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Salute to the Navy! (1943)

1943 · Short film · 9 min

Synopsis

Made during WWII by Castle Films and sold for home use through camera and department stores, and by mail order, "Salute to the Navy!" shows the Navy's various capabilities two years after the devastating Pearl Harbor attack. The newsreel features footage of the air sea battles that raged near the Marshall Islands starting at ( 6:08 ). Featured ships include: the battleship USS Texas, the submarine USS Wahoo, the cruisers USS San Francisco and USS Boise. Also includes footage of fleet maneuvers of PT Boats, destroyers, aircraft carriers, battleships and L1 and G1 blimps on anti-submarine patrol. The film highlights the rapid and powerful growth of the United States Navy in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. In less than two years, over 2.5 million men were recruited to man a $10 billion fleet, becoming some of the best-trained and most physically conditioned forces in the world. The film showcases the Navy's vast capabilities—from battleships and destroyers to cruisers, PT boats, submarines, and aircraft carriers—emphasizing their speed, strength, and relentless training. Dramatic battle footage illustrates coordinated sea and air power, particularly during fierce engagements near the Marshall Islands. The narrative underscores the Navy’s effectiveness in both offense and defense, highlighting its unmatched precision, morale, and resilience. Closing with a salute to the Navy’s might and the sacrifices of its sailors, the film serves as both tribute and propaganda, urging…

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Details

Running time
9 minutes
Collection
Ephemeral Films

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