| USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) Slides down the building ways, as she is launched at the New York Navy Yard. The 2nd Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) was laid down on February 1, 1943, at the New York Navy Yard. The ship was launched April 29, 1944, and was sponsored by Katherine Davey Vaulx McCain (January 9, 1878 – May 29, 1959), wife of Vice Admiral John S. “Slew” McCain (August 9, 1884 – September 6, 1945). Vice Admiral Herbert F Leary, Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier, read a message from Chief of Naval Operations Ernest J. King: [USS Bon Homme Richard] will soon be ready to participate in an important phase of our increasing offensive operations. [The launching] is another step towards victory. We have come a long way toward obtaining the ships, personnel and equipment needed; but considering contemplated future operations, more will be required.” Referring obliquely to the anticipated invasion of Honshu mainland in 1946, that was preempted by the atomic attacks. After launching, Bon Homme Richard needed all her electronic equipment, gun mounts, and “luxury items” – crew comforts like the gedunk (ice cream machine) and furniture. Her original armament was 12 5-inch .38 caliber guns in 4 single mounts and 4 twin mounts and 17 quadruple 40-mm antiaircraft mounts. Her designed compliment was 360 officers and 3,088 men. USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) was commissioned on November 26, 1944, Captain Adrian O. Rule Junior (December 19, 1896 – August 11, 1946), in command. The Brooklyn Eagle reported on November 27, 1944, that 10,000 guests visited the new Essex-class carrier in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. They were largely families of the officers and crew. Bon Homme Richard was the 1st public commissioning since Pearl Harbor. | |
| Image Filename | wwii1934.jpg |
| Image Size | 1.21 MB |
| Image Dimensions | 3434 x 2688 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | United States Navy |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | April 29, 1944 |
| Location | |
| City | New York |
| State or Province | New York |
| Country | United States |
| Archive | Naval History and Heritage Command |
| Record Number | 80-G-K-3888 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
Author of the World War II Multimedia Database