USS Saratoga CV 3 Camouflage Measures

[RCSchneider]

I am trying to sort out the history of USS Saratoga (CV-3)�s camouflage measures. I am reasonably confident she began the war in Measure 1, as photos from 1942 certainly show an overall uniform dark color. Also, her sister Lexington wore Measure 1 with the Measure 5 bow wave.

After being torpedoed on 11 January 1942, however, Saratoga was sent to Bremerton for repairs from February-May 1942. Given the length of her stay and the extent of other work done, there was plenty of time to give her a new coat of paint. Also, I understand that Measure 11, Sea Blue (5-S) Overall, had been proscribed for all ships of the Pacific Fleet on 13 September 1941.

None of the photos I have found really answers the question, however: was Saratoga repainted in Measure 11 at Bremerton? I would be grateful for an answer (and even more grateful for a reference)!

[Tracy White]

Measure 11 is a bit of a complex topic. It was offered as a measure is September, but by that time the Navy wasn't as happy with Sea Blue and by early November they started changing things. Initially, By December/January even the Pacific Fleet was ordering "Measure 11, with 5-N navy Blue in lieu of* 5-S Sea Blue." This is essentially the exact same as Measure 21, for what it's worth, so it can be argued that Measure 21 started appearing in early 1942 or possibly late 1941 or it can be said that perhaps we should have a special designation of "modified Measure 11" to better track which was painted what.

This looks too dark for Sea Blue and I am 99% sure she is painted in the 5-N Navy Blue version of Measure 11.


* This document refers to Measure 12, but is included as an example of the substitution and wording.

[MartinJQuinn]

I would say it's a very safe bet to say Sara was painted in 5-N Navy Blue when she was refitted at Bremerton.