Camouflages. A (historical) guide and some suggestions.

[MikeyBugs95]

 

Introduction:

Now I know there's been a couple threads specifically about some camouflage schemes and others that mention it in passing. But this thread I do intend to make different from the rest.

I, along with much of the WoWS community (and anyone who happens to use the in-game camouflage), have noticed that there are only two different types of in-game camouflages available to us for each nation. And they're each titled 1 and 2. There's no information on them other than they reduce detection by a few percentage points or reduce accuracy by a few percentage points.  Now that's all fun and good but it isn't really... immersive? Accurate? Anything else? And what's more, to my eye, the two camouflage schemes the US has (I haven't checked out the Japanese schemes yet) are pretty similar! Yes I know there are implicit differences but not all ships were painted in the same measure, even if the ships were from the same class, had the same pattern. Just like in tanks, no two camouflages were exactly alike. But that's not quite the point I'm trying to make here. What I would very much like to see is the inclusion of many more schemes. I know many others would like the same. Each scheme could provide their own unique characteristic or some could overlap or have the exact same effect. Some could just be there for aesthetics or some could even have both positive and some detrimental effects based on class and type of ship it's being used on. You could go further by allowing schemes to only be used on ships that were in commission in the periods when the scheme was in use. I'll provide an example: You can give the Wyoming the use of the MS1 Dark Gray scheme as used from January to September 1941 as the Wyoming (and the rest of the post-dreads) probably wore it but you wouldn't give the Iowa that same scheme as they were commissioned well after that scheme went out of service in 1941.

 

Right now I would like to list the approved camouflage measures in use by the US Navy during the period covered by WoWS. Included will be descriptions, specific colors, notable uses and exceptions to as much of my knowledge and research allow. Unfortunately there are some cases where I just don't know the scheme in the picture and have to make guesses based on the ship and the time frame and there will be some things I get wrong. There will be cases where there is not available information for much of a description or I just can’t find a picture of the measure being described.

Included at the end will be a description and list of USN aircraft camouflages both carrier-based and non-carrier based (such as those launched from cruisers and battleships). I will not be covering the Japanese measures as of yet as I can't speak intelligently on that topic and I don't want to spread misinformation, rumors, false information or just outright lies. I will try to do sufficient research later and present that in an edit to a post I will have below this one. Also, I will NOT be including submarine camouflage, right now at least. They are not in-game as of yet and I feel I should include them for that reason. I can include it in another post if there’s a good demand but currently, I won’t. With all this in mind I must say that I am NOT an expert. I am not claiming to be one although, eventually, I would like to be one. I am just a history buff currently. And with THAT said, I will do my best to keep the information as true as possible and do as much research as possible as time will allow before I include it. I am open to corrections and will gladly edit any information that is found to be false or needs correction as long as there is a reliable source provided that will prove this new information correct. I am open to and highly encourage debates even if strongly heated. But I strongly discourage arguments and fighting.

Sources will be listed after the conclusion of each topic in its entirety. So with that disclaimer and long winded intro aside... Time to get down to business.

---

Camouflage measures:

Short history: After 1918 and the cession of hostilities, all camouflage was abandoned and by 1919 all ships had returned to peacetime colors. Until 1934 there was little to no conversation about camouflage in the US Navy until there was a technical paper from the Naval Research Laboratory on the subject. Talks from ’34 and September of the following year resulted in a suggestion that two destroyers be for experiments when viewed from aircraft. These experiments resulted in a conclusion that no one scheme performed well under all conditions. Further experiments were recommended. Those too came to the same conclusion. Tests were conducted until 1939/1940. Documentation for developments appears to have been lost or destroyed as the question of surface ship camouflage does not appear again until January 1941. This was when a revised edition of Construction & Repair-4 1937 was published. Known as SHIPS-2 1941, it laid out a series of instructions and directions as to how ships might be painted with a view mainly to promote low visibility. There are 9 types, now called “measures” of camouflage listed. Commanders of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Asiatic Fleets could choose those that were best for their operations. There were nine measures and four new colors introduced, 5-L Light Gray, 5-O Ocean Gray, 5-D Dark Gray and Black. This is where we’ll start off right after a short picture commercial break.

A few examples of WWI Dazzle for fun:

 

 

USS Nebraska BB14 Experimental dazzle scheme (via: Navsource. Credited to USNHC # NH 101208)

USS Rhode Island BB17 (via: history.navy.mil. Courtesy of: Boston Naval Historical Park. US Naval History and Heritage Command photograph)

USS West Mahomet in port, circa November 1918 Note how her Dazzle camouflage greatly distorts the apparent aspect of her bow. (via: histoy.navy.mil. Photograph from Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives.)

Also an interesting picture of the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) in an experimental scheme circa 1917 (via: WW2 Database. Contributed to the website by C. Peter Chen.)

 

 

Before we get into the actual schemes I’ll put down an abridged list of the colors used for USN camouflages. I will only be listing the paints that are used in the descriptions. Nothing from the interior nor any anti-fouling or miscellaneous paints such as anchor chain paints.

 Designation: _Name of Paint:___Purpose:         

5-B =	Thayer Blue	Light blue paint for camouflage
5-D =	Dark Gray
5-H =	Haze Gray	Light blue-gray paint for camouflage
5-L =	Light Gray	Lighter Blue-Gray Paint for Camouflage
5-N =	Navy Blue	Dark Blue-Gray Paint for Camouflage
	#7 Navy Gray
5-O =	Ocean Gray	Medium Blue-Gray Paint for Camouflage
	Sea Blue
5-U =	White Base for Camouflage Paint	White Base for mixing with 5-TM to obtain the 25 Camouflage Shades described in Ships-2
13 =	Dull Black	Submarine exteriors above the waterline; a suitable Flat Black finish for other exterior surfaces.
20-B =	Deck Blue	Dark Blue-Gray paint for steel and wood weather decks except Aircraft Carrier flight decks.
20-L =	Light Gray Deck	Light Gray paint for interior steel decks

                             

 

[MikeyBugs95]

Now onto the actual schemes for which I want to actually discuss.

Measure 1: Dark Gray System

Ms 1 requires that all vertical surfaces from the boottopping to the funnel tops to be painted 5-D Dark Gray and all vertical surfaces from the funnel tops up, 5-L Light Gray.^2,5 All horizontal surfaces were painted 5-D Dark Gray. Wood decks were to be stained teak. This system was first introduced in January of 1941 with the release of SHIPS-2 and, even though it was discontinued in September of that same year, this was the measure that most of the Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbor was wearing on December 7. Evidence showed that virtually all of the Pacific Fleet ships had been repainted to Ms 1 by late summer.³ In the January 1941 printing of SHIPS-2, it is said that Ms 1 provides the “all around most effective system to be used in normally clear weather for low visibility to both surface and aerial observers during day and during night under both direct searchlight and natural illumination, combined with a certain amount of course deception to surface observers.”¹⁶

Examples:

 

 

USS Grayson (DD-435) wearing Ms 1. (via: Benson & Gleaves class homepage)

 

 

USS Conyngham (DD-371) transferring mail to another destroyer at sea. Notice that Conyngham is wearing Ms 1. All the surfaces above the top of the stack are 5-L. (Image via: USNDazzle. ^Source: NHHC)

 

 

USS Raleigh (CL-7) wearing Ms 1 after she was torpedoed at Pearl Harbor on 7 December, 1941. (Image via: NavSource. USN Photograph now in the National Archives #80-G-19938.)

