A Full Deck ...

[RyanShort1]

i see only a 2 bladed prop in that pix.

I shrunk that down a bit to fit the website's 1024 pixel limitation, but I can see an angled stripe on the vertical stabilizer similar to the other SBDs and I'm pretty sure the main wheels also match an SBD. In the picture, I think we're looking at a bit of a zoom lens in use, some compression, and the focus is on the Fanning, so the Enterprise is a bit blurry and definitely back-lit. The "top" prop on that SBD would be nearly impossible to make out in those conditions.

[mike furline]

Here's 140 pages (in reverse order) of CV-6 Log Book April 1942. Perhaps the aircraft are listed in detail.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/100437365

[Mark Allen M]

I'm not convinced that is an SNJ on the flight deck, but I'm now more interested in what Ryan posted about there being one or two SNJ's aboard combat carriers in war zones. I'm researching to see if any photo documentation exists.

M

[JohnB]

Are there any photos of SNJs on other carriers in combat zones?

And why would they need a SNJ aboard.
Seems a SBD could do anything a SNJ could do
(2-seat hack, photos, etc.).

[RyanShort1]

Are there any photos of SNJs on other carriers in combat zones?

And why would they need a SNJ aboard.
Seems a SBD could do anything a SNJ could do
(2-seat hack, photos, etc.).

Here's more reference:

https://web.archive.org/web/20210203203 ... riers.html

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/ind ... mber-1941/

[RyanShort1]

Double tap, sorry.

[mike furline]

Location of US Naval Aircraft, US Navy Carriers, page 1, upper left. No SNJ's assigned to Carriers. Use Ctrl F and do a search for SNJ to see where they were.

March 18, 1942
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/da ... 8-3-42.pdf

April 1, 1942
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/da ... 1-4-42.pdf

April 7, 1942
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/da ... 7-4-42.pdf

April 15, 1942
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/da ... 5-4-42.pdf

May 21, 1942
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/da ... 1-5-42.pdf

June 4, 1942
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/da ... 4-6-42.pdf

June 12, 1942
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/da ... 2-6-42.pdf

[Mark Allen M]

Commander Fitzhugh Lee prior to first take off from USS Essex (CV-9), 16 February 1943.

[mike furline]

USS Essex War Diary Feb. 43, page 19, first take off from Essex SNJ-4 BuNo. 26767.

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/134097824?objectPage=19

[JohnB]

Yes, it's a SNJ on a carrier, but not in a combat zone, so it doesn't answer the original question.
However, it is interesting with all the Navy aircraft available in the area (Pax River, Anacostia Norfolk) they'd choose a SNJ to make the first landing onboard the ship.

Last edited by JohnB on Tue Jul 09, 2024 10:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Mark Allen M]

I wasn’t answering a question.

[mike furline]

Yes, it's a SNJ on a carrier, but not in a combat zone, so it doesn't answer the original question.
However, it is interesting with all the Navy aircraft available in the area (Pax River, Anacostia Norfolk) they'd choose a SNJ to make the first landing onboard the ship.

The links to the original source documents I posted above indicate "NO" SNJ's were carried as part of the carrier aircraft strength in the Spring 1942 time frame. I'm sure some SNJ's were transported on carriers to Hawaii or other islands/zones, but off loaded once there.