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NavSource Online: Escort Carrier Photo Archive

USS BLOCK ISLAND   (CVE-106)
(later LPH-1, CVE-106 and AKV-38)



Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Kilo - Alfa - Quebec

Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons


Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: China Service Medal (extended) / American Campaign Medal / Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (2 stars)
2nd Row: World War II Victory Medal / Navy Occupation Service Medal ("Asia" and "Europe" clasps) / National Defense Service Medal

CLASS - COMMENCEMENT BAY
Displacement 21,397 Tons (full load), Dimensions, 557' 7" (oa) x 75' x 30' 8" (Max)
Armament 2 x 5"/38AA 36 x 40mm, 20 x 20mm, 33 Aircraft.
Machinery, 16,000 SHP; Allis-Chambers, Geared Turbines, 2 screw
Speed, 19 Knots, Crew 1066.

Operational and Building Data

Built by Todd Pacific, Tacoma, Wash. Initially named Sunset Bay. Keel laid 25 Oct 1943, launched 10 Jun 1944; commissioned 30 Dec 1944. Placed in service, in reserve, 28 May 1946.

After being placed in reserve, she was moved to the Naval Air Facility (NAF) at Annapolis, Maryland and used as a barracks for enlisted personnel as well as a mess hall for midshipmen undergoing flight indoctrination at the NAF. She was also used as a training facility for enlisted aviation personnel. She was towed to Norfolk and returned to the reserve fleet on 30 October 1950. (Thanks to Ken Sabel.)

Recommissioned as an ASW carrier, 28 Apr 1951. Decommissioned 27 Aug 1954. Reclassified as an "Amphibious Assault Ship (Helicopter)" and redesignated LPH-1, 22 Dec 1957, but conversion cancelled in Jun 1958. Reverted to original CVE designation, 17 Feb 1959. Reclassified as a "Cargo Ship and Aircraft Ferry" (AKV-38), 7 May 1959. Stricken from the Navy list 1 Jul 1959 and scrapped.


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For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Name
Block Island
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CVE-106 was initially named Sunset Bay.

Renamed Block Island, 5 July 1944, to commemorate the service of the previous Block Island, torpedoed and sunk on 29 May. Block Island is a sound that lies east of Long Island, N.Y., and south of Rhode Island. It takes its name from Block Island which it separates from the Rhode Island coast (NS0310620, courtesy of Google Maps).

NS0302102: The first USS Block Island (CVE-21) shortly after leaving Norfolk, 15 October 1943, on her first anti-submarine cruise. (National Archives and Records Administration, photo # 80-G-87149, via Tony Drury.)

NavSource
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World War II
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USS Block Island (CVE-106), location and date unknown (appears to be early in her career). Camouflaged in Measure 33, Design 18A.

Hazegray & Underway, via Gerd Matthes
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USS Block Island (CVE-106) underway, date and location unknown. She is wearing a very simple [Measure 33 Design 18A camo]. US Navy courtesy of Floating Drydock.

Photo from Naval Camouflage 1914–1945, A Complete Visual Reference, by David Williams.

Robert Hurst

NS0311652
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Commencement Bay-class carriers. Top to bottom: USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116); USS Annapolis (AGMR-1), ex-USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107); and USS Block Island (CVE-106).

From "Historic Fleets," Naval History magazine, 1997.

Tommy Trampp
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31k USS Block Island (CVE-106), date and location unknown. Tommy Trampp
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BuAer photo of USS Block Island (CVE-106), taken on 13 January 1945 off the north end of Vashon Island, Washington. Taken at an altitude of 500 feet. Speed of CVE-106 was listed as 8 knots. Photo #Stl 1728-1-45.

David Buell
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USS Birmingham (CL-62), maneuvering alongside USS Block Island (CVE-106), 30 January 1945. Taken by LT(JG) Hoffman from an airship of ZP-31. USN photo.

