CV-38 was named Shangri-La after a fictitious Himalayan kingdom described by James Hilton in his novel, Lost Horizon. During World War II, just after the Halsey-Doolittle bomber raid on Tokyo of 18 April 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in response to questions posed by members of the press, reported that the planes had been launched from somewhere in Shangri-La. This name honors USS Hornet (CV-8) which actually launched the Tokyo raiders, and which was subsequently lost in the Battle of Santa Cruz Island on the night of 26 and 27 October 1942.

NS020812: An Army Air Force B-25B bomber takes off from Hornet at the start of the raid, 18 April 1942. (Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-41196, via Scott Dyben.)

Shangri-La (CV-38) on the shipway, shortly before her launching date.

"PORTSMOUTH, Va., Feb.18[, 1944]--USS SHANGRI LA SET FOR LAUNCHING--This is the 27,500-ton aircraft carrier Shangri La, as long as any ship ever built in the United States, on the ways at Norfolk Navy Yard where it will be launched Feb.24 by Mrs. James Doolittle, wife of Maj.Gen. James Doolittle who led the April 18, 1942, bombing raid on Tokyo. President Roosevelt, responding to a question as to the take-off site of the fliers, said it was fictious 'Shangri La.'"

APWirephoto from U.S. Navy.

Shangri-La (CV-38) launching ceremonies at the Portsmouth Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia, with Mrs. James Doolittle, wife of the Major General, as sponsor. Mrs. James Doolittle is shown on the launching stand. Left to right: Governor Colgate W. Darden Jr.; Mrs. Doolittle; Captain J.E. Manch; Rear Admiral Felix X. Gygax, USN, Commandant of the Norfolk Navy Yard; and Mary Louise McClellan, daughter of a Navy Yard workman, who served as flower girl. Photograph released 24 February 1944.

U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-216111.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38) is christened by Mrs. James H. Doolittle, during launching ceremonies at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, 24 February 1944. Rear Admiral Felix X. Gygax, the Navy Yard Commandant, is in the foreground, holding a microphone close to the sponsor's champagne bottle as it smashes into the new carrier's bow.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 75633), courtesy of James Russell.

Shangri-La (CV-38) is launched at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, Thursday, 24 February 1944.

Aerial view of USS Shangri-La (CV-38) underway, painted in Measure 33, Design 10A camouflage. This photo was probably taken in the Gulf of Paria, Trinidad, B.W.I, during the ship's shakedown cruise, September–December 1944. Note destroyer steaming astern of Shangri-La (top left corner of the photo).

BuAer photo # 301910.

"On October 15, [1944 ...] At precisely 11:32:15, Cdr. Wallace Sherrill, Commander Air Group Eighty-Five, piloting a TBM-3 Avenger, Buno. 23085, made the first landing aboard Shangri-La. Aboard the torpedo bomber as passengers were Lt. Cdr. C. W. Dougherty and Lt. McDowell."

The photo, taken in the Wardroom, shows the celebration of the first landing. The man cutting the cake is CDR Sherrill; CDR J. F. Wigelius, Air Boss, is standing on the left; CDR Joseph F. Quilter, XO, is standing in the middle.

(Information from Bob Ketenheim, Historian, USS Shangri-La Association. Quote from his book, "USS Shangri-La History," page 14.)

Official Navy photograph, # CV-38-221-12-12-1944.

A North American P-51D Mustang about to be launched from the deck of USS Shangri-La, November 1944, during Navy evaluation tests as to the suitability of the Mustang for carrier service (USN). There is a story about a P-51D Mustang and a Bearcat [(F8F)] taking off side by side from a standing start for a mock dogfight. The Bearcat reportedly had made two passes at the Mustang before the latter had raised its flaps and wheels.

Text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

"Lieutenant Robert Elder on the deck of the carrier Shangri-La (CV-38) during trials of the extensively modified P-51D Mustang. He was one of the Navy's top test pilots."

North American P-51D-5-NA Mustang, #44-14017, redesignated EFT-51D and piloted by Navy LT Robert M. Elder, launching from USS Shangri-La (CV-38), during trials in November 1944.

