Aero Diaries
USS Princeton (CV-37) Western Pacific Cruise

USS Princeton (CV-37) Western Pacific Cruise

Jan-Sep, 1953

Korean War-Era Carrier Operations

Published August 23, 2025

USS Princeton (CV-37), an Essex-class carrier, conducted extensive combat and training operations during the Korean War era from January 24, 1953 to September 21, 1953, with Carrier Air Group 15 (CVG-15).

In this transitional period from propeller to jets, the air wing was comprised of VF-152 flying F4U-4 Corsairs, VF-153 and VF-154 operating F9F-5 Panther jets, VA-155 with AD-4 Skyraiders, VC-61 Det. D with F9F-5P photo-reconnaissance Panthers, VC-35 Det. D with AD-4N night attack Skyraiders, VC-11 Det. D with AD-4W airborne early warning Skyraiders, and HU-1 Det. D with HO3S-1 helicopters.

Even though those carriers were relatively small they still were capable of carrying a significant air wing.

Photographer: unknown