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HISTORY 0F COMPOSITE SQUADRON 65 (VC-65)


USS Midway delivering aircraft to Australia

 

On April 20, 1944, VC-65 boarded the U.S.S. Midway. At this point, the squadron was reduced to its shipboard complement. The ground crews in aircraft, ordnance and radio became part of ship's company. The aircrew remained with the squadron's roster. Excess pilots and aircrew above normal compliment were transferred to San Diego NAS, with some of them later rejoining VC-65.

The enlisted of VC 65 were given cots on the hanger deck for the first night aboard ship until bunk assignments could be made.

The welcome aboard for the men on the hanger deck had some misgivings. One of Ships Company coming in from liberty turned on the overhead sprinklers and soaked unsuspecting airdales.

The Midway sailed from San Diego the next morning. It was transporting a load of aircraft secured to the flight deck so no flight operations were possible. VC-65 men had plenty of time to get their sea legs and the check out the ships facilities, find ships stores and where to get the cheap cigarettes and gedunk (ice-cream).


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