A Marine Corps PBJ-1H Mitchell patrol bomber landing onboard the carrier USS Shangri-La, November 1944, during Navy evaluation tests as to the suitability of the Mitchell for carrier service (USN).

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38) underway, 5 November 1944, during her shakedown cruise.

Aerial bow view of USS Shangri-La (CV-38), taken by Utility Squadron (VJ) 4, 12 November 1944.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-272499.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38), 15 November 1944. PBJ-1H Mitchell, BuNo 35277 (ex-USAAF B-25H 43-4700), piloted by LCDR Syd Bottomley, traps aboard in picture NS023869a, taxis out of the arrestor gear in picture NS023869b and is readied for catapult launch in picture NS023869c. Lieutenant Commander Bottomley, who had earlier served as XO of VB-3 at the Battle of Midway and then succeeded Max Leslie as squadron CO when Leslie fleeted up to CAG-3, was assigned to the Ship Experimental Unit of the Naval Aircraft Factory at Mustin Field, Philadelphia in the fall of 1943.

F7F-1 Tigercat carrier landings (the first for a twin-engine, tricycle-landing-gear carrier aircraft) were conducted aboard USS Shangri-La (CV-38) on 15 November 1944. LT Charlie Lane, from the Ship Experimental Unit of the Naval Aircraft Factory (SEU/NAF) made deck-run and catapult take-offs, and arrested landings, in BuNo 80291. (See also NS0238-cj32.)

Though the F7F-1 was successfully tested for carrier duty that day, it would never operate from a flattop.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38), 15 December 1944, off Trinidad, B.W.I., wearing camouflage Ms 33 Design 10A. Shangri-La was on her shakedown cruise, before heading to the Pacific on 17 January 1945.

United States National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Photo # 80-G-301915.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38) underway, January 1945. BuAer photo # 307283. She was painted in Measure 33, Design 10A camouflage, which added a certain grace to the lines of the ship.

Shangri-La spent most of the month in the Atlantic, then transited the Panama Canal (24 Jan) and headed for San Diego.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38) steaming in Chesapeake Bay, 1944, painted in Measure 33, Design 10A camouflage. U.S. Navy photo.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38) leaving Norfolk on 17 January 1945, wearing camouflage 33/10A. The carrier had stood out of Hampton Roads, formed up with large cruiser USS Guam (CB-2) and destroyer Harry E. Hubbard (DD-748), and was headed to the Pacific Ocean.

United States National Archives and Records Administration, Photo No. 80-G-307284.

Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver, BuNo 20543, from Bombing Squadron (VB) 85, demolished after it struck and somersaulted over the flight deck barricade aboard USS Shangri-La (CV-38), 3 February 1945.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 85, alongside USS Vesuvius (AE-15), probably in July–September 1945.

USS Cahaba (AO-82) refueling USS Shangri-La (CV-38) and USS Iowa (BB-61), July 1945. Photo taken from battleship Iowa.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38), refueling underway, Western Pacific, July 1945.

Vice Admiral John S. McCain, Sr., Commander, Task Force 38, (left) with John L. Sullivan, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air, on board USS Shangri-La (CV-38), during Sullivan's visit to combat force in the western Pacific, July 1945.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-343854).

Assistant Secretary of the Navy John L. Sullivan (at left) on the flight deck of USS Shangri-La (CV-38) in the Western Pacific, during his swearing-in ceremonies, 2 July 1945. With him are (from left): Vice Admiral Aubrey W. Fitch, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air; Vice Admiral John S. McCain, Commander, Task Force 38; and Captain James D. Barner, Commanding Officer of the carrier.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-K-5837.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38) and USS Iowa (BB-61) refuel from Cahaba (AO-82) on the morning of 8 July 1945. US Navy photo now in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration in College Park (# 80-GK-6112).

On 24 July 1945, LT(JG) R.L. Reed, Bombing Fighting Squadron (VBF) 85, attempted to land a badly damaged FG-1D Corsair (BuNo 88440, #32). Having a shell hole in his fuselage behind the cockpit, the tail hook and empennage ripped off when they snagged a wire and remained at the end of deck, while the rest of the plane raced down the flight deck and a wing struck a 5-inch gun mount.

