Renamed Franklin D. Roosevelt, 8 May 1945, after Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882–1945), 32nd President of the United States of America (1933–1945), who had died one month earlier.

Assuming the Presidency at the depth of the Great Depression, Mr. Roosevelt helped the American people regain faith in themselves.

He later sought to keep the United States out of the war in Europe, yet at the same time to strengthen nations threatened or attacked. When France fell and England came under siege in 1940, Roosevelt (who had been Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Wilson) began to send Great Britain all possible aid short of actual military involvement. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Roosevelt directed organization of the Nation's manpower and resources for global war.

Feeling that the future peace of the world would depend upon relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, he devoted much thought to the planning of a United Nations, in which, he hoped, international difficulties could be settled.

Aerial view of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, BuAer photo # 290081, received 2 December 1944. There are five aircraft carriers in sight (refer to NS023501a): (1) Reprisal (CV-35) under construction in Dry Dock #6; (2) Coral Sea, later Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) under construction in Dry Dock #5; (3) Kearsarge (CV-33) under construction; (4) Oriskany (CV-34) under construction; and (5) USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31), commissioned 26 November 1944.

Naval Historical Center photograph.

New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York, photographed 2 December 1944. Carriers under construction in dry docks (right center) are [2] Coral Sea, later Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) and probably [1] Reprisal (CV-35).

Description: Copied from "Navy Yards and Stations" 3rd Naval District, volume III.

Photo: Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), # NH 93235.

[3] Kearsarge (CV-33) and [4] Oriskany (CV-34) are under construction, and [5] Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) had been commissioned on 26 November.

Aerial view of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, BuAer photo # 332720, received 15 April 1945. Refer to NS023502a: (1) Coral Sea, later Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) under construction in Dry Dock #5; (2) Reprisal (CV-35) under construction in Dry Dock #6.

Naval Historical Center photograph.

New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York, seen from 2000 feet up, 15 April 1945. Ships in large dry docks at left are (left to right): [1] USS Houston (CL-81), [2] Coral Sea, later Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) and [3] probably Reprisal (CV-35).

Description: Copied from "Navy Yards and Stations" 3rd Naval District, volume III

Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) photo, # NH 93240.

Aerial view of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, BuAer photo # 332719, received 15 April 1945. Refer to NS023503a: (1) Coral Sea, later Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) under construction in Dry Dock #5; (2) Reprisal (CV-35) under construction in Dry Dock #6.

Naval Historical Center photograph.

CVB-42, still named Coral Sea, under construction, New York Navy Yard.

Eleanor Roosevelt at the christening ceremony of the future USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42), 29 April 1945. James V. Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy, escorts the former First Lady.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, National Archives Identifier 197086.

"Launching of the 45,000 ton carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, (CVB-42) sister ship to the Midway (CVB-41) at Brooklyn Navy Yard with Mrs. John H. Towers as sponsor and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt as Honorary sponsor. Mrs. Towers smashing the bottle of champagne as Captain F. E. Haeberle, USN, manager of the New York Havy Yard, stands by. Among those in the background, L-r; are Mrs. Roosevelt, Fleet Adm. King, Gen. Marshall, H. Struve Hensel, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and Bernard Baruch[, presidential advisor]."

National Archives photo (# 80-G-316607).

"Launching of the 45,000 ton carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, (CVB-42) sister ship to the Midway (CVB-41) at Brooklyn Navy Yard with Mrs. John H. Towers as sponsor and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt as Honorary sponsor. National anthem was played by the New York Navy Yard band. Notables are on sponsor's stand high up under the bow of the ship."

National Archives photo (# 80-G-316609).

The future USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) after her christening ceremony.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) at commissioning ceremonies at the New York Navy Yard, Navy Day, 27 October 1945.

(Carrier on the opposite side of pier is USS Franklin (CV-13), under repair for battle damage received earlier in the year.)

U.S. Navy photo now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-K-6611.

Possibly a photo of the first trap⁽¹⁾ aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42).

⁽¹⁾ December 12, 1945, CDR R.E.C. Jones, in an F6F Hellcat.

"MANEUVERS OF THE ACTIVE POSTWAR FLEET FOR THE TRAINING OF REGULAR AND RESERVE PERSONNEL WHO WILL MAN THE 'ZIPPER-FLEET' SHOULD AN EMERGENCY ARISE."

"EIGHTH FLEET—GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA—Midway, left; Princeton, left rear; F. D. Roosevelt, center; Cruisers Macon, Dayton, Little Rock, center foreground; hospital ship Consolation, right rear; auxiliaries, left and right foreground."

An Administrative History of the Bureau of Ships During World War II, 1952. Photo taken circa 1945–1946.

Wire image of the newly commissioned USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42), dated 5 February 1946.

Three photos of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) from a private collection, circa 1945–1946. No additional information.

VB-75 SB2C-4E Helldiver, #7, being run over by USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42), 17 January 1946. Pilot was LT McInnis, with ARM2c Eldridge Taylor.

