This portrait captures a young American naval aviator in full flight gear during World War II, wearing a cloth flying helmet with goggles, an inflatable 'Mae West' life preserver, and khaki flight trousers. Standing outside a barracks building at what was likely a naval air station, he represents the thousands of young men who trained as pilots and aircrew for carrier and land-based squadrons during the war. Personal photographs like this one, taken informally between training flights, offer a human glimpse into the daily life of aviators far removed from the intensity of combat. Project: 218186