The date of this accident is also recorded as 21 July 1945 but this is not correct. Shangri-La's deck log confirms that on 24 July 1945 Corsair side number 32 crash-landed on deck at 1835 and was jettisoned at 1843.

Task Force 38, of the U.S. Third Fleet, maneuvering off the coast of Japan, 17 August 1945, two days after Japan agreed to surrender. Taken by a USS Shangri-La (CV-38) photographer. The aircraft carrier in lower right is USS Wasp (CV-18). The other identifiable carrier is Shangri-La in the left center. Also present in the formation are four other Essex-class carriers, four light carriers, at least three battleships (two of the Iowa class and one of the South Dakota class), plus several cruisers and destroyers.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-278815.

Underway in the Pacific, with her crew paraded on the flight deck, 17 August 1945. Note use of the letter "Z" on the flight deck instead of her hull number.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-278827).

SB2C-4 Helldiver bomber on patrol over Tokyo, 28 August 1945. Photographed from a USS Shangri-La (CV-38) plane by Lieutenant G.D. Rogers. Note light traffic on the city streets also burned out areas and damaged buildings.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-339354.

Vice Admiral John S. McCain, Sr., USN (center), arrives for Task Force 38 Change of Command ceremonies aboard USS Shangri-La (CV-38), 31 August 1945, while the ship was operating off the Japanese coast.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-278834.

World War II scoreboard. From Shangri-La to Bikini, by E.G. Hines, World War II Cruise Book 1944–1946.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38) comes alongside USS Attu (CVE-102) to transfer personnel and supplies, 3 September 1945. Attu's cruise book claims that this was the first side-by-side underway replenishment by two aircraft carriers.

Collection of Captain Hays R. Browning, USNR.

Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC) photo, # NH 96051.

"On February 7, [1946] Shangri-La got underway from San Diego with Rear Admiral W.K. Harrill, COMFAIRWESTCOAST, aboard to observe carrier tests of the twin-engined F7F[-3N] Tigercat fighters of Marine Night Fighter Squadron [(VMF(N))] 534. During the test conducted on the 8th, several F7Fs received damage from hard landings. One such landing resulted in the starboard wing of a Tigercat snapping off at the wing root, sending the wreckage careening down the deck. The pilot, 1st Lt. C.J. O'Malley, USMCR, crawled out uninjured and, upon his insistence, the flight deck crew decided not to jettison the aircraft. O'Malley's insistence paid off, for, upon close examination, a weakness was discovered in the F7F wing attachment which resulted in all Tigercats being withdrawn from further carrier operations until a stronger wing attachment system could be redesigned."

Text from USS Shangri-La CV / CVA / CVS-38, by Bob Ketenheim (Paducah, KY: Turner Publishing Company, 2002). VMF(N)-534 Squadron patch.

"Hellcats Rehearse for Operations 'Crossroads'," from the May 17, 1946 issue of "The Dry Dock," the newspaper of the San Diego Naval Hospital.

Perhaps taken at the same time as photo NS023825, below?

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, February 17, 1947.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, March 6, 1947. Bow view, approx. 45 degrees off center line. Taken in Puget Sound, off Blake Island.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, March 6, 1947. Stern view, from aft center line. Taken in Puget Sound, off Blake Island.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, March 6, 1947. Head on view. Taken in Puget Sound, off Blake Island.

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

USS Shangri-La (CV-38) moored at Sydney, NSW, Australia, 17–27 May 1947. After this cruise, the ship was decommissioned into the Pacific Reserve Fleet at San Francisco, CA, in November.

Australian War Memorial, Photo No. 302739.

Marine Corps Detachment, USS Shangri-La (CV-38). Photo believed to have been taken off Roi-Namur in between World War II and the Korean War.

Wally explains: "My Uncle, Louis H. Albert [NS023872a] was born in the Newark area and later resided in Lake Parsippany, NJ. He was an expert rifleman and once held the Recruit Rifle Range record at Parris Island! Needless to say I was very proud of him as it contributed to my joining the Corps in 1966." In the USMC Detachment photo Louis is in the 1st Squad, 8th man from the left.

