Mark Allen M wrote:
Would it be early 60's or late 50's..
Maybe either!
This COULD be from the Mediterranean cruise aboard the ESSEX from 7 August 1959 to Feb 26, 1960, but in any case would likely not be earlier than August 1967, and no later than February 1960. I base this on a couple of things.
Air wing fits the era.
ESSEX was West Coast Unit until transfer to Atlantic Fleet in August 1957, so the photo is post August 1957 with the East Coast "AK" code on the Air Group 10 embarked.
The F4D Skyray closest to the camera MAY be from VF-13, I can not quite make out the Squadron code on the spine of the aircraft. VF-13 did make the 1959-1960 Cruise on the ESSEX with the Skyray.
Essex designated an ASW carrier after this cruise on March 8, 1960, so would no longer have and air wing with fighters and attack aircraft.