On 30 April 1944, ten naval aviators were rescued in the vicinity of Truk Atoll by North Carolina's (BB-55) planes after they were catapulted to rescue an American aviator downed off the reef. After one plane had turned over on landing and the other, having rescued all the airmen, had been unable to take off with so much weight, Tang (SS-306) saved all involved. The next day North Carolina destroyed coast defense guns, antiaircraft batteries, and airfields at Ponape. The battleship then sailed to repair her rudder at Pearl Harbor. Drawing by Edward T. Gromane, LTCR USNR. Grumman XF4F-3 fighter prototype (Bureau # 0383) in flight during early testing, 3 April 1939. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives 80-G-2889. Grumman F4F-4 "Wildcat" fighter of Fighting Squadron 41 (VF-41) In flight, circa early 1942. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives 80-G-7026. Grumman F4F "Wildcat" fighter ...