First night operations from a carrier at sea - Historum

Terrible Turk · December 16th, 2010, 06:51 AM

I understand that the first night flight from an aircraft carrier was in WWII off the flight deck of the USS Enterprise CV6 but was that the first night combat from a carrier? If not who was first, Brits? Was the US first?

Azn · December 17th, 2010, 04:39 PM

I actually think that was the very first night operation from a carrier (first successful one). I could be wrong but it seems about right with the times as before, planes didn't have radar so they pretty much just crashed.

pugsville · December 18th, 2010, 05:53 AM

Tarranto Naval strike by the British Nov 11-12 1940, swordfish launched at 21:00.

I think this predates US efforts.

**OpanaPointer** · December 18th, 2010, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pugsville

Tarranto Naval strike by the British Nov 11-12 1940, swordfish launched at 21:00.

I think this predates US efforts.

As a combat op, of course. I don't have anything handy for experiments done prior to WWII, but there may be something in this pile of books.

**redcoat** · December 18th, 2010, 10:30 AM

The first night deck landing took place on HMS Furious on the 1st July 1925 by F/Lt Boyce flying a Blackburn Dart.

ps: The Taranto operation was first planned in 1938 so it would seem to show that even pre-war the FAA had some night flying experience.

Terrible Turk · December 19th, 2010, 05:18 PM

Well 1925 AND 1940 both beat the 44 date for us yanks. Glad the Brits are usually allies.

**OpanaPointer** · December 19th, 2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

The veteran carrier returned to Pearl Harbor 3 July 1944. During her repair period the ship had been fitted with an additional catapult; and upon her arrival in Hawaiian waters, Independence began training for night carrier operations. She continued this pioneering work 24 to 29 August out of Eniwetok. The ship sailed with a large task group 29 August to take part in the Palaus operation, aimed at securing bases for the final assault on the Phillipines in October. Independence provided night reconnaissance and night combat air patrol for Task Force 38 during this operation.

http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/i1...endence-iv.htm

Terrible Turk · December 19th, 2010, 05:28 PM

Thanks OP, I just wish they could have saved her and not cut her up in 59.

**OpanaPointer** · December 19th, 2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terrible Turk

Thanks OP, I just wish they could have saved her and not cut her up in 59.

The lost of Enterprise still ticks me off. Wasted as one more target at Test Baker.