my life as a naval aviator
by Capt. Donald Davenport Engen
The Commanding Officer of the USS AMERICA CVA-66 from July 1966 to July
1967 tells his story of life as an aviator beginning with biplanes in 1942
through the transition to jets and his command of the USS AMERICA in 1967.
Capt. Engen holding the Battle E plaque,
presented by Vice Admiral C.T. Booth to
USS AMERICA for being the best allround
carrier in the Atlantic Fleet, April
1967 (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy)