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Photo # 80-G-109729:  Starboard side drawing of Camouflage Measure 32 Design 22D, which was worn by USS Missouri (BB-63) in 1944.

Online Library of Selected Images:
U.S. NAVY SHIP CAMOUFLAGE -- WORLD WAR II

Measures 31-32-33 -- Listed by Ship Type

During 1943 and 1944 Camouflage Measure 31, 32 and 33 designs were prepared for a vast number of different U.S. ships, both individuals and classes. Sometimes a given design was applied to only one ship, and at other times it was used for camouflaging many vessels.

Generally, the basic design patterns were originally intended for application to a particular ship type. Suffix letters to a design's basic number indicate the type of ship involved: "A" for Aircraft Carriers; "AO" for Oilers; "Ax" for Auxiliary Ships "B" for Battleships; "C" for Cruisers; "D" for Destroyers; "F" for Cargo Ships; "L" for Amphibious Ships and Craft; "M" for Mine Vessels; "P" for Patrol Vessels; "SS" for Submarines; and "T" for Transports. It should be noted that, with the exceptions of "AO" and "Ax" (as shown above), a second suffix letter signifies a design variation and is not associated with any given type of ship.

Frequently, a design scheme intended for a particular ship type was applied to other types of ships, with greater or lesser alterations to the camouflage pattern to accomodate the often significant structural differences involved. In such instances, the design number and letter suffix remained the same as for the basic camouflage scheme. For example, versions of Design 3D, which was originally intended for destroyers, were also prepared for aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, gunboats, escort ships, and auxiliaries, all featuring recognizable elements of the basic Design 3D port and starboard side patterns.

This page provides information U.S. Navy Camouflage Measures 31, 32 and 33, with links to presentations on the application of these measures to specific ship types.
NOTE:
This page represents a "work in progress", in which the individual components will be several years in preparation.

For presentations of Measure 31-32-33 design schemes listed by design designator, see:

  • Measures 31-32-33 -- Listed by Design Designator.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."
    CAUTION: camouflage drawing photographs shown on these pages have generally had contrast altered to enhance patterns. Contrast in actual photographic reproductions may differ markedly from that seen.



    For presentations of Measure 31-32-33 design schemes listed by design designator, see:

  • Measures 31-32-33 -- Listed by Design Designator.


    NOTES:

  • To the best of our knowledge, the Online Library's pictures are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.

  • Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center". Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval History and Heritage Command".


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the digital images presented here, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."
    CAUTION: camouflage drawing photographs shown on these pages have generally had contrast altered to enhance patterns. Contrast in actual photographic reproductions may differ markedly from that seen.


    Return to Naval History and Heritage Command home page.

    Page made 20 June 2007
    Coding updated 11 May 2009