This dramatic photograph captures flight deck crewmen aboard the escort carrier USS Petrof Bay (CVE-80) racing to respond to an aircraft mishap during flight operations. Landing accidents were a routine hazard of carrier aviation, and the speed and coordination of deck crews in these moments - rushing to secure the aircraft, extinguish fires, and rescue the pilot if needed - were critical to keeping flight operations running and the ship's air group combat-ready. Project: 218458