 

 

USS Lexington (CV-2) in what I believe would be Ms 1. Here, the Lexington is in the Gaillard Cut, Panama Canal. There are TBD-1 Devastator torpedo-bombers parked aft on the flight deck; therefore, the photo was possibly taken in 1939, when she was returning to the Pacific after Fleet Problem XX. (Image and text via: NavSource. Source/Copyright: Robert M. Cieri.)

 

 

USS Louisville (CA-28) in Ms 1 (Image and text via: USN Camouflage)

Measure 1B: Sapphire Blue

Experimental camouflage seen early in the war. Precursor to Measure 11. Nothing else known at this time. Could also be mistaken for Ms 11 and Ms 21 (I did…).

Example:

 

 

Mahan Class Destroyer USS Drayton (DD-366) wearing experimental Ms 1B (Sapphire Blue) paint scheme in 1941 (Text and image via: USN Camouflage)

 

Measure 2: Graded System

Ms 2 is a graded camouflage, meaning the colors change in steps as it moves up, in this case, or across the hull.⁵ This system requires that all vertical surfaces above the deck edge be painted in 5-L Light Gray. The sides of the hull were painted in vertical bands of, from top down, 5-L Light Gray, 5-O Middle Ocean Gray and 5-D Dark Gray. The top edges of the bands followed the sheer lines of the hull and were not perfectly horizontal.^2,5 This camouflage system disappeared by autumn of 1941.³ This system provides relatively low visibility to both surface and aerial observers day and night. It also provides a certain amount of course AND range deception.¹⁶

Examples:

 

 

USS Charles F. Hughes (DD-428) wearing Ms 2. (text and image via: NavSource. Source/Copyright: Robert Hurst.)

Measure 2A:

There are claims that Battle Line at Pearl Harbor had possibly been painted into this scheme. I can neither affirm nor refute these claims. All vertical surfaces from the boot-topping to the line of the main deck was to be 5-D Dark Gray. Vertical surfaces from the main deck to the top of the funnel were 5-O Ocean Gray and surfaces above the tops of the funnel 5-L Light Gray. Decks and horizontal surfaces, including wood surfaces, were 5-D Dark Gray.

 

 

Measure 3: Light Gray System

Ms 3 is monochromatic system where all vertical surfaces are painted such smokestacks, masts, hull, etc. are painted 5-L Light Gray. Horizontal surfaces such as decks, except for wood decks, were to be painted 5-D Dark Gray.² This too was discontinued shortly afterwards,³ although I do not know when – I have yet to find any information related to this. This system was to be used in hazy and foggy weather for the lowest visibility to surface observers but increased visibility to aerial observers.¹⁶

Example:

 

http://i.imgur.com/hERpYwo.jpg

 

USS Salt Lake City (CA-25), underway just prior to or just after the start of World War II. She is camouflaged in MS 3 with a MS 5 false bow wave. (via: NavSource)

 

Measure 4: Black System

Ms 4 is another monochromatic system with all vertical surfaces with the exceptions of pole masts are painted Black formula 82. All surfaces above the top of the stacks are painted 5-L Light Gray. All horizontal surfaces except wood decks are painted 5-D Dark Gray.² This was discontinued along with 1, 2 and 3. According to SHIPS-2, this system provides the “lowest visibility to aerial observers” in all weather and the “lowest visibility at night under direct searchlight illumination, combined with a certain amount of course deception during the day to surface observers,” but primarily for Destroyers.¹⁶ I cannot provide pictures as I can’t find any… Just imagine a ship painted all black.

 

Measure 5: Painted Bow wave

This is essentially an Ms 1 system with a bow wave outline painted on. This gave the impression of high speed even when the ship was still. The upper edge of the bow wave is painted white and the body of the wave Dark Blue or Gray. If the ship it’s being painted onto is a dark gray, then all that is required is to paint the white outline of the wave.² According to SHIPS-2, this system was “to be used in combination with measures 1,2 and 3 (but not 4) to produce a certain amount of speed deception to surface observers.”¹⁶

Examples:

 

 

The USS Lexington (CV-2) leaving San Diego, California on, 14 October 1941. She is painted in Ms 1 with a false bow wave. This bow wave alone now makes this Ms 5. Parked on her flight deck are F2A-1 fighters, SBD Dauntless’ and TBD-1 Devastators. (Image and info via: NavSource. USN photograph now in the National Archives NHC # 80-G-279385.)

 

 

USS Northampton (CA-26) at Newcastle Wharf, Brisbane, Australia 5 August, 1941. (via: Navalwarfare.blogspot and James W. Fitch)

[MikeyBugs95]

Measure 6-8:Paint ships to resemble other ships

No ship is known to have worn Measure 6-8 while they were in effect during 1941 but while undergoing overhaul and rebuilding in 1943, the cruiser Minneapolis (CA-36) was uniquely painted to resemble a Benson-class destroyer.

Note the two Carley rafts on each side.

            Measure 6: Paint a 6” cruiser to resemble an 8” cruiser

Vertical surfaces: “If the six inch cruiser is dark gray or black, the pattern shall be light gray; if the six inch cruiser is light gray or graded, the pattern shall be dark gray”²

Horizontal surfaces: All horizontal surfaces except wood decks are painted 5-D Deck Gray.

Example:

6” cruiser painted to match 8” cruiser. You can obviously tell the 6” cruiser is a Brooklyn-class because of the 3 forward guns and the rear superstructure separate from the forward superstructure. (above 3 images all via: USN Camouflage)

 

Measure 7: Paint a 7500 ton cruiser to resemble a 4 stack destroyer

Vertical surfaces: *same as vertical surfaces Measure 6*

Horizontal surfaces: *same as horizontal surfaces measure 6*

Example:

7500 ton cruiser painted to resemble a 4 stack destroyer. (above 3 images all via: USN Camouflage)

Measure 8: Paint a 10000 ton cruiser to resemble a 2 stack destroyer

Vertical surfaces: *same as vertical surfaces on Measure 6, 7*

Horizontal Surfaces: *same as horizontal surfaces on Measure 6, 7*

Example:

1000 ton cruiser painted to resemble a 2 stack destroyer (via: USN Camouflage)

 

Measures 9-10: These are camouflage systems for submarines and as such will not be included currently.