"SF8725-5/10 San Francisco—Another World War II fighting ship, the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CV 38), came out of mothballs today 5/10/51 at Hunters Point and will soon sail for the East Coast as a unit of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet. Framing 'Sir Shang' is the largest crane in the world, at San Francisco Naval Shipyard where the ship was recommissioned. U.S. Navy photo via ACME Telephoto."

"WAP-59887-7/7-WASHINGTON: An above-decks sprinkler system, designed to envlope [sic] completely weather surfaces of a ship under a moving spray of seawater to protect it from crippling amount of 'fallout' radiation after a nuclear weapon blast has been developed by the Navy. The 'washdown system' is shown being tested aboard the aircraft carrier Shangri La while on maneuver at sea. Fed by ship's regular pumps, special nozzles fixed to weather decks pour thousands of gallons of seawater spray per minute until ship has passed thru the 'fallout' rain simulated by colored steam. UNITED PRESS TELEPHOTO FROM U.S. NAVY. grg"

Off Boston, 7 July 1952.

Note that, in the original print, the photo was reversed.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, May 8, 1954. General view of Port side showing outward appearance of Canted Deck. Note tall mast. (Photo # NY8-11201).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, June 8, 1954. Port bow section removed for installation of bow enclosure. (Photo # NY8-11358).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, June 8, 1954. Preparation for removal of shell plating Fr. 1-23 Starboard for installation of enclosed bow. (Photo # NY8-11359).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, June 24, 1954. Starboard bow showing removal of shell plating and staging girders in place for commencement of Bow Enclosure installation. (Photo # NY8-11419).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, June 24, 1954. Bow removal is shown preparatory to installation of new Bow Enclosure. (Photo # NY8-11420).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, August 10, 1954. Bow enclosure, general view of structural work. (Photo # NY8-11566).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, August 10, 1954. General view of the island structure, starboard side, showing electric stairway enclosure, parking platform, flag boards, various splinter shields, and radar installations on the mast. (Photo # NY8-11567).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, October 7, 1954. New bow nears structural completion. (Photo # NY8-11773).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

A series of five photos likely taken soon after her SCB-27C/125 conversion at Puget Sound, November 14, 1952–January 10, 1955. Note a number of 3"/50 guns still on board.

NS023846a: "USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) was the first U.S. Navy attack carrier to embody all the latest improvements that are being made in [this carrier class]. These improvements include steam catapults, high capacity arresting gear, angled deck, enclosed bow, increased [fuel] capacity, and a tractor ramp around the outside of the 'island' that will speed up aircraft spotting." 27 April 1955. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 330-PS-7291 (USN 663090).

The modernized Shangri-La ready for sea trials, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA, February 9, 1955. Note absence of catapult bridle arrestors (compare to photos NS023846a and NS023846b.)

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) in a photo dated 30 March 1955, shortly after modernization.

US Navy photo.

1955+ Angled flight deck installed.

This color postcard from Yale Publishing Co., San Diego, CA, shows USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) as she appeared in the late 1950s.

"Hello Bay Area," possibly around 1 April 1955.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), with S2F Trackers from Anti-Submarine Squadrons (VS) 20 and 21, and a lone HUP-2 Retriever helicopter from Helicopter Utility Squadron (HU) 1 "Pacific Fleet Angels" on deck. Possibly in the second half of May 1955.

US Navy photo.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38). From Our Navy magazine, 1 August 1956.

This photo was probably taken in 1956, with Air Task Group 3 (ATG-3) aboard.

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-8 Cougar of Fighter Squadron (VF) 122 "Black Angels" recovering aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), circa 1956. VF‑122 was assigned to Air Task Group (ATG) 3 aboard Shangri-La for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 5 January to 23 June 1956. U.S. Navy photo from the Shangri-La 1956 Cruise Book.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) with Air Task Group 3 embarked, circa 1956. F9F-8/8B Cougars of Fighter Squadron (VF) 53 "Blue Knights" are parked forward on the flight deck.

Members of USNA Class of 1952 serving aboard USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) in 1956.

Front row, left to right: Charlie Andrews, Jim McNeely, Herb Burridge, Windy Rivers, Joe Wilkinson.

Back row, left to right: Jim Lovell (future austronaut), Bill Knutson, John Derr, Pete Maloney, John Kuncas.

