CVE-106 was initially named Sunset Bay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

USS Block Island (CVE-106) at anchor, 1945.

U.S. Navy photo from the Block Island 1944–1946 Cruise Book.

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

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

As above. BuAer photo # 302556.

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

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

A U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Grumman F6F-5N Hellcat of Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 511 aboard USS Block Island (CVE-106), 4 February 1945. Photo taken by PFC. E Powers, USMC.

Shots of F4U Corsairs and F6F Hellcats landing on USS Block Island (CVE-106) with arresting gear and taking off from it. Shots of F6F being loaded onto ship with crane, and shots of pilots in planes. These include Maj R.B. Porter, Capt William Hogue, Lt Edward J. Wallof, Lt Troyer, and Lt Pickering.

USMC video, digitized by the University of South Carolina.

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

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

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

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

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

As above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Official US Navy photograph.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Roanoke Rapids Herald, Thursday, 17 January 1946.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

USS Block Island (CVE-106) underway, sometime between 1951 and 1954. Sikorsky HO4S helicopter is visible on the flight deck.

U.S. Navy photo.

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

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

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

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621: rg19nn-b1584-005-022.

NS0310621a: rg19nn-b1584-005-023.

NS0310621b: rg19nn-b1584-005-024.

NS0310621c: rg19nn-b1584-005-025.

NS0310621d: rg19nn-b1584-005-026.

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

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621e: rg19nn-b1584-005-027.

NS0310621f: rg19nn-b1584-005-028.

NS0310621g: rg19nn-b1584-005-029.

NS0310621h: rg19nn-b1584-005-030.

NS0310621i: rg19nn-b1584-005-031.

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

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621j: rg19nn-b1584-005-032.

NS0310621k: rg19nn-b1584-005-033.

NS0310621l: rg19nn-b1584-005-034.

NS0310621m: rg19nn-b1584-005-035.

NS0310621n: rg19nn-b1584-005-036.

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

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621o: rg19nn-b1584-005-037.

NS0310621p: rg19nn-b1584-005-038.

NS0310621q: rg19nn-b1584-005-039.

NS0310621r: rg19nn-b1584-005-040.

NS0310621s: rg19nn-b1584-005-041.

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

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310621t: rg19nn-b1584-005-042.

NS0310621u: rg19nn-b1584-005-043.

NS0310621v: rg19nn-b1584-005-044.

NS0310621w: rg19nn-b1584-005-045.

NS0310621x: rg19nn-b1584-005-046.

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

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photos.

NS0310626: rg19nn-b1584-005-047.

NS0310626a: rg19nn-b1584-005-048.

NS0310626b: rg19nn-b1584-005-049.

NS0310626c: rg19nn-b1584-005-050.

NS0310626d: rg19nn-b1584-005-051.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 2012.004.011).

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

A U.S. Navy Grumman AF-2S Guardian of Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 30 "Sea Tigers" about to launch from the escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-106) in 1953. VS-30 was assigned to Block Island for cruises to the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic and Europe between 5 January and 26 June 1953.

U.S. Navy photo from the Block Island 1953 Cruise Book.

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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

"DEBARKATION OF PASSENGER PERSONNEL", 9 December 1945.

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

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

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