#MovieMonday - Focusing on the evolution of the aircraft carrier, "Task Force" (1949) stars Gary Cooper and Wayne Morris. Morris had appeared in over 25 movies prior to joining the Navy in 1942. He became an ace with 7 victories while flying Hellcats from USS Essex. He was also credited with helping destroy 5 Japanese ships. His commanding officer was the Navy's ace of aces, David McCampbell. Morris resumed acting after the war but his careeer had lost momentum and he was reduced to taking lesse

Task Force 58 received the location of enemy groups late in the day. Despite the extreme range, Mitcher launched squadrons, informing Commander 5th Fleet of a "single-shot venture." Within minutes, the carriers launched 77 dive bombers, 54 torpedo bombers, and 85 fighter escorts. #TaskForce58 #NavalHistory #MilitaryAviation #CarrierOperations | War Stories