80 years ago today: Testing 40 mm anti-aircraft guns onboard PCU USS Manila Bay (CVE 61) off the Pacific Northwest between Vancouver and Astoria, 3 October 1943. Note the jackets and overcoats of the crew bracing for the cool autumnal weather.
National Archives image 80-G-372776
The brand new Casablanca-class escort carrier, of just 7,800 tons displacement, was protected by a single 5″/38 open mount, 8 Bofors, and 12 Orlekons in addition to her embarked air group.
Rushed into service under a Maritime Commission contract by Kaiser Co., Inc., Vancouver, originally as Bucareli Bay (ACV‑61) on 15 January 1943, our featured carrier was renamed the more warlike Manila Bay (CVE-61) just two months later.
Launched on 10 July 1943, she was commissioned on 5 October 1943 at Astoria, Oregon. In all, she went from first steel laid to joining the fleet in 263 days. Not bad.
Manila Bay received eight battle stars and the Navy Unit Commendation for her wartime service and, decommissioned post-war, only left mothballs once again when headed for the breakers in 1958.