Name/Title
Personalized Lighter of Arnold McKechnie, Sr.Description
Silver finish Zippo lighter with some scratches on the front. The inscription reads "USS Yorktown (CVA-10)". The lighter is engraved with an image of the USS Yorktown with Naval Aviator wings in the top right corner.Use
This lighter was used to create a contained flame for lighting objects such as cigarettes and was further personalized as a memento.Context
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, USS Yorktown CV-10Acquisition
Accession
1981.00009Source or Donor
Arnold W. McKechnie, Jr.Acquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Manufacturer
ZippoDate made
circa 1953 - circa 1954Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionLocation
Front of lighterTranscription
U.S.S. YORKTOWN
CVA-10Language
EnglishMaterial/Technique
EtchedUpdate Date
November 26, 2024
