and land-based planes. Aircraft types visible on her flight deck include one PBM, six PBY and 2 F4U parked aft. Those visible amidships include one R4D, one P2V, seven JRB/SNB and seven SNJ.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (# NH 96935).

Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat fighters prepare to take off from USS Valley Forge (CV-45) in September 1949. This appears to be a VIP demonstration, as there are a large number of civilians watching from the island walkways. The two F8F-2s in front are Bureau #s 121746 (first plane) and 121722. Note men standing by the wheel chocks, and flight deck tractors standing by at left.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-427668).

BuNo 121746, modex V01, is the commanding officer's aircraft, assigned to CDR David R. Flynn (thanks to Robert Hurst).

USS Boxer (CV-21) photographed from USS Valley Forge (CV-45), while en route from Pearl Harbor to San Diego during Operation Miki in November 1949. Photographed by Ted Huggins.

Courtesy of Ted Huggins, 1970.

Naval History & Heritage Command photo (# NH 70269).

View on the flight deck as USS Valley Forge (CV-45) enters port at San Diego, California, after steaming from Pearl Harbor during Operation Miki, November 1949. Photographed by Ted Huggins.

Courtesy of Ted Huggins, 1970.

Naval History & Heritage Command photo (# NH 70270).

A Sikorski HO3S-1 helicopter flies past USS Valley Forge (CV-45) as the ship steamed from Pearl Harbor to San Diego during Operation Miki, November 1949. Photographed by Ted Huggins.

Courtesy of Ted Huggins, 1970.

Naval History & Heritage Command photo (# NH 70271).

USS Platte (AO-24) refuels USS Valley Forge (CV-45) and USS Lyman K. Swenson (DD-729), while they were enroute from Pearl Harbor to San Diego during Operation Miki, November 1949.

Photographed by Ted Huggins from Valley Forge's flight deck as she dropped back after taking on oil. Note retractable radio antennas mounted alongside the flight deck.

Courtesy of Ted Huggins, 1970.

Naval History & Heritage Command photo (# NH 70273).

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) launches OY Sentinel observation planes, during Operation Miki, November 1949. One plane is in the lower left, preparing to take off. Another is faintly visible in the air, just beyond the ship's bow. Photographed by Ted Huggins.

Courtesy of Ted Huggins, 1970.

Naval History & Heritage Command photo (# NH 70275).

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) firing her 5"/38 guns during Operation Miki, November 1949. Photographed by Ted Huggins.

Courtesy of Ted Huggins, 1970.

Naval History & Heritage Command photo (# NH 70276).

USS Valley Forge (CV-45), 1950, location unknown.

"San Diego, Calif. Feb. 23[, 1950]—Carrier fire—Crews pour foam against the Valley Forge as Gasoline fire does damage. WIREPHOTO FROM US NAVY cs51330 1950"

A U.S. Navy Douglas AD-4 Skyraider (BuNo 123843, modex S-502) from Attack Squadron (VA) 55 "Skyraiders" taking off from the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45). VA-55 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 5 aboard the Valley Forge for a deployment to the Western Pacific and Korea from 1 May to 1 December 1950.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, No. 1996.253.2602.

An overhead view of the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45) underway, with various aircraft of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 5 on deck. Visible are (from stern to bow): Seven Grumman F9F-3 Panther of Fighter Squadrons (VF) 51 "Screaming Eagles" and 52 "Sealancers," plus one forward; 10 Douglas AD-4/4Q Skyraiders from Attack Squadron (VA) 55 "Skyraiders;" and about twelve Vought F4U-4B Corsairs from VF-53 "Blue Knights" and VF-54"Copperheads." Valley Forge was on a regular deployment to the Western Pacific beginning on 1 May 1950, and was visiting Hong Kong, when the Korean War broke out on 25 June 1950. Up to December she was then engaged in war operations.

National Archives and Records Administration photo, Local ID: 330-CFD-DN-SN-05-01667.jpeg, NAID: 6655673.

Aboard USS Valley Forge (CV-45), flight deck crewmen wheel carts of rockets past a Vought F4U-4B fighter, while arming planes for strikes against North Korean targets in July 1950. This plane is Bureau # 97503.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the All Hands collection at the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 96976).

