CVA-59 was named after James Vincent Forrestal (1892-1949). He became the first Under Secretary of the Navy in August 1940, charged with building the world's largest Fleet. His brilliant work in procurement and production led to his appointment as the 48th Secretary of the Navy in May 1944. Forrestal carried out this new assignment with such distinction that he was the natural choice as the first Secretary of Defense, a position to which he was appointed in September 1947, and in which he continued outstanding service to the Nation, until he resigned in March 1949. He had served in the US Navy as a naval aviator during World War I.

Aircraft Carrier CVB-59. Concept artwork by D.A. McKenna, depicting the original design for this ship. After many modifications, she was completed as USS Forrestal (CVA-59). As originally planned, the carrier had catapults at the bow and on sponsons on each side, a landing area running up the ship's centerline and no "island" above the flight deck level. Photograph was received by the Naval Photographic Center on 27 September 1951.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-433021).

Note: Original caption incorrectly refers to "USS Forrestal (CVA-58)." CVA-58 was, in fact, the cancelled United States; Forrestal was initially designated CVB-59, changed to CVA-59 on 1 October 1952, prior to commissioning.

"Official Navy Photo. Released by Dept. of Defense"
"Aircraft carriers of the fleet: USS Antietam (CVA-36) with new canted flight deck, upper left; USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) upper right; USS Midway (CVA‑41), lower left; USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), lower right; center, artist conception of the USS Forrestal (CVA-59). The Forrestal's keel was laid at Newport News (7-14-52) and is scheduled for launching in 1954."

USN Official Photo, # 484875, dated 15 Jul 1953.

David comments: "[P]erhaps unknowingly, the people of Navy Public Affairs or whoever put this montage together, certainly did a great job of assembling a 'past, present and future' of carrier aviation, including the airship, first canted (angled) deck, first large carriers, first supercarrier, and a link to World War II in the form of the as-yet unmodified CVA 31."

Forrestal (CVA-59) under construction, general view from aft, 28 April 1953. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. photo.

No. 2 diesel generator being placed in ship, 30 ??? 1953. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. photo.

"USS Forrestal (CVA 59), scheduled to join the fleet in 1955, is a-building. Construction on second deck level below hangar deck is now in progress." From "All Hands" magazine, September 1953 issue.

Forrestal (CVA-59) under construction. General view from port quarter, 22 November 1954. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. photo.

Compare to photo NS0259br, taken almost exactly 53 years later.

"WAP 1075146 (61 751). . . . NEW YORK BUREAU"

"ONE OF FORRESTAL'S FOUR PROPELLERS — NEWPORT NEWS, VA.:- A workman stands beside one of the huge five-bladed propellers of the giant carrier USS Forrestal, being readied for a Dec. 11th christening. Four of these screws will transmit the largest amount of power ever used to drive a ship, a total of more than 200,000 horsepower. Each propeller is 22 feet in diameter and is made in a single manganese bronze casting weighing more than 70,000 pounds. NX-A FTS MX AD EUR-8,10,11 RBC TV CREDIT (UNITED PRESS TEL'PHOTO) 12/10/54"

Christening of Forrestal, Saturday, 11 December 1954.

Unique view of Forrestal (CVA-59) before her launching ceremony.

Forrestal is christened by Mrs. James V. Forrestal (née Josephine Ogden Stovall).

(See also NS025984.)

Forrestal was christened on Saturday, December 11, 1954 by Mrs. James V. Forrestal, widow of the ship's namesake.

(See also NS025984g.)

Mrs. James Forrestal, widow of the First Secretary of Defense, and her two sons admire the silver service presented her after she christened the giant aircraft carrier USS Forrestal in ceremonies on 11 December 1954 in Newport News, Virginia. At left is Michael Forrestal. His brother, Peter, stands beside their mother. AP Photo/CPG.

This photo was probably taken late on 11 December 1954, after Forrestal was christened and launched, and when she was about to be moored to the outfitting pier.

This photo was probably taken late on 11 December 1954, after Forrestal was christened and launched, and after she was moored to the outfitting pier. Note the bunting has only been partly removed. (Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association Historian.)

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) photographed by W.F. Radcliff, 1955.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph. (photo # NH 85667).

Forrestal (CVA-59) leaving pier for trial run, 22 August 1955. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company photo.

Broadside view of Forrestal (CVA-59) at sea, 23 August 1955. Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company photo.

Official U.S. Navy photo of Forrestal (CVA-59) from "Jane's Fighting Ships, 1956–1957," possibly taken when she was about to begin her builder's trials.

Forrestal (CVA-59), possibly while running her builder's trials.

Forrestal (CVA-59) underway, 29 September 1955, from Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company to Norfolk Naval Shipyard, just prior to commissioning and acceptance by U.S. Navy on October 1, 1955.

Official photograph, U.S. Navy

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway on trials, 29 September 1955, just prior to commissioning.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-682046).

Forrestal (CVA-59), probably running trials circa September 1955.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59). Date and location unknown.

This postcard shows Forrestal as built.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) circa 1956. Official U.S. Navy photo from "Jane's Fighting Ships, 1958–1959."

"Attack Aircraft Carrier USS Forrestal—Ship's Appearance as of 1956"

"View from the port side"

Photograph taken during Forrestal's shakedown cruise, January 24–March 31, 1956. This picture was the front cover of Naval Aviation News, August 1956 issue. (Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who pointed this out).

Another photo taken during Forrestal's shakedown cruise, January 24–March 31, 1956. (Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who helped date this image).

USS Forrestal CVA-59) in the Caribbean Sea during her shakedown cruise, 24 January–31 March 1956. She embarked ATG-181, consisting of the following squadrons: VF-41 "Black Aces" (F2H-3 Banshee), VF-21 "Mach Busters" (FJ-3 Fury), VA-86 "Sidewinders" (F7U-3M Cutlass), VA-42 "Green Pawns" (AD-6 Skyraider), VAH-7 "Go-Devils" (AJ-2 Savage), VC-12 "Last of the Mohicans" (AD-5W Skyraider), VC-33 "Night Hawks" (AD-5N Skyraider), VC-62 "Fighting Photos" (F2H-2P Banshee) and HU-2 "Fleet Angels" (HUP-2 Retriever).

Anchored in berth Yoke, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 2 February 1956. USS Wisconsin (BB-64) in the right background.

The first major medical operation aboard Forrestal was performed on this day by Dr. Voris, senior medical officer on board, assisted by LT Hoffman, the Air Group's flight surgeon.

"North American FJ-3 Fury BuNo 136136, modex I212, VF-21 "Mach Busters," Air Task Group (ATG) 181, prepares to launch from a catapult on the deck of USS Forrestal (CVA-59), 29 February 1956."

Note flight deck crew standing on the starboard side of the flight deck wearing their hand-held hearing protection—i.e., covering their ears with their hands.

North American FJ-3 Fury BuNo 136130, modex I211, VF-21 "Mach Busters," Air Task Group (ATG) 181. "Within a matter of seconds the Fury is on its way at better than 100 mph before it leaves the end of the cat. This is all in preparation to launch from the catapult on the deck of USS Forrestal (CVA-59), 29 February 1956."

Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, USN, (at left), Chief of Naval Operations, on the bridge of USS Forrestal (CVA-59), 12 March 1956. The ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Roy L. Johnson, is pointing out distant aircraft. Photographed by H.L. Wise.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-687784).

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) catapults a FJ-3 Fury jet fighter from a midships catapult, during shakedown operations, 12 March 1956. Another FJ-3, of Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21) and a F2H-3 Banshee are being readied for launching from the bow catapults. Photographed by N.W. Bitzer.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-687790).

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway during her shakedown cruise, 24 January–31 March 1956.

"FLEET STRIKING POWER is emphasized in this dramatic photo of the versatile new McDonnell F3H-2N Demon leaving the steam 'cat' aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal CVA-59 during recent carrier trials. The fastest all-weather fighter now on Navy operational duty, the advanced Demon is powered by an Allison J-71 engine with afterburner augmentation. The McDonnell Fighter recently completed its Fleet Introduction Program at Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland, a week ahead of schedule, bringing the comment of Captain Donald Gay, Jr., USN, Director of Service Tests, that 'The Demon Fleet Introduction Program was one of the most successful ever held at Patuxent.'"

McDonnell Aircraft Corporation Photo #D4E69362.

