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END OF THE "SARA." As the coud lifted follow- 

 ing the Baker blast, and the target array once more 

 became visible, there was no question but that the 

 gallant aircraft carrier "Saratoga," oldest U. S. air- 

 craft carrier afloat, was seriously damaged. All 

 moored planes and material on her deck had been 

 swept into the Lagoon. Much of her superstructure 

 was gone or extensively damaged. The very dis- 

 tinctive stack (shown opposite, upper) was com- 

 pletely gone Wher ships of the supporting fleet 



began re-entering the Lagoon after the test, and 

 it was certain that "Saratoga" was on her way 

 down, Admiral Blandy ordered tugs to attempt to 

 secure lines to the carrier and tow her to Enyu 

 Island for beaching. This proved impossible since 

 both "Saratoga" and the water surrounding her 

 were too "hot" to permit safe approach. The sink- 

 ing of Old "Sara" was watched with mixed emo- 

 tions by members of the Task Force, many of whom 

 had served on her du r 'ng her fighting days. 



