4 November 1946: Off Long Beach
“Oh, Those Float Planes…”

A lot can happen in a day aboard a ship – especially one as complex as an Iowa Class battleship. Let’s take a trip back in time to 1946 and see what life aboard was like.

1200 to 1630:
Steaming as before on course 189 degrees (T & pgc) 176 degrees (psc) at 15 knots. 1332 C/C to 340 degrees (T & pgc). 1334 C/S to 20 knots. 1339 Catapulted plane No. 35785 for training; Ensign R.B. JOHNSTONE, USN, Pilot. 1340 C/S to 15 knots; C/C to 189 degrees (T & pgc) 176 degrees (psc)

While preparing to shift plane No. 35752 from port catapult to starboard catapult with airplane crane during flight operations, its cowling, engine mountings, and converting lines were severely damaged; plane had been hooked on to crane while “J” hook was still engaged; prior to hoisting, crane slings were set taut by crane operator; after setting taut crane continued to hoist with the result that damage to the plane occurred; cause of the continued hoisting is undetermined; informal investigation has been started. 1356 C/C to 180 degrees (T & pgc) 167 degrees (psc).

1410
ALEXANDER, D.H., S2, USN, received a punctured left inner thigh, while skylarking with sheath knife in hand he accidentally stabbed himself; negligence apparent, due to own misconduct; treated by Lt(jg) L.S. NELSON, (MC), USNR, and admitted to the sick list.

1420
Plane No. 35785 returned to the U.S. Naval Air Station, San Pedro, California.

1430
C/C to 260 degrees (T & pgc) 243 degrees (psc). 1515 C/C to 040 degrees (T & pgc). 1516 Stationed special sea details; made preparations for anchoring in Pyramid Cove, San Clemente Island. Captain at the Conn; Executive Officer and Navigator on the bridge. 1520 C/C to 055 degrees (T & pgc). 1531 C/C to 040 degrees (T & pgc). 1532 C/S to 5 knots. Commenced maneuvering on various courses at varying speeds to approach anchorage.

1607
Anchored in Berth E-2, Pyramid Cove, San Clemente Island, in 51 fathoms of water with 120 fathoms of chain to the starboard anchor on the following anchorage bearings: China Point, 287.5 degrees (T); Pyramid Point, 037 degrees (T); Pyramid Cove Light, 335.5 degrees (T). 1617 Secured special sea details; set port watch. 1620 Secured boiler No. 3, 4, and 7.