USS Douglas H. Fox (DD-779) going to pick up the boys, 17 January 1946.

During her shakedown cruise USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) visited Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1–11 February 1946.

Newspaper clipping and drawing based on the photo.

Associated Press Wirephoto, 5 February 1946. "The navy's new aircraft carrier, the Franklin D. Roosevelt, now on a shakedown cruise, arriving in Guanabara Bay on its South American visit to Rio De Janiero [sic]. In the background is the famed Sugar Loaf Mountain."

A K-class airship flies over USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) in April 1946 at Hampton Roads, Virginia. The ships are gathered for a review for President Harry S. Truman. The photo was apparently taken from USS Princeton (CV-37), with the F4U-4 Corsairs of squadrons VF-81 "Free Lancers" and VBF-81 "Privateers" parked on the flight deck.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo # 1996.488.062.017. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

President Harry S. Truman (center) talking with Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz (right center, in ball cap) aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42), 22 April 1946, during Eighth Fleet maneuvers off the U.S. east coast. Among the others present are Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy (behind Truman) and Assistant to the President Mr. John R. Steelman (at the extreme left). Behind them, painted on a hangar deck fire door, is a caricature of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a sailor in similar poses.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration, # 80-G-59661.

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN, Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy, USN, President Harry S. Truman, and Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher, USN (left to right) on the bridge of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42), flagship of the Eighth Fleet, during maneuvers off the Virginia Capes, 24 April 1946. U.S. Navy photo in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-702511).

Aerial oblique stern-on view of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42), 24 April 1946.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-702505.

SB2C-4E Helldivers from Torpedo Squadron (VT) 75 "Fish Hawks" and F4U-4 Corsairs from Fighting Squadron (VF) 75 "Gay Blades" fly over USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42). Both squadrons were part of Carrier Air Group (CVBG) 75. FDR, with CVBG-75 embarked, conducted training exercises with 8th Fleet in the West Atlantic/Caribbean, 19 April–26 May 1946. This photo was reportedly taken on 5th May.

A McDonnell XFD-1 Phantom, piloted by CDR James Davidson, taking off from USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) during first tests of adaptability of jet aircraft to shipboard operations on 21 July 1946. Official U.S. Navy photograph (NAH-0001901).

"AMERICAN SHIPS VISIT PORTUGAL—The U.S. Cruiser Houston (foreground) pulls into port while the carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt (background) lies at anchor in the Tagus River, 18 August [1946], during a 'courtesy visit' to Lisbon, Portugal. A spokesman for Admiral H. Kent Hewitt, Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in Europe, announced today that the U.S. Fleet in Europe will visit Gibraltar, Naples, Malta, and Tangier on a Mediterranean cruise and said the announcement was intended to 'clear up confusion' stemming from rumors that the fleet might visit Trieste and Palestine. (AP Wirephoto)(pjm51740lisbon)."

"23214 D, Associated Press RadioPhoto from New York"

"U.S. CARRIER IN NAPLES"

"The new aircraft carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt, which the Navy announced, Aug. 27[, 1946,] would head a force of U.S. ships to pay a 'visit of courtesy' to Greece, stands in the harbor at Naples, Italy, Aug. 27 in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. This picture was received in New York, Aug. 27, by radio from Rome."

"23062 D, Associated Press Photo from New York"

"CARRIER FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT IN NAPLES"

"Wings folded, planes line the main deck of the U.S. Carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Naples, Italy, harbor, August 28[, 1946], as an American Naval Task Force paid a call at the port. Rear Admiral John H. Cassady, commander of the task force, said, August 31, the carrier will send 123 planes roaring over Athens, Greece, when she visits Greek waters, Sept. 5, four days after the plebiscite on the return of King George."

"US Ambassador to Greece Lincoln MacVeagh arrives aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt on Sept 5, 1946, while she is anchored off Athens during the first Mediterranean cruise of her career."

National Archives photo (# 80-G-466926).

Anchored off Athens, Greece, 1946.

USS Texas (BB-35), at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, 14 March 1948. USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) appears in the right background.

Port oblique view of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) at anchor, with Carrier Air Group 4 (CVG-4) aboard, 1948–1949.

Ships of the U.S. Sixth Task Fleet, commanded by Vice Admiral Forrest P. Sherman, silhouetted by the evening sun while anchored in Phaleron Bay off Piraeus, Greece, 17 October 1948. The ships are (from left to right): USS Little Rock (CL-92); USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42); USS Providence (CL-82); and USS Albany (CA-123).

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) operating at sea during her second Mediterranean tour, 28 November 1948.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) loading F8F-2 Bearcats at NOB Norfolk, circa 1949.

Ensign Burmingham and SK2 Walter C. Vaughn in the Sick Bay aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42). Photograph released 26 February 1949.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-399918.

