"It was already dark on December 8th, when Enterprise and her escorts slipped into Pearl Harbor, after two days of a fruitless wild goose chase, and her air group already bloodied by dramatic friendly fire incidents on the very day of the attack. Enterprise did not plan on staying long - except for the fighters which had been sent forward so as to augment the combat air patrol over Oahu, she retained her scout bomber and torpedo groups, as nobody was released ashore. This was truly to as quick a pit stop as possible, as men were busy shuttling supply around. By 0600 on December 9th, she was leaving Pearl like a ghost, as the rising sun in the East and the smoke from Battleship row gave a gloomy feeling to the scene. She is seen here passing the wrecked seaplane base on Ford Island, on her way back to the open seas. She was heading for the unknown, as US command, still somewhat shell-shocked following the attack, was left pondering its options and wondering what to do next with her, Lexington and Saratoga. But whoever was witnessing her leaving must have certainly known, deep down, that she was going to be quite busy for some time - and that she was indeed, for the whole duration of 1942, and way beyond!"
By J Lepelletier
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