This photo was most likely taken in April 1956. (Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who helped date this picture.)

Naval Air Test Center Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior, BuNo 135408, conducting Carrier Suitability Trials aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59), 4 April 1956.

This particular aircraft was written off on 4 January 1960 and scrapped, after an accident while serving with VAH-123.

"CVPR-590 — F8U landing on the Forrestal. Mirror landing system is on the right. Office of Public Information, DOD; 26 May 1956."

Carrier suitability tests for the F8U-1 Crusader were carried out aboard Forrestal in April 1956. There is no test logged in May, however. Quoted date may be, therefore, the date the photo was received by the Office of Public Information, or perhaps the date it was released to the public. (Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who provided this info).

"Aerial bow view of the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) as it is backed into the drydock at Norfolk Naval Ship Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia. Official U.S. Navy photo, USN # 670838, 10 May 1956."

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) and USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39, in the right background) moored at Mayport, Fla., 22–24 September 1956.

Sunday, 11 November 1956 (Suez Crisis). Steaming in the Atlantic in company with Task Force 26 composed of DESRON 26, DESDIV 322, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) [seen in the background in photo NS025970b], USS Des Moines (CA-134) and USS Severn (AO-61) enroute to the Azores Islands.

(Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian).

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) operating in the Atlantic, 3 December 1956. During the Suez Crisis (29 October–12 December 1956) Carrier Air Group 1 (CAG-1) was embarked aboard Forrestal and was made up of the following squadrons and detachments: VF-171 "Aces," VF-173 "Jesters," VA-76 "Spirits," VA-15 "Valions," VFP-62 "Fighting Photos," VA(AW)-33 "Nighthawks," VAW-12 "Bats," VAH-1 "Smokin' Tigers," and HU-2 "Fleet Angels."

A Douglas AD-6 Skyraider (BuNo 139776, modex AB407) of Attack Squadron (VA) 15 "Valions," Carrier Air Group (CVG) One, recovering aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in 1957. US Navy photo.

(BuNo 139776 was later transferred to USAF as 52-139776.)

A U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-8B Cougar from Attack Squadron (VA) 76 "Spirits" about to be launched from the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59), in 1957. VA-76 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 1 aboard Forrestal for a deployment to the Azores Islands (7 November–12 December 1956, Suez Crisis) and another to the Mediterranean Sea, 15 January–22 July 1957. U.S. Navy photo from the USS Forrestal 1957 Cruise Book.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 1, 7 February 1957, during the ship's first deployment to the Mediterranean. Note F9F-8/8B Cougars from Attack Squadron (VA) 76 "Spirits" and A3D-1 Skywarriors from Heary Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers" parked aft on the flight deck.

Photo by Marius Bar, Toulon, France.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) awaiting her turn to refuel, while operating in the Mediterranean Sea during the Jordanian crisis, 29 April 1957. USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98) is ahead, with USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39) and USS Salem (CA-139) alongside. Note Forrestal's eclectic air group, with F3H-2N, FJ-3M, F9F-8B, F2H-2P, A3D-1, AD-6, and S2F aircraft visible on her flight deck.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-K-22688).

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) at anchor, Naples, Italy, early June 1957.

Forrestal, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 1, visited Naples from 29 May to 6 June. Note forward sponsons, with two 5" guns each, and open fantail.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) at anchor, with Carrier Air Group 1 (CVG-1) aboard. This photo is believed to have been taken off Monaco in June 1957.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59), with embarked Carrier Air Group (CVG) 1 aboard, anchored at La Condamine, Principality of Monaco, in 30 fathoms of water, 7 June 1957.

At 1015 His Royal Highness Prince Rainier III, Princess Grace, Princess Antoinette and royal party came aboard by boat. They observed an underway aerial demonstration by CVG-1 and were given a tour of Forrestal. At 1543 His Royal Highness Prince Rainier, Princess Grace and Royal party departed by boat, as the rail was manned.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) at anchor, possibly in June 1957. The original, slanted stack had already been replaced, but the T-shaped after mast had yet to be installed.

Photo Galilea.

NS0913026002: USS Betelgeuse (AK-260) and USS Forrestal (CVA-59), 21 June 1957, near Barcelona, Spain.

NS0259bt: Forrestal seen from Betelgeuse.

Later that day, the Shah of Iran visited Forrestal for the first time.

(Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian).

Change of Command ceremony, Captain Richard L. Kibbe relieves Captain William E. Ellis. Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Thursday, 4 July 1957.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway with Carrier Air Group 1 (CVG-1) aboard, probably in the second half of 1957.

Official US Navy Photograph from the Forrestal's Photo Lab, serial #CVA-59-6321-L-7-57.

(Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who helped date this photo).

NATO Exercise Strike Back, September-October 1957.

Top to bottom:

(32)  In port, as seen from USS Intrepid (CVA-11). Number 1 elevator (forward, starboard) can be seen in the lowered position and shows that horizontal surfaces were painted in a darker blue-gray color.

(33)  Tugs pushing Forrestal away from Pier 5 (Norfolk).

(34)  Forward 5" guns had not yet been removed. Original slanted-top funnel had been replaced with a rectangular one, flat-topped. Aft mast was still in its original configuration.

(35)  A3D-1 Skywarriors of Heavy Attack Squadron One (VAH-1) "Smokin' Tigers." VAH-1 was the first operational unit to receive Skywarriors. Note ship's crane (right), 5" guns and sponson (center) and ECM antennas (just aft of the guns and on flight deck's edge).

(36)  Forrestal underway.

USS Waccamaw (AO-109) replenishes USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the Atlantic, 9 September 1957 (NATO Exercise Strike Back). The Canadian St. Laurent-class destroyer HMCS Ottawa (DDE-229) steams astern of Waccamaw. Both A3D-1 Skywarriors on Forrestal's flight deck (BuNos 135412 and 135435) were assigned to VAH-1 "Smokin' Tigers" and were used for ground training at Lakehurst, NJ, in later years.

(Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who correctly dated this photo).

USS Nantahala (AO-60) refueling USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the Atlantic, during NATO Exercise Strikeback, 22 September 1957. Note the various items on the oiler's cargo deck, among them a Jeep and a pickup truck. Photographed by USS Northampton (CLC-1).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 105338).

"VAH-1 Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior BuNo 135417 crash on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) during Operation Strike Back in the Norwegian Sea, on 26 September 1957. It was a day landing, second approach, CCA (first approach mode 1 without); 1.6 km visibility, low, ragged ceiling, intermittent rain showers. After a low approach the aircraft settled at the ramp and the main mounts and fuselage struck the ramp. The aircraft continued up deck in flames crashing off angle. Parts of the plane struck a parked Douglas AD-5N Skyraider. Only two helmets and one boot were later recovered. It was estimated that one possible contributing factor was that the rain caused the optical illusion of 'high ball' on the landing mirror, and low airspeed. The crew died: CDR Paul Wilson, 71 total carrier landings; LT(JG) Joseph R. Juricic B/N; and ADC Percy Schafer, third crew member. As a high altitude bomber, the A3D was not equipped with ejection seats."

NS0259dya: National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM), photo # 1996.253.3514 (original US Navy photograph, from Forrestal photo lab, CVA-59-6752-L).

NS0259dyb: NNAM photo # 1996.253.3515 (CVA-59-6755-L).

NS0259dyc: NNAM photo # 1996.253.3516 (CVA-59-6754-L).

NS0259dyd: NNAM photo # 1996.253.3517 (CVA-59-6753-L).

USS Forrestal (CVA-59), the first of four ships of her class and the Navy's first supercarrier was placed in commission at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Va., CAPT R.L. Johnson in command. This was the follow-on ship to the CVA-58 which had been cancelled six years earlier. This is Forrestal with the Sixth Fleet in October 1957. (709972.)

A Vought F8U-1 Crusader, BuNo 145332, modex AK[2]00, VF-103 "Sluggers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 10. This is probably a "touch-and-go" landing, as no tailhook is visible. USS Forrestal (CVA-59), 1958.

The 00 number ("double nuts") indicates that this is the personal aircraft of the Commander, Air Group (CAG). (This plane crashed in the U.S. on 13 August 1958. Pilot, LT(JG) Herbert F. Herndon, ejected safely.)

Note USS Goodrich (DDR-831) steaming in the background.

