ACV-57 (later CVE-57 and CVHE-57) was initially named Alikula Bay, 22 January 1943, for an estuary east of Egg Harbor, on the NW coast of Coronation Island, Alexander Archipelago, Alaska (NS0305766). The name is derived from a Haida Indian word meaning "night," because "this bay is so clear it may be readily entered at night." The name was given in 1924 by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS).

Renamed Coral Sea, 3 April 1943, after the battle fought, 4–8 May 1942, in the Coral Sea, located between New Guinea and Australia (NS0243ai). It was the first engagement in naval warfare in which warships exchanged not a shot, the action being carried on by carrier aircraft of both fleets. Although a Japanese tactical victory, it turned out to be a decisive strategic victory for the United States, as it halted further Japanese advance to the southeast, and saved Australia and New Zealand from any further threat of invasion.

NS0202am: Paintings of Naval Aviation during World War II: Abbott Collection. # 99: "Death of Shoho." Artwork by Robert Benney. (Courtesy of the National Museum of the US Navy.)

Renamed Anzio, 15 September 1944, to commemorate the Anglo-American landings at Anzio and Nettuno, Italy (NS0305766a), to outflank German defensive positions across the Italian peninsula during Operation Shingle on 22 January 1944. The Allies failed to advance inland decisively, and their inaction enabled the German forces in the area to counterattack vigorously to deter further landings in Italy and France. Allied planes proved unable to prevent Luftwaffe (German Air Force) raids on the beachhead or on the ships offshore, but air power and naval gunfire support proved essential in holding the perimeter. The Allies broke out of the beachhead by May, linked-up with troops that pierced German defensive lines inland, and on 4 June liberated Rome. (The name Coral Sea was thus freed for the new large aircraft carrier CVB-43.)

NS0404007: USS Brooklyn (CL-40) bombarding with her 6"/47 guns during the landings at Anzio, Italy, 22 January 1944. Photographed from USS Frederick C. Davis (DE‑136). Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration, # 80-G-223500, via Scott Dyben.

(Maps courtesy of Google Maps Aircraft Carriers: An Illustrated Design History, by Norman Friedman.).

USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) underway in 1943–1944 with VC-33, consisting of Avenger torpedo-bombers and Wildcat fighters, aboard. Location unknown (USN photo.)

TBF (or maybe TBM?) Avenger and crew, Composite Squadron (VC) 33. VC-33 was attached to USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) from 8 October 1943 to 9 August 1944.

"USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)." September 1943.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-76041).

"USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)." September 1943.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-76042).

USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) underway, September 1943.

"USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)." September 1943.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-76045).

"USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)." September 1943.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-76046).

"USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)." September 1943.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-76048).

"USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)." September 1943.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-76049).

"Crash of FM-1 (33-S-35) Bu #15345 amid TBF's after hurdling barriers in landing, due to tail hook breaking off, on the USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)." Photo # CRLS 31, dated 11 October 1943.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-86014).

"Crash of FM-1 (33-S-35) Bu #15345 amid TBF's after hurdling barriers in landing due to tail hook breaking off, on the USS Coral Sea (CVE-57).
From the bridge."
Photo # CRLS 37, dated 11 October 1943.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-86020).

"Crash of FM-1 (33-S-35) Bu[No] 15345 amid TBF's after hurdling barriers in landing, due to tail hook breaking off, on the USS Coral Sea (CVE-57).
Rear view of damage."
Photo # CRLS 38, dated 11 October 1943.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-86021).

"Crash of TBF Bu #06333 on flight deck of the USS Coral Sea (CVE-57). Pilot Lt. (jg) J.J. Masters.
Lying over flight deck onto catwalk."
Photo # CRLS 40, dated 14 October 1943.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-86023).

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Casablanca class. ONI 54-CV, Division of Naval Intelligence, Identification and Characteristics Section, 11-43.

Photos of USS Coral Sea (CVE-57).

Shellback Initiation (crossing the Equator). Believed to have been taken either in November 1943 or March 1944.

TBF-1 Avenger aircraft from Composite Squadron (VC) 33, USS Coral Sea (CVE-57), on patrol over Makin Island in the Gilbert Group, 20 November 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-204724.

