Bombs being transferred to the USS Hornet CV-12 from ammo ship off Iwo Jima, February 1945. Note the heavy weathering and rust on the original dazzle paint on her forward hull. The USS Hornet was the first Essex-class carrier to be painted in dazzled paint (November 29, 1943) and one of the last to have it painted out (July 1945).(rudeerude)

Bomb transfer

USS Hornet CV-12, showing heavy weathering and rust after more than a year of sustained combat and salt water, anchored at Ulithi on March 6, 1945 with Air Group 17 on deck. LCI(L)-1052 is in the foreground.

USS Hornet

Enlisted during 1945 (while still in high school-back in the day, one was able to "fudge" things like age, etc.). Later after discharge, came home and finished high school in 1947.