Dusty Cleese and the USS Enterprise

Dusty Cleese, an unsung hero of the Battle of Midway, began his naval journey at a young age, driven by a desire to serve. By 1941, he was training as a naval aviator in Pensacola, Florida. In January 1942, he was aboard the USS Enterprise for its first Pacific deployment, equipped with cutting-edge technology. Dusty and his best friend Tom, both Naval Academy graduates, were eager to fight against the Japanese, feeling ready for the challenges ahead.

What motivated Dusty Cleese to join the Naval Academy?

• A desire to travel the world

• A family tradition of military service

• A wish to serve in the Armed Forces

• An interest in naval engineering

Where did Dusty Cleese undergo his aviation training?

• San Diego, California

• Pensacola, Florida

• Norfolk, Virginia

• Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

What type of aircraft did Dusty initially train in?

• Gliders

• Helicopters

• Biplanes

• Jet planes

How many hours did Dusty log in the air without incident?

• 250 hours

• 100 hours

• 200 hours

• 149 hours

What was significant about the USS Enterprise's first deployment?

• It was the first aircraft carrier to be built

• It carried the most advanced technology of its time

• It was the largest ship in the fleet

• It was the first ship to reach Japan

What was the main challenge faced by the USS Enterprise crew during their deployment?

• Mechanical failures

• Uncertainty of war

• Outdated navigation systems

• Lack of food supplies

Who was Dusty Cleese's best friend on the USS Enterprise?

• John Smith

• James Brown

• Tom Ever

• Robert Lee

What did Dusty Cleese and his friend Tom have in common?

• Both were captains

• Both were engineers

• Both were from the same hometown

• Both graduated from the Naval Academy

How did Dusty Cleese feel about the impending war with Japan?

• He was against the war

• He was indifferent

• He was eager and ready to fight

• He was apprehensive and fearful