A Douglas A4D-2 (later A-4B) Skyhawk (BuNo 142716, modex AK307) of Attack Squadron (VA) 12 "Flying Ubangis" of Carrier Air Group (CVG) Ten, about to launch from the port catapult of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) during exercises in the Mediterranean Sea, circa 1958–59. U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News, August 1959 issue.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) enters port at Naples, Italy, circa early 1959. Mount Vesuvius is in the distance. Aircraft visible on deck include A3D-2 bombers of squadron VAH-5, F4D-1 fighters of squadron VF-102 and A4D-2 attack planes of squadron VA-12. This photograph was released by the Department of Defense on 19 May 1959. Forrestal's 1958–59 Sixth Fleet tour had ended on 12 March of that year.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command.

A U.S. Navy Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk (BuNo 145006, modex AJ302) of Attack Squadron (VA) 83 "Rampagers" refueling a Vought F8U-1P Crusader (BuNo 146829, modex AJ921) of Photo Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 62 "Fighting Photos," 1959–60.

BuNo 145006, then assigned to VA-81 "Crusaders," crashed 10 miles astern of USS Forrestal on 16 November 1962. The pilot was killed in this accident.

USN Photo - U.S. DefenseImagery photo (DN-SC-87-08331).

Crewmembers spell out "CVA 59 — OPERATION USA — CVG 10" on the flight deck of USS Forrestal (CVA-59). This photo was probably taken on Wednesday, 11 March 1959, the day Carrier Air Group (CVG) 10 flew off Forrestal and the day before the carrier arrived in Norfolk, back from a Med cruise.

Official U.S. Navy photograph (# EAT-8504-L-890311).

(Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Assn. historian, who dated this photo.)

Five photos of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway on 29 August 1959, after completing her first regular overhaul and with Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8) aboard for the first time. CVG-8, later Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8), would deploy regularly with Forrestal until 1966.

Note new flight deck markings, as compared to earlier photos, above (e.g., NS025993 and NS025908). The "59" at the aft end of the flight deck had been removed, and the one at the forward end was only an outline. The yellow, converging, landing lines had been replaced by white, parallel lines.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 8. Probably somewhere in WestLant, late 1959.

Ammunition ship USS Suribachi (AE-21) is in photo NS0259ena.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) after her first overhaul, but still much in her original configuration. Date (late 1959?) and location (Western Atlantic?) unknown.

Two Douglas F4D-1 Skyray fighters (BuNos 134803 and 134841) of Fighter Squadron (VF) 102 "Diamondbacks" in flight on 25 April 1960. VF-102 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 8 (tail code "AJ") aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) between August 1959 and August 1961.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 1996.253.7326.018).

Three Vought F8U-2 (F-8C) Crusaders (BuNos 146942, 146945, 146957) of U.S. Marine Corps Fighter Squadron Three Three Three (VMF-333) "Fighting Shamrocks" on the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59), circa 1960. Photo from U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News, February 1961.

F8U-2 Crusader, Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 333 "Shamrocks," aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59). Photo is dated September 1958, but this is probably incorrect.

Caloosahatchee (AO-98) refueling Forrestal (CVA-59) to port while Salem (CA-139) moves into position to refuel from Caloosahatchee's starboard side, date and place unknown. US Navy photo from "All Hands" magazine, May 1960.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the Med, early 1960.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway, probably while conducting air defense exercises, January–February 1960.

"CVA-59-13256-(L)-4-60 Mediterranean Sea (April 7 1960) A flight of F8U Crusaders of VF-103 execute a fly over of USS Forrestal (CVA-59), as she is operating with the US Sixth Fleet in the Med. The photo was taken by a unit of VFP-62, which was flying above the dramatic scene. US Navy photo."

Two Douglas AD-5W aircraft of squadron VAW-12 fly over the carrier, while she was operating with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, 25 April 1960. The planes are Bureau #s 135163 and 135183.

USS Pawcatuck (AO-108) refueling USS Forrestal (CVA-59), circa August 1960–September 1961, place unknown. Photo taken from USS Goodrich (DDR-831).

A3J-1 Vigilante conducting carrier trials aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59), October 31-November 8, 1960. This plane appears to be BuNo 146697, the 4th production Vigilante, which had been used for initial carrier suitability tests aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) the previous July, and is now preserved at NAS Patuxent River, MD. Official US Navy photo. (Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who helped date this picture).

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) anchored in Ormosa Fabrous Bay off Athens, Greece, 6 April 1961.

CVA-59-19826-(L)-8-61 Atlantic Ocean, Enroute Conus (August 24 1961)—Forrestal sailors celebrate the winning of the Battle Efficiency "E" for the second consecutive year. The crew does a "spell out" of the ship's name and awards in the middle of the 1,036-foot flight deck, as the mighty warship steams the last of her 50,113 miles, which was covered during her six-month deployment to the Mediterranean. US Navy photo by PH1 Dolwick.

An [F8U-1P/]RF-8A Crusader from the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA/CV-59) in flight[, circa 1962–66]. Note the camera ports. U.S. Navy photo.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

Undated (1962–1966) picture of a U.S. Navy McDonnell F-4B Phantom II of Fighting Squadron (VF) 74 "Bedevilers," the first deployable F-4 squadron, shown recovering aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59). It is "dirty" with wheels, flaps, and arrester hook down. Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles, and drop tanks are on wing pylons of the "AJ-102"; an infrared sensor protrudes under the streamlined nose which contains the APQ-72 interception radar. USN Official photo.

Photo and partial text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

A U.S. Navy McDonnell F-4B Phantom II of Fighter Squadron (VF) 74 "Be-Devilers" embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59), circa 1962. USN photo.

Two WF-2 Tracer aircraft of VAW-12 "Bats" in flight, with USS Forrestal (CVA-59) steaming below, January 12, 1962.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway with Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8). Official US Navy photo, from the ship's photo lab, File No. CVA-59-22126-L-9-62.

Although this photo is dated September 2, 1962 it appears to have been taken just minutes before photo NS025909, below (according to Ken Killmeyer, Forrestal Association historian, the carrier was anchored at Naples, Italy, on Sep. 2, 1962.)

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway at sea, 31 May 1962, while preparing for her fifth deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. Note that the carrier has F4H Phantom II jet fighters in her air group.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (photo # KN-4507).

Launch operations on USS Forrestal (CVA-59). An A4D Skyhawk has just taken off from the angled flight deck and the two forward catapults show signs of two more planes being set up for take off, since the jet blast deflection plates can be seen raised behind both planes (midships). A helicopter is visible above the bow. Circa the first half of 1962, location unknown.

Photo from the John N. Adriani Sr collection.

USS Mauna Loa (AE-8) replenishes USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the Virginia Capes area, 7 July 1962. Forrestal had Carrier Air Group (CVG) 8, tail code "AJ," embarked. Official U.S. Navy photograph by PH2 Caswell, USN (CVA-59-21510-L-7-62).

Three Crusaders assigned to Carrier Air Group 8 (CVG-8) fly over USS Forrestal (CVA-59), circa August 1962. From fore to back: an F8U-1P (soon-to-be RF-8A) of VFP-62 "Fighting Photos," BuNo 146895, and two F8U-2's (F-8C) of VF-103 "Sluggers," BuNos 146932 and 145592. Official US Navy photo, from the ship's photo lab, File No. CVA-59-22236-L-8-62.

A VA-81 "Crusaders" A4D-2 Skyhawk about to launch from the port forward catapult aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59). Official US Navy photo, from the ship's photo lab, File No. CVA-59-22128-L-9-62.

This picture is dated September 2, 1962 but must have been taken somewhat earlier, as on that date Forrestal was anchored at Naples, Italy (thanks to Ken Killmeyer, Forrestal Association historian.)

Under the 1962 new, joint designation system, the A4D-2 was redesignated A-4B. Squadron VA-81 was renamed "Sunliners" on April 3, 1963.

An F8U-1P/RF-8A of VFP-62 launching from the angle deck of USS Forrestal (CVA-59), probably circa 1962–1963. Note the variable incidence wing in the up position, for additional lift — this was a unique feature of the Crusader. An A4D-2/A-4B Skyhawk of VA-81 is being prepared for launch on the left forward cat. Note the blast deflector behind the jet to protect the flight deck crew. Official US Navy photograph.

