The Snapshots in Time Collection

Navy Signalmen Operating Ship's Signal Searchlight Aboard USS Ticonderoga, Vietnam Era

Navy Signalmen Operating Ship's Signal Searchlight Aboard USS Ticonderoga, Vietnam Era

Two U.S. Navy sailors operate a signal searchlight from the island structure of the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga during Vietnam War-era operations. Visual signaling by light remained an important means of ship-to-ship communication, especially during radio silence. Below, the carrier's flight deck stretches out, its non-skid surface marked by rows of aircraft tie-down fittings. Project: 218063