First Korean War Carrier Air Strikes, 3-4 July 1950. A North Korean railroad train is attacked just south of Pyongyang by planes from the joint U.S.-British Task Force 77, 4 July 1950. The carriers involved were USS Valley Forge (CV-45) and HMS Triumph.

Wonsan Oil Refinery, Wonsan, North Korea, burning after being struck by USS Valley Forge (CV-45) aircraft on 18 July 1950. Photograph may have been taken on 19 July, when smoke from these fires was visible from the carrier, operating at sea off the Korean east coast.

Grumman F9F-3 "Panther", of Fighter Squadron 52 (VF-52), taxies forward on USS Valley Forge (CV-45) to be catapulted for strikes on targets along the east coast of Korea, 19 July 1950. Note details of the ship's island, including scoreboard at left.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-428152).

[...]

"VF-54 deployed with Carrier Air Group 5 on board the Valley Forge (CV-45) in the Western Pacific when North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel into South Korea in June 1950. The squadron entered combat for the first time on 3 July 1950, flying in the first strikes during the Korean War. In September, VF-54's Corsairs flew close air support missions for the U.N. forces landing at Inchon, South Korea. On board the Essex (CV-9), VF-54 flew the AD-1, -2, -3 versions of the Skyraider attack aircraft against the heavily defended railway bridges near Wonson, North Korea."

[...]

U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, June 1996 issue.

"Hell's Angels," VF-54 (1951–1956), VA-54 (1956–1958).

While anchored in Hong Kong harbor on 25 June 1950, USS Valley Forge (CV-45) received news that North Korean forces had begun streaming across the 38th parallel into South Korea. Departing Hong Kong the next day, the carrier, flagship of RADM John M. Hoskins, Commander, Carrier Division 3, steamed north to Subic Bay, where she provisioned, fueled, and set her course for Korea.

The first carrier air strike of the Korean conflict was launched from Valley Forge's flight deck on 3 July 1950. Waves of Douglas AD Skyraiders and Vought F4U Corsairs struck the North Korean airfield at Pyongyang while Grumman F9F Panthers flew top cover.

LIFE magazine sent correspondents to the conflict and its 14 August 1950 issue had "Uncle John" Hoskins on the cover and an article profiling his career at some length ("Our Peg-Leg Admiral").

Wonsan Oil Refinery, Wonsan, North Korea, under attack by aircraft from USS Valley Forge (CV-45) on 18 July 1950. Smoke from this attack, which reportedly destroyed some 12,000 tons of refined petroleum products and much of the plant, could be seen sixty miles out at sea.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-707876.

"File No. USN 707899, Typical Flight Deck Scene, This photograph of a Seventh Fleet aircraft carrier [probably USS Valley Forge (CV-45)] flight deck was taken shortly before a recent Navy carrier air strike on Korea. Released Washington, D.C. August 1950"

"Official Department of Defense photo"

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) (left) and USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) (center) at their anchorages at Sasebo, Japan, during Korean War resupply activities, 23 August 1950. The ship in the right distance is USS Rochester (CA-124).

"SC 346621, JAPAN, KOREAN CONFLICT, Three U.S. Navy Essex Class aircraft carriers lie at anchor at a naval base in Japan." 24 August 1950.

"CARRIERS AT ANCHOR: Three United States Navy Essex-class carriers at anchor at a naval base in Japan. American Navy planes have seen considerable action in the Korean war, while Navy warships have pounded Red strongholds and aided in landing operations." 24 September 1950.

Official Department of Defense photo.

Liberty party boards a motor launch to go ashore, as USS Valley Forge (CV-45) was replenishing at Sasebo, Japan, during a break from Korean War operations. Original photo is dated 23 August 1950. This view looks forward from amidships along the ship's port side. The deck-edge elevator is visible in the upper left.

Douglas AD-4 Skyraider attack planes from VA-55 "Skyraiders," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 5, off USS Valley Forge (CV-45), fire 5-inch rockets at a North Korean field position. Photo is dated 24 October 1950.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph by PhoM3/c Burke, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration, # 80-G-422387.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) and USS Leyte (CV-32) moored at Sasebo, Japan, circa October-November 1950. USS Hector (AR-7) is moored beyond the two carriers, with other U.S. and British warships in the distance.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-426270).