TBF-1 Avenger aircraft from Composite Squadron (VC) 33, USS Coral Sea (CVE-57), on patrol over Makin Island in the Gilbert Group, 20 November 1943.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-204725.

"Division tactical and maneuver exercises of task force as seen from USS Manila Bay (CVE-61).
USS Anzio (CVE-57) going across stern of CVE-61."
Photo # NNLB-177, dated 13 January 1944 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-372854).

Escort carriers practicing division formation and maneuver exercises, in Hawaiian waters, 13 January 1944. As seen from USS Manila Bay (CVE-61), ships astern are: Coral Sea (CVE-57), Corregidor (CVE-58), Natoma Bay (CVE-62), and Nassau (CVE-16). These carriers all served in the Marshalls Operation a few weeks later.

Source: United States National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo No. 80-G-214849.

"USS Coral Sea (CVE-57), now Anzio (CVE-57)." Photographed from USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) by R.N. Johnson, PhoM1/c. Photo # CVE 62-182, dated 13 January 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-275945).

"USS Anzio (CVE-57) fueling from a tanker." Photo # CVE-57#157, dated 26 January 1944 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380912).

"The USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) off Kwajalein Atoll during the attack on Marshall Islands. Kwajalein Is. burning in background. As seen from USS Manila Bay (CVE-61)." Photo # MNLB-239, dated 1 February 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-372886).

USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) underway off Kwajalein Atoll, 2 February 1944, during the invasion. Kwajalein Island is burning in the center distance. Other ships of Task Force 52 are at left, with USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) in the middle of the group. Photographed from USS Manila Bay (CVE-61).

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-214852.

"TBF[-1C], Bu#24396 being jettisoned from the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#180, dated 7 February 1944 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380914).

"Crossing the Line" ceremony, 15 March 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-230311).

"TBF[-1C]-Bu#47698 final explosion. Pilot Lt. (jg) J.A. Lehrung, ARM2/c, N.F. Gaffney, AMM2/c, J.R. Manning. Taken from the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#230, dated 20 March 1944 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380916).

"Loading stores on #5 sponson showing hoisting system with box aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#286, dated 6 May 1944 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380917).

"Aerial of the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#289, dated 8 May 1944 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380918).

"Aerial of the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#290, dated 8 May 1944 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380919).

"Aerial of the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#291, dated 8 May 1944 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380920).

Flight deck activity, date and location unknown.

"The USS Corregidor (CVE-58) of Task Unit 52.11.2 throws up anti aircraft fire as Jap planes make torpedo runs at dusk off Saipan I. in Marianas. Taken from USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)." Photo # CRLS 316, dated 17 June 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-238303).

"The USS Corregidor (CVE-58) of Task Unit 52.11.2 throws up anti aircraft fire as Jap planes make torpedo runs at dusk off Saipan I. in Marianas. Taken from USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)."

"Burning plane explodes close astern."

Photo # CRLS 317, dated 17 June 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-238304).

"The USS Corregidor (CVE-58) of Task Unit 52.11.2 throws up anti aircraft fire as Jap planes make torpedo runs at dusk off Saipan I. in Marianas. Taken from USS Coral Sea (CVE-57)."

"FM-2 takes off during heighth [sic] of attack: Burning plane and fire can be seen in background."

Photo # CRLS 319, dated 18 June 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-238305).

Chaplain W.M. Dunn conducting funeral services of the late Lt. (jg) Eugene Bradshaw aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57), 19 June 1944. (Note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on that date.)

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380923).

"TBF peels off from USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) for observation run of U.S. troops positions around Aslito Air Field on Saipan Is. in the Mariana Islands. Aerials." Photo # CRLS 325, dated 20 June 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-238308).

"Stern view of the USS Anzio (CVE-57) showing camouflage." Photo # CVE-57#346, dated 5 October 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380924).

USS Anzio (CVE-57), wearing Measure 32/12A camouflage scheme, being assisted to her berth at Pearl Harbor, 5 October 1944. The colors are dull black, ocean gray and light gray.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-298047.

USS Anzio (CVE-57), change of command ceremony, 4 December 1944. Captain Paul W. Watson, outgoing commanding officer, addressing the crew. The officer standing behind Watson, to his left, appears to be Captain George C. Montgomery, incoming skipper.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-298048.

