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NS0312201 218k Taken in November 1949, this photograph shows a Project Skyhook balloon being prepared for launch aboard USS Palau (CVE-122). Project Skyhook involved the use of polyethylene balloons carrying instrument packages to altitudes in excess of 100,000 feet (30,480+ meters); these balloons provided a stable vehicle for long duration observations and offered the opportunity of collecting highly specialized information and photographs.
Planes parked aft belong to Marine Fighter Squadron 212 (VMF-212).