United Nations ships assigned to support military operations in Korea pictured at anchor in Sasebo, Japan, during a break in the action. Pictured from front to back: the aircraft transport HMS Unicorn (R72), the light cruiser USS Juneau (CLAA-119), the aircraft carriers USS Valley Forge (CV-45) and USS Leyte (CV-32), and the repair ships USS Hector (AR-7) and USS Jason (ARH-1). The photo was taken in late 1950 or early 1951, as this was the only time that Leyte operated off Korea.

U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation photo No. 1999.272.030.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) arrives at San Diego, California, 1 December 1950, following seven months' service in Far Eastern waters and five months of Korean War Operations. A few days later, she was hurriedly recalled to the war zone to help counter the Chinese Communist offensive. A Fletcher-class destroyer is moored in the left foreground, and several YMS-type minesweepers are alongside the waterfront at right.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 96941.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) leaves San Diego, Calif., 6 December 1950, to urgently return to the Korean War zone for her second tour of combat duty, following a quick replenishment visit to the U.S. west coast. Acoma (YTB-701) is assisting, from off the carrier's port quarter. Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collection of the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 96940).

USS Valley Forge (CV/CVA-45), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 5, circa 1950–1953.

Planes from Carrier Air Group (CVG) 2 prepare to launch from USS Valley Forge (CV-45), circa 6 December 1950–26 March 1951. Planes closer to camera are F4U-4 Corsairs from VF-24 "Corsairs" (modex M400 series), VF-63 "Fighting Redcocks" (M200), and VF-64 "Freelancers" (M100). Skyraiders are in the background—an AD-2 from VA-65 "Fist of the Fleet" (modex M500 series) can be identified in the left background.

Score board, USS Valley Forge (CV-45) with Carrier Air Group 5 (3 July–18 November 1950) and Carrier Air Group 2 (21 December 1950–24 March 1951). Photo taken in 1951.

Crewmen use flight deck tractors with power brooms to sweep snow from the carrier's flight deck, during operations off Korea, circa early 1951. Photo is dated 8 May 1951, but Valley Forge ended her second Korean War deployment in late March of that year. Plane parked in the foreground is a F4U-4 Corsair fighter. Those on the forward flight deck are an AD Skyraider attack plane and a HO3S helicopter.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-428267).

Crewmen participate in a snowball fight, while clearing snow from the carrier's flight deck during operations off Korea, circa early 1951. Photo is dated 8 May 1951, but Valley Forge ended her second Korean War deployment in late March of that year. Planes parked on deck are F4U-4 Corsair fighters. That at left, with rockets on its wing, is Bureau # 81150.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-428270).

USS Jupiter (AVS-8) comes alongside USS Valley Forge (CV-45) to transfer supplies, during operations off the Korean Coast. Photo dated 21 February 1951.

U.S. Navy photo, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives (# 80-G-427412).

This photo of USS Valley Forge (CV-45) is believed to have been taken in the spring or summer of 1951, while conducting CarQuals off the West Coast. Planes on deck are AD Skyraiders of VMA-121 "Green Knights" and F4U Corsairs of VMF-451 "Blue Devils."

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) photographed circa 1951–52, following her first Korean War era overhaul.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 96942.

Port broadside view of USS Valley Forge (CV-45) off the coast of Korea, circa 1951–52.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 1996.489.039).

A fully armed Douglas AD-2 Skyraider of Fighter Squadron (VF) 194 "Main Battery" in flight after launching from USS Valley Forge (CV-45), 1951–1952. VF-194 was assigned to Air Task Group (ATG) 1 aboard Valley Forge for a deployment to Korea from 15 October 1951 to 3 July 1952.

U.S. Navy photo from the Valley Forge 1951–1952 cruise book.

"The pictures are of two of the three Banshee jets that came aboard [Composite Squadron (VC) 61, tail code "PP"]. The third one was blown overboard by a huge storm that hit during the night hours because it wasn't tied down good enough."

Since the pictures show F9F Panthers from VF-52 (tail code "S") and VF-111 (tail code "V"), they were probably taken during Valley Forge's third Korean War cruise, 15 October 1951–3 July 1952.

