Captain Gerald Huff Relieving Arnold McKechnie

Photograph

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Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Name/Title

Captain Gerald Huff Relieving Arnold McKechnie

Description

This photograph shows Captain Gerald Huff relieving Arnold McKechnie on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown (CV-10) during the changing of command ceremonies that took place in 1954.

Context

Relieving Captain McKechnie, Gerald L. Huff was the captain of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10) from August 5, 1954 to July 15, 1955. Arnold McKechnie was Captain of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10) from August 3, 1953 to August 5, 1954. Arnold McKechnie began his career in the Navy after graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1927. A man of many interests, McKechnie entered Submarine School in 1930. After earning his dolphins, McKechnie entered flight training in 1934. Upon earning his pilot's wings, McKechnie served aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-3) in Scouting Squadron Two. A seasoned pilot by the time the United States entered World War II, McKechnie served as Executive Officer aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) before being made commander of the Transition Training Squadron Atlantic (TTSA). The TTSA was a training squadron created to aid newly graduated naval aviators in patrol plane operations. After World War II, McKechnie would in turn become the commanding officer of the USS Bairoko, the USS Badoeng Straight, and the USS Yorktown (CVA-10). After leaving the Yorktown in 1954, Captain McKechnie became the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station (NAS), San Diego. Arnold McKechnie retired as a Rear Admiral on November 1, 1961, from his role as Chief of Naval Air Reserve Training.

Collection

Arnold W. McKechnie Collection

Acquisition

Accession

2023.14

Source or Donor

Arnold W. McKechnie, Jr.

Acquisition Method

Donation

Made/Created

Date made

Aug 5, 1954

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Location

On back of Photograph

Transcription

View of Capt. G. L Huff, USN Reliving Capt. A. W. McKechnie USN of command of Yorktown at change of command ceremony on 5 Aug 1954. L to R: VADN . W.K. Phillips USN Comfirstelt Capt W. M. Nation, USN Staff firstflt, Capt. A. W. McKechnie, USN, commanding Yorktown from 31 Aug. 1953 to 5 Aug 1954 and CDR. J. G. Sliney, USN, Executive Officer, Capt. Nation Commanded Yorktown from recommissioning date 15 Dec. 1952 to 31 Aug. 1953.

Update Date

November 26, 2024