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Ceremonies crossing the Equator. |
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Ceremonies crossing the Equator. |
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Captain Johnson presenting softball trophies. |
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Sept 27, 1943 Heaving line contest. |
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Tug of war, recreation and competition on the flight deck. |
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Footrace on the flight deck.
Activities such as this were held after hostilities ceased,
and the Independence was converted to a troop transport. The air squadron
was transferred off. Tiers of sleeping bunks were installed on the hangar
deck.
Troops were brought into Portland, Oregon, from Iwo Jima and Saipan. The ship had to traverse the Columbia River, then branch off on the Willamette river. We were the largest ship ever to dock at Portland. This fact plus many returning veterans families and Kaisers band, made for a huge welcoming crowd. We made two more round trips after this one, bringing veterans home from the South Pacific. This operation was designated the MAGIC CARPET. |
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Six physically fit sailors. |