This appears to be a VF-653 "Dragons" F4U-4 Corsair being readied for launching. Time frame would be USS Valley Forge's third Korean cruise, 15 October 1951–3 July 1952.

This appears to be a VF-111 "Sundowners" F9F-2 Panther recovering aboard USS Valley Forge (CV-45). Time frame would be the carrier's third Korean cruise, 15 October 1951–3 July 1952.

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) with embarked Air Task Group (ATG) 1, Yokosuka, Japan, 1951–1952.

View of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CV-45), 1951–1952. Valley Forge, with assigned Air Task Group (ATG) 1, was deployed to Korea from 15 October 1951 to 3 July 1952. A Douglas AD-2/3 Skyraider of Fighter Squadron (VF) 194 "Main Battery" is parked in the foreground. Grumman F9F-2/2B Panthers of VF-111 "Sundowners" (side numbers V-1xx) and VF-52 "Sealancers" (S-2xx) are visible behind the Skyraider.

Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, February 1952.

View of the city of Wonsan, North Korea, after over a year's bombardment by United Nations' forces, as seen from a USS Valley Forge (CV-45), aircraft on 16 February 1952. Note extensive damage, including craters from bombs and shells.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-439287).

USS Valley Forge (CV-45) taking water over the bow and onto her flight deck, while operating in heavy seas off Korea, 21 March 1952.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-440889).

Ordnancemen perform maintenance on 20mm aircraft cannon on the flight deck of USS Valley Forge (CV-45), during operations off Korea, 30 March 1952. The ship's forward 5"/38 twin gun mounts are at right. Aircraft parked in the immediate background is a Douglas AD Skyraider (possibly AD-2 BuNo 122251). Note firefighting hose in the lower right.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command, # NH 96953.

"[P]hotograph taken aboard the USS Valley Forge (CV[A]-45) on or about October 4, 1952. These are Sikorsky HRS pilots from MAG(HR)-16 commanded by Colonel Harold J. Mitchener (standing directly below the 'R' in Marines). The only other positive ID's I have are: Standing, tenth from right; Capt Lud R. 'Ziggy' Tucker. Standing, fourteenth from left; Capt Sam Richardson. Kneeling, center (eighth from either side), Capt Roy N. Thorson.'

If you can identify any of the men in this photo, please let us know. (Larger copy available on demand.)

Three U.S. Navy Douglas AD-4 Skyraiders from Fighter Squadron (VF) 54 "Hell's Angels" in flight. As the aircraft are fully armed and fly over what appears to be Korea, the photo was probably taken during the deployment with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 5 from 20 November 1952 to 25 June 1953 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CVA-45). The photo appeared in the USS Philippine Sea (CVA-47) 1954 Cruise Book, when VF-54 was deployed with CVG-5 to the Western Pacific from 12 March to 19 November 1954, aboard Philippine Sea.

U.S. Navy photo from the Philippine Sea 1954 Cruise Book.

The first of a flight of eight Bell HTL-3 helicopters rise from the flight deck of USS Valley Forge (CVA-45), off the Japanese coast, circa early January 1953. Valley Forge transported these aircraft to the Far East for use in evacuating Korean War battle casualties. The original photo is dated 3 January 1953. Its caption stated that this "was the largest mass take-off of helicopters in the history of Naval aviation".

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (#NH 96952).

USS Valley Forge (CVA-45) operating in stormy weather off the Korean coast, January 1953.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-642507).

Aludra (AF-55) conducting an UNREP (Underway Replenishment) with the destroyer Theodore E. Chandler (DD-717) and attack aircraft carrier Valley Forge (CVA-45) in the Pacific, early 1953, with F9F Panther jets of VF-51 and/or VF-53. US Navy photo.

Commander C.V. Johnson taxies forward after making the 50,000th landing aboard USS Valley Forge (CVA-45) during operations off Korea on 10 May 1953. His plane is a Douglas AD Skyraider. [AD-4 Skyraider, VF-54 "Hell's Angels," Carrier Air Group 5.] Another AD is flying in the upper right. Note the ship's arresting gear wires, after elevator and flight deck crewmen. Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (# NH 96954).