"Hook down and coming home"—an F8U-1P/RF-8A of VFP-62 prepares to land on USS Forrestal (CVA-59), circa 1962–63. Official US Navy photograph.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) off Barcelona, Spain. Photo by José E. Puente, believed to have been taken in late January–early February 1963.

A Grumman A-6A Intruder (BuNo.149941) of Attack Squadron (VA) 42 "Green Pawns," the Intruder training unit, aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) for carrier qualification trials, possibly in 1963. Official US Navy photo taken from The World's Fighting Planes, by William Green.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) between launches. Note the aircraft parked in the bow area so that planes could land on the angled flight deck, aft. Three A4D Skyhawks are in tow for servicing and storage. The radio antennas on the port bow are in the lowered position for air operations, and raised to a vertical position when flight operations were complete. Judging from flight deck markings and Air Group composition, this photo appears to have been taken during the second half of 1963 (or very early in 1964), off the East Coast.

Photo from the John N. Adriani Sr collection.

"Forrestal made history in November 1963 when on the 8th, 21st and 22nd, LT James H. Flatley III and his crew members, LCDR [W. W.] 'Smokey' Stovall and Aviation Machinist's Mate (Jets) 1st Class Ed Brennan, made [29 touch-and-go landings and] 21 full-stop landings and takeoffs in a C-130F Hercules aboard the ship. The tests were conducted 500 miles out in the North Atlantic off the coast of Massachusetts. In so doing, Forrestal and the C-130 set a record for the largest and heaviest airplane landing on a Navy aircraft carrier. The Navy was trying to determine if the big Hercules could serve as a 'Super-COD'—a 'Carrier On-board Delivery' aircraft. The problem was there was no aircraft which could provide resupply to a carrier in mid ocean. The Hercules was stable, reliable, and had a long cruising range and high payload."

"The tests were more than successful. At 85,000 pounds [38,555.3 kg], the C-130F came to a complete stop within 267 feet [81.4 meters], and at the maximum load [121,000 pounds, 54,884.6 kg], the plane used only 745 feet [227.1 meters] for take-off [and 460 feet, 140.2 meters, for landing]. The Navy concluded that with the C-130 Hercules, it would be possible to lift 25,000 pounds [11,339.8 kg] of cargo 2,500 miles [4,022.5 km] and land it on a carrier. However, the idea was considered a bit too risky for routine COD operations. The C-2A Greyhound program was developed and the first of these planes became operational in 1965. For his effort, the Navy awarded LT Flatley the Distinguished Flying Cross."

The plane was a USMC KC-130F Hercules, BuNo 149798, at the time assigned to VR-1 squadron. In 2005 it was donated to the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola, FL.

The first test took place on October 30 near Jacksonville, FL—LT Flatley and his crew performed 19 touch-and-go landings.

Quoted text courtesy of the US Navy. Additional information from KC130.Com (no longer available) and Fabio Peña.

Format: WMV (Windows Media Audio/Video file)  Duration: 3' 38"   Size: 320 x 240

"KC-130 Suitability Trials."

A Lockheed C-130F Hercules transport aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. Inset is a pic of an LTV XC-142A V/STOL transport hovers above the flight deck of USS Forrestal. U.S. Navy photo.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

Bow photo of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) moored alongside the north side of pier #90 in New York City. Look at the sailor on the flight deck near the Union Jack: he appears small compared to the massive attack carrier. Look at the two 30-ton anchors, and to the right bottom part of the photo you can see the red stack off to the right on the north side of the next pier; that stack is the SS Queen Mary which is also now sea history.

Forward port side view of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) taken from the access road. The people in the foreground are waiting in line to tour the first super aircraft carrier which was open for the public viewing. The port side elevator is in the lower position, and the Hudson River can be seen in the distant background.

Window view from Pier #90 looking north. USS Forrestal's starboard side massive 30-ton anchor has a striking appearance. Looking beyond Forrestal's bow to the right, is the NYC harbor lighter; this lighter has worked the NYC harbor for years unloading cargo from ships. The line of people below the elevated West Side highway are waiting to visit Forrestal; the highway is no longer there and the skyline has also changed...

Window view from pier #90 looking at USS Forrestal (CVA-59) starboard side forward. The officers' quarter deck can be seen which is where the white canvas tarp and railing. At the extreme left you can see people entering Forrestal on the lowered elevator, and the sunlight highlights forward hangar bay door area. Looking upward to the flight deck, you can see parked aircraft, and visitors walking around enjoying their tour on board Forrestal.

Photo taken from Pier #90 looking at USS Forrestal starboard side aft. In the foreground is the ship's crane, which was used to lift heavy aircraft, supplies and equipment from the pier to the lowered elevator deck. Upper left you can see one of the two 5-inch guns on the starboard aft sponson.

View of the starboard side aft of the island looking at the top of the ship's crane, the two 5-inch gun mounts, and three fighters which are parked on the flight deck. The three Fighter Squadron VF-74 ("Be-Devilers") planes are McDonnell F-4B Phantom II interceptors.

Photo showing the visitors exploring USS Forrestal's flight deck. In the background can be seen an A-4E Skyhawk, AJ407, assigned to VA-81 "Sunliners." Off to the left, in the background, are a few more F-4B Phantom II fighters.

Getting near the end of the day, visitors leaving USS Forrestal (CVA-59) have one more look at the bow along with the two massive 30-ton anchors. You can see how far the overhang of the flight deck extends out from the hull looking to the left of the photo. Part of the ship's island can be seen, along with the SPS-43 air search radar antenna.

USS Nitro (AE-23) at right conducts an underway replenishment of ammunition with USS Forrestal (CVA-59) while USS Altair (AKS-32) at left simultaneously conducts an underway replenishment of general stores. Tyrrhenian Sea, 8 January 1965. U.S. Navy photo from All Hands magazine, July 1965.

(Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association Historian, who found out where and when had the photo been taken.)

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) conducting flight operations while being shadowed by a Soviet Krupnyi-class destroyer. Judging from the ships' identifiable equipment, this picture was taken sometime between 1962 and 1966 [almost certainly in 1964, see comments below], even though it is dated November 1970 (this might actually be the date it was released).

Naval Photographic Center photo NPC #07053, photographer unknown, officially released.

Note: According to Forrestal's deck logs, researched by Ken Killmeyer (thank you very much, Ken!) this photo was most likely taken in late September 1964, south of Turkey.

Note: According to Russian sources, there were only two Krupnyi-class destroyers assigned to the Black Sea Fleet, and consequently this Soviet ship must be either Gnevnyi or Boikii.

John Adriani, RD-3, comments: "The USS Forrestal did have an encounter with a Russian warship. I reported to the USS Forrestal for duty in 1964 as a radarman. After a few months passed Captain Hanley instructed Chief Weaver (OI Division Chief) to assign the names from his hand picked list for standing watch on the Flag Bridge, and the Navigation Bridge and that I was to be permanently assigned to the Navigation Bridge for all sea details. With that being said, this opened up an opportunity for me that I will never forget."

"In late September 1964 Forrestal was operating near Greece and on Sept 25 a Russian Krupniy-class destroyer was spotted off our port quarter, bearing 085, at a distance of 8 nautical miles. By Sept 29 Forrestal was operating in the Ionian and Central Aegean Seas areas. I had the 1800–2400 watch and around 2330 hrs a radar contact was detected, dead astern at a range of 20 nautical miles. My watch relief showed up at 2345 and I made him aware of the new skunk (radar contact) and left the bridge for some sleep."

"The next morning at 0545 hrs I relieved the watch and the information passed on to me was that no visual could be seen and CIC (Combat Information Center) eventually scrubbed the skunk as a false radar echo. It should be noted that the Russian destroyer had turned off the ship's navigation lights to avoid visual detection by the aft lookout. Shortly after 0600 hrs Captain Hanley (still in his pajamas) came on the bridge and started looking at the 5 screening ships in our company. At this point he started counting the screening ships, and then recounted the ships in formation. His next question was directed to the OD (Officer of the Deck). Who was the sixth ship in our formation since it was not one of our US Navy ships? Captain Hanley decided to launch aircraft with instructions to fly over the Russian destroyer and try to force the Russian ship out of our formation. Within a short period of time Forrestal changed course into the wind to launch aircraft (apx 0630) which did fly over the Russian ship and after a few very low level fly overs the Russian ship did decide to leave our formation."