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers" launching from USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), 1 September 1956, off Baja California, Mexico. This was the first A3D catapult shot, the pilot was Richard S. (Dick) Davidson. Note the catapult bridle dropping below the A3D. Sir Shang launched three Skywarriors and four FJ-3 Furies to fly to Oklahoma City as part of the National Air Show (1–3 September).

US Navy photo.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), maybe in Hawaii, and probably in 1956.

Flight deck scene aboard USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), circa 1956–1957, with F7U-3M Cutlasses of Air Development Squadron (VX) 4 "The Evaluators."

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-8 Cougar (BuNo 144325) of Attack Squadron (VA) 63 "Fighting Redcocks" after a barrier landing aboard USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), circa 1957. VA-63 was assigned to the aircraft carrier for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 13 November 1956 to 20 May 1957. U.S. Navy photo from the Shangri-La 1956–57 Cruise Book.

U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-8 Cougars from Attack Squadron (VA) 63 "Fighting Redcocks" zooming past Mt. Fuji, Japan, circa 1957. VA-63 was assigned to USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 13 November 1956 to 20 May 1957. U.S. Navy photo from the Shangri-La 1956–57 Cruise Book.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) at anchor at Hong Kong, 7 April 1957, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 2 aboard.

Photo by Marius Bar, Toulon, France.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) in a photo released on 16 May 1957, but taken three days earlier, as she was mooring to Pier F-13 at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, on her way back from a WestPac deployment. Allamakee (YTB-410) and another tug are nudging the carrier into the quay.

Official USN Photo, released by Headquarters, CinCPac Public Information Office.

A division of "Sundowners" F11F Tigers in "finger four" formation led by NH101. The latter was the skipper's aircraft, usually flown by Cmdr. R. W. Huxford, who led the squadron in 1958–59. At this time the "Sundowners" were aboard USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) during her Westpac deployment, in 1959. Photo via Tailhook Association.

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

"This separates the men from the boys. Having this facing you, coming in at 150 knots, at times in low visibility, high seas, and worst of all, the darkness of night puts Naval Aviators in a class of their own. Note the Landing Signal Officer on the left and the light system that aids landing." Photo appears to have been taken in the first half of the 1960s.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) underway at sea off Mayport, Florida, with Carrier Air Group Ten (CAG-10) embarked, August 1960. Aircraft parked on the forward flight deck include F8U and F4D fighters, A4D and AD attack planes. Photographed by PH1 R.A. Moulder.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97589).

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) at anchor in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, possibly in mid or late 1960, shortly after she transferred from the Pacific.

Photo by Stan Johnson, courtesy of Pam Johnson.

Shortly before 1600, on 22 September 1960, during Operation Swordthrust, a joint exercise with NATO naval forces, F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 145350, modex AK203, from Fighter Squadron (VF) 62 "Boomerangs," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 10, fell off the forward starboard flight deck into the Norwegian Sea after a faulty cat launch aboard USS Shangri-La (CVA-38). It is believed that the linkage between the aircraft and the catapult failed, and the fighter veered to starboard, rolled towards the gun mount and plunged into the sea. The pilot, CDR Jack E. Davis, was able to free himself from the cockpit and within minutes he was rescued by a helicopter, with just a cut elbow.

Official US Navy photograph of USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), taken during operations off the coast of Florida, 1961, by R.A. Moulder.

A bow on aerial view of USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) underway off Culebra Island, Puerto Rico, June 13, 1961. Other units of the US Second Fleet participating in Operation LANTFLEX 4/61 are in the background. Photo from the ship's photo lab (#CVA-38-3098-6-61) by PH1 R.A. Moulder.

On May 30 Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo had been assassinated and a general uprising seemed about to follow. Shangri-La rendezvoused with USS Intrepid (CVA-11) and USS Randolph (CVS-15); for nearly two weeks the three carriers and their escorts patrolled the waters around Hispaniola and Puerto Rico.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) and USS Purdy (DD-734) refuel from USS Allagash (AO-97) in the Mediterranean, 26 April 1962.

US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos:

NS091909725: Photo USN 1061088.

NS091909726: Photo K-26858.

NS091909727: Photo K-26859.

