Enlistment
Burnett was assigned to the United States Naval Reserve, which primarily served as a manpower pool for the Navy. He was placed on inactive duty without pay but would be called to active duty at a future date. During this time, he attended the “NavTra-Sta” Machinist School in San Diego, California. On July 2nd, 1943 he graduated; he was 47th in his class of 264, and had a final mark of 90.25 (out of 100). |
Organizational Unit- USS Liscome Bay
Burnett, on July 8th,1943, boarded the USS Liscome Bay, an aircraft carrier. Construction had been taking place on this carrier since December 12, 1942, but on April 19, 1943 she was finally launched. She was commissioned by the Navy on August 7, 1943. When launched, the ship carried 16 fighters and 12 torpedo bombers, the torpedo bombers all TBM-1 “Avenger” variants. During the period between its commission and first mission, the ship trained off the coasts of Southern California and Hawaii and Burnett, while aboard, obtained the rank of Fireman, First Class. |