"My watch station was on the port side of the bridge and I do remember seeing that destroyer at very close range off the port side when she departed our ships screen (reference photo). That Russian destroyer did stay with the Task Force Group but at a distance of several miles, and continued to be in our company. The Russian destroyer was not too far behind as Forrestal entered into the Dardanelles Strait and into the Sea of Marmara. On Oct 5th Forrestal arrived at Istanbul, Turkey, dropped anchor still followed by the Russian ship. As the destroyer passed Forrestal the signal bridge reported that the Russian ship was sending us a visual message stating that they would see us on the morning of Oct 12th. The Russian ship proceeded north into the Bosporus Strait, heading for the Black Sea, most likely heading home for fuel and supplies."

"On the morning of Oct 12th I manned my sea detail station when a Russian destroyer came into view. The Signal Bridge reported that a Russian destroyer (same hull #) was sending us a visual message. Shortly thereafter Forrestal got underway and heading south for the Aegean Sea and the Russian destroyer stayed with us for a few days longer, and then left us."

"My service time on Forrestal was from Feb 1964–August 1966 as a Radarman. We did encounter some Russian trawlers at various times, but I only remember one very close encounter with a Russian warship which leads me to believe that this destroyer is that same Russian destroyer which is shown in this photo. This photo is a good example of the spy games that existed between the US and Soviet Union during the Cold War Years."

Ken Dunlap adds: "I remember seeing the destroyer pass under our bow because I was on forward lookout watch at the time. I remember how it was unbelievable to see a ship so close."

Official photo of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway, 1964.

An A-4E Skyhawk assigned to VA-81 "Sunliners" has just landed aboard Forrestal. Photo is dated August 1, 1964 but this may not be the actual date it was taken. This particular aircraft, BuNo 144912, was built as an A4D-2 (redesignated A-4B in 1962) and upgraded to A-4E standard.

A flight of four VF-74 "Be-Devilers" F-4B Phantom IIs in perfect echelon, with USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in the background. Photo taken sometime during Forrestal's 7th Mediterranean cruise, 10 July 1964–13 March 1965.

Refueling from USS Chikaskia (AO-54) in the Mediterranean Sea, August–November 1965. This was Forrestal's eighth deployment to the Med, 24 August 1965–7 April 1966. Air wing was Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, tail code "AJ."

USS Truckee (AO-147) refueling USS Forrestal (CVA-59) and USS Charles P. Cecil (DD-835) during an underway replenishment off the coast of Genoa, Italy, 5 October 1965. US Navy photo.

(Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who helped with the date and location of this picture).

LT John Newlin, VF-74 "Be-Devilers," made Forrestal's 115,000th trap on 13 December 1965. Plane was a McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 150479.

(Note: This photo can be found in one of the booklets produced by the Forrestal photo lab to commemorate special events during the 1965–66 Med cruise, but appears to have been taken during the previous cruise, 10 July 1964–13 March 1965.)

On 15 December 1965 USS Forrestal (CVA-59) combined the celebrations of her Captain's 10,000th and the ship's 115,000th traps. The photo and "Ten Thousand Trap Club" Certificate were scanned from one of the booklets produced by the Forrestal photo lab to commemorate special events during the 1965–66 Med cruise.

From left to right: CDR Cy Rank, Air Boss; CDR Burt Shepherd, CO, VA-81; CDR Frank Haak, XO; CAPT Howard "Shak" Moore, CO; and CDR Owen "Obie" Oberg, CAG 8.

Soviet TU-95 Bears intercepted by Forrestal/Carrier Air Wing 8 aircraft. LT John Newlin, VF-74 "Be-Devilers," was the pilot of F-4B Phantom II BuNo 150425 (in the photo) and recalls:

"On April 1, 1966 1400 miles west of Gibraltar during Forrestal's transit home. The A-3 tanker on my right wing is from VAH-11. Two Bears in trail formation were intercepted at 102 miles from the ship and escorted during their descent to a direct overflight the ship at 1500' and continued during their climb out and departure. The Alert 5 package included a section of VF-74 F-4Bs, a section of VMF-451 F-8Ds, a VAH-11 A-3B tanker, and a VFP-62 RF-8A."

"You can't see them in this photo but the TU-95 has two large plexiglass blisters on each side of the fuselage directly under the horizontal stabilizer. When I pulled up next to the Bear I saw a crewman standing behind an old fashioned bellows-type camera. He made hand signals to me that indicated he wanted to position me for a photograph. I followed his directions during which he ducked under the camera's hood several times. He finally gave me a thumbs up and emerged from under the hood with a big grin on his face. The Bear copilot was very professional and gave standard head and hand signals for altitude, power, and heading changes throughout the intercept. It didn't seem to bother him that I was tucked in so tight. So tight in fact that when positioned so that my head was directly perpendicular to the outboard rotating prop, the vibration rattled the canopy. Also, my RIO expressed concern about the proximity of our vertical stabilizer to the Bear's starboard wing and the A-3's port wing. I call this photo 'The Sandwich.'"

"It's important to note that even though it was at the height of Cold War, those guys in the Bears and those of us that intercepted them were comrades in arms and not mortal enemies."

Photo of USS Forrestal (CVA-59), taken in the late 1960s and signed by U.S. Senator and Presidential Candidate John S. McCain III while he was campaigning in the Harrisburg, Pa. area in 2008. "Dan Steele" (Lou Brassch) served on Forrestal at the same time that McCain was aboard.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59), apparently circa 1967.

Aerial view of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway, sometime between January and July 1967. Parked on deck, forward to aft, are a couple of F-4B Phantom IIs from VF-74 "Be-Devilers," an EA-1F Skyraider from VAW-33 "Night Hawks," an E-2A Hawkeye from VAW-123 "Screwtops," and two RA-5C Vigilantes from RVAH-11 "Checkertails."

Aerial view of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway in the Atlantic, June 1967.

CAPT William Hart, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), speaks during the annual USS Forrestal (CV-59) memorial ceremony at the Farrier Firefighting School at Naval Station Norfolk, 29 July 2011. The ceremony marked the 44th anniversary of the 29 July 1967 fire aboard Forrestal in which 134 service members were killed and 161 injured. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tyrell Morris (# 110729-N-NB178-109).

"U.S.S. FORRESTAL CVA-59, FIFTIETH MEMORIAL CEREMONY, In honor of our fallen shipmates Of the Gulf of Tonkin Disaster, 29 July, 1967, 'We Shall Never Forget'," 29 July, 2017.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59), Norfolk, VA, early 1968 (probably February–April), completing extensive repairs after the tragic July 1967 fire. Photos taken from USS John W. Weeks (DD-701), while entering or departing the naval base.

Note (NS0259cca) the sponson added, forward, for a BPDMS Sea Sparrow launcher.

In photo NS0259cc, District Harbor Tug, Medium, Ankachak (YTM-767) is partially visible in the foreground.

Note: Brian Baird points out that the location of these photos is actually the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, in Portsmouth, Virginia, not the Naval Base in Norfolk. Brian explains:

"The Naval Base has never had these huge Hammerhead Pier cranes, which you can see throughout all three photos."

"Photo #1: Forrestal is sitting at Pier 6 at NNSY, to the left you can see a transport ship, she's sitting in DryDock 8. To the right is Pier 5, in the background of that pier is the corner of Bldg 171, the Machinist shop. The white building with windows b/t 5 & 6 is Supply's waterfront support shop. Behind that you can just see the top floor and roof of the Marine Barracks, which is still there."

"Photo #2: This is taken south of where Photo #1 was taken, as the photographer captured the STBD side of Forrestal and to the right you can now see the long Shipfitters shop, Building 163, and if you look closely enough thru the maze of cranes, the corner of the Building Ways, where Alabama, Shangri-La, Lake Champlain and Tarawa were built. The Ways were demolished in 1974, about two years before I started working there. You can also see the active chimney of the Power Plant, spewing carcinogens no doubt."

"Photo #3: Taken from the North of Photo #1 location, this view is further away and the same landmarks appear as in that photo. You can also see two Water Towers left over from WWII, one to the extreme left and the other near the right margin over the Marine Barracks."

Starboard quarter, aerial view of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) underway, circa 1968. Note red rounddown.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, Marseilles, France, 15 April 1969. Poor weather and boating conditions made the ship cancel general public visitation.