Same as above?

"Heavy spray coming up over bow of the USS Anzio (CVE-57). Avenger TBF's on flight deck." Photo # CVE-57#460, dated 17 November 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380948).

Flight deck of USS Anzio (CVE-57) during typhoon. Increasing winds cause heavy roll as ship strives to maintain course and speed, 17 December 1944. Note TBM-1C Avenger heavily lashed to the flight deck.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-298079).

Typhoon Cobra (Halsey's Typhoon), 17 December 1944. TBM Avenger spotted on the flight deck of USS Anzio (CVE-57) where it rode out the typhoon which carried away several other planes similarly lashed down. Photograph released on 18 December 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-298051.

Typhoon Cobra (Halsey's Typhoon), 17 December 1944. TBM Avenger damaged during the typhoon aboard USS Anzio (CVE-57). It is shown at rest after breaking away from moorings. Photograph released on 18 December 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-298054.

Typhoon Cobra (Halsey's Typhoon), 17 December 1944. TBM Avenger damaged during the typhoon aboard USS Anzio (CVE-57). Personnel salvaging valuable gear. Photograph released on 18 December 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-298055.

Typhoon Cobra (Halsey's Typhoon), 17 December 1944. Hangar deck of USS Anzio (CVE-57) during typhoon showing FM-2 Wildcats in maze of lines and fire hoses. Photograph released on 18 December 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Admnistration (NARA), # 80-G-298056.

Typhoon Cobra (Halsey's Typhoon), 17 December 1944. FM-2 Wildcat damaged aboard USS Anzio (CVE-57). The aircraft is shown against ventilator after running adrift. Photograph released on 18 December 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-298057.

Typhoon Cobra (Halsey's Typhoon), 17 December 1944. TBM Avenger damaged aboard USS Anzio (CVE-57). The plane is in a catwalk after breaking moorings. Photograph released on 18 December 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-298060.

Typhoon Cobra (Halsey's Typhoon), 17 December 1944. Damaged 20mm gun mounts where TBM aircraft capsized aboard USS Anzio (CVE-57). Photograph released 19 December 1944.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-298065.

"Combat information center of the USS Anzio (CVE-57). In CIC are the radar warning controls[,] aircraft communication circuits and navigational aids, phones, radios, switches, etc. Lt. Charlie Wadsworth is giving the word to [an] F4F pilot who is off in the directions of the nearest nip and in need of a vector. Logging voice circuits against the bank of radios are Ray Elliott, Howard Arb and Jack Whirson." Photo # CVE57-484, dated 21 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-335645).

“Aerial of Iwo Jima in Volcano Islands/ K-20 FL.6 3/8" Taken by plane from the USS Anzio (CVE-57).”

“Southern point;
Looking North East at Mt. Suribachi 1000-1900'”

Photo # CVE 57-422, dated 7 March 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-309509).

“Aerial of Iwo Jima in Volcano Islands/ K-20 FL.6 3/8" Taken by plane from the USS Anzio (CVE-57).”

“South toward Mt. Suribachi along Eastern shore. 1000-1500'”

Photo # CVE 57-423, dated 7 March 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-309510).

“Aerial of Iwo Jima in Volcano Islands/ K-20 FL.6 3/8" Taken by plane from the USS Anzio (CVE-57).”

“Looking South West toward N.W. corner of Moyotama air field; American aircraft on field.”

Photo # CVE 57-424, dated 7 March 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-309511).

“Aerial of Iwo Jima in Volcano Islands/ K-20 FL.6 3/8" Taken by plane from the USS Anzio (CVE-57).”

“Eastern shore just North of Mt. Suribachi showing supply operations 1530-2,000'.”

Photo # CVE 57-427, dated 7 March 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-309514).

“Aerial of Iwo Jima in Volcano Islands/ K-20 FL.6 3/8" Taken by plane from the USS Anzio (CVE-57).”

“Looking Southeast at Kitano Point 1530-2,500'.”

Photo # CVE 57-429, dated 7 March 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-309516).

USS Colhoun (DD-801) hit by suicide bomber off Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 6 April 1945. The destroyer is zigzagging at high speed during the attack. Note oil slick to left made by bomber shot down by fire from ship and fighter planes.