Secretary of the Navy John L. Sullivan and Rear Admiral J.J. Ballentine aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) during fleet maneuvers. Photograph released 1 March 1949.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-399936.

Grumman F9F-2 Panther jet fighter on the deck edge elevator of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42).

This Panther was attached to Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 223 "Bulldogs," that was aboard FDR between 19 June and 4 July 1951, conducting carrier qualifications and simulated combat missions.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-K-12443.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) at anchor in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on 22 March 1950. On deck are various aircraft of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 17, including McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee and Vought F4U-5 Corsair fighters, Douglas AD-4 Skyraider attack planes and two Sikorsky HO3S helicopters, of which one just took off.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No.1996.369.012.003.

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F2H-2N Banshee night fighter from Composite Squadron (VC) 4 "Nightcappers" aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42), circa October 1950. A detachment of VC-4 made a single deployment aboard FDR with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 6 to the Mediterranean Sea from 10 January to 18 May 1951. Note the Sikorsky HO3S plane-guard helicopter from Helicopter Utility Squadron (HU) 2 "Fleet Angels" Det. 7 in the background.

Naval Aviation News, January 1951 issue.

Willard C. Schum, circa 1951.

"June 2, 1951—Norfolk, Virginia, Congressman Clyde Doyle, member, Armed Services Committee, inspecting airplane carrier 'F.D.R.."

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) launches a Lockheed P2V "Neptune" bomber with "JATO" assist, during a Task Force 21 cruise, 2 July 1951.

Off Nice, France, on 24 October 1951, with crewmen in formation on the flight deck spelling out "Vive La France".

Courtesy of Captain H.H. Smith-Hutton, USN (Retired), via Captain Paul B. Ryan, USN, 1975.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway, circa 1952–1954.

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F2H-2P Banshee of Composite Squadron (VC) 62 "Fighting Photos" in flight over USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), 27 January 1953. This Banshee appears to be BuNo 128873, one of the last F2H-2Ps.

VC-62 Det.7 deployed aboard Franklin D. Roosevelt to the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, 26 August–19 December 1952, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 17, and again to the Mediterranean with CVG-1, 1 June–3 December 1953.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 1996.253.7244.020), by CAPT Howard H. Skidmore, USN.

Aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) off Beirut, Lebanon, 23 October 1953. His Excellency, Camille Chamoun, President of Lebanon, center; ranking government and military dignitaries of Lebanon; the Honorable Raymond A. Hare, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, and Vice Admiral John H. Cassady, Commander Sixth Fleet, walk on the flight deck of FDR to witness air capabilities of the U.S. aircraft carrier.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 330-PS-6304 (USN 709043).

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), Balboa, Canal Zone. Photo received 15 November 1954 from 1367th Photo Flight, APCS, Albrook AFB, Canal Zone. However, the picture was taken earlier in the year, as Franklin D. Roosevelt departed Norfolk 7 January and arrived in Puget Sound, via Cape Horn, 5 March, to undergo her SCB-110 modernization.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo RG-18-AA-108-21-001-ac.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), Balboa, Canal Zone. Photo received 15 November 1954 from 1367th Photo Flight, APCS, Albrook AFB, Canal Zone. However, the picture was taken earlier in the year, as Franklin D. Roosevelt departed Norfolk 7 January and arrived in Puget Sound, via Cape Horn, 5 March, to undergo her SCB-110 modernization.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo RG-18-AA-108-22-001-ac.

Water level starboard bow view of the attack aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway. Original artwork by Hahn, USN, circa 1955.

FDR is depicted as she appeared before her SCB-110 modernization (March 1954–June 1956).

Image available from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (# DN-SC-83-04136).

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

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 28 May 1954. Barge with removed plate attached. (Photo # NY8-11314).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 10 August 1954. USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) getting her hurricane bow (Photo # NY8-11561).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 20 October 1954. Bulkhead extensions and Fourth Deck extension plates, Frame 163–171, Starboard. (Photo # NY8-11879).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) nearing the end of her SCB-110 modernization, circa 1956.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 20 October 1954. Shoring columns under Island structure. (Photo # NY8-11880).

Seattle Branch of the National Archives photo.

"(SE1)BREMERTON, Wash., April 6[, 1956]—CUTTING THE CAKE—Capt. John T. Hayward, Pensacola, Fla., proudly helps his mother, Mrs. C.B. Hayward, left, and his wife cut a cake made in replica of the carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt after the ship, the Navy's second largest carrier, was recommissioned here today following a 48 million dollar remodeling job. Capt. Hayward is the new skipper. After completing trial runs the 974-foot ship will leave for the Atlantic. (AP WIREPHOTO) enj61914stf-enj  1956"

Another view of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) running trials after her SCB-110 modernization, 23 May 1956.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42). From Our Navy magazine, 1 February 1958; and Jane's Fighting Ships, 1961–1962 edition.