USS Valley Forge (CVA-45) approaches the Pedro Miguel Lock while transiting the Panama Canal, circa 18 August 1953. Her deckload includes several TBM, F4U and F2H aircraft and many automobiles. Photograph was released for publication on 16 September 1953.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 96943.

USS Valley Forge (CVA-45), Pedro Miguel Lock, Panama Canal. Photo received 15 November 1954 from 1367th Photo Flight, APCS, Albrook AFB, Canal Zone. Probably taken on or around 18 August 1953, see above.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # RG-18-AA-107-1-001.

"A U. S. naval aircraft carrier in drydock at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia. (Date: about October 1953). Photo courtesy of the Norfolk Public Library." Probably USS Valley Forge (CVA-45).

USS Valley Forge as an Anti-Submarine Warfare Support Carrier (CVS), circa 1954–1955, with the AF Guardians of Antisubmarine Squadron 36 (VS-36) on deck.

View aft across the flight deck of the anti-submarine carrier USS Valley Forge (CVS-45), during TRAMAC exercises in 1954. On deck are Grumman AF-2S/W Guardians of Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 24 "Duty Cats" and Vought F4U-5N Corsairs. The Task Group in the background is changing into cruising formation. To the left is USS Irwin (DD-794), and an Iowa-class battleship is visible astern of Valley Forge.

U.S. Navy All Hands magazine, October 1954 issue, p.36.

USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) refueling from USS Nantahala (AO-60). Photo dated 1955.

USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) in harbor, 20 January 1956, with crewmen paraded on her flight deck spelling out the ship's nickname: "HAPPY VALLEY".

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-689246).

USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) operating at sea with a deckload of S2F Tracker anti-submarine planes, 20 March 1956. She is accompanied by USS Conway (DDE‑507), steaming in the left background, and another escort destroyer.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), # NH 96936.

USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) operating at sea with a deckload of anti-submarine aircraft, 20 March 1956. Several S2F Trackers and at least one AD Skyraider are parked amidships and aft. A HUP Retriever helicopter is parked amidships, and a HSS-1 Seabat ASW helicopter is parked at the bow.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), # NH 96937.

This is believed to be USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) at anchor in Guantánamo Bay. The photo was taken by John Flanagan, AT2, from his barracks door, probably in late 1956.

Official U.S. Navy photo of USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) underway, dated 17 May 1957. This picture appears to have been taken in the Caribbean or Western Atlantic, with S2F Trackers of Antisubmarine Squadron 36 (VS-36) "Gray Wolves" and HSS-1 Seabats of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 5 (HS-5) Det. 52 parked on the flight deck.

Photo USN 1016126, U.S. Naval Photographic Center, U.S. Naval Station, Anacostia, Washington, D.C.

USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) operating at sea with S2F and HRS aircraft on her flight deck, 6 July 1957.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 96938).

Plaque of the ship's insignia, as used prior to 1959.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (photo # NH 76443-KN).

USS Chukawan (AO-100) conducting an underway replenishment with USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) and USS Eaton (DDE-510). The location is almost certainly the VACAPES operating area off Norfolk, VA. Date is probably sometime in 1958–59. On the flight deck of Valley Forge, just aft of the starboard helicopter, is a lone Early Warning Configuration AD-5W Skyraider ("Guppy") belonging to VAW-12 "Bats." The helicopters on the forward flight deck are HSS-1 Seabat from HS-7 "Big Dippers." The aft flight deck is filled with S2F Trackers belonging to VS-36 "Gray Wolves."

Valley Forge (CVS-45) photo.

USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) operating at sea on 27 August 1958, with an HSS-1 Seabat helicopter of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 7 "Big Dippers" about to land forward. S2F Trackers of Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 36 "Gray Wolves" are parked on her flight deck.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, # USN 1038267.

In early January 1959, while operating in the stormy North Atlantic, Valley Forge encountered heavy seas that broke over her forward flight deck, tearing away part of its port side. This was another dramatic example of the vulnerabilities of the "open bow" design typical of World War II aircraft carrier design (see also NS021252, NS021846 and NS022011), a problem solved by the enclosed "hurricane bow" fitted to carriers newly built or modernized during the mid-1950s and later. Valley Forge's damage was quickly repaired, using flight deck structure cannibalized from the decommissioned USS Franklin (CVS-13).

