The Battle of Oriskany was one of the bloodiest battles in the American Revolutionary War and a significant engagement of the Saratoga campaign. It also has the distinction of being one of the few battles of the war where almost all of the participants were North American: Loyalists and Native Americans fought against Patriots (the name the colonists who rebelled against British control called themselves) and Oneidas (Native American people, one of the five founding nations of the Iroquois Confederacy.)

On August 6, 1777 some 700–800 Tryon County militiamen and Oneida warriors under Brigadier General Nicholas Herkimer and Chief Skenandoah were ambushed by an equal force of Tories and Mohawks under Sir John Johnson, Col. John Butler and Joseph Brant. In the 6-hour battle the American force was prevented from relieving Fort Stanwix; but, in turn, prevented the British force from reaching General John Burgoyne, thus contributing to that gentleman's losses at Bemis Heights and his defeat at Saratoga. Losses at Oriskany were severe on both sides. American losses amounted to half the original force, including General Herkimer who, severely wounded, died a week later.

"Herkimer at the Battle of Oriskany," by F. C. Yohn. This painting hung in the Officer's Mess of USS Oriskany while the ship was in commission. It is now in the Utica Public Library.

(Map courtesy of Google Maps.)

CV-34 was the first US Navy ship named Oriskany.

New York Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York, photographed 2 December 1944. Carriers under construction in dry docks (right center) are [2] Coral Sea, later Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) and probably [1] Reprisal (CV-35).

Description: Copied from "Navy Yards and Stations" 3rd Naval District, volume III.

Photo: Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), # NH 93235.

[3] Kearsarge (CV-33) and [4] Oriskany (CV-34) are under construction, and [5] Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) had been commissioned on 26 November.

Oriskany (CV-34), being christened at New York Navy Yard, New York, 13 October 1945. She was sponsored by Mrs. Ida D. Cannon, wife of the Honorable Clarence Cannon, Congressman of the 9th District of Missouri.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-349258.

Oriskany (CV-34), being launched at New York Navy Yard, New York, 13 October 1945.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration

The future USS Oriskany (CV-34) being launched at the New York Navy Yard (Brooklyn Navy Yard), New York, Saturday, 13 October 1945. Shown, left to right: Captain Fred E. Haeberle; Mrs. Clarence Cannon, (née Ida Dawson Wigginton), ship's sponsor; and Rear Admiral Freeland A. Daubin.

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-349266.

New York Naval Shipyard, 25 September 1950—Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz shakes hands with Captain Percy H. Lyon, first skipper of the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34), as Chief of Naval Operations Forrest P. Sherman looks on. This photograph was taken on the day of the carrier's commissioning.

Photo courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum (# 2004.011.067).

New York Naval Shipyard, 25 September 1950—The first commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34), Captain Percy H. Lyon, speaks at the commissioning ceremony for the ship. Among those visible on the platform are Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Forrest P. Sherman.

Photo courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum (# 2004.011.065).

Four views of the Commissioning Ceremony for USS Oriskany (CV-34), New York Naval Shipyard, Monday, 25 September 1950.

Another view of the Commissioning Ceremony for USS Oriskany (CV-34), New York Naval Shipyard, Monday, 25 September 1950.

USS Oriskany at anchor, date and place unknown.

USS Oriskany arriving in New York, date unknown. Crew is spelling out "Hi New York Oriskany can do 100% - can you?", a message for volunteering for a blood drive.

Catapult crew, 1950–1952.

USS Oriskany (CV-34) off New York City, 6 December 1950, while en route to conduct carrier qualifications off Jacksonville, Florida.

Oriskany is fitted with SPS-6 and SX radar, plus a YE homing beacon on the masthead. Forward, on the port side, are some 20-mm/70-cal Oerlikon AA guns. Also of note is the helicopter parked on the forward end of the flight deck. (Thanks to Robert Hurst, who provided additional info).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97408).

Aerial view of USS Oriskany (CV-34) underway, probably during her shakedown cruise, in early 1951.

(Digitally restored by Tom Kermen.)

Aerial view of USS Oriskany (CV-34) underway, probably during her maiden deployment (and only Med cruise), 15 May – 4 October 1951.

(Digitally restored by Tom Kermen.)

Aerial view of USS Oriskany (CV-34) at anchor, probably during her maiden deployment (and only Med cruise), 15 May – 4 October 1951.

