The Navy had established this special group in early 1942, shortly after the US entry into the war, to document and publicize its aviation activities and allowed Steichen to recruit the most talented photographers he could find.

Steichen and his unit initially reported to Capt Arthur W. Radford, and were made part of the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics.

Steichen's responsibility increased to the point where, in early 1945, he was made director of a newly formed Naval Photographic Institute, and given formal control over all Navy combat photography.

[3]: 172  Steichen, who wanted the team assembled as quickly as possible, passed Adams by, and had his other photographers ready to go by early April.

[3]: 173  Among the photographers whom Steichen later added in early 1945 was Morley Baer who remained with the unit until the end of the war.