The American destroyer USS Laffey (DD-459) with surviving members of the crew of the sunken aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV-7) on board. Presumably, the picture was taken off the island of Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides archipelago.
   The Wasp was sunk by a Japanese submarine on September 15, 1942.
   The image on board the destroyer clearly shows 127-mm guns, depth charges and life rafts. In the background is the light cruiser USS Juneau (CL-52).



US destroyer with survivors

American sailors take delight in their close viewing of the wide brimmed hat of the Australian soldiers. In the background is the US Landing Ship Tank LST-626.

Examining the hat

Escort carrier USS Copahee (ACV-12) loaded on deck a cargo of captured (13) A6M5 Zeros, (1) B5N Kate, spare parts and 37 engines, to be used for intelligence and training. She arrived back at San Diego, California on July 28, 1944. 