Photo by Marius Bar, Toulon, France.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) conducting an underway replenishment (UNREP) from a Mars-class AFS (left) and another, unidentified auxiliary. Early 1970s. Photo from the 1972–73 Cruise Book.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) "shadowed" by a Soviet Kildin-class DDG in the Mediterranean, 1971.

Note tail of EA-6A Intruder, BuNo 156991 (modex AA-611), Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron (VMCJ) 2 "Playboys" Det. A59, on the right side of the photo.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59), view from the flight deck catwalk.

A-7E Corsair IIs, Attack Squadrons (VA) 81 "Sunliners" (right foreground), and VA-83 "Rampagers" (side number 314, center left).

USS Neosho (AO-143) refuels USS Forrestal (CVA-59). The aircraft carrier, with assigned Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea from 22 September 1972 to 6 July 1973.

Photo from the 1972–73 Cruise Book.

A Fleet Air Arm Fairey Gannet A.E.W. Mk.1 comes to rest on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal[, probably 28–30 November 1972]. The Gannet Airborne Early Warning aircraft has two radar observers seated behind the pilot in the fuselage. Contra-rotating propellers are turned by the plane's two turboprop engines. Note the "guppy" radome beneath the fuselage; electronic warfare pods can be mounted on wing pylons. U.S. Navy photo.

Picture and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

Somewhere in the Eastern Mediterranean, spring 1973. Three-photo series of an F-4B Phantom II as it dives on the Soviet Project 61 (Kashin)-class DDG Krasnyi Krym (Red Crimea), while the latter was shadowing USS Forrestal (CVA-59).

The same aircraft [BuNo 152970, assigned to Fighter Squadron (VF) 11 "Red Rippers"] on Forrestal's flight deck[, along with F-4B BuNo 150478, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 531 "Grey Ghosts"]. Saturday, 14 April 1973, in the Kythira Strait, Mediterranean Sea.

F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 152970, modex AA102, VF-11 "Red Rippers;" two A-7E Corsair II, AA401 and AA403, VA-81 "Sunliners." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59). Saturday, 14 April 1973, in the Kythira Strait, Mediterranean Sea.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59), in the background. Kythira Strait anchorage, Southern Greece, 14 April 1973. From left to right: Electric Group commander Vladimir Kolerov and Radio-Telegraph group commander Yuriy Alexandrov.

Spring 1973. Somewhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. SH-3D Sea King helicopters from HS-3 "Tridents," part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, embarked aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59), "hovered over the Krasnyi Krym just as wasps over honey."

Both BuNo 156483 (side number 004) and 156501 (side number 001) were later upgraded to SH-3H standard. BuNo 156483 arrived in AMARC (Aerospace Maintenance And Regeneration Center, Tucson, AZ) on 12 September 1995. BuNo 156501 was used, as of 2010, as a trainer at NAMTRA Jacksonville, FL.

A series of photos of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) as seen from the Soviet Project 61 (Kashin)-class DDG Krasnyi Krym (Red Crimea). Pictures taken on Saturday, 14 April 1973 in the Kithira Strait, Mediterranean Sea.

NS0259bfb: Forrestal as seen through a porthole of Krasnyi Krym, with the Electric Group Commander Lt. Vladimir V. Kolerov in the foreground.

NS0259bfc: F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 140643, modex AA203, VMFA-531 "Grey Ghosts." This plane had been temporarily bailed to USAF, c.1962, was later upgraded to F-4N standard and finally converted to a QF-4N drone.

NS0259bfh: A-7E Corsair II, BuNo 157564, modex AA312, VA-83 "Rampagers."

NS0259bfi: KA-6D Intruder, BuNo 152892, modex AA532, VA-85 "Black Falcons." (Converted from an A-6A.)

NS0259bfj–NS0259bfl: SH-3D Sea King, BuNo 146487, modex AA003, HS-3 "Tridents." (To Argentina in 2002.)

NS0259bfj–NS0259bfl: SH-3D Sea King, BuNo 146487, modex AA003, HS-3 "Tridents." (To Argentina in 2002.)

NS0259bfs–NS0259bft: F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 150464, modex AA206, VMFA-531 "Grey Ghosts." (Later upgraded to F-4N, then converted to QF-4N drone.)

NS0259bfw: F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 152970, modex AA102, VF-11 "Red Rippers," recovering aboard. (Later upgraded to F-4N, then converted to QF‑4N drone.)

A series of photos of USS Forrestal (CVA-59) as seen from the Soviet Project 61 (Kashin)-class DDG Krasnyi Krym (Red Crimea). Pictures taken on 15 April 1973 in the Kithira Strait, Mediterranean Sea.

Official US Navy photo taken at Thira, Greece on May 26, 1973. This formation on the flight deck, for the ship's first "People Day" of that deployment, was followed by a number of events, including swim call, a fishing expedition, games, and competition on the flight deck and Hangar Bay #1, and a steak cookout on the flight deck. (Thanks to Mark Elsbernd, aboard at the time, and to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who helped identify this picture).

Aerial view of USS Forrestal with Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) embarked, circa 1975. Forrestal was redesignated CV-59 on 30 June 1975.

Atlantic Fleet Sales post card.

An aerial view of the aircraft carriers USS Forrestal (CVA-59) and USS Independence (CV-62), moored at Pier No. 12, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Photo is dated 1 January 1978, but appears to have been taken, in fact, circa February 1975.

Note USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) near the bottom of the image.

Official photo, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-SN-87-05485.

"Attack carrier Forrestal" (From a Russian publication).

This drawing shows Forrestal circa the mid-1970s, with SPS-30 and SPS-43A radars, and two Mk 25 launchers for the Sea Sparrow-based Basic Point Defense Missile System (BPDMS).

Bicentennial Day, 4 July 1976 — USS Forrestal (CV-59) sailed from Norfolk, 1 July, with Task Force 200 to New York harbor as the host ship for the International Naval Review, to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States from the British crown. The carrier arrived on the 3rd and Governor Brendan T. Byrne of New Jersey and Mayor Abraham D. Beame of New York City, visited the ship. From the flight deck the next day President Gerald R. Ford, Jr., rang in the Bicentennial 13 times, symbolizing the original Thirteen Colonies and triggering the simultaneous ringing of bells across America, and then beginning at 1406 he delivered an address as the keynote speaker during ceremonies on board Forrestal honoring the birth of the Republic. The President then reviewed 40 "tall ships" from countries across the globe from the carrier. A huge entourage of distinguished guests also attended including Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller; Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger; Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf, II; Chief of Naval Operations ADM James L. Holloway, III; ADM Isaac C. Kidd, Jr., Commander-in-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet; Chairman Emil Mosbacher, Jr., of Operation Sail; Governor Byrne; Mayor Beame; John W. Warner, Administrator of the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration; Prince and Princesses Rainier III [Rainier L.H.M.B. Grimaldi], Grace and Caroline [Louise Marguerite] of Monaco; and Crown Prince and Princess Harold and Sonya of Norway.

(Top) Admiral Thomas Moorer, President Gerald Ford and Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf II move to their bleacher seats on the flight deck of the Navy's host ship, the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal.

(Bottom) As part of the ceremonies on board Forrestal, President Ford rang the ship's bell 13 times in honor of the 13 original colonies.

President Gerald R. Ford, Jr., rang in the Bicentennial 13 times from the ceremonial bell while on the flight deck. John W. Warner, Bicentennial Administrative Head, stood by the chief executive during the momentous event.

(NS0259aia) Navy Photo No. 1167793, by PH2 Terry C. Mitchell.

Admiral James L. Holloway, III, USN, Chief of Naval Operations (front) aboard Forrestal during the International Naval Review in New York Harbor, part of United States' Bicentennial activities held on 4 July 1976. Standing behind Admiral Holloway is the ship's commanding officer, Captain Joseph J. Barth, Jr. Photographed by PHAN T.G. Ackerman. Official U.S. Navy photograph from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 103819).

USS Forrestal (CV-59) underway with Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) aboard, sometime in late 1977–early 1979 (perhaps during the April–October 1978 Cruise).

Official US Navy photograph.

(Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who helped date this photo).

Official U.S. Navy photograph of USS Forrestal (CV-59) underway in the Mediterranean during her 14th Med Cruise (4 April–26 October 1978). Her embarked Air Wing was CVW-17, tailcode "AA."

USS Forrestal (CV-59) underway during her 14th Med deployment, May 1978.

