Watch a Corsair Destroyed as It Gets Loaded onto the USS Gilbert During WWII

A Mishap at San Diego Naval Air Station

On March 11, 1945, a loading accident occurred at Naval Air Station San Diego during preparations for the USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107). As aircraft and supplies were being moved onto the escort carrier, a Brewster F3A-1 Corsair was accidentally dropped. The aircraft suffered heavy damage and could not be used. Despite the setback, the Gilbert Islands departed the next day for its shakedown cruise.

This event happened as part of a new effort by the U.S. Marine Corps to operate from escort carriers in the Pacific. Until then, Marine aviation had been mostly based on land. These missions marked the first time Marine squadrons flew from escort carriers in combat zones.

Escort Carriers and Marine Squadrons in the Pacific

Four escort carriers began this new program. Each carried one fighter squadron and one torpedo bombing squadron. The USS Block Island (CVE-106) carried VMTB-233 and VMF-511. The USS Gilbert Islands carried VMTB-143 and VMF-512. The USS Cape Gloucester (CVE-109) operated with VMTB-132 and VMF-351. Lastly, the USS Vella Gulf (CVE-111) had VMTB-234 and VMF-513 on board.

These ships gave the Marines greater flexibility in supporting island assaults, especially when land-based airfields were not available. The squadrons trained for takeoffs and landings on the smaller carrier decks, which was a major change from operating on longer runways.

Preserving the Footage for Future Generations

The film showing the Corsair accident was recorded by the U.S. Marine Corps History Division. Though the films remain their property, they were digitized through a partnership with the University of South Carolina. With support from donors, over 19,000 reels are being preserved and shared online. The footage and many other materials can be viewed at digital.library.sc.edu.

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