I'm pretty sure the external lines I'm interested in are for AVGAS (pictures below). I know the AVGAS internal storage tanks on YORKTOWNs are located below the water line and under the most forward set of hangar deck roller doors. The first picture shows HORNET from starboard and I have (crudely) highlighted both lines in red.
Attachment:
AVGAS line stbd.jpg [ 80.48 KiB | Viewed 2490 times ]
At first I couldn't see if/where the line to the stern on the port side was located, but I think these two photos show its location - at least on the third photo, HORNET's location.
Attachment:
AVGAS line port3.jpg [ 118.22 KiB | Viewed 2490 times ]
Attachment:
AVGAS line port.jpg [ 86.11 KiB | Viewed 2490 times ]
So my questions are:
What was the purpose of the lines? Move fuel to the flight deck to service aircraft there? Pump the fuel back to the storage tanks if an attack is imminent?
Where do they terminate? The lines seem to end up well above the hangar deck floor.
Am I right in indicating where the port line runs?
Was this line added as the result of our experience or from the Brits'?
Any addition color commentary as to purpose is welcome. At first blush, these lines would seem much more vulnerable to shrapnel and splinter damage than if they were internal. Of course, an internal rupture would spread AVGAS interior to the hull where it might be a far greater problem (can you say LEXINGTON?).
Details, details. Work on HORNET progresses as Spring finally spreads over our area.