Photo taken in 1956–1957, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 17 aboard. Note mixture of color schemes: some aircraft were painted in the new light gull gray over glossy insignia white scheme (as directed by MIL-C-18263, 23 February 1955) while others were still painted in the old overall glossy sea blue scheme.

Note three North American AJ Savages parked among the aircraft on the flight deck.

Underway, 26 September 1956, after her two-year SCB-110 modernization. FDR conducted Air Wing training and other CarQuals from Mayport, Fla., 9 Aug–25 Oct 1956.

SCB-110 included the installation of the angled flight deck and three type C-11 steam catapults (that fitted to the angled deck was later removed). Although the number of 5"/54 Mk.39 and 3"/50 guns was reduced, she retained a considerable gun battery. New SPS-8A and SPS-12 radars were carried on the new mast, and an old SC-2 was retained behind the funnel (see NS024214).

(Thanks to Robert Hurst, who provided additional info).

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway, circa 1956–1958, after her SCB-110 modernization.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), with a destroyer and an auxiliary —maybe USS Altair (AKS-32)—, probably in the Mediterranean Sea, 1956–1959. Seen from USS Randolph (CVA-15).

USS Salem (CA-139) leading USS Franklin D. Roosevelt and USS Randolph (CVA-15), 1956–1959.

USS Gainard (DD-706) alongside USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) on 15 December 1957 (photo # CVA-42-4035). From the collection of John L. Slade who was Captain of the Gainard in 1957–1959.

"(NY24-DEC.24)DECKED OUT WITH CHRISTMAS SENTIMENT—Crew members of the aircraft carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt spell out a living Christmas card on the flight deck as the huge warship cruises in the waters of the Mediterranean with the U.S. Sixth Fleet. Despite the 'Peace on Earth' message, the ship and others of the fleet keep a constant alert. (APWirephoto from the Department of Defense)" 24 December 1957.

A Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior (BuNo 135429) of Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-3 "Sea Dragons" landing aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) during the carrier's deployment to the Mediterranean between 12 July 1957 and 5 March 1958. The aircraft wears the tailcode "AL" which was used for Carrier Air Group 17 (CVG-17) only during that deployment. Photo taken by Jim Mulligan, U.S. Navy.

Three months after returning from this Mediterranean cruise, the "Sea Dragons" moved to NAS Sanford, FL, to be merged with the Atlantic Fleet's Heavy Attack Training Unit and took over a new role as the A3D/A-3 Replacement Air Group (RAG) for the Atlantic Fleet.

A Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior (BuNo 135442) of Heavy Attack Squadron VAH-3 "Sea Dragons" aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), probably during the carrier's deployment to the Mediterranean between 12 July 1957 and 5 March 1958.

This particular aircraft was lost in an accident in March 1963.

Aircraft of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 17 on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) during that carrier's deployment to the Mediterranean between July 1957 and March 1958. A Douglas F4D-1 Skyray (BuNo 134870) fighter of Fighter Squadron (VF) 74 "Be-Devilers" is visible on the right. The planes on the left are McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee fighters of VF-171 "Aces." The aircraft wear the tailcode "AL" which was used for CVG-17 only during that deployment. US Navy photo by Jim Mulligan.

Maintenance on a APQ-50A radar of a Douglas F4D-1 Skyray (BuNo 134870) fighter of Fighter Squadron (VF) 74 "Be-Devilers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 17, on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) during that carrier's deployment to the Mediterranean between July 1957 and March 1958. CVG-17 was assigned the tailcode "AL" only during this deployment. US Navy photo by Jim Mulligan.

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee (BuNo 126489, modex AL-104) fighter of Fighter Squadron (VF) 171 "Aces" of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 17, landing on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) during the carrier's deployment to the Mediterranean between July 1957 and March 1958. The aircraft wears the tailcode "AL," which was used for CVG-17 only during that deployment.

US Navy photo by Jim Mulligan.

A Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk about to be catapulted from the carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt[, circa 1959]. Note the A4D-2 has a fixed inflight refuelling probe on the starboard side. Photo U.S. Navy.

From "Aircraft Carriers," by Norman Polmar.

USS Denebola (AF-56) and USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) moored in the harbor at Naples, Italy in 1959.

Three U.S. Marine Corps Douglas F4D-1 Skyray fighters of Marine All-Weather Fighter Squadron (VMF(AW)) 114 "Death Dealers" on the catapults of the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), in 1959. VMF(AW)-114 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 1 aboard FDR for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 13 February to 1 September 1959. Photo taken by Sgt. Harold (Woody) Woodrom, VMF(AW)-114, USMC.

Naples, Italy, 1959. Taken from the Naples-to-Capri ferry. USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) was in port, Naples, 6–11 March, 13–18 March and 20 June–6 July (appear to have been taken on 4 July).

NS024200: VAH-11 "Checkertails" A3D-2 Skywarriors.

NS024200a: VMF(AW)-114 "Death Dealers" F4D-1 Skyrays.