Carrier Air Group (CVG) 4 was aboard, including the F2H-2 Banshees of Fighter Squadron (VF) 62 and Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 122.

USS Oriskany (CV-34), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 4, circa 1951.

USS Oriskany (CV-34), USS Allagash (AO-97), and USS Compton (DD-705) refueling at sea, circa 1951.

Note: The original mount card for this photo bears the date 17 August 1954, but it could not have been taken after about May 1952, when Oriskany went to the Pacific Fleet. Compton remained in the Atlantic at that time, and thereafter.

US Navy photo now in the collections of the US National Archives (# 80-G-642730).

"Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet—Naval Air Station, San Diego, Calif.–14 May 1953—Photo Release # 596—The USS Oriskany passes Cape Horn at 9:30 in the morning, June 29, 1952. She is the first and only aircraft carrier to round the Cape at South America's southernmost extremity. (OFFICIAL U.S. NAVY PHOTO)"

"All hands keep clear of the flight deck and catwalks."

"CAPE HORN"

"At sunrise Sunday, June 29, 1952, after twenty-four hours of bucking some of the worst swells and gales the South Atlantic could offer, the Oriskany became the first aircraft carrier in history to go around Cape Horn."

"As the 1391-foot peak of the Horn came into view, the sea suddenly calmed and the sky was light with a spectacularly beautiful winter sunrise. Chaplain R. K. Wilson, in divine services that historic Sunday, remarked: 'It is probably the most beautiful sight that any of us will ever see.'"

[...]

When Cape Horn had faded to a dot on the horizon, the sea resumed its stormy resistance, and for two days the Oriskany tossed like a matchbox on the heavy Pacific swells."

From Oriskany's 1952 Cruise Book.

USS Oriskany (CV-34) with a North American AJ-1 "Savage" attack plane on her flight deck. Photographed by W.M. Cox. The image is dated 29 August 1952, when Oriskany was operating off the U.S. west coast, preparing for her first Korean War deployment.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-K-13048).

Oriskany moored at Yokosuka, Japan, circa 1952-53, with a Commencement Bay-class CVE alongside and US-built Tacoma-class frigates in the background. Note the dusting of snow on the flight deck, loaded with Skyraiders and Panthers of CVG-102/CVG-12. The emergency conn is barely discernible under the overhang of the flight deck, just abaft the Mk-63 director controlling her two foremost twin 3"/50s. US Navy photo # USN-1171842.

Two photos from the collection of CPO Bruce Bennett, taken during the first deployment of USS Oriskany (CV-34) to Korea, 15 September 1952–18 May 1953. CPO Bennett is standing in one of the pictures. Note the badly damaged condition of the Corsair in photo NS023494a.

VF-874 was one of the Reserve squadrons called to active duty on 2 August 1950. It became VF-124 on 4 February 1953. This was VF-874's second and final deployment to Korea, both flying F4U-4 Corsairs; their first cruise was aboard USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31), 10 May–17 December 1951.

CPO Bruce Bennett with "Sharon," an F9F-5 Panther, BuNo 125541, modex D213, Fighter Squadron (VF) 783 "Minutemen," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 102, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), WestPac & Korean War deployment, 15 September 1952–18 May 1953. On 4 February 1953, CVG-102 was redesignated CVG-12, and VF-783 became VF-122.

This plane was nominally assigned to then LT Lewin Ardell Maberry, a WWII ace (5 aerial victories) with VF-84 "Wolf Gang" off USS Bunker Hill (CV-17). But on 28 January 1953 it was flown by LT(JG) Henry William ("Bill") Egan, and according to Naval Aviation News, March 1953 issue, p.11:

"While flying an armed reconnaissance mission near Tanchon, Lt. (jg) Bill Egan of VF-783 spotted a large building with an unusual amount of activity around it. On his way down to strafe the building in his F9F-5 Panther jet, his wingman remarked that they were being shot at by the Reds."

Seconds later, Egan felt a small bump shake his plane but passed it off as normal air turbulence. He didn't know it, but his tip tank had been riddled by antiaircraft fire. He had also sustained shrapnel hits in the fuselage.

On his way back to the Oriskany, he spotted several small boats and rocked up on a wing to take a look at them. That's when he noticed his tip tank had been battered by ack-ack. Back aboard the Oriskany, highly-trained maintenance personnel went to work on the three-foot hole in the right wing."

