A fighter aircraft, likely an FM-2 Wildcat, comes in low over the stern of an escort carrier's flight deck moments before touchdown. Escort carriers relied on such compact, rugged fighters to provide air cover and ground-support missions throughout the Pacific War. Landing aboard these smaller 'baby flattops,' with decks far shorter than fleet carriers, demanded exceptional skill from Navy pilots and constant vigilance from the landing signal officers who guided them safely aboard. Project: 218487