Carrier Air Group (CVG) 1, tail code "AB".

Video clips: Two F8U landing accidents, 3 June 1960 & 21 October 1961. Videos courtesy of Larry Blumenthal, PH3, 1957–61 ("US Navy Photos").
Note: These videos do not reside on the NavSource server and will open in a separate window.

Photo sequence: F8U landing accident, 21 October 1961.

Summer 1960, in the Med.

Note radome-enclosed SPN-8 blind-landing radar mounted abaft the funnel and a Mk.37 GFCS, with Mk.25 radar, mounted on a pedestal. The mattress-like antenna served a wartime-designed, long-wave, SC-series air search radar, retained in service to complement the shorter-wave SPS-6 and -12.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), Mayport, Florida, January 1961, shortly before her 10th Mediterranean deployment (15 February–28 August 1961).

LCDR William John Burke, in civilian clothes, with children. LCDR Burke, a naval aviator aboard FDR, was killed in an air accident in Greece, 16 May 1961.

Onloading provisions in the Mediterranean, 1961.

Getting ready to arm aircraft, 1961

Carl Litzkow, Phil Lundgren, Bill Morgan on flight deck, Aviation Ordnance. A3D-2 Skywarrior, VAH-11 in background, 1961.

(Digitally restored by Tom Kermen.)

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) seen from the USS William R. Rush (DDR-714) ET shop.

Naval Station Mayport, Fla., 1962. Photo taken from USS Brough (DE-148) Mount 32 overlooking Mayport Harbor. Off the port bow is USS Noa (DD-841), in the background is USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42).

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 1, circa 1962.

"Merry Christmas," USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), probably in 1962.

USS Mazama (AE-9) during an underway replenishment with USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 in the Mediterranean Sea, circa 1962–64. Aircraft spotted on deck belong to Attack Squadron (VA) 12 "Flying Ubangis."

Two Douglas A-4C Skyhawks, BuNo 149491 (modex AB401) and BuNo 149503 (AB403), of Attack Squadron (VA) 12 "Flying Ubangis," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 1, aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), during the Med Cruise, 14 September 1962–22 April 1963. Photo Steve Kundzala.

A Grumman E-1B Tracer aircraft of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 12 Det.42 "Bats" just before landing on the attack aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), in 1962–63. VAW-12 Det.42 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 aboard FDR for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 14 September 1962 to 22 April 1963. A McDonnell F-3B Demon of Fighter Squadron (VF) 14 "Top Hatters" (BuNo 143478) is visible in the foreground, with an A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 149566) of Attack Squadron (VA) 172 "Blue Bolts" and another A-4C (BuNo 149513), of VA-12 "Flying Ubangis," beyond the Demon. Photo Steve Kundzala.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway at sea. Photo is dated 3 March 1963, but was probably taken a few days earlier, since the carrier was anchored at Livorno, Italy, on the given date. The destroyer steaming behind FDR may be USS John King (DDG-3).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, # USN 1074673.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway, circa 1964.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) seen from USS Springfield (CLG-7), Naples, Italy, 1965.

Two photos depicting USS Sylvania (AFS-2) during an underway replenishment operation with USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and USS Charles R. Ware (DD-865) in the Mediterranean Sea, in 1965.

A photo depicting USS Sylvania (AFS-2) during an underway replenishment operation with USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, possibly USS Bigelow (DD-942), in the Mediterranean Sea, in 1965.

USS Marias (AO-57) alongside USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) during an underway replenishment in 1966. Note that many of the aircraft of Attack Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are spotted on deck. Note also other ships of the battle group astern of FDR.

US Navy photo by PH Denny.

Steven took these photos on 4 July 1966. USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) crossed the equator at 0000 deg. Latitude, 40.020W Longitude. The crew was conducting Shellback initiation and was an all day event.

Steven recalls: "The pollywogs who had never crossed the equator got a taste of raw garbage fermented in the sun for a week. The smell and taste after complete immersion left each of us with an odor only a maggot would enjoy. Burnt knees, sore asses from the beating with fire hoses, and the smelly bath, and customized haircuts...well the day was long."

Photo taken on 4 July 1966, when USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) crossed the equator at 0000 deg. Latitude (see above). Four unnamed sailors dressed in pirate outfit. Behind them is a McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 151511, modex AB105, Fighter Squadron (VF) 14 "Tophatters," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1. This aircraft was later upgraded to F-4N standard.

A U.S. Navy Douglas A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 145143, modex AB300) from Attack Squadron (VA) 172 "Blue Bolts," armed with bombs, on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) off Vietnam, in 1966.

This aircraft was lost on 2 December 1966, when it was either shot down by a North Vietnamese SA-2 or crashed while trying to evade the missile, during a night armed reconnaissance mission near Phuc Nhac, 50 miles down the coast from Haiphong. The pilot, CDR Bruce A. Nystrom, VA-172's CO, was killed.

