From the Collections

Candids of a Captain: The Collection of Arnold McKechnie

Arnold McKechnie began his career in the Navy after graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1927. A man of many interests, McKechnie entered Submarine School in 1930. After earning his dolphins, McKechnie entered flight training in 1934. Upon earning his pilot's wings, McKechnie served aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-3) in Scouting Squadron Two. After World War II, McKechnie would in turn become the commanding officer of the USS Bairoko, the USS Badoeng Straight, and the USS Yorktown (CVA-10). After leaving the Yorktown in 1954, Captain McKechnie became the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station (NAS), San Diego. Arnold McKechnie retired as a Rear Admiral on November 1, 1961, from his role as Chief of Naval Air Reserve Training.

This intimate collection of his personal items includes photographs, flight gear, and a scrapbook highlighting McKetchnie’s career on board the USS Yorktown. As his final at-sea post, the Yorktown held a special place in Captain’s memorable career.

The Collection

Primary Image of Vice Admiral Jocko Clark Returns to the USS Yorktown

Vice Admiral Jocko Clark Returns to the USS Yorktown
Primary Image of Joseph "Jocko" Clark Returns to the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Joseph "Jocko" Clark Returns to the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

1953
Primary Image of Leather Flight Jacket of Arnold McKechnie
LEATHER FLIGHT JACKET

Leather Flight Jacket of Arnold McKechnie
Primary Image of Arnold W. McKechnie, Sr.

Arnold W. McKechnie, Sr.
Primary Image of Aviator Oxygen Mask of Arnold McKechnie, Sr.
Instrument, Therapeutic

Aviator Oxygen Mask of Arnold McKechnie, Sr.

1949
Primary Image of Task Force 77 USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Patch
Patch, Cruise

Task Force 77 USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Patch

1952
Primary Image of Personalized Lighter of Arnold McKechnie, Sr.
Cigarette Lighter

Personalized Lighter of Arnold McKechnie, Sr.

1952 - 1953
Primary Image of Catapult Tension Bar

Catapult Tension Bar

1951 - 1953
Primary Image of Commemorative Yorktown Conversion Ashtray

Commemorative Yorktown Conversion Ashtray

1952
Primary Image of Japanese Ceramic Grenade

Japanese Ceramic Grenade

1944 - 1945
Primary Image of Scrapbook of Captain Arnold W. McKechnie

Scrapbook of Captain Arnold W. McKechnie

1953 - 1954
Primary Image of Captain Arnold McKechnie Looking through a Scrapbook at His Farewell Party

Captain Arnold McKechnie Looking through a Scrapbook at His Farewell Party

1954
Primary image for the Candids of a Captain: The Collection of Arnold McKechnie Collection

Captain Arnold McKechnie Opening a Gift at His Farewell Party in 1954

1954
Primary Image of Captain Arnold McKechnie Tries His Farewell Party Cake

Captain Arnold McKechnie Tries His Farewell Party Cake

1954
Primary Image of Captain McKechnie Viewing His Farewell Gifts

Captain McKechnie Viewing His Farewell Gifts

1954
Primary Image of Captain Arnold McKechnie Receiving Gifts at his Farewell Party

Captain Arnold McKechnie Receiving Gifts at his Farewell Party

1954
Primary Image of Captain Arnold McKechnie Cutting His Farewell Cake

Captain Arnold McKechnie Cutting His Farewell Cake

1954
Primary Image of Farewell Cake of Captain Arnold McKechnie

Farewell Cake of Captain Arnold McKechnie

1954
Primary Image of "Operation SNAFU"

"Operation SNAFU"
Primary Image of Yorktown Sailors Attending a Showing of "Jet Carrier".

Yorktown Sailors Attending a Showing of "Jet Carrier".

1954
Primary Image of Captain McKechnie Addressing the Crew of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Captain McKechnie Addressing the Crew of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

1954
Primary Image of Captain Arnold McKechnie Reading his Final Orders at the Changing of Command Ceremony

Captain Arnold McKechnie Reading his Final Orders at the Changing of Command Ceremony

1954
Primary Image of Captain Arnold McKechnie Addressing the Crew of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Captain Arnold McKechnie Addressing the Crew of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

1954
Primary Image of Captain Gerald Huff Relieving Arnold McKechnie

Captain Gerald Huff Relieving Arnold McKechnie

1954
Primary Image of First Orders of Captain Gerald Huff of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

First Orders of Captain Gerald Huff of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

1954
Primary Image of View of Yorktown's Flight Deck During the Changing of Command Ceremony

View of Yorktown's Flight Deck During the Changing of Command Ceremony

1954
Primary Image of The USS Yorktown (CVA-10) is Presented a Trophy

The USS Yorktown (CVA-10) is Presented a Trophy
Primary Image of The Shriners Present the USS Yorktown (CVA-10) a Plaque