Official US Navy Photograph #KN-27673, by PH2 Jim Urick, from the DOD Still Media Records Center, Washington, DC.

At anchor in Souda Bay, Crete, June 1978. Photographed by PH2 Joe Sharp.

USS Forrestal (CV-59) underway, late 1970s–early 1980s, location unknown, completing a turn to starboard to bring her bow into the wind for aircraft launching, initially an F-4 Phantom on the port catapult and an S-3 Viking ASW aircraft on the starboard catapult. Other aircraft shown are A-6 Intruders, EA-6 Prowlers and SH-3 Sea King ASW helicopters; A-7 Corsair IIs can be seen on the angled flight deck.

USS Forrestal (CV-59), Mayport, Florida, September 1980.

An aerial starboard beam view of USS Forrestal (CV-59) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, April 1982. US Navy photo (DVIC id: DM-ST-83-01804).

Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Pier 6, 1983, undergoing SLEP (Service Life Extension Program).

Undergoing SLEP (Service Life Extension Program), Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, Pa., April 1984.

Bob Hope and actress Ann Jillian entertain sailors and shipyard workers during a 30-minute show on board the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV-59). Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, Pa., 18 July 1984.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service photo id: DN-SC-84-11723.

Aerial view of USS Forrestal (CV-59) underway with Carrier Air Wing 6 (CVW-6), circa the second half of the 1980s. Southern Card and Novelty postcard.

A photo from Forrestal's SLEP (Service Life Extension Program) Cruise Book 1983–84–85. The photo was taken on 20 May 1985, after Forrestal departed Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadephia, Pa., and as she approached the Delaware Memorial Bridge across the Delaware River.

USS Forrestal (CV-59) departed Mayport, FL, on July 8, 1985 for refresher training and Phase I of her post SLEP shakedown. She operated in the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Puerto Rico Operating Areas and returned to Mayport on August 4.

Official US Navy photo by PH3 Bowie, July 1985.

(Thanks to Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian, who provided additional info).

Undated picture [sometime in 1985–1991] of a Lockheed S-3 Viking of Anti-Submarine Squadron Twenty-Eight (VS-28) taking off from the flight-deck of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV-59). Photo courtesy Robbie Shaw.

Photo and text from Carriers: The Men and The Machines, by David Miller and Lindsay Peacock.

USS Forrestal (CV-59) conducting an underway replenishment (UNREP) from USS Milwaukee (AOR-2), sometime in 1986–1990.

Work-ups, February 1986.

After SLEP, Forrestal returned to Mayport and began preparations for her next major deployment, which began on 2 June 1986.

Underway in 1987, with three F-14A Tomcats and an EA-6B Prowler on her catapults.

Official U.S. Navy photograph. Signed by CAPT Timothy W. Wright, USN, CO of Forrestal.

A Fighter Squadron (VF) 31 "Tomcatters" F-14A Tomcat aircraft accelerates down the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV-59) during flight operations in the Vestfjorden of Norway. Photo dated 1 September 1987.

Official U.S. Navy photograph by PH3 Buckner. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service photo id DN-SC-93-03453.

Portsmouth, England, 22 September 1987. North Atlantic cruise, 28 August–8 October, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6.

Official US Navy photograph taken as USS Forrestal (CV-59) was passing through the Suez Canal, August 6, 1988. The crew is spelling out "108," the number of consecutive days at sea without a port call during this deployment, her 19th Med cruise, April 25–October 7. Of these 5.5 months, she spent only 15 days in port.

Another view, as above.

A C-2A Greyhound aircraft of Fleet Logistics Support (Carrier On-board Delivery) Squadron 40 (VRC-40) is unloaded on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV-59) during the allied forces exercise Team Work '88. North Atlantic Ocean, 13 September 1988.

Photo available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, # DN-SC-90-03028.

An A-7E Corsair II (modex AE301, VA-37 "Bulls," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6) lands aboard USS Forrestal (CV-59) during the allied forces exercise Team Work '88 in the North Atlantic Ocean. Official date is 13 September 1988.

Photo by PH3 Haley, available from Defense Media Activity, # DN-SC-90-03024.

An S-3A Viking descends through a heavy fog to land aboard USS Forrestal (CV-59) during the allied forces exercise Team Work '88 in the North Atlantic Ocean. Official date is 13 September 1988.

Photo by PHCM Dittmar, available from Defense Imagery Management Operations Center, # DN-SC-90-03025.

An F-14A Tomcat (modex AE206, VF-31 "Tomcatters") is guided into position on the flight deck of USS Forrestal (CV-59) during the allied forces exercise Team Work '88 in the North Atlantic Ocean. Official date is 13 September 1988.

Photo by PHCM Dittmar, available from Defense Imagery Management Operations Center, # DN-SC-90-03029.

An A-6E Intruder (modex AE504, VA-176 "Thunderbolts") is readied for launch on the flight deck of USS Forrestal (CV-59) during the allied forces exercise Team Work '88 in the North Atlantic Ocean. Official date is 13 September 1988.

Photo by PH3 Camerer, available from Defense Imagery Management Operations Center, # DN-SC-90-03034.

Close-up of the island and masts of USS Forrestal (CV-59), Mayport, Florida, 15 March 1989.

Defense Imagery Management Operations Center, # DN-SC-90-03034.

A Grumman F-14A Tomcat (AE106) of Fighter Squadron Eleven (VF-11), ready for launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV‑59)[, circa 1989–91]. Note how close the second F-14A Tomcat (AE100), the personal mount of Captain [Arthur Fields] Richardson, the Commander Air Group (CAG), is to the tail-pipes of this aircraft. Photo US DoD.

Text and photo from Carriers: The Men and The Machines, by David Miller and Lindsay Peacock.

Mayport, Florida, 1989.

Atlantic Ocean, April 28, 1989 — The destroyer USS Hayler (DD-997) takes her place on the starboard side of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV-59) as the ships of the Forrestal's battle group change formation during the journey to New York City for Fleet Week '89. US Navy photo by PH3 Richard.

USS Forrestal (CV-59) and Battle Group, 28 April 1989, en route to New York City for Fleet Week '89. Ships accompanying Forrestal can be identified as (clockwise from extreme left): USS McCloy (FF-1038), USS Fairfax County (LST-1193), USS Klakring (FFG-42), USS W.S. Sims (FF-1059) or USS Pharris (FF-1094), USS Ticonderoga (CG-47), USS Hayler (DD-997), W.S. Sims or Pharris, and USS Macdonough (DDG-39).

USS Forrestal (CV-59) lies at anchor in Upper New York Bay during the parade of ships at the start of Fleet Week '89 on 29 April 1989. U.S. Navy photograph by Chief Photographer's Mate Ed Bailey (DVIC id: DN-SN-90-09481).

The Statue of Liberty welcomed USS Forrestal (CV-59) as she visited New York for Fleet Week '89, on Saturday, 29 April 1989.

USS Forrestal (CV-59) crew members spell out "WE LOVE N.Y" as USS Ticonderoga (CG-47) leads a battle group line during Fleet Week in New York Harbor, 29 April 1989.

Photos by PHCM Roger Dittmar, USN.

USS Forrestal (CV-59) at Marseilles, France, probably during her second-to-last Mediterranean cruise, 4 November 1989–12 April 1990. Carrier Air Wing 6 (note VF-31 "Tomcatters" F-14A Tomcats—NS0259ch—and VA-37 "Bulls" A-7E Corsair IIs—NS0259cha—).

Four ships are silhouetted against the sea as they sail together during the NATO exercise Display Determination '91, 7 November 1991, in the Mediterranean Sea. The ships are, from front to back: the British aircraft carrier HMS Invincible (R-05), the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (CV-59), the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1) and the Spanish aircraft carrier Príncipe de Asturias (R-11).

U.S. Navy photo by PH2 R.C. Witham. Photo available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-ST-92-01127.

As above, from the opposite angle. Ships are, from front to back: the Spanish aircraft carrier Príncipe de Asturias, the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD-1), USS Forrestal (CV-59), and the British aircraft carrier HMS Invincible.

USS Forrestal (AVT-59). Atlantic Fleet Sales postcard.

USS Forrestal (AVT-59). Postcard.

USS Forrestal arrives at her new homeport, Pensacola, Florida, 4 February 1992. The ship's designation was changed to AVT-59 on this date, reflecting her new role as a training carrier.