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway, in a photo dated 1953.

Drawings of McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee, BuNo 126393, modex B307, Fighter Squadron (VF) 193 "Ghost Riders," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 19, 1953.

This aircraft was written off after an accident while recovering aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in the Pacific, 22 June 1955.

Wave breaks over the carrier's flight deck, as USS Oriskany (CVA-34) operates in heavy winter weather off the Korean coast. Photograph is dated 10 January 1953. Note Vought F4U-5N fighters parked on the icy flight deck.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (# 80-G-477565).

U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-5 Panthers of Fighter Squadron (VF) 121 "Peacemakers" (side number 106) and VF-122 "Black Angels" (206), and a Douglas AD-4 Skyraider of Attack Squadron (VA) 125 "Rough Riders" (515) on the snow-covered deck of the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in Japanese waters, circa February 1953.

All squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 12 for a deployment to Korea from 15 September 1952 to 18 May 1953.

Oriskany, formerly CV-34, was redesignated CVA-34 on 1 October 1952. CVG-12 (ex-CVG-102), VF-121 (ex-VF-781), VF-122 (ex-VF-783), and VA-125 (ex-VA-923) were redesignated on 4 February 1953—they were Reserve squadrons called to active duty in 1950.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.2753.

From USS Oriskany's Action Report for the period 1 March 1953 through 29 March 1953:

"6 March 1953—Conducted combat flight operations. At 1543I, LT E[dwin] L. Kummer, USNR, VF-124 F4U[-4] pilot landed aboard with one hung 250 lb. general purpose bomb. The bomb dislodged, and after several bounces, exploded on the number three elevator causing major damage. Two enlisted men [(Photographer Airman Thomas Leo McGraw, Jr., and Aviation Electronic Airman Thomas M. Yeager)] died of injuries and thirteen others, including LT Kummer, were injured. Wing tip tanks of two F9F[-5] aircraft parked in Hangar Bay Two were punctured and the bay had to be insulated due to the fire hazard of the leaking gasoline. All further flight operations for the day were cancelled due to inoperative flight deck."

Airman Richard D. Donovan ran through the flames, cut the unconscious pilot from his harness, and pulled him to safety.

NS0234coa: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 80-G-480705.

  YouTube video  

Marshall D. Williams (Larry's father) on the flight deck of USS Oriskany (CVA-34). Larry said: "In 1963 I remember he stood on the Capitol Steps in Washington DC during President Kennedy's Funeral Procession and blew his Boatswains whistle for the U.S. Navy."

Planes on the right appear to be F9F-6 Cougars assigned to squadron VF-191 "Satan's Kittens." VF-191, as part of Carrier Air Group 19, deployed twice to WestPac aboard Oriskany in the 1950s: Sept. 14, 1953–Apr. 22, 1954, and Mar. 2–Sept. 21, 1955.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway, probably during (or around) her 14 September 1953–22 April 1954 WestPac deployment. US Navy photo.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 102, at anchor in Sasebo, Japan, 27 October 1953, during her 14 September 1953–22 April 1954 WestPac deployment.

Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64) can be seen in the background in photo NS0234cua. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-642739.

Captain Charles Donald Griffin was the commanding officer of the attack carrier Oriskany from June 1953 to July 1954, operating with the Seventh Fleet to monitor the recent truce in Korea. He was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in 1955 and continued up through the ranks until he retired in 1968 as a four-star Admiral.

Photo from the U.S. Federal publication: Into the Jet Age: Conflict and Change in Naval Aviation 1945-1975—An Oral History, Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, p. 107. Official U.S. Navy photo.

"NXP553-5/9-BURBANK, CALIF.: This is the first photo of the U.S. Navy's new sky-and-sea fighting team, a Lockheed WV-2 [later EC-121K Warning Star] flying-eye radar plane and the plane-laden carrier [USS Oriskany (CVA-34)] it can direct into battle when it picks up electronic danger signals. Navy officials said the development of high-altitude radar planes, able to 'see' over thousands of square miles with its radar 'hump,' will provide a new and vital type of protection. UNITED PRESS TELEPHOTO -dg-" [1954]

Planes of Carrier Air Group Nineteen (CVG-19) aboard the carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) sometime between 1953 and 1955. The planes in the left foreground are Grumman F9F-6 Cougars of Fighter Squadron VF-191 "Satan's Kittens." To the right silver McDonnell F2H-3 Banshees of Fighter Squadron VF-193 "Ghost Riders" are visible. In the background Douglas AD-4E or AD-4NA Skyraiders of Attack Squadron VA-195 "Dambusters" on the left (tailcode "B"), and AD-4N Skyraiders of Composite Squadron VC-35 Det. E on the right (tailcode "NR").