 

Measure 11:Sea Blue System

Ms 11 was added in September 1941 to replace Ms 1.⁵ Because this was a solid dark color it was felt that ships painted in this scheme were less visible to observation from aircraft. Ms 11 was in fact used in the Pacific and Mediterranean for just that purpose. During the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway, ships wearing Measure 11 came under attack less often than ships wearing Measure 12. 5-S Sea Blue was selected to replace 5-D Dark Gray. Ms 11 is often in seen early wartime photographs from around 1942 and is sometimes confused with Ms 21, which replaced it.⁵ Can also be confused with Ms 1B. All vertical surfaces from the boottopping to the top of the funnel were painted 5-S Sea Blue. All vertical surfaces above the funnel tops were 5-L Light Gray. All horizontal surfaces were painted 20-B Deck Blue. Wood decks were to either stained teak or stained or painted to 20-B Deck Blue. Canvas covers were to be dyed to 20-B Deck Blue.² This scheme has a low visibility to aerial observers in all types of weather day and night and the lowest visibility under searchlight. It is highly visible to surface observers in all types of weather and affords considerable course deception to surface observers in all types of weather.¹⁷

Examples:

 

 

USS Saratoga (CV-3) in early 1942 wearing Ms 11. (source USN Camouflage)

 

 

Another picture of USS Saratoga in 1942 wearing Ms 11 (source Uboat.net)

 

 

USS Helm (DD-388) at Noumea, New Caledonia, on 6 April 1942. Possibly wearing Ms 11. (via: Navalwarfare.blogspot)

 

[MikeyBugs95]

Measure 12:Graded System

Ms 12 was added to SHIPS-2 in September 1941 to replace Ms 2.⁵ According to SHIPS-2, this system was a compromise in effectiveness. It had moderately low visibility to aerial and surface observance in all weather conditions and it provided some course deception. This measure usually makes it so that the ship appears more remote when the height of the observer makes it so that the division between the colors approximately aligns with the horizon.^3,17 In practice, though, it was found that Ms 12 was ineffective against aerial observation. SHIPS-2 mentioned that the pattern had not been tested. On all vertical surfaces, 5-S Sea Blue was to be applied from the boottopping to the level of the main deck or the highest sheer line, continuous for the full length of the hull on all vessels except for carriers. On carriers the 5-S was carried from the waterline to the level of the hangar deck. Vertical surfaces above the main deck, hangar deck on carriers to the top of the highest superstructure masses was to be 5-O Ocean Gray. Pole masts, yards and slender upper works above the superstructure masses was to be 5-H Haze Gray. Horizontal surfaces were to be painted 20-B Deck Blue. Wood decks were to be painted or dyed to the color of 20-B Deck Blue as were exterior canvas covers.

Examples:

 

 

USS Yorktown (CV-5) in Ms 12 (text and image via: USN Camouflage)

 

 

 

Silhouette of a Fletcher-class destroyer showing how Ms 12 would have been looked. (via: USN Dazzle)

 

 

The North Carolina (BB-55) at anchor 19 or 20 August 1941 in New York harbor just before she leaves for military trials in Ms 12 (Text and image from NavSource.)

 

 

USS Tillman (DD-641) being towed by tugs in the Cooper River, just after she was launched at the Charleston Navy Yard, South Carolina, 20 December 1941. Note that she is painted in what appears to be Measure 12 camouflage. (Text and image via: NavSource. U.S. Naval Historical Center photograph.)

 

 

Measure 12 (Modified):Graded System

Ms 12 was used as the basis for dapple patterns used for breaking up the outline of a ship. The directions for painting were left intentionally vague so that the painter could create their own pattern. SHIPS-2 warned that this pattern had not been tested and there was no information concerning its effectiveness. On the hull, the splotches were supposed to be 5-O Ocean Gray over 5-S Sea Blue and later 5-N Navy Blue. On the superstructure they were 5-H Haze Gray over 5-O Ocean Gray. There is some evidence of the use of green as well.⁵ The splotches could be regular or irregular with no exact splotch form specified.¹ Horizontal surfaces were to be 20-B Deck Blue.

Splotch patterns (via: USN Camouflage and SHIPS-2 which can also be viewed on that site)

Examples:

 

 

The USS Hobson (DD-464) off Charleston, South Carolina, 4 March 1942. She is painted in camouflage Ms 12 (Modified). (via: Wikipedia)

 

 

USS Fletcher (DD-445) is shown on July 18, 1942 as built wearing camouflage splotches (Ms 12) that were popular at that time. (source USN Dazzle and theirs from NARA (National Archives))           

 

 

The U.S. Navy Wickes class destroyer USS Roper (DD-147) escorting a convoy, out of Hampton Roads, Virginia in 1942. Ships of the convoy are visible on the horizon. Roper is wearing Measure 12 Modified camouflage. (via: World War II Today)

 

 

USS North Carolina (BB-55) wearing Ms 12 Modified. (courtesy NavSource. USN photo.)

 

 

USS Alabama (BB-60) in Casco Bay, Maine, during her shakedown period, circa December 1942. Note her Measure 12 (modified) Atlantic camouflage scheme. (text and image via: Navsource)

 

 

USS Barnegat (AVP-10), a seaplane tender, off the Boston Navy Yard, Charlestown, Massachusetts, on 1 January 1942. Note that she is wearing the Naval Aviation star insignia by her hull number and Ms 12 modified. (via: Navalwarfare.blogspot)

 

 

USS Ranger (CV-4) in Measure 12 (modified) camouflage at Norfolk Navy Yard in April 1942, after completion of the first modifications necessitated by the war. (text and image via: Navsource)

 

[11thACRColdsteel]

Very nice, even without the 200 more pictures... very cool.

[MikeyBugs95]

Ah! But! Gah! How could you?!?! I said not to comment until I was finished! Now I can't continue! Lol. You are going to like the pictures near the end... Gets pretty... funky... In a way. But I would like to keep the flow of the posts going as though it were 1 continuous page. Instead of being broken up by little comments here and there.

[DoomStomper]

Posting here to more easily come back and check these out in detail later, but great job so far. 

 

Edit: My bad, didn't realize your goal was to continue with these uninterrupted...

[MikeyBugs95]

Continuation from Measure 12 (Modified)

 

 

USS Wyoming (AG-17) June6, 1942. She is wearing Ms 12 (Modified). (Text and image via: Navsource)

 

Measure 12 (1945 Revision):Graded System

Ms 12 was to be applied in this manner: Vertical surfaces were to receive a horizontal band of 5-N #7 Navy Gray    for the entire length of the hull from the boot-topping to height of the main deck at its lowest point; to the hangar deck on carriers.            Above this level, 5-O #17 Ocean Gray was to be applied to all vertical surfaces. Deck Gray (20) was to be applied to all horizontal surfaces exposed to weather.