David Buell
CVE-106 Block Island
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As above. BuAer photo # 302556.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
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USS Block Island (CVE-106) in Puget Sound, 30 January 1945, after USS Birmingham (CL-62) has passed by. The wake of Birmingham is at the left of the photo. Photo taken by an aircraft from squadron ZP-31.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo # 80-G-302556.

Courtesy of C. Lee Johnson, usndazzle.com,
via Mike Green
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112k A Vought F4U-1D Corsair of Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 511, attached to Marine Carrier Air Group (MCVG) 1, on the deck of the U.S. Navy escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-106) preparing to launch, on 5 February 1945. MCVG-1 was the first all-Marine carrier air group in the Second World War. Photo taken by Pfc. E. Powers, USMC. National Naval Aviation Museum, photo No. 1996.253.7161.004. Robert Hurst
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Shots of F4U Corsairs and F6F Hellcats landing on USS Block Island (CVE-106) with arresting gear and taking off from it. Shots of F6F being loaded onto ship with crane, and shots of pilots in planes. These include Maj R.B. Porter, Capt William Hogue, Lt Edward J. Wallof, Lt Troyer, and Lt Pickering.

USMC video, digitized by the University of South Carolina.

Other videos related to Block Island, in the same collection.

Courtesy of University of South Carolina Libraries,
Digital Collections
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USS Block Island (CVE-106), crash of TBM-3 Avenger (No. 68479), Marine Torpedo Bomber Squadron (VMTB) 233, Marine Carrier Air Group (MCVG) 1, after being hit by another Avenger which went over the side of the escort carrier. Pilot was Lieutenant Jack Marconi. The torpedo-bomber is lodged on forward end of flight deck and forecastle. Photographed by Chief Photographer’s Mate P. M. Castner, received 3 April 1945.

NS0310630: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-328396.

NS0310630a: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-328397.

NS0310630b: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-328398.

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As above.

The Avenger is shown hitting the water after being pushed over the side. Photographed by Chief Photographer’s Mate P. M. Castner, received 3 April 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-328399.

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USS Block Island (CVE 106), altar prepared for Catholic mass aboard the escort carrier. Photographed by Photographer's Mate Second Class T.K. Britt, received 29 April 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-328401.

NARA
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USS Block Island (CVE-106). Chaplain Lieutenant John M. Sullivan, from USS Enterprise (CV-6) saying mass aboard the escort carrier. Photographed by Photographer's Mate Second Class T.K. Britt, received 29 April 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-328402.

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USS Block Island (CVE-106). Unit insignia on tail of FG-1D Corsair (BuNo 87828)(#77) aboard the escort carrier. Photographed by Photographer's Mate Second Class T.K. Britt, received 29 April 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-328403.

This particular aircraft, attached to Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 511, Marine Carrier Air Group (MCVG) 1, was lost on 27 May 1945. Block Island's War Diary reads: "0515 – Launched 4 VF led by Squadron Commander Major R. C. [Robert Claude] MAZE, USMC, for sweep over Ishigaki."

"While making rocket attack on boat yard and small craft at Ishigaki Town, Major MAZE's plane was not observed to come out of its dive and was seen to crash in shallow water off shore. It is believed that this plane was hit by AA. The submerged plane is visible in later photographs taken of the area."

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USS Block Island (CVE-106). Photo is dated 30 April 1945. If this date is correct, then location is Ulithi, Caroline Islands.

Official US Navy photograph.

Robert M. Cieri
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149k A U.S. Marine Corps Grumman F6F-5N Hellcat of VMF(N)-511 is launched from the deck of the escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-106) off Okinawa on 10 May 1945. Mechanics dubbed this aircraft the "Hanger Queen" because it had been "down" several times in one week for minor repairs. Here, "Hanger Queen" is about to head for Sakashima in support of the Okinawa campaign. The catapult officer in the foreground resembles a baseball umpire calling a strike on the Japanese by launching this plane. Photo taken by PFC Harvey M. Uribe, USMC.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 1996.253.7190.001).

Robert Hurst
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469k TBM-3 Avengers, Marine Torpedo Bomber Squadron (VMTB) 233, Marine Carrier Group (MCVG) 1, from USS Block Island (CVE-106), flying over Yontan Airfield on West Coast of Okinawa, Ryukyus, 20 May 1945.

NS0310632: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-331003.

NS0310632a: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-331008.

NARA
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104k A Marine "ordie" maintaining the .50 cal. MGs of a VMF-511 F4U-1D Corsair assigned to MCVG-1 aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106) during the battle for Okinawa, on 5 June 1945. MCVG-1 and Block Island were the first Marine/CVE team to form. USMC, courtesy Robert J. Cressman.

From Carrier Air War in Original Color, by Robert Lawson and Barrett Tillman.

Robert Hurst
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Sailors bring an exhausted Australian soldier aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106). The soldier was liberated from three years of labor in Formosan prison camp. Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett, 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343550.

NARA
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Liberated British and Australian prisoners from a Formosan prison camp revel in clean clothes, cots, Red Cross kits, and a friendly welcome aboard their rescue ship, USS Block Island (CVE 106). Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett, 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343551.

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Liberated British and Australian prisoners from a Formosan prison camp get their first real meal aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106) after a three-year confinement. Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett and Marine M.J. Kane (rank not given), 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343552.

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Liberated British Officers from a Formosan prison camp try out new clothes aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106) after three years confinement. Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett, 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343554.

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Liberated British and Australian prisoners from a Formosan prison camp get their first real meal aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106) after three years confinement. Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett and Marine M.J. Kane (rank not given), 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343559.

CVE-106 Block Island
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Bombardier Walter G. McFarlane, liberated after 3.5 years captive at Singapore, enjoys the comforts provided on the hangar deck of USS Block Island (CVE-106). Photographed by Photographer's Mate First Class T.K. Brett, 5 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-343560.

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Brought to liberty from under Japanese maltreatment on Formosa, before occupation forces appeared to take over the island. These 474 British and American soldiers rest, eat and sleep on the hangar deck of USS Block Island (CVE-106). Photograph released 27 September 1945.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-495664.

NARA
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171k Carrier Division 27 successfully weathering China Sea Typhoon, October 1945. Taken by USS Salerno Bay (CVE-110). Ships shown are: USS Block Island (CVE-106), USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107), USS Siboney (CVE-112) and Salerno Bay.

NS0310617; U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-354599.

NS0310617a; U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-354600.

NS0310617b; U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-354604.

NS0310617c; U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-354605.

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"Bomb Shell Reconversion—(U.S. Marine Corps Photo), Marine Lt. Col. John F. Dobbin of Brighton, Mass., has turned a 500-pound practice bomb shell into a detachable baggage compartment on his Corsair fighter plane. The Leatherneck officer demonstrates the gadget on the flight deck of the USS Block Island, the escort carrier from which he led the first strike of a carrier-based Marine air group."

The Roanoke Rapids Herald, Thursday, 17 January 1946.

Chronicling America,
via Michael Mohl
CVE-106 Block Island
NS0310612
129k

USS Block Island (CVE-106) alongside the Naval Air Facility (NAF) at Annapolis, Maryland sometime between May 1946 and October 1950. (Thanks to Ken Sabel.)

Ron Reeves
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USS Block Island (CVE-106) mast and antennae, view from astern. Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, NY4-739, 1 of 4. Probably in 1951, at about the time of her recommissioning.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # rg19nn-b1584-005-018.

NARA
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USS Block Island (CVE-106) mast and antennae, head-on view. Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, NY4-739, 2 of 4. Probably in 1951, at about the time of her recommissioning.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # rg19nn-b1584-005-019.

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USS Block Island (CVE-106) mast and antennae. Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, NY4-739, 4 of 4. Probably in 1951, at about the time of her recommissioning.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # rg19nn-b1584-005-021.