Photographed by USS Anzio (CVE-57) pilot Lieutenant Junior Grade T. N. Banks.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-317257.

USS Colhoun (DD-801) hit by suicide bomber off Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 6 April 1945. Approx. 60 seconds after being hit by bomber. Smoke caused by plane on striking target. Another plane may be seen above smoke cloud. Slick of another damaged destroyer, USS Bush (DD-529).

Photographed by USS Anzio (CVE-57) pilot Lieutenant Junior Grade T. N. Banks.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-317258.

"John H. Arledge S1/c and Theodore F. Schmidts S2/c swing the hook of a F4F free from the arresting cable aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE57-493, dated 21 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-335646).

"Tail-markings on Wildcats FM-2 aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#, dated 21 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380938).

"Lt.(jg) Ray Wallace, a TBM pilot, gives the cut for an Avenger torpedo bomber as it comes over the fantail and heads down for the flight deck of the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE57-514, dated 20 May 1945 (NARA photo # 80-G-335649).

Plane is an Avenger from Composite Squadron Thirteen (VC-13). VC-13 was aboard Anzio between March and August 1945.

Photo courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum.

USS Anzio (CVE-57) at sea on 21 May 1945. First commissioned in August 1943 as USS Coral Sea (CVE-57), this ship was renamed Anzio in September 1944.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (# NH 106581). (National Archives photo # 80-G-380966.)

USS Coral Sea/Anzio (CVE-57) and her attached Air Squadrons were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for outstanding heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the air, ashore and afloat during these periods.

"Ships in San Francisco Bay, Cal. USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # SNVL-7027, dated 23 October 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-389829).

Cropped version of photo above (larger view of the ship).

USS Anzio (CVE-57), the first American carrier to visit that port, lies in the Whangpoo River, at Shanghai, China, 1 December 1945, as part of Operation Magic Carpet.

National Archives photo # 80-G-357488.

As above, 2 December 1945.

As above, 2 December 1945.

"Loading homebound servicemen aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57) at Shanghai, China." December 1945.

National Archives photos.

USS Anzio (CVE-57), transporting what appears to be a captured Japanese Kawanishi H8K2 (Emily) seaplane wearing US markings, circa December 1945.

The story of Anzio, a Japanese Emily and ENS Hugh Wilfong:

• NS0305742a: Waco Tribune-Herald, Monday, 9 April 1979.
• NS0305742b: Waco Tribune-Herald, Sunday, 15 April 1979.
• NS0305742c & NS0305742d: ENS Hugh Wilfong.

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"Ship's Company, U.S.S. Anzio (CVE-57) — Engaged in combat operations in the Western Pacific Area Oct. 1943 to Aug. 1945"

"Plane crew aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57). L to R: E.L. Feehan, ARM1/c, S.J. Pocotny, AOM2/c, and Lt. Cmdr. J.J. Lynch." Photo # CVE-57#46, dated 30 October 1943 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380904).

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"Plane crew aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57). L to R: S. Bleier, ARM2/c, H. R. Thompson, AOM2/c, and Lt. R. S. Evarts." Photo # CVE-57#47, dated 30 October 1943 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380905).

"Lt. R.S. Evarts in front of an Avenger TBF aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#51, dated 30 October 1943 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380908).

LT Evarts and his crew were killed in action at Tinian, 20 June 1944. (TBF-1C BuNo 47749.)

"Plane crew aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57). L to R: D.E. Ritch, AMM3/c, R.L. Burgess, ARM3/c, and Ens. C.R. Rasmussen." Photo # CVE-57#49, dated 30 October 1943 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380906).

"Lt. J.P. Weinel in front of a Wildcat FM-1 on flight deck of the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#50, dated 30 October 1943 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380907).

"Pilots grouped in front of a Wildcat FM-1 aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#52, dated 30 October 1943 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380909).

"Lt. Cdr. J.J. Lynch giving pilots instructions prior to take-off from the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#54, dated 30 October 1943 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380910).

"Neptune party aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#77, dated 15 November 1943 (note that CVE-57's name was Coral Sea on this date).

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380911).

"Lt.(jg) E.S. Taylor being transferred from a destroyer [USS Murray (DD-576)] to the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#165, dated 30 January 1944.