Steaming from Mayport, Florida, to Norfolk, Virginia, 20 June 1963. A-1H Skyraider (BuNo 137624, modex AK-409), of Attack Squadron (VA) 176 "Thunder Bolts," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 10, preparing for take-off from the deck of USS Shangri-La (CVA-38).

US Navy photo by AN J.D. Tharp, Neg. No. 1739.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) off Gibraltar, 13 October 1963, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 10, heading back to the Sixth Fleet for a seven-month tour. CVG-10 was redesignated Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 10 on 20 December 1963.

Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC), photo # NH 82282.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) at anchor, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 10 aboard. Barcelona, Spain, 8 April 1964.

The F-8 Crusader proved an optimum fit for France's naval air arm in the 1960s. A French Crusader prepares to launch from the flight deck of USS Shangri-La (CVA‑38), November 1964. (See "The F-8E(FN) Crusader", at The Last Gunfighter website, for more information.)

U.S. Sixth Fleet ships at anchor in Augusta Bay, Sicily, on 17 March 1965. The smaller carrier, at left, is USS Shangri-La (CVA-38). The larger carrier, at right, is USS Saratoga (CVA-60). Other U.S. Navy ships visible include two guided missile light cruisers (CLG), two guided-missile frigates (DLG), six destroyers (DD), two oilers (AO) and other auxiliaries. There are also several merchant ships present.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1111048).

USS Chikaskia (AO-54) during an underway replenishment with USS Waldron (DD-699) and USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) in the Mediterranean, August 1965.

Photo from the collections of HM1 John Wagner, RADM E. L. Feightner, BM2 Charles Peterman, and LCDR Al Gordon, compiled and edited by BM3 David Zanzinger.

Extensive damage to Shangri-La's starboard bow shows above her waterline after the collision with USS Newman K. Perry (DD-883), August 27, 1965. Some damage was also sustained below the waterline. Photo by PH2 Jack Weir. (See USS Shangri-La Reunion Association website for further info).

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), Naples, Italy, 1965, after temporary repairs following the collision with USS Newman K. Perry (DD-883).

Photo from the collections of HM1 John Wagner, RADM E. L. Feightner, BM2 Charles Peterman, and LCDR Al Gordon, compiled and edited by BM3 David Zanzinger.

Twelve U.S. Navy Vought F-8E Crusaders of Fighter Squadron (VF) 62 "Boomerangs" pass over USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) during the 1965 Mediterranean cruise fly off.

VF-62 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 10, tail code "AK," aboard Sir Shang for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 15 February to 20 September 1965.

Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), photo # NH 71864.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) entering berth at Pier 4, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 16 November 1965.

Photo by Pasquarella. Courtesy of Temple University Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs, photo identifier P564118B.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) entering berth at Pier 4, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 16 November 1965.

Photo by Pasquarella. Courtesy of Temple University Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs, photo identifier P564117B.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) entering berth at Pier 4, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 16 November 1965.

Photo by Pasquarella. Courtesy of Temple University Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs, photo identifier P564116B.

Sailors tie down the starboard side of USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), Pier 4, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 16 November 1965.

Photo by Pasquarella. Courtesy of Temple University Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs, photo identifier P564115B.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), Pier 4, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 21 November 1965. A family walks off the pier in the foreground.

Photo by Rosenberg. Courtesy of Temple University Digital Collections, George D. McDowell Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Photographs, photo identifier P564111B.

View of the island structure, circa 1966.

A crewman paints one of the carrier's hausepipes, while supporting himself on anchor chain, 4 May 1966. Photographed by PH2 Jack Weir. Note the position of this man's safety line, passing under his chin. This is not healthy!

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97590).

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) refueling USS John W. Weeks (DD-701), 1966–1967.

Right front view of VA-81 "Sunliners" A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 150125, AJ-402, as the deck crew hooks her up to one of the Shang's catapults, circa 1966–1967.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) refueling from USS Aucilla (AO-56), circa 1967.

Format: Audio Video Interleave (.AVI)  Duration: 1' 46"  Size: 720 x 480

Aircraft of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 recovering on USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), sometime between late 1966 and mid-1967. Three A-4E Skyhawks of VA-81 "Sunliners;" a C-1 Trader, the ship's Carrier On-board Delivery (COD) plane; the last two aircraft appear to be an F-8D Crusader of VF-13 "Night Cappers" and an RF-8G of VFP-62 "Fighting Photos."

