On my last trip to NARA, I came across another photo showing USS SAN DIEGO (CL-53) prior to her going to the Pacific. This undated and not identified location photo was taken to note USS STRATFORD (AP-41). With a little research, it was easy to pinpoint that the photo was taken at the South Boston Navy Yard. More digging given when the three ships I could readily ID, USS SAN DIEGO (CL-53), USS STRATFORD (AP-41), and USS ALBEMARLE (AV-5),
(it looks like one of the reverse lend lease FLOWER class Corvettes and a USCG Cutter are also in the view) were all at South BosNY at the same time should narrow down the date. USS SAN DIEGO had returned from her shakedown, entering BosNY on 15 April 1942 where she would receive several modifications prior to heading to the Pacific, including the addition of a quad 1.1-in mount on her fantail. It was planned that she would install a SG radar as well, but that didn't happen due to lack of equipment. SAN DIEGO would finish her refit on 8 May 1942. USS STRATFORD arrived at Boston on 21 March 1942 for an overhaul and repairs that lasted until 6 May 1942. USS ALBEMARLE arrived at BosNY on about 3 April and finished her overhaul on 1 May 1942. Given these dates and that the fantail quad 1.1-in mount has yet to be installed on SAN DIEGO, this photo likely dates from mid-April 1942.
This image shows most of her portside at this time which with the previous image I posted from march 1942, shows most of her camouflage Ms 12R(mod) pattern. Reviewing images of USS SAN DIEGO in the Pacific in late 1942, shows that her pattern didn't change much.