NS024521: Photograph taken on 6 January 1959, looking forward. Note ship's hull number ("45") painted on the flight deck, with the left part of the "4" folded by the broken decking. Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 96971.

NS024521a: USS Valley Forge (CVS-45), damage to bow after encountering heavy seas.

NS024522: Photograph taken on 8 January 1959. Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 96956.

NS024523: Forward port portion of the flight deck of USS Franklin (CVS-13) is hoisted into place on the Valley Forge. Photograph was taken on 24 January 1959. Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 96972.

USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) sails under the Delaware Memorial Bridge on 6 May 1959 en route to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. This is the first visit of the Valley Forge to her birthplace, where she was built with $75,000,000 from the sale of war bonds in the greater Philadelphia area.

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Collection.

Pawcatuck (AO-108) refueling Valley Forge (CVS-45) and Eaton (DDE-510), 18 June 1959. Fourteen S2F anti-submarine planes and two HSS-1 helicopters are parked on the carrier's flight deck and deck-edge elevator. US Navy photo # USN 1043955.

USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) arrives at Halifax, Nova Scotia, with crewmen in formation spelling out "HELLO HALIFAX" on her flight deck, 10 July 1959. Valley Forge, flying the flag of Rear Admiral John S. Thach and commanded by Captain William M. McCormick, was accompanied by the rest of Task Force ALFA, including seven destroyers and two submarines. Altogether, about 4000 U.S. Navy sailors were in Halifax for the six-day visit.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command, # NH 96939.

Task Group ALFA, formation portrait of the anti-submarine group's ships and aircraft, 24 July 1959, two days before Secretary of the Navy William B. Franke visited the Group. Ships include the group flagship, USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) in center, two submarines, and seven destroyers. Aircraft overhead include two formations of S2F Trackers from the Valley Forge air group, plus one shore-based P2V Neptune from Norfolk Naval Air Station, Virginia. Two HSS-1 helicopters are flying low, directly over the submarines.

Destroyers are: Left column, USS Eaton (DDE-510), USS Beale (DDE-471), and USS Bache (DDE-470); center foreground, USS Waller (DDE-466); right column, USS Conway (DDE-507), USS Cony (DDE-508), and USS Murray (DDE-576).

Submarines are: Left, USS Sea Leopard (SS-483); right, USS Cubera (SS-347).

Official U.S. Navy photograph (# USN 1043095).

As above, different view (photo # USN 1043094).

USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) steams in formation with other units of Task Force ALFA, during anti-submarine exercises in the Atlantic, 1959 (possibly on the same occasion as the photos above. The other ships present are (from left): USS Murray (DDE-576), USS Beale (DDE-471), USS Bache (DDE-470)—partially obscured by Eaton—, USS Eaton (DDE-510), USS Conway (DDE-507), USS Cony (DDE-508) and USS Waller (DDE-466). Photograph was released for publication on 3 August 1959.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 96944).

Official U.S. Navy photo of USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) underway, dated May 1959 (but must have been actually taken in late 1959–early 1960). S2F-1 & -2 Trackers from VS-27 "Pelicans" and HSS-1 Seabats from HS-3 "Tridents" on deck.

Tracer balloons are launched from the carrier to test upper atmosphere wind conditions, during Operation Skyhook in late January 1960. A ten-million cubic foot research balloon is being prepared for flight at the forward end of the flight deck of USS Valley Forge (CVS-45). Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH 96949).

Ten-million cubic foot Winzen Research balloon on the flight deck of USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) just prior to launching, during Operation Skyhook, Refly B, 30 January 1960. The balloon carried scientific devices to measure and record primary cosmic rays at 18-to-22 miles altitude.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collection of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 96948.

USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) at anchor, July 1960, with Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group (CVSG) 56.

Photo Galilea.

The science-fiction cult movie Silent Running (1971; starring Bruce Dern; directed by Douglas Trumbull) was shot in 32 days aboard the stricken Valley Forge. The Making of "Silent Running" documentary (1972) has interesting footage of the ship.