Example:

 

 

(Text and image via: USN Camouflage)

 

Measure 13:Haze Gray System

All vertical surfaces were 5-H Haze Gray. Horizontal surfaces were to be 20-B Deck Blue including wood decks.² This system provides the lowest visibility to surface observers in hazy and foggy weather but high visibility under searchlight. It has a high visibility to aerial observers in all types of weather and surface observers when lighted by the sun or moon. It also does NOT provide any particular course or range deception.¹⁷

Example:

 

 

USS Overton (DD-239) underway on 11 November 1942, location unknown. It presents a good example of the US Navy's Ms 13 system, while at the same time it reveals its 'Achilles Heel' when viewed from above against a dark sea background. (Text and image via: NavSource)

 

 

Measure 14:Ocean Gray System

All vertical surfaces from the boottopping to the top of the superstructure were to be 5-O Ocean Gray. Everything from above the top level of the superstructure masses was 5-H Haze Gray. Horizontal surfaces and wood decks were 20-B Deck Blue. This system affords the lowest visibility to surface observers in bright, sunny weather and on moonlight nights. It gives a high visibility to aerial observers and does not afford any particular course or range deception.¹⁷

Example:

 

 

M.S. Sloterdijk, a Dutch cargo ship, painted is Ms 14.

 

 

USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87), 22 April 1944, off San Diego, Calif. Camouflage Measure 14. US Navy photo. (text and image via: Navsource)

 

Measure 16:Thayer System

Ms 16 was introduced in the June 1942 revision to SHIPS-2 and was similar to some British camouflage measures used in the Atlantic. It was considered well adapted for winter use in northern areas where long days were frequently overcast. The feature of this paint is it’s changeable character due to the use of the Purkinje Effect. At low levels of illumination a blue paint will appear relatively lighter than the paints appear in daylight. When using a pure light blue paint the ship would therefore appear like a white ship on moonless nights or during twilight when white or very light ships were the best for reduced visibility.  During daylight hours or under bright moonlight the pattern would be apparent and might produce some deception in the estimation of the target angle.⁴ The entire ship was painted 5-U White and a pattern utilizing 5-B Thayer Blue was painted on top of that. Horizontal surfaces were 20-B Deck Blue. The underside of projecting overhands and decks were painted a white color to employ a countershading effect in an effort to hide or lessen shadows. Both sides were painted identically.

Example:

 

 

USS Sampson (DD-394) underway in the Gulf of Panama, 14 March 1943. Halftone reproduction, published by the Division of Naval Intelligence in June 1943 for ship recognition purposes. (via: Navalwarfare.blogspot)

 

 

USS Surprise (PG-63) painted in MS 16 Thayer system. (via: NavSource)

 

 

Measure 17:

Um… Not much information as of yet…. It is a pattern of “blues, grays and whites. (via: Military.wikia) From what I can find it is a dazzle system. This system was only applied to three ships: The USS Augusta CA-31, USS Santee ACV/CVE-29 and USS Chicopee AO-34. (via NavSource) It was a prototype for the later Measures 31, 32 and 33. (via: (via: Military.wikia)

Examples:

 

 

USS Santee (ACV/CVE-29) probably taken on October 16, 1942. Santee was the only one in her class (Sangamon class Escort Carrier) ever camouflaged in Ms.17 (text and picture via: NavSource)

 

 

USS Chicopee (AO-34) possibly in MS1716 August, 1942. (text and image via: NavSource)

 

 

USS Augusta (CA-31) 10 December, 1942(?) wearing MS 17. (via: Wikimedia)

Measure 18:

Nearly identical to Measure 12. 5-H Haze Gray was used instead of 5-O Ocean Gray on the superstructures.

Examples:

 

 

USS Aries (AK-51) off Mare Island 29 May, 1944 after overhaul. (via: NavSource)

Measure 21:Navy Blue System

Measure 21 was introduced in the June 1942 revision to SHIPS-2. Similar to Measure 11, MS 21 replaced the 5-S Sea Blue with 5-N Navy Blue. This measure afforded low visibility to aerial observers day and night in all types of weather. Low visibility under searchlight. High visibility to all surface observers in all weather. Considerable course deception to surface observers in all types of weather.¹⁸ (via: HNSA/SHIPS-2) Navy Blue 5-N was to be applied to all vertical surfaces while Deck Blue 20-B was applied to all horizontal surfaces. (via: Shipcamouflage)

Ms 21

 

 

USS Biloxi (CL-80) underway during her shakedown cruise in October 1943. (text and image via: Navsource)

 

 

 

USS Essex (CV-9) underway in March, 1945 wearing Ms 21. (source Asisbiz)

USS Langley (CVL-27) wearing Ms 21. (source USN Camouflage)

[MikeyBugs95]

Continuation from Measure 21:

USS Watts (DD-567) was repainted into Ms 21 as seen in this August 1945 image. I found this photo on Photobucket. I'm not sure who it is credited to.

USS Saint Croix (APA-231) underway in San Francisco bay, December 1945. She wears some very nicely weathered (you like weathering, don't you WG?) Ms 21. (via: NavSource)

 

Measure 22: Graded System

Measure 12 was reworked due to the recognition of the relatively low contrast between the shades of colors used. (via: Wikipedia) It was intended to be used on combat ships in areas where bright weather with fair visibility prevail. There will be some reduction of visibility when viewed from low flying planes and from higher altitudes at extended ranges.¹⁸ Measure 22 used 5-N Navy Blue from the boottopping to the lowest point of the main deck. The upper edge of this color should be horizontal. All remaining vertical surfaces are 5-H Haze Gray. Decks and horizontal surfaces are 20-B Deck Blue. (via: Hnsa) The original USN camouflage before the weathered gray was Measure 22, as many of you know.

Examples:

 

 

USS Moffett (DD-362) wearing Ms 22 paint scheme (via: USN Camouflage)

 

 

USS Chevalier (DD-452) on 24 October 1942

USS Mobile (CL-63) wearing Ms 22 (text and image via: USN Camouflage)

 

Taken in 1946 when the USS Washington (BB-56) was used as a host ship for midshipman’s cruises. (text and image via: NavSource. USN photo via: David Buell. Partial text via: Mike Green.)

 

 

Battleships of the U.S Pacific Fleet following Ticonderoga (CV-14) [out of photo ahead of the Washington (BB-56)] entering Ulithi Atoll on 12 December 1944. Washington, North Carolina (BB-55), and South Dakota (BB-57) are in line ahead formation. Note that three camouflage schemes are shown; Ms 22 (Washington ), Ms 32/18d (North Carolina ) and Ms 21 (South Dakota ). (Text and image via: NavSource. Naval Historical Photo # 80-G-301950 submitted by Mike Green.)

