USS Monterey (CVL-26) Pilot's Ready Room

Lieutenant Ronald P. "Rip" Gift relaxes with other pilots in a ready room on board USS Monterey (CVL-26), after landing on her at night following strikes on the Japanese fleet, 20 June 1944. This was the famous Marianas "Turkey Shoot," where strike aircraft had to land at night, and despite the presence of enemy carriers, Task Force 58 commander Marc Mitscher ordered all ships to turn on their lights to assist pilots in landings. Note admonition "Get the Carriers" on chalk board in the background. Photographed by Lieutenant Victor Jorgensen, USNR. Right Click and choose "View Image" to enlarge.