Re: KW Navy deployments

[<geminiad@whidbey.com>]

Jhk789@aol.com wrote:
> 
*  When you say Valley Force, you meant Valley Forge?  Yes,  of course.
> 
*  Are you saying Valley Forge was sent to the Far East
> in May for the first time?  

I was not implying that, only that ship was on new deployment
to Asiatic waters.

Valley Forge had joined Pacific Fleet after shakedown (new ship) 							
and other training in Caribbean,  in August 1947. After extensive 
work-up out of Hawaii in late-47, CV-45 went to Australia in January
'48. 

After  Aussie visit, port visits included Hong Kong, Tsingtao, then
ordered
to return to Atlantic -  on round-the-world cruise,  
proceeding via Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore,
Trincomalee, Ras Tanura, and Suez Canal, Mediterranean Sea,
Panama Canal, and return to San Diego (homeport). 

Thus, this was "Happy Valley's" second cruise in Asiatic waters.
However, it was the first deployment on CV-45 for CAG 5 air wing -
the prior cuise having deployed with Air Wing Eleven. Under such
circumstances, it was all the more necessary for the exercises held
in May north of Luzon, to familiarize the Air Wing with Ship's company
operating proceedures, personalities, call signs, etc.  

*  If so, did it replace another carrier
> in the area?
> 
Yes, but will have to check records, as there is very
little writing on 1946-50 Asiatic deployments but 
suspect it would have been one of three other carriers.
Give you answer later.

Keith