 

 

USS Barnegat (AVP-10) underway off the coast of Brazil on 4 April 1944. Note the "star and bar" aircraft insignia on the bow aft of the hull number. (via: Navalwarfare.blogspot)

USS Indiana (BB-58) wearing Ms 22 early in her career. Behind her in the near distance is a Cleveland class cruiser. Further out forward is a destroyer. (info for the text and image via: Navsource)

 

I'm not sure why there isn't an option to hide the spoilers but I'm sure you guys don't mind.

[MikeyBugs95]

Measure 23: Light Gray System

As the name states, Measure 23 is a system of 5-L Light Gray. This scheme was used mostly on anti-submarine vessels in the tropics or subtropics. Later replaced by Measure 33. (via: Everything.explained.today) All vertical surfaces were to be painted 5-L Light Gray and all undersides of decks 5-U White. Horizontal surfaces were to be painted 20-B Deck Blue. From SHIPS-2, March 1943, “ships painted in this measure have high visibility from high angle aircraft observation.” Also, “hips painted with this measure are not visible as far as darker ships when seen against the sky background.”¹⁹ I can’t find any pictures of Ms 23.

 

Measures 31, 32, and 33: Dark (31), Medium (32), and Light (33) Pattern Systems

These 3 Measures were late war dazzle schemes designed for specific classes of ships.    These were schemes that had been developed earlier in experiments using both models and ships.⁵ Because each pattern was given an identifying number, it can be easy to identify what ship would wear each pattern. The first number, either 31 or 32 or 33, identified the measure and as such the color range. The second number identifies the design number. The letter was used to identify the type of ship that pattern was used on. A was for aircraft carriers, B for battleships, C for cruisers, D for destroyers, F for freighters, L for landing ships, M for mine warefare ships, T for transports, Ax for auxiliary ships, AO for tankers, and SS for submarines. Small letters, a or b, indicated variations on designs. Different designs could also have different letters even if they have the same number. 3A and 3D were different designs, as exampled on USN Dazzle.⁵ They were composed of irregular geometric patterns using large polygonal and striped patterns. Over 300 pattern sheets of Measures 31, 32 and 33 were issued from their introduction in March 1943 until December 1944 when the Commander Pacific Fleet instructed that Measures 12, 21 and 22 be used instead of 31-33.

Measure 31: Dark Pattern System

This system used patterns with a dark range of colors which “resolved to approximately 10 to 15 percent reflectance.”⁵ This measure offers lower visibility against aerial observation but also helped to confuse the ship’s identity and break up the lines of the ship once seen. For most patterns, the vertical colors were Dull Black and either 5-O Ocean Gray OR 5-H Haze Gray. If three colors were being used then the colors were Dull Black, 5-O Ocean Gray AND 5-H Haze Gray.⁵ Horizontal surfaces were painted a pattern of 20-B Deck Blue an 5-O Ocean Gray.²

Ms 31/2c:

 

USS Wyffels (DE-6) underway east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She is wearing Ms 32/3d. (text and images via: Navsource)

Ms 31/6Ax:

USS Culebra Island (ARG-7) underway, date and location unknown. She is painted in Ms 31/6AX camouflage. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 31a/6B:

Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 31a, Design 6B intended for the battleship Nevada (BB-36).This drawing shows both the starboard and port sides. (text and image via: Navsource)

 

 

These images show USS Nevada (BB-36) wearing Ms 31a/6B. (images via: Navsource)

Ms 31/6d:

USS Haraden (DD-585) painted in Ms 31/6d. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 31a/7B:

Camouflage drawings prepared by the Bureau of Ships for a camouflage scheme Measure 31a, Design 7B intended for the battleship Arkansas (BB-33). These show the port and starboard sides. (text and image via: Navsource)

USS Arkansas painted in Ms 31a/7B. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 31/7d:

 

 

 

USS Farragut (DD-348) wearing Ms 31/7d. (text and images via: Navsource)

 

 

USS Ringgold (DD-500) wearing Ms 31/7d. (text and image via: Navsource

[MikeyBugs95]

Ms 31a/8B:

Camouflage drawings prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 31a, Design 8B intended for the battleships New York (BB-34) and Texas (BB-35). These show the port and starboard sides. (text and images via: Navsource)

USS New York painted in Ms 31a/8B. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 31/8L:

USS Midas (ARB-5) underway near Baltimore. She is painted in Ms 31/8L. (text and image via: Navsource)

 

Ms 31/9Ax:

USS Ocelot (IX-110) on 6 May, 1944. She is painted in Ms 31/9Ax. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 31/11d:

Two pictures of USS Stack (DD-406) off Mare Island May 1944. She is wearing Ms 31/11d. (text and images via: Navsource)

Ms 31/16d:

USS Claxton (DD-571) off Mare Island wearing Ms 31/16d. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 31/20L:

Drawing of USS APC-1 in camouflage measure 31, design 20-L prepared by the Bureau of Ships for a camouflage scheme intended for small coastal transports of the APc-1 class. (text and images via: Navsource)

Ms 31/23d:

Spoiler

Two views of USS Flusser (DD-368) wearing Ms 31/23d. (text and images via: Navsource)

[MikeyBugs95]

Ms 31/25d:

USS Robert H. Smith (DD-735) painted in camouflage Ms 31/25D (text and image via: Navsource)

 

Measure 32: Medium Pattern System

Applied to most surface vessels in the Pacific during 1944, this pattern provided optimal defense against visual detection by submarine. These patterns resolved to a medium shade between 40 to 50 percent reflectance. According to SHIPS-2, “this measure is primarily effective in areas where visibility is generally high and it is impossible to conceal vessels at close ranges no matter how they are painted.  Measure 32 produces deception at close ranges and is of low visibility at those ranges where the patterns resolve to a uniform shade.”^­ Also according to SHIPS-2, “Where vessels are detected by radar, visibility is of little importance compared to deception of type and target angle.  Bold contrast is necessary to produce the most marked deception.”¹⁹ This pattern offers very high contrast. The colors used for the patterns were Dull Black and 5-L Light Gray. If three colors were being used the colors were Dull Black, 5-O Ocean Gray and 5-L Light Gray.⁵ Horizontal surfaces were painted in patterns of 20-B Deck Blue and 5-O Ocean Gray.²

Ms 32/1B:

Battleships Iowa (BB-61) and Indiana (BB-58) underway during the Marshall Islands Campaign, 24 Jan 1944; note Camouflage Measure 32 Design 1B (via: WW2 Database)

Ms 32/1D:

USS Bush (DD-529), a Fletcher class, off the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, 11 June 1944. She is seen from port (top), ahead (2^nd picture), astern (3^rd picture), and starboard (above) wearing camouflage is Measure 32, Design 1D. (text and all 4 pictures above are via: NavSource)

Drawing prepared by the BuShips for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 1D intended for the battleship Massachusetts (BB-59), circa 1943. This camouflage design was not actually used on Massachusetts or any other ship of her class. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 32/2Ax:

