By 1952 all *CVB's and CV's were redesignated CVA . However, with the emergence of such terms as "vertical envelopment" & "ASW", specialization was apparent. The designation CVS was born in July, 1953.
* CVB - Battle Carrier CV - Fleet A/C Carrier CVA - Attack A/C Carrier CVL - Light A/C Carrier CVE - Escort A/C Carrier
It was then also that a new type A/C appeared on the flight decks - the helicopter ... Helicopter Squadron One (HS-1) made its debut in October, 1951.
Specialization became even more intricate as CVE's were later subdivided into CVHE's (Helo Escort A/C Carriers), CVU's (Utility A/C Carriers) and CVE's. In turn, these designations were abandoned for the AKV (A/C Ferry) designation.
Use of the helicopter in antisubmarine warfare alone was not the case; and in 1959 three CVS's were redesignated LPH (Amphibious Assault Ships), for amphibious troop landings.
Continued
The Middle Years
While the carrier Navy underwent redesignation INTREPID was interrupted from her sleep for transferral to the East. On Feb 9, 1952, CAPT A. M. Cohan, placed INTREPID in commission, in reserve. CAPT Benjamin Lovett assumed command and ceremonies were highlighted by a speech given by VADM T. L. Sprague, INTREPID'S, first C.O. and then Commander Air Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet. VADM Sprague outlined the future of INTREPID in his speech. He stated that the ship was due for extensive alterations, that she, too, would be fit for combat - using the latest type A/C.
On March 12, 1952, INTREPID was underway enroute to Norfold, VA via the Panama Canal. Seventeen days later she moored at Pier 4, Naval Operating Base, Norfolk. On April 9th CDR L. W. Van Antwerp, XO under CAPT Lovett, decommissioned the ship at Portsmouth shipyard. Two years and two months later she became, once again, prepared to take an active part in the nation's defense.
At 1430 hours on June 18, 1954, at Portsmouth, VA, INTREPID was officially recommissioned in reserve by RADM I. N. Kiland, USN accompanied by INTREPID's new skipper, CAPT W. T. Easton. In the months that followed the newly selected crew busily prepared INTREPID for sea duty. On September 16th she was moved to her permanent home port at the Naval Operating base, Norfolk, VA. By October 15th INTREPID had relinquished her reserve status to take her place as an active unit of the Atlantic Fleet.
Early October, 1954, with the inauguration of Project Steam II, Naval aviation history was made on board INTREPID when work perfecting steam catapults was finished ... the first of their kind in the U.S. Navy.
INTREPID embarked on a shakedown cruise at the outset of 1955. On January 9th, she was operating in the Guantanamo Bay areak, conducting carrier qualifications and general maneuvering operations.
By February, INTREPID was considered ready to welcome a permanently attached air group. Squadrons VA-45, VF-22 VF-44 and VF-173 came aboard, also detachments from VC-4, VC-33, VC-62, HU-2, VC-12 and VAH-7 were also represented.
In the spring of 1955, INTREPID was assigned as Flag Ship for Carrier Division 6, RADM C. E. Ekstrom. CAPT Easton was relieved by CAPT G. L. Kohr.
- With new officers at the helm, INTREPID departed for six-month cruise to the Mediterranean. As it turned out, this not only marked the 1st such trip but one of the longest.
- On August 15, 1955, CAPT Koher was relieved by CAPT P. P. Blackburn, USN immediately following
INTREPID's return to Norfolk in late November.
- Air Group 4 was replaced by Air Group 8. INTREPID's ne aviators represented VF-61, VF-82, VA-83 & VA-85. And VAH-5 and VC-12 as well as detachments from VC-33, VFP-62 & HU-2. Also were included was CAG 4 which gave INTREPID a well rounded air component.
- The advent of a new flag onboard was RADM R. B. Pirie, USN occuring on March 1, 1956.
The 1st day of autumn 1956 marked the beginning of CAPT F. Massey's command aboard the "I", relieving CAPT Blackburn.