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Tragedy in Tustin
Any fan of aviation or naval history is familiar with this incredible image, that of a monstrous hangar filled with 150~ fresh and brand new F4U Corsairs and at least another 100 F6F Hellcats, plus a...
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The Lousy Lousy Lounge: Happy Birthday, Devils
80 years ago this month. Tarawa, November 1943. Japanese RADM Keiji Shibasaki proclaimed, “A million men cannot take Tarawa in 100 years.” The Second Marine Division did it in four days. Official...
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Big O
Some 80 years ago today, on Armistice Day, now Veterans’ Day, we see the svelte 26-year-old fighter pilot that is Major Robert Gordon Owens Jr. of the “Fighting Corsairs” of Marine Fighting Squadron...
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Warship Wednesday (on a Thursday) Nov. 16, 2023: The Darkest Twist
Here at LSOZI, we take off every Wednesday for a look at the old steam/diesel navies of the 1833-1954 period and will profile a different ship each week. These ships have a life, a tale all their own,...
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Looking for a man cave centerpiece?
Passing this on to those of you who may be itching to buy a big piece of vintage military gear in superb condition (or know someone who would like one in a stocking next month). Bowman (I’ve bought...
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Preserving Ms. Higgins
US Coast Guard-manned LCVP landing craft carried invasion troops toward Luzon in Lingayen Gulf, 9 Jan 1945 PA31-17, a humble 36-foot long LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, and Personnel), or “Higgins...
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Butaritari Smoke Rings
80 years ago today: The heavy cruiser USS Minneapolis (CA-36) is seen bombarding Butaritari Island, Makin Atoll, on 20 November 1943, shortly before U.S. Army forces landed there as part of Operation...
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The Mile a Minute Interceptor
The new Boeing–Saab T-7 Red Hawk, which has admittedly had some serious teething problems (what weapon doesn’t?), is described by the company as “a low-risk, leading-edge, live, virtual and...
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Warship Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023: From Midway to Trafalgar
Here at LSOZI, we take off every Wednesday for a look at the old steam/diesel navies of the 1833-1954 period and will profile a different ship each week. These ships have a life, a tale all their own,...
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Thanksgiving, ‘Somewhere in the Pacific’
I have a list of things to be thankful for, gents, including you guys. Speaking of which, I give you these throwbacks to the Thanksgiving of 1943. WWII 1st MarDiv, Thanksgiving Pacific 1943 USMC photo...
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Walking through the woods and boom: Bofors
Marcus Edin and friends recently got a chance to check out an ~almost~ fully working 1941 Bofors M/24 12cm/50 cal gun and some surrounding bunkers in quite good condition in Sweden. Apparently, the...
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Warship Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023: As Easy as 123
Here at LSOZI, we take off every Wednesday for a look at the old steam/diesel navies of the 1833-1954 period and will profile a different ship each week. These ships have a life, a tale all their own,...
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What’s Under the Hood
How about this amazing 80-year-old original Kodachrome. Official caption: Essex-class fleet carrier USS Lexington (CV-18). Aviation mechanics work on the Pratt and Whitney R-2800 engine of a Grumman...
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Frogskins, Reisings, and War Bonnets
These 80-year-old images are for your perusal. Official caption: Navajo Code Talkers on Bougainville, December 1943 (left to right, front row): Pvt Earl Johnny, Pvt Kee Etsicitty, Pvt John V....
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Warship Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023: One Hearty Brazilian
Here at LSOZI, we take off every Wednesday for a look at the old steam/diesel navies of the 1833-1954 period and will profile a different ship each week. These ships have a life, a tale all their own,...
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Poncho of the High Seas
Some 80 years ago today: Poncho, the mascot of USS White Plains (CVE 66), 11 December 1943 as the ship conducts her shakedown cruise between Astoria and San Diego. In the background, note the jeep...
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Hawaii Cruiser Cluster, 80 Years Ago
Eight cruisers, including some of the most decorated and famous of the Pacific War, just taking a break before getting back to the push to Tokyo. Via Haze Grey History: “A cluster of cruisers moored...
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Warship Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023: An Everlasting Pansarbat
Here at LSOZI, we take off every Wednesday for a look at the old steam/diesel navies of the 1833-1954 period and will profile a different ship each week. These ships have a life, a tale all their own,...
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Red Tails and Immortals Share a Ride for First Time
The Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm’s 809 Naval Air Squadron, “The Immortals,” have been shuttered since 1982, after being stood up to fly Sea Harriers from HMS Invincible during the Falklands. Before that,...
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Wildcat Screech
80 years ago today, we see a tragedy in slow motion, with General Motors FM-1 Wildcat, BuNo# 46744, code L12, skidding to a rough landing across the flight deck of the escort carrier USS Manila Bay...
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