Along with AB300, another of the squadron's Skyhawks, BuNo 145116 (AB304), was also shot down on that day and its pilot, ENS Paul L. Worrell, was killed. In addition, an F-4B Phantom II (BuNo 151014, NE461) from Coral Sea's VF-154 "Black Knights" and four USAF aircraft were shot down as well on that fateful Friday.

Photo by Terry Johnson ADJ3, VA-172, USN. Courtesy of the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVB/CVA/CV-42 website.

USS Tolovana (AO-64) refueling USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and USS Black (DD-666), in the Gulf of Tonkin, 12 September 1966. Photos were taken from the carrier's rescue helicopter, a Kaman UH-2 Seasprite, from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO (HC-2) Det. 42 based at NAS Lakehurst, N.J., flown by Mr. Smith during operations in the Tonkin Gulf.

McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 152323, AB100 (CAG plane), VF-14 "Top Hatters." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

NAS Atsugi, Japan, 23 September 1966.

McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 152327, AB101, VF-14 "Top Hatters." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

NAS Atsugi, Japan, 23 September 1966.

McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 152229, AB103, VF-14 "Top Hatters." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

NAS Atsugi, Japan, 23 September 1966.

(l) McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 152229, AB103, VF-14 "Top Hatters." (r) McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 152211, AB204, VF-32 "Swordsmen." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

NAS Atsugi, Japan, East side parking apron, 23 September 1966.

McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 151021, AB104, VF-14 "Top Hatters." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

NAS Atsugi, Japan, 23 September 1966.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, Yokosuka, Japan, September–October 1966.

Angel 01 (UH-2A Seasprite, BuNo 149031, from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO [HC-2]) as the rotors are being folded, during operations in the Tonkin Gulf, 1966.

Angel 02, Kaman UH-2A Seasprite, BuNo 149758, HU02, HC-2 Det. 42 "Fleet Angels." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

NAS Atsugi, Japan, 16 October 1966.

Angel 03 (UH-2B Seasprite, BuNo 152206, from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO [HC-2]) landing on the number two elevator during operations in the Tonkin Gulf, 1966.

Angel 03 (UH-2B Seasprite, BuNo 152206, from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron TWO [HC-2]) taking off from the number two elevator during operations in the Tonkin Gulf, 1966.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway in the Gulf of Tonkin, during her Vietnam War combat deployment, 19 October 1966. A UH-2 Seasprite helicopter is in flight at left. Photographed by PH1 Hendricks.

"Welcome to Subic Bay"

Some shipmates.

"Tilly."

-

A-4C Skyhawk, BuNo 150593, modex AB313, VA-172 "Blue Bolts," CVW-1.

Tails of (left to right): F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 151465, modex AB108, VF-14 "Tophatters;" A-4E Skyhawk, BuNo 150129?, modex AB509?, VA-72 "Blue Hawks;" A-4E Skyhawk, BuNo 149981, modex AB400, VA-12 "Flying Ubangis;" A-4C Skyhawk, BuNo 148611, modex AB301, VA-172 "Blue Bolts." A Gearing-class DD is steaming (and rolling) astern.

F-4B Phantom IIs from VF-14 "Tophatters" and VF-32 "Swordsmen," A-4C Skyhawks from VA-172 "Blue Bolts," and an E-1B Tracer from VAW-12 "Bats" Det. 42, parked on the flight deck of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42).

VA-72 "Blue Hawks," Vietnam cruise aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) with A-4E Skyhawks, 21 June 1966–21 February 1967, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

(The "Blue Hawks" had made another deployment to Vietnam, with USS Independence (CVA-62) and CVW-7, 10 May–13 December 1965.)

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) in 1967, visiting Naples during a Med deployment. Steven was leaving to go on liberty in liberty launch boat.

This was FDR's last deployment with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 (24 August 1967–19 May 1968). Carrier and Air Wing had been together since 1958.

USS America (CVA-66), left; USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), framed in red; and USS Independence (CVA-62), framed in yellow. Norfolk Naval Shipyard, (probably) first half of 1969.

The photo clearly shows the size and design differences between the ships. FDR was designed and built during WW II to operate piston-engined aircraft; the ship was eventually upgraded to operate jets. America (Kitty Hawk-class) and Indy (Forrestal-class) were cold-war ships designed from the start to accommodate jet aircraft.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway off the Virginia Capes, July 1969, after an austere modernization at the Norfolk Navy Yard (December 1968–June 1969). The forward centerline elevator was replaced by a deck-edge one and the bridge somewhat modified. Note port elevator still in its original position amidships, and waist catapult removed.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) photographed from the cockpit of a Grumman A-6A Intruder aircraft making its final approach for recovery aboard the ship, during operations in the Caribbean Sea, August 1969. The aircraft is assigned to Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176). Photographed by Ph2(DV) William R. Curtsinger.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97638).