The Shriners Present the USS Yorktown (CVA-10) a Plaque
Primary Image of Award Ceremony Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Award Ceremony Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of Trophies are Presented on the Flightdeck of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Trophies are Presented on the Flightdeck of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of West Coast Shriners Come Onboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

West Coast Shriners Come Onboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of Ray Becker Receiving an Award for Athletic Excellence

Ray Becker Receiving an Award for Athletic Excellence

1953
Primary Image of USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Docked in Alameda, California

USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Docked in Alameda, California

1954
Primary Image of View on USS Yorktown (CVA-10) While Docked in Alameda, California

View on USS Yorktown (CVA-10) While Docked in Alameda, California

1954
Primary Image of USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Receives Supplies While in the China Sea

USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Receives Supplies While in the China Sea

1953
Primary Image of Cardinal Francis Spellman Making an Announcement

Cardinal Francis Spellman Making an Announcement

1953
Primary Image of Cardinal Francis Spellman Autographing a Copy of his Book for a Sailor

Cardinal Francis Spellman Autographing a Copy of his Book for a Sailor

1953
Primary Image of Cardinal Francis Spellman Addressing the Crew

Cardinal Francis Spellman Addressing the Crew

1953
Primary Image of Captain McKechnie on the Hangar Deck with Cardinal Francis Spellman

Captain McKechnie on the Hangar Deck with Cardinal Francis Spellman

1953
Primary Image of Captain McKechnie Speaking with Cardinal Francis Spellman

Captain McKechnie Speaking with Cardinal Francis Spellman

1953
Primary Image of Captain Arnold McKechnie Welcomes Commander Connolly and Cardinal Francis Spellman to the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Captain Arnold McKechnie Welcomes Commander Connolly and Cardinal Francis Spellman to the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of Captain McKechnie and Cardinal Francis Spellman Standing on the Flight Deck

Captain McKechnie and Cardinal Francis Spellman Standing on the Flight Deck

1953
Primary Image of Admiral Hickey in a Boson's Chair

Admiral Hickey in a Boson's Chair

1953
Primary Image of Chaplain Connolly in a Boson's Chair

Chaplain Connolly in a Boson's Chair

1953
Primary Image of USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Plan of The Day for July 5, 1954

USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Plan of The Day for July 5, 1954
Primary Image of Officer of The Deck Instructions Dated June 10, 1954

Officer of The Deck Instructions Dated June 10, 1954
Primary Image of Letter From Harold M. Martin to Captain McKechnie Dated March 30, 1954

Letter From Harold M. Martin to Captain McKechnie Dated March 30, 1954
Primary Image of Letter From Richard H. Cruzen to Arnold W. McKechnie Dated February 2, 1954

Letter From Richard H. Cruzen to Arnold W. McKechnie Dated February 2, 1954
Primary Image of Letter From Felix B. Stump to Arnold McKechnie Dated January 4, 1954

Letter From Felix B. Stump to Arnold McKechnie Dated January 4, 1954
Primary Image of Letter From Mary Wong to Captain Arnold W. McKechnie Dated November 5, 1953

Letter From Mary Wong to Captain Arnold W. McKechnie Dated November 5, 1953
Primary Image of The View From Victoria Peak

The View From Victoria Peak

1953
Primary Image of Sailors Enjoying The View

Sailors Enjoying The View

1953
Primary Image of Performer Making Ceremonial Rice Bread

Performer Making Ceremonial Rice Bread
Primary Image of The Flying Tiger Troupe Entertaining the Crew Aboard the USS Yorktown

The Flying Tiger Troupe Entertaining the Crew Aboard the USS Yorktown
Primary Image of The Flying Tiger Troupe Balances Aboard (CVA-10)

The Flying Tiger Troupe Balances Aboard (CVA-10)
Primary Image of The Flying Tiger Troupe Astounds the Crew

The Flying Tiger Troupe Astounds the Crew
Primary Image of The Flying Tiger Troupe's Balancing Act

The Flying Tiger Troupe's Balancing Act
Primary Image of Flying Tiger Troupe Performs Acrobatics Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Flying Tiger Troupe Performs Acrobatics Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of The Flying Tiger Troupe Spinning Plates

The Flying Tiger Troupe Spinning Plates
Primary Image of The Flying Tiger Troupe Visits the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

The Flying Tiger Troupe Visits the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of A Display of Swordsmanship

A Display of Swordsmanship
Primary Image of Captain Arnold W. McKechnie with his Commanders

Captain Arnold W. McKechnie with his Commanders
Primary Image of USS Yorktown (CVA-10) and USS Daly (DD-519) Being Refueled by a Supply Ship