National Archives photo # 80-G-380913.

"Capt. Paul W. Watson, C.O. of the USS Coral Sea (CVE-57), inspecting personnel aboard ship."

"S Division."

Photo # CVE 57 310, dated 27 May 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-233157).

"Capt. Paul W. Watson, C.O. of the USS Coral Sea (CVE-57), inspecting personnel aboard ship."

"A Division."

Photo # CVE 57 311, dated 27 May 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-233158).

"Personnel of VC-33 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVE-57) of Task Unit 52.11.2." Photo # CRLS 314, dated 8 June 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-238302).

This photo has the date 30 July 1945.

If you have any additional information, please contact us.

Officers and Chiefs? If you have any information, please contact us. Larger copy available on request.

Officers? If you have any information, please contact us. Larger copy available on request.

This is a photo of my father, Verval O'Veal "Bill" Estes. He is the one on the right side. He served on USS Coral Sea/Anzio (CVE-57), August 11, 1944–Oct 1945. I think this may have been taken in Hawaii as he was stationed there for a while. I would like to find out who the two men with him are and where the photo was actually made.

CAPT George C. Montgomery (reading his orders) relieved CAPT Paul W. Watson as commanding officer of USS Anzio on Monday, 4 December 1944, at Ulithi.

"Capt. George C. Montgomery inspecting aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#398, dated 16 December 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380925).

"Capt. George C. Montgomery inspecting aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#399, dated 16 December 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380926).

"Christmas night party, decorated tree and presents aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#400, dated 25 December 1944.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380927).

Comment: "The guy on the far right, behind the guy up front and far right, is Charlie; he looks like he is 12 years old."

Kenneth C. Edwards, Jr. comments: "Kenneth C. Edwards [my father]—back row, second from right, next to man with folded arms."

"Capt. George C. Montgomery presenting awards to men aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)."

"Presenting Air Medal to Lt.(jg) P.B. Wyser."

Photo # CVE-57#404, dated 6 January 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380928).

"Capt. George C. Montgomery presenting awards to men aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)."

"Presenting citation Ribbon to Harvey J. Rowe, AOM/2c."

Photo # CVE-57#405, dated 6 January 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380929).

"Capt. George C. Montgomery presenting awards to men aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)."

"Reading citation of Harvey J. Rowe, AOM/2c."

Photo # CVE-57#406, dated 6 January 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380930).

"J.R. Morris S1/c rides the cable car from the USS Grady (DE-445) to the USS Anzio (CVE-57). Morris is being sent to the carrier for an emergency appendectomy."

Photo # CVE57-462, dated 24 January 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-335641).

"L.H. MacDowell, AMM3/c, drums for ship orchestra aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#418, dated 18 February 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380931).

"Lt.(jg) Lewis entering a Wildcat F4F aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57). Plane Captain at right." Photo # CVE-57#461, dated 23 February 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380949).

"Reichman, EM1/c, and Schneider, EM3/c, repairing electric fans in I.C. shop aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#471, dated 12 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380951).

"Lt. F.B. Underman cuts the cake celebrating the 5000th landing aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57). Comdr. E.W. Davis looks on." Photo # CVE-57#445, dated 16 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380937).

"The wing guns of a fighter get a check by Billy Simms, AOM1c, aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#470, dated 18 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380950).

"Frank Stanley, S1/c, cleaning a 20mm gun aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE-57#473, dated 19 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-380952).

"Fusing bombs on the hangar deck of the USS Anzio (CVE-57) are Warren McKenzie AOM2/c, T.W. Simmons, AOM3/c, Gene Gagnor, S1/c, W.A. Robertson, AOM1/c Dan Ogles, SP(X)1/c, Waldo Harpine AOM1/c Allen Steele SP(X)3/c and Floyd Ehlers, SP(X)1/c." Photo # CVE57-478, dated 20 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-335642).

"The jack-controls on the starboard catwalk of the USS Anzio (CVE-57). Manning the arresting gear controls, with an anxious eye on a plane that is about to hit the deck are Bob Christensen, Jim Bough, L.D. Smith, and Frank Schwartz." Photo # CVE57-479, dated 20 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-335643).

"Ordnance men make final adjustments of the rocket firing mechanism of a F4F on board the USS Anzio (CVE-57)." Photo # CVE57-480, dated 20 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-335644).