USS Suisun (AVP-53) on September 17, 1944 wearing Ms 32/2Ax. (text and images via: Navsource

Ms 32/3A:

USS Intrepid (CV-11) underway 9 June, 1944. She is ferrying aircraft and vehicles to Pearl Harbor in this picture. She is wearing Ms 32/3A. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 32/3AO:

USS Mississinewa (AO-59) anchored in the Hampton Roads area, Virginia, on 25 May 1944. She’s wearing Measure 32 Design 3AO (via: Navalwarfare.blogspot)

USS Mississinewa (AO-59) underway in May 1944 in Ms 32/3AO. (via: Navalwarfare.blogspot)

Ms 32/3D:

USS Sampson (DD-394) wearing Ms 32/3D paint scheme. (via: USN Camouflage)

Camouflage drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 3D, intended for the battleship Pennsylvania (BB-38), circa 1943. This plan shows the ship's starboard side and superstructure ends. (text and image via: Navsource)

[MikeyBugs95]

Ms 32/4A:

 

USS Mission Bay (CVE 59), a Casablanca class escort carrier, operated primarily as an ASW carrier in the Atlantic. She is shown on 10 August 1944, off the East Coast, wearing Measure 32 Design 4A camouflage. Note Hellcats on deck and the large SK air search radar antenna on the mast. (via: Pinterest)

 

 

USS Core (CVE-13), a Bogue class escort carrier, underway, circa 1944. Note the very small size of these carriers, with only 2 F4F Wildcats just able to fit with their wings folded on the fore part of the flight deck. (via: NavSource. National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1986.150.003.026. Contributed to NavSource by: Mike Green.)

Ms 32/4T:

(above two) USS Wharton (AP-7) underway October 1944 wearing Ms 32/4T. (text and images via: Navsource)

Port (top) and starboard (above) views of USS Deuel (APA-160) underway off NAS Astoria October 24, 1944. She is painted in Ms 32/4T.

Ms 32/5D:

USS Winooski (AO-38) at Manila, P.I. in 1945 wearing Ms 32/6AO. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 32/6D:

USS Rowe (DD-564) in March 1944. She is painted in Ms 32/6D. (text and image via: Navsource)

 

USS Colhoun (DD-801) painted in Ms 32/6D. (image via: Navsource)

Camouflage drawings  prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32, Design 6D intended for battleships of the New Mexico (BB-40 / 42) class. (text and images via: Navsource)

USS Mississippi (BB-41) bombarding Luzon. She is painted in Ms 32/6D. (text and image via: Navsource)

[MikeyBugs95]

Ms 32/6T:

USS President Adams (APA-19) at anchor wearing Ms 32/6T. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 32/6/10D:

Source Asisbiz

Source NavSource. Contributed to NavSource by: David Buell.)

(above 4) USS Essex (CV-9) in Ms 32/6/10D after her San Francisco refit, 15 April, 1944. In the last picture, changes are circled.

(above 2) Drawing prepared circa 1943 by the Bureau of Ships for Ms 32/6/10D intended for battleships of the North Carolina class (BB-55 / 56) This plan shows the ship's starboard side, bow, stern, superstructure ends and exposed decks. This design was not used on any ship of this class. (Text and images via: NavSource. Official USN photos # 80-G-156817 and #80-G-156816, respectively, now in the collections of the National Archives.)

Ms 32/7A:

Drawings prepared for the Bureau of Ships for Measure 32 Design 7A intended for battleships of the Iowa class. No ship is known to have worn this scheme. (text and images via: NavSource)

Ms 32/7D:

 

Two views of USS Portland (CA-33) off Mare Island, 30 July, 1944, wearing Ms 32/7d. (Text and images via: Navsource)

Ms 32/8T:

USS Fomalhaut (AKA-5) underway November 1944 wearing Ms 32/8T. (Text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 32/9A:

Drawing of CVE-1 USS Long Island in Ms 32/9A. (image via: Wings-Aviation)

USS Long Island painted in Ms 32/9A. (images via: Navsource)

[MikeyBugs95]

Ms 32/9D:

USS Chester (CL/CA-27), a Northampton-class cruise, off San Francisco, California, following overhaul, circa late May 1944. (via: NavSource. U.S. National Archives photo #19-N-73468. Contributed to NavSource by: Edward H. Cleary.)

USS Chester (CL/CA-27) off Hunter's Point, 12 June 1944 after undergoing repairs. She’s painted in Ms 32/9D. (via: NavSource. U.S. Navy photo #1204-44-S8. Contributed to NavSource by: David Buell.)

Ms 32/9T:

Two views of USS Heywood (APA-6) wearing Ms 32/9T. (images via: Navsource)

 

Ms 32/11A:

USS Duluth (CL 87) underway in the Hampton Roads area, Virginia, 10 October 1944, while en route to the southern Chesapeake Bay for sea training. Her camouflage is Measure 32, Design 11a. (text and image via: Navsource)

USS Indiana (BB-58) with Task Force 58.1 on 27 January 1944, en route to attack Taroa Island airfield, Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands now wearing measure 32/11D camouflage - the only South Dakota class (BB-49 /54) to wear the dazzle camouflage. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 32/11/18D:

(Above 2) Drawing prepared by the Bureau of Ships for Camouflage Measure 32v11, Design 18D (32/11/18D) intended for the battleship North Carolina (BB-55), circa 1943. This plan shows the ship's starboard side, superstructure ends, and exposed decks. (Text and images via: NavSource. Official USN photos #80-G-157056 and # 80-G-157057, respectively, now in the collections of the National Archives.)

Ms 32/12A:

USS Steamer Bay (CVE-87), 17 July 1944, probably off California. Camouflage Measure 32, Design 12A. (text and image via: Navsource)

USS Steamer Bay under attack with a kamikaze shown flying by her stern. (text and image via: Navsource)

[MikeyBugs95]

Ms 32/13D:

USS Tuscaloosa (CA-37) Off the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Pennsylvania, 10 November 1944. (Text and image via: NavSource. Official U.S. Navy Photograph from Naval Historical Center - NH 97939.)

USS Richard P. Leary (DD-664), Fletcher class, wearing Ms 32/13D. Unknown date and location. (via: NavSource. National Archives photo 80-G-22237. Contributed to NavSource by: Fred Weiss.)

Undated image of the USS Bennion (DD-662), Fletcher class, from her World War II cruise book. Wearing Ms 32/13D. Closer view from similar angle as above. (via: NavSource. Official U.S. Navy Photograph from Naval History and Heritage Command. photo NH 107197. Contributed to NavSource by: Rob Rielly and Robert Hurst.)

