Hello all,

as I've some time on my hands at the moment, I'm working on an update of an old F9F campaign.

Creating some skins for CVG-5 in 1950 I've stumbled over a detail on some early VF-51 F9F-3s that I couldn't figure out. I've to admit that my knowledge on this topic isn't merely limited but rather nonexiseant.

Photos of 102S (122577) and 109S (123071, Leonard H. Plog) around summer 1950 show on the fuselage beneath the canopy the VF-51 squadron insignia and an 'E' below it. No other pictures I found show the letter.
Does anyone have an idea what the 'E' could stand for?




The VF-51 insignia is better visible on other F9F photos and was placed on different spots through time.



Though not vital for my little project but I'm really curious

S! and thanks
Ray

A guess would be E for Essex CVG-5 as they were aboard her in 51.
Regards Duggy

It means "E" for efficiency.

"I may have won the top gun honors, but I got just as much of a kick winning the "E" for efficiency, of all the ships in the Pacific fleet. . . . I had the best fighter squadron ? we got the E."

This is from an interview with Alex Vraciu "best known for his six-kill mission at the Battle of the Philippine Sea and his exploits during World War II. . . and later became commander of VF-51 . . . Vraciu, the U.S. Navy's fourth highest-scoring ace"

http://www.internetmodeler.com/2002/october/aviation/Vraciu.htm

Best,
Lefty

That clears things up, thanks Lefty! The interview is an interesting read, too.

EDIT

Now that I know what to search for I found out more:

The Battle Effectiveness Award (formerly the Battle Efficiency Award, commonly known as the Battle "E"), is awarded annually to the small number of United States Navy ships, submarines, aviation, and other units that win their battle effectiveness competition.

The criterion for the Battle Effectiveness Award is the overall readiness of the command to carry out its assigned wartime tasks, and is based on a year-long evaluation. The competition for the award is, and has always been, extremely keen. To win, a ship or unit must demonstrate the highest state of battle readiness.

>> Wikipedia: Battle "E" <<

Lefty, I was on a ship that received the Battle Efficiency rating for our amphibious operation and helo ops with the 1/3 Marines in Vietnam 1967. Retired Admiral Arthur W. Price was our Captain at the time, a great man to serve under. We were, and I still am proud of winning that honor.

Lefty, I was on a ship that received the Battle Efficiency rating for our amphibious operation and helo ops with the 1/3 Marines in Vietnam 1967. Retired Admiral Arthur W. Price was our Captain at the time, a great man to serve under. We were, and I still am proud of winning that honor.

mapal

Wow

Hey, man, what was the name/kind of ship? Post a pic of her here?

(btw--I am at my most efficient after midnight, w/ a good cigar, some Irish whiskey, and an old movie)

She was the USS Duluth, LPD6, Landing Platform Dock. I was an Aviation Boatswains Mate and took care of the choppers. We made over 2000 landings from May 29, 1967 to October 14, 1967. Man, I still have all the articles about our operation from the "Stars & Stripes". They are a little yellow now Plus the ships cruise book, I'm glad I kept it. Here are some shots of the Duluth during Air Operations and Amphibious assaults. I have several shots, mostly redone from slides, they were the thing back then

Great stuff guys, its so good having you guys on board, I served on 4 ships all Merchant navy.
Regards Duggy

Lefty, and Purgatorio, my apologies for not welcoming you to A&A until now.We are always happy to have guys with your energy and experience here.
Cheers RDDR

Thank you, RDDR, it's my pleasure