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway, probably during her shakedown cruise after the 1968–69 overhaul.

Photographer was possibly PH1 Charlie Hendricks or PH1 Dan Meyers.

Aerial view of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway, probably during her shakedown cruise after the 1968–69 overhaul.

Photographer was possibly PH2 William Strigle or PH3 Steve Jasinski. They took most of the aerial photos during the shakedown cruise.

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

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

Attack Squadron VA-87 "Golden Warriors" (photo 024261a shows some of the squadron's A-7B Corsair IIs) had recently returned from a WestPac/Vietnam deployment aboard USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14).

Underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6, circa 1970 (maybe late 1969?).

Grumman E-1B Tracer (BuNo 148146, modex AE711) of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 "Griffins," circa the early 1970s. VAW-121 was stationed aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6 from 1969 to 1975.

BuNo 148146 was accepted by the U.S. Navy on 30 December 1960, and subsequently served in Squadrons VAW-11, -12, and -121, flying in deployed detachments aboard carriers of the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, including USS Constellation (CVA-64), USS Wasp (CVS-18), USS Saratoga (CVA-60). It arrived at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola, Florida, in 1975, still in the markings of service in the latter carrier with VAW-121.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo.

"WORLD HORIZONS—ADVANCE FOR SUNDAY JULY 26, 1970, WITH UPI STORY BY CHARLES W. BELL."

"NXP/LNP1575202(FILE)–7/26/70–ABOARD USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT SOMEWHERE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN: The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt is anchored just outside Valletta's Grand Harbor, Malta, in this Nov. 1967 photo from file. The FDR is one of world's largest warships, bristling with armament and capable of carrying more than 70 aircraft, and is an ace in the defensive hand of the U.S. and NATO shows in the sea where once [?] the might of America's Sixth Fleet was unchallenged. UPI TELEPHOTO FROM FILE)"

View of the stern of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) as an approaching aircraft would see it while underway in the Mediterranean Sea, probably between 2 January and 27 July 1970.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service photo # DN-SP-04-08721.

USS Severn (AO-61) refuels the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and the destroyer USS Basilone (DD-824) in the Mediterranean Sea. Franklin D. Roosevelt, with assigned Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6, was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea from 2 January to 27 July 1970.

US Navy photo from the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) 1970 Cruise Book.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) refuels USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) somewhere in the Med, first half of the 1970s. Photographer unknown.

Naples Gulf, mid-1970, with Carrier Air Wing Six (CVW-6).

Naples Gulf, mid-1970. Note the view ports for the secondary conning station (the seven port lights at the gallery deck level) and the "oil canning" effect on the hurricane bow plating caused from slamming into heavy seas.

Naples Gulf, mid-1970. Five F-4J Phantom IIs assigned to the "Jolly Rogers" of VF-84 are visible on deck, along with an A-7B Corsair II.

Naples Gulf, mid-1970. Clearly visible atop the island and mast are a Mk.37 GFCS, with Mk.25 radar; an SPS-30 height-finder; and an SPS-43 long-wave, long-range air search radar.

I took this photo from a helicopter returning to FDR at anchor in the Gulf of Taranto in mid-1970.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) at anchor off Sardinia, summer 1970.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) at anchor off Sardinia, summer 1970, as seen from USS Independence (CVA-62).

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway. Official US Navy Photograph #1157465, received in October 1973 by the US Naval Photographic Center, Naval Station Washington DC. Judging from air wing composition, this picture appears to have been taken circa 1971.

An aerial view, port bow, of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) while underway in the Mediterranean Sea, probably between 29 January and 28 July 1971.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service photo # DN-SP-04-08720.

Underway in the Mediterranean Sea, 6 June 1971. Photographed by Ph2 W. Striegel.

VA-176 "Thunderbolts" A-6A Intruder goes off the pointy end, Mediterranean, 1972. A VA-215 "Barn Owls" A-7B Corsair II awaits its turn. Steve Graham's photo.

A-7B Corsair II launches from FDR's starboard catapult in the Med, 1972.

"USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in heavy seas, Bay of Biscay, [Feb–Mar] 1972. CAPT Randy Mynard USNR Ret."

A Royal Navy Blackburn (Hawker Siddeley) Buccaneer S.2 from No. 809 Naval Air Squadron, assigned to HMS Ark Royal (R09), aboard the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) in 1972. FDR, with assigned Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6, was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea from 15 February to 11 December 1972.

U.S. Navy photo from the Franklin D. Roosevelt 1972 Cruise Book.

Underway at sea, circa 1970-73. The original print accompanied a 26 January 1974 press release concerning the Meritorious Unit Commendation awarded to Franklin D. Roosevelt in recognition of her performance during a ten-month Sixth Fleet deployment, from 9 March to 1 December 1972.

"The aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV[A]-42) underway." From NAVSEA Journal.

This photo was probably taken at about the same time as the photo above (note plane spotting and flight deck activity).

USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) in company with USS Saratoga (CVA-60), right, and USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), center background, at NavSta Mayport, 20 February 1973. U.S. Navy photo by PH1 Deverman.

Four photos believed to have been taken in the spring of 1973, off the Florida coast. Aircraft are TA-4J Skyhawks belonging to training squadrons VT-7 "Eagles" (NAS Meridian, Miss., tail code "2K") and VT-22 "Golden Eagles" (NAS Kingsville, Tex., tail code "3F").

At the time, Phil was working on the flight deck, as the safety Petty Officer for the starboard catapult.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) underway in the Mediterranean Sea with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6, in a photo dated October 1973.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42), 16 or 17 December 1975, Mayport, Fla., as seen from the deck of USS Saratoga (CV-60).

A U.S. Navy Grumman E-1B Tracer (BuNo 147223, modex NM-012) of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Training Squadron (RVAW) 110 "Firebirds" Det. 4 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, 19 July 1976. RVAW-110 Det. 4 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 4 October 1976 to 21 April 1977. This was the last deployment of Franklin D. Roosevelt, of CVW-19, and the last operational deployment of the E-1 Tracer.

Photo courtesy RuthAS. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) off Genoa, Italy, 13 February 1977, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19.

Photo by Carlo Martinelli.

F-4N Phantom II, BuNo 151440, NM210, Fighter Squadron (VF) 111 "Sundowners," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19. This was the final deployment of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42), 4 October 1976–21 April 1977.

BuNo 151440 was manufactured as an F4H-1 (F-4B under the 1962 designation system), and later refurbished and modernized as an F-4N. Transferred to the Military Aircraft Storage & Disposition Center (MASDC) after its, and FDR's, final deployment, it was then converted to a QF-4N drone.

A Marine AV-8A Harrier from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 231 "Ace of Spades" can be seen in the background of photo NS0242at. This deployment demonstrated that the Harrier was fully carrier capable.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42). Flight deck scene taken during her final deployment, 4 October 1976–21 April 1977. F-4N Phantom IIs from Fighter Squadron (VF) 51 "Screaming Eagles" and VF-111 "Sundowners," and A-7B Corsair IIs from Attack Squadron (VA) 153 "Blue Tail Flies," VA-215 "Barn Owls," and VA-155 "Silver Foxes," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19. All three attack squadrons were disestablished on 30 September 1977.

Final port call, Palma de Majorca, Spain, 28 March–6 April 1977. USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19.

"The Last Farewell—The crew of the aircraft carrier [Franklin D.] Roosevelt walks the gangway for the last time after decommissioning of the 32-year-old warship. The Roosevelt was decommissioned Saturday at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth."

The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger-Star, Sunday, October 2, 1977. Virginian-Pilot Photo by S.H. Ringo.

Ex-USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) passes under the Bayonne Bridge at Kill Van Kull on her way to Kearny, NJ, to be scrapped, 3 May 1978.

This photo is ©Peter Bonomo and cannot be used withouth prior written permission from the copyright owner.

Three views of ex-USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) being scrapped.

A Mk. 16 mod. 0 5"/54cal, in a Mk. 39 mod. 0 mount, from ex-USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42). Originally installed in 1945, relocated to USS Desert Ship (LLS-1) at White Sands Missile Range in 1977. This gun was used by the Navy to test rocket-propelled projectiles. To ensure the gun was still operational, warmer rounds were last fired in 1996.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt.

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Decal, circa 1967.

"FINAL MED CRUISE, 76–77, USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT"

"FINAL FOX, 1943–1977, ATTACK SQUADRON 155"

CAG, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19.

"Alert as an Eagle, Strong as a Lion," USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42). (Date?)

"We Make the Best Pick-ups". HU-2 Det. 42, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) Med Cruise 1964 (28 April–22 December).

USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) Med Cruise 1965 (28 June–17 December).

"Christening of the Aircraft Carrier CVB-42, United States Navy Yard, Brooklyn, N.Y., April 29, 1945"

Invitation to the Commissioning Ceremony of USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) at the Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York, Saturday, October 27, 1945.

Dance card, obverse and reverse. Rio de Janeiro, 5 & 6 February 1946, during the ship's shakedown cruise.

"Queen of the Seas Invades Rio," F D Reporter, vol.1, no. 6, page 3, 20 February 1946.

Welcome Aboard, 1956, after SCB-110 modernization.

Christmas Day Menu, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), 25 December 1960.

"U.S.S. ATTACK CARRIER ROOSEVELT—Home Base, Mayport, Florida"

Dexter Press, Inc., post card. Photo circa 1965–68.

Roosevelt Sentinel, Volume 3, No. 35, 6 November 1970.

Welcome Aboard, 1976–1977.

Decommissioning Ceremony invitation for the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42), October 1, 1977.

Hard hat worn by Denise A. Roberts, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42).

-