USS Robinson (DD-562), Fletcher class, off the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Washington, 8 April 1944 wearing Ms 32/13D. (via: NavSource. U.S. Naval Historical Center photo. Contributed to NavSource by Tony Cowart)

 

Ms 32/13F:

USS Akutan (AE-13) underway February 1945 wearing Ms 32/13F. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 32/13T:

 

Details of USS Cimarron (AO-22) camouflage Measure 32/13T. Measure 32 (medium) was used considerably more on Fleet warships and auxiliaries than the dark or light systems. (text and image via: Navsource

Ms 32/14D:

USS Charles Ausburne (DD-570) off the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, 30 September 1944. This view shows the starboard aspect of the ship's Ms 32/14D

Same ship as above but this view shows the port aspect of the ship's Ms 32/14D camouflage design. (above 2 text and images via: Navsource)

Ms 32/15A:

USS St. Lo (CVE-63) painted in Ms 32/15A in San Diego April 1944. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 32/16D:

USS California (BB-44). Underway at eight knots in the Straits of Juan de Fuca, Washington, on 25 January 1944. USS California provided gunfire support for the Saipan invasion. (courtesy NARA (National Archives)

USS Baltimore (CA-68) off Mare Island wearing Ms 32/16D. (text and images via: Navsource)

 

Ms 32/17A:

1944 plan for camouflage Measure 32, Design 17A on Essex-class fleet carriers. Of the 17 Essex-class carriers to see service during 1944-45, 4 were painted according to this plan. (Text and image via: WW2 Database)

[MikeyBugs95]

Ms 32/18D:

North Carolina (BB-55) anchored off the Puget Sound Navy Yard, Washington, 24 September 1944. She is painted in what may be a variant of Ms 32/18D (the late pattern as evidenced by the grey panel on the lower starboard bow and SK-2 radar). Facing starboard side of the ship. (Text and image via: NavSource. Official USN photo # NH 104850, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center)

USS North Carolina underway near Puget Sound, September 1944. Facing port side of the ship. (Text and image via: NavSource. USN photo.)

USS North Carolina underway in Ms32/18d early pattern. Taken by Intrepid CV-11 photographer on 25 January 1944. She received this camouflage scheme in September 1943 at Pearl Harbor. (Note the Fletcher-class Destroyer in the distance). (Text and image via: NavSource. USN photo # 80-G-227112 courtesy of David Buell.)

 

Ms 32/22D:

USS Missouri (BB-63) in 1944 wearing Ms 32/22d (text and image via: USN Camouflage)

Ms 32/23d:

USS Lamson (DD-367) off Mare Island on 24 May, 1944. She is painted in Ms 32/23d. (text and image via: Navsource)   

 

Measure 33: Light Pattern System

Another anti-submarine measure, these patterns where more suited to Northern waters, and resolved to a light gray of about 40 to 50 percent reflectance.^5,19,20 These patterns made ship recognition more difficult as well as having “some, but very little course deception.”^5,19 This measure was considered effective under the same conditions as Measure 16 but was less vulnerable when broadside to strong sunlight because no plain white shows.^5,19 Ships that were painted in this measure were believed to be more susceptible to high visibility from high angle aerial observation.^5,19  All vertical surfaces are painted in a pattern of 5-L Light Gray and 5-O Ocean Gray or 5-P Pale Gray. If there colors were used they were: 5-N Navy Blue, 5-H Haze Gray and 5-P Pale Gray or 5-N Navy Blue, 5-O Ocean Gray and 5-L Light Gray.^5,19  All horizontal surfaces are painted a pattern of 20-B Deck Blue and 5-O Ocean Gray.¹⁹

Ms 33/1A:

USS Ranger (CV-4) in July 1944, location unknown. Camouflage is Measure 33, Design 1A. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 33/1d:

USS Columbia (CL 56) steaming with Task Force 77.4 in Surigao Strait, Philippine Islands, on 3 January 1945 while en route to the Lingayen Gulf landings. Columbia is painted in camouflage Measure 33 Design 1d. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 33/2f:

USS Concord (CL-10) underway in Puget Sound, Washington, 1 November 1944. (Text and image via: NavSource. U.S. National Archives photo #19-N-75591.)

Ms 33/3a:

Ms 33/3a painted on USS Hornet (CV-12). No other info known as of yet.

Starboard view of USS Hornet (CV-12) in Ms 33/3a with Air Group 2 aboard in July 1944. (text and image via: Navsource)

[MikeyBugs95]

Ms 33/3D:

USS Monterey (CVL-26) at anchor in the Western Pacific, 6 September 1944 wearing Measure 33, Design 3D. (text and image via: Navsource)

USS Denver (CL 58) Off the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, following an overhaul, 3 May 1944. She is painted in camouflage Measure 33, Design 3d. (text and image via: Navsource)

USS Denver underway in 1944. (caption is incorrect. Corrected by a Navsource contributor who probably does not want to be named here.) (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 33/4Ab:

USS Enterprise (CV-6), Big E, in her late war appearance wearing Ms 33/4Ab. (text and images via: Navsource)

 

Ms 33/6d:

USS Vicksburg (CL 86) Off the U.S. East Coast, 17 October 1944. The ship is painted in Camouflage Measure 33, Design 6d. (text and image via: Navsource)

Ms 33/7a:

The USS Cowpens (CVL-25) en route to take part in the Palau operation, 31 August 1944. She is wearing camouflage Measure 33, Design 7a. (text and image via: Navsource)

Two views of the USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) underway wearing Ms 33/7a. (images via: Navsource)

Ms 33/10a:

USS Wake Island (CVE-65) in Ms 33/10a. Unknown date and location. (images via: Wings-Aviation)

1944-45 plan for camouflage Measure 33, Design 10a on Essex-class fleet carriers. Of the 17 Essex-class carriers to see service during 1944-45, 4 were painted according to this plan. (via: WW2 Database)

Ms 33/24D:

USS Astoria (CL 90), a Cleveland-class light cruiser, underway at sea, 22 July 1944, while en route to the Philadelphia Navy Yard for post-shakedown overhaul. She’s wearing Ms 33/24D. (text and image via: NavSource)

[MikeyBugs95]

USS Astoria port beam surface view. (text and image via: Mighty Ninety)

USS Astoria (CL 90) Bow view, taken off the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, 21 October 1944. (text and image via: NavSource)

USS Astoria underway during her shakedown cruise, 20 June 1944. (text and image via: Mighty Ninety)

---

 

Note on 31a, 32a, 33a and variations:

From USN Dazzle: “These Measures appeared late in the fall of 1944 and were each offshoots of 31, 32 or 33 respectively.  Each used a similar color range to maintain a similar reflectance range, but apparently attempted to achieve less contrast.  So lighter dark colors and darker light colors were used.  Measures 31a, 32a and 33a also used new patterns, some of which were derived from existing patterns. The first mention of Measures 31a, 32a and 33a seemed to be in Everett Warner’s September 1944 report.”⁵

---

United States Navy Aircraft Camouflage:

This will be a sort section as there isn’t all that much to it. During the course of the war, the USAAF (which won’t be described here) and USN had guidelines for camouflage painting that were strictly adhered to.²¹ We all know about the infamous US aviators nose art that frequently decorated their aircraft as well. The colors specified were standardized in the Federal Specifications (FS) color charts and I’ll be using those FS numbers to secondarily describe the colors.²¹ I won’t go into specific markings or the roundel colors as there is a lot of information on that. I will just stick to the basic camouflages and colors used therein.

