Pacific Aerial Surveys- Historic Navy Gallery

The United States Navy's history in the San Francisco Bay Area began in 1853 when the Navy purchased Mare Island for a shipyard. The Navy's connection with the Bay Area continued until the 1990s when the final series of base closures ended a nearly 150 year presence. The Naval history included visits by the fleet, the "home porting" of the airship USS Macon, and the building of NAS Alameda.

USS Macon Over the Fleet at the Golden Gate
view detail	Date:	December 15, 1934
	Photographer:	Clyde Sunderland
	Description:	A line of battleships leaves San Francisco Bay as the Naval Airship Macon glides overhead. With the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge complete, the bridge remains 30 months from opening.
	Number:	ADN-184

Battleships in San Francisco Bay
view detail	Date:	December 15, 1934
	Photographer:	Clyde Sunderland
	Description:	The Battle Fleet made many visits to San Francisco. Eight battleships joined 79 other ships during this visit. In the background is tower W-6 of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge under construction.
	Number:	ASN-103

Fleet Entering San Francisco Bay
view detail	Date:	November 10, 1936
	Photographer:	Clyde Sunderland
	Description:	The Golden Gate Bridge nears completion as the Pacific Fleet enters San Francisco Bay on a visit to celebrate Armistice Day and the opening of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
	Number:	ASN-123

USS Arizona in the San Francisco Bay
view detail	Date:	April 1933
	Photographer:	Clyde Sunderland
	Description:	The Arizona (BB-39) was launched in 1915 and modernized in 1931. During the 1930s the Arizona participated in fleet exercises and other peacetime routine.
	Number:	ASN-186

USS Saratoga in the San Francisco Bay
view detail	Date:	August 21, 1931
	Photographer:	Clyde Sunderland
	Description:	This view is of the Saratoga (CV-3) at anchor in San Francisco Bay with her compliment of bi-winged aircraft. The Saratoga was converted from a battle cruiser to an aircraft carrier during construction and was the Navy's second aircraft carrier when launched in 1925.
	Number:	ASN-118