Catapult Officer Signals a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk for Launch

Object NamePhotograph

Historic Owner Wayne F. Stiles

Association USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)

Date1968

PeriodCold War; Vietnam War

Mediumphotographic paper

ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts

Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Wayne F. Stiles. P2019.10.06

Object numberP2019.10.06

DescriptionPhotograph, Black and white; Vertical image of the catapult officer crouching on the wood flight deck with the front half of a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk in the background. The Skyhawk is on the catapult track. The light-skinned catapult officer is wearing ear protection, a long sleeved shirt with “Catapult // Officer” stenciled on the back, belt, pants and black shoes. The top of a small booklet is sticking out of his back pants pocket. He is leaning his weight on his right leg with his right pointer finger and middle finger touching the ground, the first part of the signal to launch the airplane. The Skyhawk has markings that include “313” and the U.S. national insignia on the side below the cockpit window. Barely visible in the background, next to the catapult officer’s right ear, is a man lying on his stomach in a “push-up” position with his head turned toward Skyhawk.

The back has "Released // if published credit // must be given as follows // "official photograph // U.S. Navy"" stamped in black ink.

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