CVE-106 Block Island
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USS Block Island (CVE-106) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, circa 1952, with Antisubmarine Squadron (VS) 801 embarked.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection (# 1996.488.035.006).

Mike Green
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Interior views of USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621: rg19nn-b1584-005-022.

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Photos taken aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621e: rg19nn-b1584-005-027.

NS0310621f: rg19nn-b1584-005-028.

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Photos taken aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621j: rg19nn-b1584-005-032.

NS0310621k: rg19nn-b1584-005-033.

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Photos taken aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621o: rg19nn-b1584-005-037.

NS0310621p: rg19nn-b1584-005-038.

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Photos taken aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621t: rg19nn-b1584-005-042.

NS0310621u: rg19nn-b1584-005-043.

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Photos taken aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 1952.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310626: rg19nn-b1584-005-047.

NS0310626a: rg19nn-b1584-005-048.

NS0310626b: rg19nn-b1584-005-049.

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USS Block Island (CVE-106) departs Philadephia Naval Shipyard, 5 January 1952, for Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where she carried out flight operations and other training until mid-March.

NS0310627: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741269, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140641.

NS0310627a: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741271, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140642.

NS0310627b: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741273, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140643.

NS0310627c: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741275, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140644.

NS0310627d: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741277, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140645.

NS0310627e: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741279, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140646.

NS0310627f: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741281, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140647.

NS0310627g: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, identifier 24741283, local identifier 19-NN - CVE-106 Block Island - 140648.

NARA,
via Michael Mohl
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USS Block Island (CVE-106) refueling USS Hunt (DD-674) in the Western Atlantic, probably in January-April 1952. Reserve Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 831 (called to active duty in 1951; redesignated VS-36 in February 1953) was aboard Block Island.

David Buell
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USS Block Island (CVE-106) anchored at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, 22 February 1952.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 2012.004.011).

Mike Green
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USS Block Island (CVE-106) underway, summer 1953, with Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 22 aboard.

David Buell
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Recovery of Ensign E.H. Barry, pilot of a Grumman AF-2 Guardian from anti-submarine squadron VS-22, by a Piasecki HUP-1 Retriever helicopter after the plane was forced to ditch immediately after launching on 12 August 1953. The parent escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-106) is standing by in the background.

NS0310605: Photo USN. Source U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation, photo No. 1996.488.035.009.

NS0310605b: Press Wirephoto version of the above. "A helicopter is low over the water in an attempt to rescue Ensign E.H. Barry of Indianapolis, Indiana, after his Grumman plane hit the sea on takeoff from Aircraft Carrier Block Island. Barry is caught in a tug-of-war between the helicopter and his parachute, which opened unexpectedly. Seconds later he was yanked from the rescue sling and back into the water. He finally was saved by a boat crew from the Destroyer Bearss, from which this picture was made by a navy photographer. Aug. 12 1953."

NS0310605a: Photo USN. Source Naval Aviation News, October 1953 issue.

NS0310605c: Telephoto version of the photo above. "Virginia Capes: Telephoto shows air sea rescue of Navy pilot Ensign E.H. Barry, of Indianapolis, Indiana, who was forced to ditch his plane after taking off from Carrier Block Island. Helicopter was unable to complete rescue when Barry's parachute opened, pulling him from helicopter's sling. Motor whaleboat then completed rescue. In above photo, Barry is hanging from helicopter sling with parachute shrouds trailing in sea. Moments later chute opened. Ditch plane is right. Aug. 12 1953."

Pieter Bakels
Mike Green
Robert Hurst
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175k Duane Bass, nky-photos.com
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128k Robert Hurst
Gerd Matthes, Germany
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227k Duane Bass, nky-photos.com
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53k Block Island was the first ship designated as a helicopter-assault ship, or LPH. Conversion work began in January 1958, but was cancelled six months later. USN
In "Mothballs"
Reserve Fleet at Philadelphia
NS04020308
1.30M

Reserve Fleet Basin, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Pennsylvania, photographed on 19 May 1955 with numerous cruisers, escort carriers, and auxiliaries in reserve.

