World War II Camouflage

During World War II the Sumner appeared in various paint schemes designed to confuse enemy lookouts, spotters and pilots. This page displays examples and plans for some of the many variations that were actually used on the USS Allen M. Sumner.

Measure 21 - Revision 2 of 2 June 1942

Colors
Vertical Surfaces: Navy Blue 5-N All Vertical surfaces without exception. Horizontal Surfaces: Deck Blue, 20-B. Canvas Covers: Canvas covers visible from the outside vessel are to be dyed a color corresponding to Deck Blue.
The camouflage painting need not be exact or carried into corners. Small gear, wires, rigging, and areas permanently in shadow, as under boats, etc., need not be painted with the camouflage colors. There is no objection to exact or careful painting which may be desired for the sake of good appearance at close range. All bright or shiny objects, no matter how insignificant, shall be painted, covered, or removed. Glass windows shall be covered or removed, especially during the day in sunny weather, and at night when anticipating searchlight discovery. Insofar as conditions permit, similar precautions shall be taken on airport lenses.

New York Harbor - 25 January 1944

The overwhelming majority (if not all) DD-692 (Allen M. Sumner) class destroyers that were in commission during 1944 were painted in Camouflage Measure 31-32-33a designs during the course of that year. Some ships that were placed in commission in late 1943 and early 1944 initially received other camouflage schemes, but were repainted in Measures 31 or 32 early in their service. The others apparently wore those pattern camouflage measures from the first. Two ships, both of which entered service late in 1944, were painted in the lighter tones of Measure 33a. Once painted in a specific Measure 31-32-33a series design, these destroyers generally retained that pattern until repainted in Measure 21 or 22 in 1945, after the advent of Japanese suicide air attack tactics encouraged a rethinking of ship camouflage systems.

Measure 31 Design 16D - dated 6 April 1944

Port side	Starboard side
Colors Dull Black (BK), Ocean Gray (5-O) and Haze Gray (5-H) on vertical surfaces, Deck Blue (20-B) and Ocean Gray (5-O) on exposed decks

New York Navy Yard - 1 May 1944

Measure 22 - (1945 Revision)
Graded System of 26 February, 1945

Colors
Vertical Surfaces: Apply a horizontal band of Navy Blue (5-NB) or #7 Navy Gray (5-N), if blue not available, to the hull for its entire length and extending from the boottopping to the height of the main deck at its lowest point (on carriers to the level of the hangar deck). Apply Haze Gray (5-H) to all vertical surfaces above that level. In absence of boottopping, extend lower band from light load line. Horizontal Surfaces: Apply Deck Gray (20) to decks and other horizontal surfaces exposed to weather.
It should be noted that #7 Navy Gray has been substituted for Navy Blue retaining the same designation (5-N), and Deck Gray (20) has been substituted for Deck Blue (20-B). Countershading is no longer authorized

Hunters Point - 6 April 1945

For indepth information on the history and use of camouflage painting during World War II we suggest visiting the
shipcamouflage.com website