A striking overall composition and naval narrative by the excellent watercolor artist Arthur Beaumont, this view is of American Aircraft Carrier (CV-10) YORKTOWN, as part of TaskForce 77 at Yankee Station in the Vietnam War conflict. Painted and directly gifted to Captain William M. McCulley by the artist during McCulley's command, YORKTOWN primarily provided air support and sea-air rescues for this battle group. A jet fighter launches, helicopters patrol over the ships, the ominous forward guns of an armed cruiser or battleship beneath the aircraft carrier's bow. An oriental sailing ship hold the fore front with its colorful distinction.YORKTOWN (the fourth American naval vessel top carry the name) launched in January 1943 after two years of building and fitting out, and had First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as her sponsor. First destined to be named BON HOMME RICHARD, she instead was selected to honor her fallen namesake predecessor that had helped stop the Japanese at Coral Sea and Midway. With her commission under Captain Joseph J. Clark, she served immediately in the Pacific Theater of World War II, saw heavy action in 1944 and 1945, and at war's end sailed into reserve for almost five years before having to answer the call of duty for years of Vietnam service.
Colorful inclusion of the local ship and aircraft actually accentuates the YORKTOWN's massive presence and overall depiction of strength. Beaumont knew both the ship and her officer's well, back in their Long Beach home port. This one honors his friend's service record and a historic American ship.
