Research Library, USS Midway Museum

In celebration of 200 years of the musician rating, we bring you a fun fact about the history of "Anchors Aweigh"!

10 June 2006, 20 years ago today: A plane captain signals to the pilot of a Grumman E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the "Liberty Bells" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One One Five (VAW-115), during an engine start-up aboard conventionally powered U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). Kitty Hawk was under way in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo # 060610-N-6106R-024 by Photographer's Mate Airman Stephen W. Rowe

8 June 1991, 35 years ago today: A man dressed as the Lone Ranger rides his horse along the pier as the conventionally-powered Forrestal-class aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-61) ties up behind him. The Ranger has returned to Naval Air Station, North Island, California following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. U.S. Navy photo by PH1 Dennis Castree from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

NARA DN-SC-92-01782

6 June 1966, 60 years ago today: The Gemini 9A spacecraft, with astronauts Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene A. Cernan still inside, is hoisted aboard the Essex-class antisubmarine aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CVS-18). Gemini 9A splashed down only 3.5 miles from the recovery ship at 9 a.m. (EST), 345 miles east of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida to conclude a 72-hour, 21-minute mission in space. In the background is the Gearing-class destroyer USS Robert L. Wilson (DD-847) which was assigned as rescue destroyer for Wasp.

NASA photo # S66-34101

5 June 1966, 60 years ago today: While orbiting the earth in the NASA Gemini IX-A spacecraft commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Stafford, USAF, naval aviator Lieutenant Commander Eugene A. Cernan, USN becomes the second American astronaut to walk in space. His two hour, eight minute experience showed there was still much to be learned about working in microgravity.

NASA photo # S66-38515D

4 June 1942: Navy flight surgeon and corpsmen treating casualties aboard the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-5) shortly after the carrier had been hit by Japanese bombs.

U.S. Navy photo # 240604-N-N1526-1001 from BuMed archives

3 June 1942: The opens when a Consolidated PBY Catalina patrol plane flown by Ensign Jack Reid spots the Japanese Occupation Force carrying troops for the invasion of Midway Atoll.

Painting, Oil on Wood; by John Hamilton; C. 1975; Framed Dimensions 28H X 40W

U.S. Navy accession # 80-142-P

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