"Sailors aboard the USS Anzio (CVE-57) receiving an inspection by Ens. Richard Hansen, USNR, aircraft maintenance officer on this ship and his Div. Chief, Kenneth W. Firestone, ACM, USN." Photo # CVE57-505, dated 28 April 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-335647).

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"Capt. George C. Montgomery USN shaking hands with the Key men who keep the flight and hangar deck of the USS Anzio (CVE57) clicking smoothly (l-r) Lt. Robert L. Thornton, Ens. Richard T. Hansen, Charles J. Mohler, AMM/1c, Maurice P. Murphy, Cox, John Stefanou, ACMM, Elija R. Murry, Mach., Frank Sinore, AMM2/c, Tolson W. Linch, AMM3/c, and Charlie P. Jennings, BM/2c." Photo # CVE57-526, dated 23 May 1945.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-335650).

Basketball team, USS Anzio. Over two years, undefeated.

Front row (l to r): Dunn, athletic officer; CAPT Montgomery, CO; Davis, XO.

Middle row (l to r): Quick; Amstead, Capt. of team; Russell; Stevens; Baldwin.

Back row (l to r): Napolitano; Dunigan; Silcox; Kelly; Stewart.

Remark: Note that the name of the man second from left, back row, is misspelled as "Donagan" in the original, handwritten annotation. However, William J. Dunigan IV has identified his father, William James Dunigan, and has informed us of the correct spelling (thank you, William).

S1/C (AOM) William James Dunigan—Jimmy Dunigan, as he went by his middle name—,the same guy in the back row in the team picture, playing for USS Anzio, and trying to block a shot while in a game with USS Monterey. Anzio won 26 to 24. Does anyone know if Gerald Ford, an accomplished athlete himself, played on the Monterey team that day?

LT Robert L. Thornton and shipmates enjoy some Rest & Recreation at Mogmog Island, Ulithi atoll, Marianas.

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If you can identify these sailors, please let us know.

Classifying mail. Date and location unknown.

If you can recognize the scene, please let us know.

Charlie, a former crewmember, commented that "people would fish off the back of the ship, they caught a large shark one day." (Thanks to David Thornton.)

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Crossing a Line

CDR Ed Morales, commanding officer of Navy Recruiting District Dallas, presents the national ensign to Clissa Spratlin England during the USS Anzio reunion ceremony, 23 August 2014. England's father, Courtney B. Spratlin, passed away earlier in the year. The annual reunion honors the men who served aboard Anzio during World War II. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Vargas (# 140823-N-GF386-055).

"Stern view of camels separating USS Natoma Bay (CVE-62) and USS Anzio (CVE-57) at berth." Norfolk, VA. Photo # NA8-1549, dated 20 August 1947.

National Archives photo (# 80-G-279242).

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).

Ex-Anzio (CVHE-57), berthed at the breaker's yard in Bremerhaven, Germany, awaiting scrapping. Photo dates from very late 1959 or very early 1960.

Ex-Anzio (CVHE-57) under tow, 1960. Note hull number painted on the bow in large numerals.

USS Anzio (CVE-57). Although "personalized" for each ship, this is in fact a generic image of the Casablanca-class CVEs.

USS Anzio (CVE-57) Press News, 15 August 1945. "EXTRA—PEACE—JAPAN SURRENDERS WITHOUT RESERVE!!—M'CARTHUR TO BE BOSS"

USS Anzio (CVE-57) Press News, 2 September 1945. "V-J DAY EXTRA—Japan Surrendered—War Is Officially Over"

An anchor from Coral Sea/Anzio on loan from the Naval History & Heritage Command to the "Citadel" Military Academy/University, South Carolina. It sits on the outside of the parade grounds along with several other military artifacts. March 2008.

(Corrected info thanks to Dave Nilsen.)

This artifact sign used to be on display on the anchor. It reads, "Six Ton Starboard Anchor from USS Anzio CVHE 57 / Built At Vancouver, Washington, 1943 / Originally named / USS Coral Sea / Renamed October 1944".

National Museum of the U.S. Navy Photograph Collection, # NMUSN-648.

A model of USS Coral Sea/Anzio (CVE-57).