MY FIRST IMPRESSION OF "THE FIGHTING LADY" 1 April 1953

by Richard G. Wells

I reported aboard the USS Yorktown.  It was the beginning of a great experience.  I have never regretted it.

As a Navy Photographer, I had been transferred from the Naval Air Station, Memphis Tennessee, to the USS Yorktown.  Arriving at Alameda Navy Base, Oakland California on April 1, 1953 at night, I got my first look at a United States Navy fighting ship.

Picture: USS Yorktown 1953, Elevator #2, View of Oakland California Bay Bridge

The first thing I saw at the dock was a large city-like object in the water.  At first glance, the bow and stern were not visible.  They blended into the  black sky and inky water.  The big, grey ship was gently raising and lowering with the swells of San Francisco Bay.

The magnitude of the ship was overwhelming.  Its rows of lights seemed endless.  Like a well lit city boulevard, they seemed to go to infinity.  As I got closer, the vessel took form.  The gangway became evident, then the projected gun mounts and the superstructure.  I observed crewmen o the deck, but they seemed miniscule in comparison to the whole.

As I hurried closer, sounds became louder.  The ship seemed alive with the hum of motors, bells marking the time and seemingly constant calling of the Boats'n Pipe with commands over the ship's public address system.  The ship was so long, as I got near, it was impossible to see it all.  I proudly walked up the gangway, saluted the Junior Officer of the Deck and requested permission to come aboard.  I never before had the exhilarating experience of being aboard a ship.

After giving my Orders to the Duty Yeoman, I asked him for directions to the Photo Lab.  He answered, "B-109-L".  To me, his answer seemed like gibberish.  However, he pointed across the Hanger Deck.  I followed the directions while walking over the six inch thick armor steel deck.

I entered the Lab beside the #2 Fueling Station.  There was a Photographer's Mate at the desk.

Photographer's Mates of USS Yorktown and equipment used 1953-1954  AF3 Wells in front row 4th from left

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