Curtiss (AV-4) Class: Photographs

These photographs were selected to show the original configuration of this class and major subsequent modifications. For most classes many other photographs exist.
For more complete online collections of U. S. Navy ship photographs see in particular the NHHC Online Library of Selected Images and the NavSource Photo Archive.

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

USS Curtiss (AV-4)

On trials off Rockland, Maine, on 8 October 1940.
Of her four 5"/38 guns, only the forwared one was in an enclosed mount.

Photo No. 19-N-22647
Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM

USS Albemarle (AV-5)

At anchor in Havana harbor, Cuba, on 22 February 1941 "dressed" for Washington's birthday.
Splinter protection (gun tubs) have been fitted around her single enclosed and three open 5"/38 gun mounts. The ship's OS2U Kingfisher float planes are on deck aft.

Photo No. NH 96538
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

USS Albemarle (AV-5)

In Narragansett Bay on 8 August 1942.
All four 5"/38 guns are enclosed mounts, probably fitted during an overhaul at Boston in April 1942. Her sister Curtiss never received this upgrade.

Photo No. Unknown
Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM

USS Albemarle (AV-5)

Near Norfolk, Virginia, on 7 September 1943.
The ship is loaded with aviation cargo for transportation to the British Isles.

Photo No. 80-G-204836
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

USS Curtiss (AV-4)

Near the Mare Island Navy Yard on 31 October 1945.

Photo No. 19-N-71570
Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM

USS Albemarle (AV-5)

Probably photographed in January 1959 after being rebuilt to support the P6M Seamaster jet flying boat.
Note the ramp and hoisting gear on the stern, which enabled the ship to bring the huge P6M on board without using a crane. The P6M program was cancelled in August 1959 and Albemarle never serviced this aircraft.

Photo No. USN 1033848
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

USNS Corpus Christi Bay (T-ARVH-1)

The former USS Albemarle (AV-5) converted to a civilian-manned floating maintenance facility to support Army helicopters in Vietnam.

Photo No. Unknown
Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

USS Curtiss (AV-4) On trials off Rockland, Maine, on 8 October 1940. Of her four 5"/38 guns, only the forwared one was in an enclosed mount. Photo No. 19-N-22647 Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM
USS Albemarle (AV-5) At anchor in Havana harbor, Cuba, on 22 February 1941 "dressed" for Washington's birthday. Splinter protection (gun tubs) have been fitted around her single enclosed and three open 5"/38 gun mounts. The ship's OS2U Kingfisher float planes are on deck aft. Photo No. NH 96538 Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command
USS Albemarle (AV-5) In Narragansett Bay on 8 August 1942. All four 5"/38 guns are enclosed mounts, probably fitted during an overhaul at Boston in April 1942. Her sister Curtiss never received this upgrade. Photo No. Unknown Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM
USS Albemarle (AV-5) Near Norfolk, Virginia, on 7 September 1943. The ship is loaded with aviation cargo for transportation to the British Isles. Photo No. 80-G-204836 Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command
USS Curtiss (AV-4) Near the Mare Island Navy Yard on 31 October 1945. Photo No. 19-N-71570 Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-19-LCM
USS Albemarle (AV-5) Probably photographed in January 1959 after being rebuilt to support the P6M Seamaster jet flying boat. Note the ramp and hoisting gear on the stern, which enabled the ship to bring the huge P6M on board without using a crane. The P6M program was cancelled in August 1959 and Albemarle never serviced this aircraft. Photo No. USN 1033848 Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command
USNS Corpus Christi Bay (T-ARVH-1) The former USS Albemarle (AV-5) converted to a civilian-manned floating maintenance facility to support Army helicopters in Vietnam. Photo No. Unknown Source: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command