USS Yorktown (CVA-10) and USS Daly (DD-519) Being Refueled by a Supply Ship
Primary Image of USS Yorktown (CVA-10) and USS Daly (DD-519) Being Refueled by a Supply Ship

USS Yorktown (CVA-10) and USS Daly (DD-519) Being Refueled by a Supply Ship
Primary Image of The USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Refueling the USS Henry W. Tucker (DD-875)

The USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Refueling the USS Henry W. Tucker (DD-875)
Primary Image of USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Refueling the USS Perkins (DD-877)

USS Yorktown (CVA-10) Refueling the USS Perkins (DD-877)

1953
Primary Image of Richard Arnicar in Sickbay After an Airplane Accident

Richard Arnicar in Sickbay After an Airplane Accident

1953
Primary Image of Richard Arnicar Being Transported Following His Plane Accident While Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Richard Arnicar Being Transported Following His Plane Accident While Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

1953
Primary Image of Skyraiders Flying in Formation

Skyraiders Flying in Formation
Primary Image of Captain Arnold McKechnie Congratulates H. J. Hunter

Captain Arnold McKechnie Congratulates H. J. Hunter

1954
Primary Image of Attack Squadron Sixty-Five Letting Commander Thompson Know About His Promotion

Attack Squadron Sixty-Five Letting Commander Thompson Know About His Promotion

1953
Primary Image of Celebrating the 37,000th Landing Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Celebrating the 37,000th Landing Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

1953
Primary Image of Refueling a F9F Panther on the Flight Deck of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Refueling a F9F Panther on the Flight Deck of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

1953
Primary Image of An AJ (A-2) Savage Taking off from the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

An AJ (A-2) Savage Taking off from the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

1953
Primary Image of AJ (A-2) Savage on the Flight Deck of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

AJ (A-2) Savage on the Flight Deck of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of Overhead View of an AJ (A-2) Savage on the Flight Deck of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Overhead View of an AJ (A-2) Savage on the Flight Deck of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of Sideview of an AJ (A-2) Savage on the Flight Deck of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Sideview of an AJ (A-2) Savage on the Flight Deck of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of AJ (A-2) Savage Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

AJ (A-2) Savage Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of Sideview of an AJ (A-2) Savage Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Sideview of an AJ (A-2) Savage Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of Captain Arnold W. McKechnie and Chief Boatswain George A. Lentz Inspect the Crew Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Captain Arnold W. McKechnie and Chief Boatswain George A. Lentz Inspect the Crew Aboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

1954
Primary Image of Chief Boatswain George A. Lentz Coming Onboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Chief Boatswain George A. Lentz Coming Onboard the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of The USS Yorktown (CVA-10) with her Task Force

The USS Yorktown (CVA-10) with her Task Force
Primary Image of Carrier Task Force 77 on the Move

Carrier Task Force 77 on the Move
Primary Image of Skyraiders Flying Over Part of a Carrier Task Force

Skyraiders Flying Over Part of a Carrier Task Force
Primary Image of Marines Practicing with a Browning Automatic Rifle on the Flight Deck

Marines Practicing with a Browning Automatic Rifle on the Flight Deck
Primary Image of Marines Practice Firing their Rifles from the Flight Deck

Marines Practice Firing their Rifles from the Flight Deck
Primary Image of Sailors Receiving their Inoculations

Sailors Receiving their Inoculations

1954
Primary Image of Moana Hotel, Waikiki

Moana Hotel, Waikiki

1953
Primary Image of Hotels at Waikiki Beach

Hotels at Waikiki Beach
Primary Image of The View of Diamond Head Volcano From Waikiki Beach

The View of Diamond Head Volcano From Waikiki Beach

1953
Primary Image of Skyraiders Flyover the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Skyraiders Flyover the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)
Primary Image of USS Yorktown (CVA-10) at Sea

USS Yorktown (CVA-10) at Sea

1953
Primary Image of USS Yorktown's Crew at Flight Deck Parade as They Leave Port

USS Yorktown's Crew at Flight Deck Parade as They Leave Port

1954
Primary Image of 1945 Naval Record of Captain McKechnie

1945 Naval Record of Captain McKechnie
Primary Image of Captain Arnold W. McKechnie Assuming Command of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

Captain Arnold W. McKechnie Assuming Command of the USS Yorktown (CVA-10)

1953
Primary Image of The First Inspection of the Crew by Captain Arnold W. McKechnie

The First Inspection of the Crew by Captain Arnold W. McKechnie

1953
Primary Image of View of the Flight Deck as Captain Nation is Relieved of Command

View of the Flight Deck as Captain Nation is Relieved of Command
Primary Image of Captain Nation Being Relieved of Command

Captain Nation Being Relieved of Command

From The Collections