An initial cadre of more than 150 female sailors immediately reported aboard, marking the first women ever permanently assigned to Forrestal’s crew. Eventually more than 300 women became Forrestal crewmembers, working in virtually every work center aboard.

Official US Navy photograph of USS Forrestal (AVT-59) underway in the Gulf of Mexico, 1992.

A TA-4J Skyhawk training aircraft assigned to Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) prepares to launch from USS Forrestal (AVT-59), 1992.

USS Forrestal visited New Orleans twice, 13 February 1988 (as an attack carrier, CV-59) and again on 29 May–2 June 1992 (as a training carrier, AVT-59). This newspaper clip pertains to the latter.

USS Forrestal (AVT-59) departs Pensacola, FL, 9 September 1992, en route to Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, PA. FID embarked over 400 cars and trucks of crewmembers for the transit.

USS Forrestal (AVT-59) en route to Philadelphia, PA, 13 September 1992. Over 400 cars and trucks of crewmembers aboard.

Forrestal arrived in Philadelphia the following day, to begin a 14-month, $157 million complex overhaul and conversion prior to assuming duties as the Navy's new auxiliary landing training ship.

USS Forrestal (AVT-59) at Philadelphia, Pa., Monday, 14 September 1992, with cars on deck.

A port bow view of the training aircraft carrier USS Forrestal (AVT-59) moored at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, September 9, 1993. She was decommissioned two days later. Decommissioned battleships ex-USS Iowa (BB-61) and ex-USS Wisconsin (BB-64) can be seen in the left background. US Navy photo (DVIC id: DN-SC-93-06267) by Don S. Montgomery.

This photo was taken on a Family Day at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1993.

(Note bunting decorating the island and rails of the aircraft carrier. This indicates the photo was taken on or around September 11, 1993 — the day Forrestal was decommissioned).

Cover of the Decommissioning Booklet. Philadelphia, PA, September 11, 1993.

View east of ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59) and the 350-ton hammerhead crane from Pier 5, Naval Base Philadelphia-Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, League Island, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, 1995.

Courtesy Library of Congress, HAER PA,51-PHILA,709F–2.

View north of 350-ton crane from end of the pier along the starboard side of ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59), Naval Base Philadelphia-Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, League Island, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, 1995.

Courtesy Library of Congress, HAER PA,51-PHILA,709F–3.

View south from head of Pier 4: ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59) to the right, with the 350-ton hammerhead crane to the left, Naval Base Philadelphia-Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, League Island, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA, 1995.

Courtesy Library of Congress, HAER PA,51-PHILA,709F–4.

Aerial photograph of USS Forrestal (AVT-59) moored alongside ex-USS Iowa (BB-61) [(1) in annotated photo], with USS Saratoga (CV-60) [(2)] and many other ships at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, PA.

The photo is believed to have been taken sometime in 1996–98. The white square on the right of the picture is the Wells Fargo Center, completed in 1996, and ex-Forrestal was towed from Philadelphia to Newport in September 1998.

Ex-Forrestal at Newport, Rhode Island.

Ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59, left) and ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60, right), Newport, R.I., date unknown.

Ex-USS Iowa (BB-61, left), ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59, center), and ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60, right), Newport, R.I., date unknown (1999–2001).

Ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59), with ex-USS Iowa (BB-61) in the background, Newport, R.I., date unknown (1999–2001).

Bow view of ex-USS Forrestal at Newport, RI, Aug 2003.

Ex-Forrestal (foreground) and ex-Saratoga at Newport, RI, Aug 2003.

As above.

Ex-Saratoga (top) and ex-Forrestal at Newport, RI, sometime in 2002-2005.

Image courtesy of Google Earth.

The islands of the decommissioned Forrestal (ex-CV 59) and Saratoga (ex-CV 60). October 15, 2006.

USS Forrestal Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2006 at the US Naval Complex Newport, RI, USA.

The island of ex-USS Saratoga is partly visible beyond Forrestal.

Pier view at the US Naval Complex Newport, RI, looking at the ex-USS Forrestal (left) and the ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60, right). Photo taken while at the Forrestal Veterans Day Ceremony held on November 11, 2006.

"Two sailors [John A. in the white jacket] from the ex-USS Forrestal exchange conversation (November 2006) of their naval experiences while stationed on the 59er. The starboard 30-ton anchor can be seen in the non stowed position, and memories from the bridge watches with CAPT Michael J. Hanley (64–65) and CAPT Howard S. Moore (65–66) of 'Drop the Hook' still ring in my ears. Sad to see the ex-USS Forrestal chained to the pier in Newport, RI, USA, awaiting her fate for her sea grave as a reef."

"This wreath was placed on the gangway to ex-USS Forrestal, Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2006 at the US Naval Complex Newport, RI, USA. The gangway is under the port side of the massive flight deck of the Forrestal. To the right the underside of the ex-USS Saratoga flight deck is visible."

Over the years the stern of Forrestal changed and looked quite different, as can be seen by comparing the color photo (November 2006) to the black-and-white, pre-1964 picture, and the September 1987 image.

Photo NS025951f:

1. A Phalanx CIWS was mounted here.
2. On the 01 level from port to starboard: smoke/pyro locker, platform, tool storage and issue.
   On the 02 level all the way across the stern is Aviation storage.
   On the 03 level all the way across the stern is Aviation storage again.
3. Platform for the azimuth dome of the SPN-41 radar, part of the automatic landing control system. SPN-41 had two separate antennas, to measure the elevation and azimuth angles of an incoming plane. The former was sponsoned out to port, between the island and the after end of the angled deck; the latter was located on the fantail.
4. Jet engine test stand area.

Ex-Forrestal. General view from port quarter, 10 November 2007.

Compare to photo NS0259bq, taken almost exactly 53 years earlier.

November 8, 2008.

The decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59) departs Naval Station Newport, 15 June 2010, for a three-day cruise to Philadelphia, assisted by USNS Apache (T-ATF 172) and other tugs. The first of the supercarriers, Forrestal was commissioned 1 October 1955, and was in service for almost 38 years. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jorge Morales (#100615-N-1256M-064).

The decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59) is towed past the Naval War College under the Newport Bridge, 15 June 2010, assisted by USNS Apache (T-ATF 172) and other tugs. Forrestal was being relocated from Naval Station Newport to the Naval Sea Systems Command Inactive Ships On-site Maintenance Office in Philadelphia, Penn., for continued safe stowage pending her final disposal. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Robert Inverson (#100615-N-9852I-123).

As above. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Melissa F. Weatherspoon (#100615-N-9565W-063).

See above.

See above.

See above.

"I took these photos from the Lewes Ferry on our way to Atlantic City, Thursday, 17 June 2010."

Ex-Forrestal (AVT-59) arrived in Philadelphia, 18 June 2010, and moored next to ex-John F. Kennedy (CV-67). All finished by a little after 0800.

The decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59) arrives at Naval Support Activity Philadelphia from Naval Station Newport, R.I., 18 June 2010. The first of the American supercarriers, Forrestal was commissioned 1 October 1955, and was in service for almost 38 years. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. White (# 100618-N-1251W-029).

Ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59), left, and ex-USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, 2 July 2010.

Ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59), Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, 2 July 2010.

Ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59), left, and ex-USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, December 2010.

Ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59), Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, 20 September 2013.

Ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59) and tugboat Lauren Foss, Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, 2 February 2014.

Ex-Forrestal begins her last journey, from Philadelphia to Brownsville, TX, on the morning of 4 February 2014.

Two more views of ex-Forrestal under tow, 4 February 2014, one from Harrah's parking garage and the other at Fox Point Park.

Two more views of ex-Forrestal under tow, 4 February 2014.

"[I] Took these pictures February 18th[, 2014] as the Forrestal entered the Brazos Santiago and then made the turn into the Brownsville Ship Channel."

Ex-Forrestal at Brownsville, Texas, 28 February 2014.

Farewell. USS Forrestal Event at All Star Metal, 1 March 2014.

Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association Historian, delivers remarks during the USS Forrestal Event.

(Click here for more photos.)

Six pictures of ex-Forrestal at Brownsville, Texas, 17 March 2014.

Ex-Forrestal being scrapped, 20 July 2014.

Ex-Forrestal being scrapped, early 2015.

"Probably the last photo of USS Forrestal," July 2015.