About ELSILRAC

In 1943, Robert Carlisle joined the Navy and requested photography as his work preference. After boot camp he was assigned to the USS MONA ISLAND, ARG-9, which served in the South Pacific until 1946. He continued to express his interest in photography and in 1949, he was detached from the Seabee Detachment in Grondal, Greenland to attend photo school in Pensacola, Fl. After graduation, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, CVB-42, and in three months he was promoted to Petty Officer First Class.

His collection of Navy images began early during WWII. Always
interested in history as a boy, Bob was fascinated by historical ships and aircraft and began collecting photos from Photographer's Mates. After becoming one himself, he collected both his photographs and all others who had no use for their cast-offs. By the time his 45 year career in the Navy was over, he had amassed a collection of over 10,000 photos.

After retiring in 1986, Bob found there was an interest in these old photos. Retired sailors and their family wanted these pictures to commemorate their time spent on these great ships. Reproducing these photos turned from a hobby and life's work into a business! Now, with all the Navy files turned over to the National Archives, it is not easy to obtain prints at the price most ex-Navy personnel would like to pay. Instead, Elsilrac offers a digital reproduction mounted on an1/8 inch board plus a ship's history and free shipping and postage for as little as $12.00 dollars. Please click here for prices.