The nearest ship is the never-completed Hawaii (CB-3), which lacks her previously-installed three 12" gun turrets.

The cruisers outboard of Hawaii are (in unknown order) Honolulu (CL-48), Columbia (CL-56), Denver (CL-58), Galveston (CL-93), and Portsmouth (CL-102).

To their left are Tranquility (AH-14), Sanctuary (AH-17), and Pocono (AGC-16).

Behind Hawaii (from left to right) are Montpelier (CL-57), Houston (CL-81), Huntington (CL-107), Savannah (CL-42), Cleveland (CL-55), and Wilkes Barre (CL‑103).

Beyond them (from left to right) are Wichita (CA-45), Oregon City (CA-122), Chester (CA-27), and New Orleans (CA-32).

The cruisers on the left side of the basin (from front to rear) are Minneapolis (CA-36), Tuscaloosa (CA-37), San Francisco (CA-38), Augusta (CA-31), Louisville (CA-28), and Portland (CA-33).

Among the other ships in reserve in the basin are Fomalhaut (AE-20), Webster (ARV-2), Albemarle (AV-5), Tangier (AV-8), Pocomoke (AV-9), Chandeleur (AV-10), Abatan (AW-4), Mission San Carlos (AO-120), Prince William (CVE-31), Anzio (CVE-57), Block Island (CVE-106), Palau (CVE-122), and San Carlos (AVP-51).

Moored in the shipyard at the extreme left are Tennessee (BB-43), California (BB-44), and Cabot (CVL-28).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-668655).

Robert Hurst
Memorabilia
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145k

Plank Owner's Certificate for Edward M. Courtney, 30 December 1944.

Tommy Trampp
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10.2M

Chips off the Old Block, Vol. II, No. 1, U.S.S. Block Island, 30 December 1944.

Thomas Doll
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4.45M

"DEBARKATION OF PASSENGER PERSONNEL", 9 December 1945.

"Putting into Saipan on 23 October [1945], Block Island soon sailed for the United States, picked up planes and passengers at Guam, and reached Pearl Harbor on 2 December. Returning to sea on the 5th, she arrived at San Diego on the 11th." (Quoted from DANFS, Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.)

Kathy Murphy
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The officers of the Block Island Association in 2007. Left to right: Otis Long, Bill MacInnes (Editor of Chips, BI Newsletter), Bob Mathis, Dick Johnson, Walter (Smiley) Burnette, and Bob Wolfe.

Ron Reeves
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"In 1969, Block Island resident Maizie Rose enlisted the help of Senator Claiborne Pell and tracked down the bell at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. The bell was placed outdoors at the Island's American Legion Park, across from the cemetery. At the base is a plaque stating: 'Ship's Bell of U.S.S. Block Island CVE 106 World War II, Dedicated May 31, 1971.' On May 31, 1971 (Memorial Day), Maizie spoke at the dedication. After honoring the men who served on the two Block Island aircraft carriers, she pulled the bell rope three times: 'This bell will be symbolic of more than three centuries of our history. On Memorial Day, in years to come, it will reverberate across our hills.' The Block Island's bell, as does any symbol of distinguished cooperation and individual striving, represents more than what most passersby would realize."


For more information about this ship, see:

Read the
USS BLOCK ISLAND (CVE-106 / LPH-1 / AKV-38) DANFS History entry
Crew Contact and Reunion Information
Date:  
Place:  
Contact: Bill MacInnes
Address: 6650 Richard St.,
San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: 619- 460- 3568
E-mail: wmacinnes@aol.com
Web site:  
Remarks:  

Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan.
USS Block Island Association
Escort Carrier Sailors & Airmen Association

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Last update: 16 May 2023