Pre-war camouflage consisted of a silver or bare-metal paint, which was later changed to a light gray in lieu of bad paint-metal adherence, overall with yellow wing tops on the upper wing and horizontal stabilizer. This scheme remained relatively constant up to February 1941. That month this scheme was discontinued completely and only used on stateside training aircraft.²³

 

Northrop BT-1 dive bomber of USS Enterprise’s ‘Bombing Six’ squadron. (via: Tailspintopics)

In December of 1940 or early 1941, shipboard aircraft were ordered to wear an overall non-specular Light Gray scheme:

Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. (via: WW2DataBase)

Introduced in June 1944, the new overall Gloss Sea Blue scheme replaced the tricolor scheme. This scheme stayed in use with the US Navy until after the Korean War.²¹

F6F-5 Hellcat on the deck of the USS Hornet (Essex class). (via: WW2DataBase)   

 

Flight of Curtiss SB2C Helldivers from USS Ticonderoga all in Gloss Sea Blue (via: WW2DataBase)

 

 

---

If anyone has anything they’d like to see included, if you think I missed anything, if you have a suggestion or a correction, or if you any grievance at all, don’t be afraif to post it or message me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I want to EMPHASIZE that I do not own any of the pictures used here. They belong to their rightful owners and I have no intention to claim them. Much of the information here I read and interpreted and then transposed here to inform the community further about the camouflage patterns used. Most of what is written here is NOT my own intelleluctual property. I do NOT claim to nor intend to infringe upon your copyrights if you are the rightful holder to these words and pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What may be in store for the future…

 

 

This is a Zuiho-class carrier being bombed and torpedoed by Navy planes 24 October, 1944. She is maneuvering hard to avoid being hit. Note the deck, buckled from a torpedo strike, with multiple holes from bombs hits. She sunk the same day. Also of note is the unique camouflage painted on her deck.

Photo taken from US Navy War Photographs. Publish by U.S. Camera, New York

 

Sources:

1. http://www.navsource.org/
2. http://www.shipcamouflage.com/measures.htm
3. http://www.shipcamouflage.com/development_of_naval_camouflage.htm
4. http://www.archives.gov/research/military/navy-ships/patrol-vessels.html
5. http://usndazzle.com/1Web/Articles/Camo.html
6. http://steelnavy.com/usnchips.htm
7. http://abbot.us/DD629/fletcher/camouflage.shtml
8. http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/OnlineLibrary/photos/sh-co-mk/camouflg/usn-wwii/3--bb3.htm
9. http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/OnlineLibrary/photos/sh-co-mk/camouflg/usn-wwii/31-33tp.htm
10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_ship_camouflage_measures_of_the_United_States_Navy
11. http://www.history.navy.mil
12. http://www.wings-aviation.ch/index.htm
13. http://ussjpkennedyjr.org/benson_gleaves/camouflage.html#
14. https://www.whiteensignmodels.com/page/Camouflage+Schemes+Colours/20/#.Vh2-vyudCZl
15. SHIPS-2, January 1941
           http://www.shipcamouflage.com/ships2_1_41_table_of_contents.htm
16. SHIPS-2, September 1941
           http://www.shipcamouflage.com/ships2_9_41_table_of_contents.htm
17. SHIPS-2, June 1942
           http://www.shipcamouflage.com/ships2_6_42_table_of_contents.htm
18. SHIPS-2, March 1943
          http://www.shipcamouflage.com/ships2_3_43_table_of_contents.htm
19. http://military.wikia.com/wiki/World_War_II_ship_camouflage_measures_of_the_United_States_Navy#Measure_23
20. http://www.fritzthefox.com/american_camo_guide.html
21. http://www.angelfire.com/dc/jinxx1/Wildcat/F4FColors.html
22. http://www.researcheratlarge.com/Aircraft/YellowWings/index.html
23. http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/NARG/wildcat.html
24. http://thanlont.blogspot.com/2011/06/brief-f4u-corsair-oriented-history-of.html
25. http://tailspintopics.blogspot.com/2012/12/early-world-war-ii-usn-paint-and.html
26. Stern, Robert. U.S. Aircraft Carriers in action Part 1
               Warships #5, Squadron/Signal Publications, 1991
27. Adcock, Al. US Light Cruisers in Action
                Warships #12, Squadron/Signal Publications, 1991
28. Battle Stations! - Your Navy in Action
                Wise & Company, 1946

 

 

 

 

And for my final piece, a picture of a Mogami class cruiser.

 

(via WW2 Database)

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Compassghost]

I don't like my eyes either!

[MikeyBugs95]

If anyone wants to talk now... they can... I'll just be adding in more stuff.

[MikeyBugs95]

Finally finished! Ok... The final count of the images in the album, and hence the images in the thread, 220. But it's really 219 as I had to take out 1 image to get the final post to fit. It's done!

[Killjoy1941]

Very well done! There's lots of camo discussion over in the mods sub-forum, but you've put together the most extensive and comprehensive collection of information by far.

 

Just a side note: The BBs at Pearl were painted in Ms 11 at the time of the attack, and the turret tops sported division colors:

 

5-S shows up as nearly black in photos where the grays like 5-D are, well... grey.

 

Here's Mississippi in Ms 11:

[Malevolent_Fist]

Cool stuff. Some crazy camo they had, nice pics.   

 

[MikeyBugs95]

Very well done! There's lots of camo discussion over in the mods sub-forum, but you've put together the most extensive and comprehensive collection of information by far.

 

Just a side note: The BBs at Pearl were painted in Ms 11 at the time of the attack, and the turret tops sported division colors:

 

5-S shows up as nearly black in photos where the grays like 5-D are, well... grey.

 

Here's Mississippi in Ms 11:

 

Like I had said in the sections that mentioned it (I think), there is a lot of controversy over the Measures worn by the ships at Pearl. I had information that said it was Ms 1 so that is what I had put down. We have to remember that not everything in the military happens like a flick of the switch. It took considerable time to get the ships fully painted to Ms 11. So it is very, very, very possible that many ships still wore Ms 1 at the time of the attack. I didn't mention turret tops or any specific markings because they are not really relevant to camouflage measures. To speak about them would take considerable time and possibly be as long as this was. 

 

Also something I didn't mention, the Measures 11, 12, 21 and 22 were based on the measures 1 and 2. 11 and 21 were based on 1, and 12 and 22 on 2.