Format: Audio Video Interleave (.AVI)  Duration: 1' 24"  Size: 720 x 480

Aircraft of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. F-8D Crusaders from VF-13 "Night Cappers" and VF-62 "Boomerangs;" A-4E and A-4B Skyhawks from VA-83 "Rampagers," VA-81 "Sunliners" and VSF-1 "War Eagles;" and RF-8G Crusaders from VFP-62 "Fighting Photos." Sometime between late 1966 and mid-1967.

Format: Audio Video Interleave (.AVI)  Duration: 1' 48"  Size: 720 x 480

UH-2 Seasprite plane guard helicopter, HC-2 "Fleet Angels" Det. 38. Launching A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151121 (AJ401), VA-81 "Sunliners." Recovering F-8D Crusader BuNo 147925 (AJ106), VF-13 "Night Cappers." Sometime between late 1966 and mid-1967.

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Skyhawks in flight. Aerial view of USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) and a Charles F. Adams-class DDG. Recovering a Skyhawk. Sometime between late 1966 and mid-1967.

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Two U.S. Navy Douglas A-4B Skyhawks—BuNo 144869 (modex AJ-580), and 144999 (AJ-578)—from Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron (VSF) 1 "Warhawks" in flight. VSF-1 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 aboard USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), visible below, for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 29 September 1966 to 20 May 1967.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, No. 1996.253.4219.

"The crew checking out the Rock of Gibraltar as the Shang passes through the Strait of Gibraltar heading west homeward bound after our eight-month cruise" (29 September 1966–20 May 1967). Note tails of three Skyhawks parked on the flight deck, left to right: A-4B BuNo 144954, Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron (VSF) 1 "War Eagles;" A-4E 151052, Attack Squadron (VA) 81 "Sunliners;" A-4E 152097, VA-83 "Rampagers."

Friends and relatives crowd the gangways to welcome home their loved ones as the carrier returns to Mayport, Florida, following an eight month deployment with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. About 1600 people were waiting on the pier to greet the ship. Photograph dated 20 May 1967.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97591).

Right side in-flight view of VA-81 "Sunliners" A-4C Skyhawk formation. Clockwise from top: BuNo 147829, AJ-401; BuNo 145076, AJ-403; BuNo 149531, AJ-412; and BuNo 149646, AJ-410. Circa 1967–1968.

On 13 June 1968 USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) departed La Spezia, Italy, to join USS Independence (CVA-62) for several days of practice sessions of steaming in close formation for photographs and an air power demonstration, in support of the Sixth Fleet's 20th anniversary program, to be celebrated on the 25th.

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A-4B Skyhawk, BuNo 142900, modex AJ506, Attack Squadron (VA) 95 "Green Lizards," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. Mediterranean deployment, 15 November 1967–4 August 1968.

F-8C Crusader, BuNo 146985, modex AJ201, Fighter Squadron (VF) 62 "Boomerangs," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. Mediterranean deployment, 15 November 1967–4 August 1968.

C-1A Trader, COD aircraft. Possibly taken during the Mediterranean deployment, 15 November 1967–4 August 1968.

On 25 June 1968 the U.S. Sixth Fleet celebrated its 20th anniversary with a close formation, an air power demonstration, a 20-gun salute and a pass-in-review. The crews of (top to bottom) USS Independence (CVA-62), USS Sylvania (AFS-2) and USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) spell out "POWER FOR PEACE", Sixth Fleet's motto.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) at Genoa, Italy, Saturday, 29 June 1968. This was the carrier's sixth, and second to last, Med Cruise (15 November 1967–4 August 1968). Air Wing was Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8), tail code "AJ."

Vought F-8C Crusader jet fighter (BuNo 146956), assigned to VF-62 "Boomerangs," in flight over USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) in December 1968.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph (# NH 71870).

USS Shangri-La (CVS-38) cruises toward Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, on 11 February 1970.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# K-81800).

