The Untold Story: Training Carrier Pilots on Lake Michigan During WWII

TLDRThis film reveals the little-known story of the US Navy's training operation on Lake Michigan during World War II. Over 15,000 carrier pilots were trained in Lake Michigan, changing the course of the war. The USS Wolverine and USS Sable, converted passenger ships, served as training platforms for these pilots. Divers continue to recover aircraft from the lake, preserving this important piece of history.

Key insights

🔍Over 15,000 carrier pilots were trained on Lake Michigan during World War II.

✈️The USS Wolverine and USS Sable were converted passenger ships that served as training platforms.

🌊Divers have located and recovered about 70 aircraft from Lake Michigan.

🛠️The conversion process of the ships took about four months.

📺Naval Air Station Glenview played a crucial role in training carrier pilots.

Q&A

How many carrier pilots were trained on Lake Michigan?

—Over 15,000 carrier pilots.

What were the USS Wolverine and USS Sable?

—Converted passenger ships that served as training platforms.

How many aircraft have been recovered from Lake Michigan?

—About 70 aircraft.

How long did the conversion process of the ships take?

—About four months.

What was the role of Naval Air Station Glenview?

—Naval Air Station Glenview played a crucial role in training carrier pilots.

Timestamped Summary

00:00This film contains rare footage of a US Navy operation on Lake Michigan during World War II.

02:19Naval Air Station Glenview played a key role in training carrier pilots.

09:45The USS Wolverine and USS Sable were passenger ships converted into training platforms.

13:59Divers have located and recovered about 70 aircraft from Lake Michigan.

15:56Over 15,000 carrier pilots were trained on Lake Michigan, changing the course of the war.

Browse more