Specialist (X) (PI) 2nd Class Marcelle Whiteman holds one of the 200 carrier pigeons based at NAS Santa Ana, California, circa June 1945. The birds were used to transmit communications from the air to the station when radio silence is in force. One of the occupations covered by the Specialist (X) rating was pigeon trainer (80-G-K-5489).
World War II
During World War II, the pigeon trainer rating was moved to a new rating designation known as Specialist (X) (PI). The specialist rating was created in late 1941 to allow for new enlisted ratings that were needed during wartime, but didn’t fall in the established rating structure.
In 1943, the rating opened up to Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). They trained at the pigeon school at Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey. Requirements for women were the same as men—they should have experience working with birds or other animals and know how to drive a car in order to pick up pigeons that got lost during training sessions.
Naval Air Station Lakehurst was also the prime operating base of airships and dirigibles. During World War II, pigeons were routinely taken on airships and dirigibles conducting stateside antisubmarine patrols. They were used when radio silence was in force, or during radio failure. Every airship carried six crated pigeons. Typically, pigeons carried messages in black plastic capsules attached to one of their legs, but when an emergency message was sent, a red capsule was used.
The Specialist X pigeon trainer rating was phased out after World War II when the Navy returned to a peacetime rating structure. On 1 January 1948, pigeon trainers were transferred to the emergency service rating category. They were kept in the ranks until January 1961, at which point all exclusive emergency service ratings were disestablished.
Pam please tell Donnie these Hansennes do indeed have a lot of class. Large wings like I've never seen like maybe on a duck or owl. They have a lovely prance, and their Roman noses takes the cake. Love it! Keep up the good breeding Donnie.
Dear Don,
Just sending a gift for my appreciation for getting such nice Sion birds from you. When I get some youngsters from them, I will send you some photos. I am still planning on purchase another hen and cock. Have a good breeding season with your birds.
Received birds this morning here in Missouri. They are safe and both beautiful.
Beautiful female pigeon. Lovely mix of colors, fether quality and great posture. I figured her picture wasn't the best pose. The male is impressive and very masculine looking and I'm happy to say they are calm and get along very well together. Thanks again they are gorgeous....
The birds arrived today got them all tucked in the loft. You saved the best for last I think there nice birds ,,only sorry I didn't buy a couple of the other hens. Thanks alot
Hello. I received the birds today they look great. Thank you very much.
The Hen is here! Awesome bird & I can feel the power just holding her. She is very calm pigeon & that is always a plus. Thanks so much!
Hi this is Nate from Wisconsin. I just wanted to let you know the Andalusian cockbird made it here in good shape today. Thanks again!
Hi Don, birds are adapting well. I like their presentaion & calmness. Looks like they will fit in with my birds. I see what you mean about the BB. We'll see how he produces. Might b a genetic thing & go away when crossed with and unrelated hen.
Regards
Jim
Halo! Just picked up bird from post office. Thank you very much!
Thank you very much for your attention. the pigeons are beautiful and eat well. Im recommending your pigeons to my friends. I hope to buy more pigeons from you in the future. Thank you.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