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), 12 February 1969. From the ship's deck log:

"1813 A-4C Bureau number 149566 [modex AJ404] VA-12 ['Flying Ubangis'] pilot LT(JG) Frank P. Neuman [...] came in on normal approach, caught #4 wire to port of centerline, plane went over the port side of angled deck, suspended by #4 wire. Pilot ejected from a/c at lat. 38°-11.8' N long. 01°-37.1' E. Helo #25 [UH-2A Seasprite BuNo 150171 HC-2 'Fleet Angels' Det. 38] commenced attempts to recover pilot. USS Conyngham (DDG-17) and USS F[red] T. Berry (DD-858) proceeding to scene from their stations in screen. Pilot not sighted, believed to have been dragged under surface by deployed parachute. 1813 Maneuvering to lessen drag effect on A-4C suspended by #4 wire to port. 1829 Severed #4 wire, casting A-4C adrift lat. 38°-10.8' N long. 01°-35.2' E. A/c floated inverted position astern. [...] 1835 Directed USS Berry (DD-858) to break off and take station astern as rescue destroyer. Helo #25 and USS Conyngham (DDG-17) continuing search for pilot. 1838 USS [Richard E.] Byrd (DDG-23) directed to leave screening station, report to CTU 60.2.5 (embarked USS Conyngham DDG-17) as unit of SAR. Directed to sink wreckage [...]"

USS Shangri-La (CVS-38) pierside in Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, early June 1970, during her final deployment.

Lieutenant (Junior Grade) William Belden ejects from his Douglas A-4E Skyhawk attack aircraft (Bureau # 150117) as it rolls into the carrier's port catwalk after suffering a brake failure following recovery, 2 July 1970. LT(JG) Belden ejected safely and was rescued by Shangri-La's helicopter.

NS023823a: "On the flight deck, ABC Joe Hammond, realizing the jet's brakes had failed, rushed to the misdirected Skyhawk, grabbed the wing and attempted to straighten the aircraft." "Chief Hammond suffered a badly bruised right arm and a five-inch cut above the elbow when he was knocked to the deck by flying debris from the ejection seat."

NS023823: "'When I approached the edge and saw my nose dip,' recalled the VA-152 pilot, 'I just closed my eyes and ejected.'" Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 90350.

Other photos and quoted text from Naval Aviation News, October 1970 issue, p.25

NS023823c: "Belden landed approximately 100 yards from the carrier and was rescued, unharmed by an HC-2 helicopter crew."

"The Skyhawk was recovered from the catwalk and flight operations continued."

During her last voyage down to New Zealand, November 1970.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

USS Shangri-La (CVS-38), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. Wellington, New Zealand, 22–24 November 1970.

NS0238bda: The ship's COD plane, C-1A Trader BuNo 136783, modex 000, can be seen just abaft the island. This aircraft was one of four airframes modified by Grumman to train personnel in Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) tasks, with the designation EC-1A (TF-1Q under the pre-1962 designation system).

NS0238bdb: A-4C Skyhaws attached to Attack Squadrons (VA) 172 "Blue Bolts" (side numbers 3xx) and 12 "Flying Ubangis" (4xx). Front to back: AJ-307 (BuNo 148513), AJ-314 (149498), unknown, AJ-303(?) (148528?), AJ-310 (unknown), and AJ-414 (148609).

NS0238bdc: A-4C Skyhawh BuNo 148590, modex AJ-404, Attack Squadron (VA) 12 "Flying Ubangis." Preserved at Reno-Stead Airport, NV.

Photos by Jenny Scott.

"MADE IT BUT JUST BARELY—This sailor made it back from shore leave in Sydney, Australia last month, but just barely. He was aboard the USS Shangri-La which returned to Jacksonville yesterday after its last voyage. The enterprising sailor talked an Australian patrol boat into taking him out to the ship, after he missed it at the dock, and his friends threw him a line." (APWIREPHOTO, 19 December 1970.)

(See also NS023855a.)

"Things We Must Know and Do About Our Ship," 1 November 1944.

Season's Greetings.

Images from the Cruise Book Shangri-La to Bikini, by E.G. Hines, 1946.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) personalized Zippo Slim Lighter in box, 1969 vintage.

USS Shangri-La (CVA-38).