" HOOK DOWN, WHEELS DOWN " U.S. NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIERS IN WWII PART 2 21564b

About

Produced in the early 1970s, "Hook Down, Wheels Down" covers the history and development of the U.S. aircraft carrier. The USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) takes center stage -- and the material shot on her deck looks like it is right out of "Top Gun". Shown in this film is the USS Langley (CV-1) (formerly collier USS Jupiter AC-3), USS Lexington (CV-3) and the USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the Battle of Coral Sea. Also featured: USS Saratoga (CV-2), USS Enterprise (CV-6), USS Hornet (CV-8), USS Wasp (CV-7), USS Ranger (CV-4), USS Yorktown (CV-5), USS Essex (CV-9), USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60), the British carrier HMS Furious, the destroyer USS Zeilin (DD-313), and other warships. This documentary chronicles the evolution and critical role of American aircraft carriers in WWII and beyond. Beginning with the early Pacific battles in 1942, including the Battle of the Coral Sea—the first naval engagement where opposing ships never saw each other—and culminating in the decisive American victory at Midway, it highlights the bravery of naval aviators and innovations in carrier warfare. As the war progressed, new ships like the Essex-class carriers and advanced aircraft like the Hellcat helped turn the tide against Japan. Escort carriers, or "Jeep carriers," played vital support roles, including anti-submarine operations in the Atlantic. Notably, kamikaze attacks at Okinawa tested carrier resilience, but none of the Essex-class carriers were lost. Post-war, carriers adapted to Cold War missions, enabling jet operations and playing strategic roles in Korea, Vietnam, and crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis. Technological advancements—from steam catapults to nuclear propulsion—solidified the aircraft carrier's versatility and central place in naval power. The carrier evolved from a makeshift platform into the linchpin of American sea dominance, embodying courage, adaptability, and deterrence.

0:00 – In spring 1942, the U.S. Pacific Fleet begins recovering from Pearl Harbor. U.S. carriers start launching hit-and-run attacks, culminating in the Battle of the Coral Sea—the first sea battle where ships never see each other directly.

1:11 – Battle of the Coral Sea: The U.S. stops Japan’s attempt to take Port Moresby. Lexington is sunk; Yorktown is damaged. Despite losses, the Japanese fail to meet their main objective.

3:50 – Codebreakers & Midway: U.S. codebreakers discover Japan’s plan to attack Midway. Admiral Nimitz prepares a defense with limited resources but a key advantage: intelligence.

5:00 – Battle of Midway: With only three carriers, the U.S. surprises the Japanese fleet. Four Japanese carriers are sunk in a decisive American victory, though Yorktown is lost.

7:02 – Torpedo Squadron 8’s sacrifice: Many torpedo planes are destroyed in Midway. George Gay is the sole survivor of his squadron, witnessing the battle from the water.

9:01 – Pilots and crews are celebrated. The mutual respect between airmen and deck crews is highlighted, with the silent toll of war never forgotten.

11:06 – Escort Carriers (CVEs): Smaller "Jeep carriers" support landings and hunt submarines. They close the mid-Atlantic gap and play a key role in the Battle of the Atlantic.

13:03 – A new generation of aircraft (Hellcats, Corsairs) and Essex-class carriers enter service in 1943, dramatically boosting U.S. striking power.

15:15 – Task Forces 38 & 58: Massive carrier strike groups are formed, alternately numbered to confuse the enemy. They strike simultaneously across the Pacific.

16:01 – The U.S. attacks the stronghold of Truk in early 1944 and achieves a decisive aerial victory at Battle of the Philippine Sea—“Marianas Turkey Shoot.”

18:33 – Night Carrier Landings: After the long strike, Admiral Mitscher orders lights on to guide pilots home, risking enemy detection. The move saves many lives.

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