USN photo scanned from "Sea Wings," by LCDR Rick Burgess, USN (Ret.), in U.S. Naval Aviation, M. Hill Goodspeed (ed.), Hugh Lauter Levin Associates (2001).

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) off Point Loma, at the entrance to San Diego Bay, California, in the mid-1950s (note her foremost twin 3"/50 gun mounts had been removed.)

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway off the coast of Southern California, 27 January 1955, with four F2H Banshee jet fighters on her flight deck.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97409).

One of a series of photographs "taken by a Navy F2H-2P Banshee as it followed another Banshee in for a carrier landing on the USS Oriskany (CVA-34), somewhere off the coast of San Francisco, California. The photo plane was equipped with a forward firing aerial mapping and reconnaissance camera installed in its nose. The camera was a type K-48 aerial camera with a 24-inch lens, a red A-25 filter, 1/200 second exposure, an exposure interval of two (2) seconds, and film size of 9x18 inches. The speed of the aircraft during approach is approximately 110 knots." (quoted from the original caption released with this image). Photograph was taken on 8 February 1955.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97412).

Oriskany received SCB-125A modernization in 1957–1959. Article and photo are from the July 1957 Buships Journal.

USS Hancock (CVA-19), USS Oriskany (CVA-34), and USS Bennington (CVA-20) in the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, 3 October 1957.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 80-G-K-23227.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) off the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, California, on 27 April 1959, following installation of her new angled flight deck and hurricane bow.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97410).

"Aircraft Carrier Oriskany, modernization along program SCB-27A."   (From a Russian publication).

This drawing actually shows Oriskany after SCB-125A modernization.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway, circa 1960.

A North American FJ-4B Fury (BuNo 141456, NK301) from Attack Squadron (VA) 146 "Blue Diamonds" taking the barrier aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34), in a photo dated 21 November 1960.

VA-146 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 14, tail code NK, aboard Oriskany for a deployment to the Western Pacific, from 14 May to 15 December 1960.

Partially visible are an A3D-2 Skywarrior from VAH-4 "Fourrunners" Det. F (side number 10) and an F3H-2 Demon from VF-141 "Iron Angels."

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.7230.021.

United States Navy photo of USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in port at NAS Ford Island, taken at night. It's a great view of the Mighty O. This was prior to the ship sailing on a Far East tour in the early 1960s.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), Far East Cruise, 14 May–15 December 1960. Ceremony on deck with Scouts in front of the ship's island. Photo from the Cruise Book.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), Far East Cruise, 14 May–15 December 1960. Sailors unloading a plane's cargo. Photo from the Cruise Book.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1 September 1961, at anchorage No. 38 in San Francisco Bay, loading ammunition.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), local identifier "19-NN-CVA 34 Oriskany-163457", NARA identifier 7578401.

An F8U-2 (BuNo 146962) of VMF-334 "Falcons" hits the rounddown upon recovering and starts burning, while USS Oriskany (CVA-34) was operating off the California coast, 26 March 1962.

US Navy photo (# USN 1061868).

An F8U-2 (BuNo 146962) of VMF-334 "Falcons" leaves the flight deck on fire, after hitting rounddown while trying to recover aboard USS Oriskany (CVA‑34), off the California coast, 26 March 1962.

US Navy photo (# USN 1061869).

Burning F8U-2 fighter (BuNo 146962) of VMF-334 "Falcons" dives into the Pacific after a landing accident aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), off the California coast, 26 March 1962. The pilot, 1st Lieutenant B.J. Bertram, is seen high above the plane in his ejection seat.

US Navy photo (# USN 1061872).

Lynn explains:

"Nuclear weapons loading drill."

"Well, I am from Ohio, the Buckeye State. When we left port in Japan shortly after I checked aboard, I heard the call—'Buckeye, Buckeye, Buckeye!' Some of my fun-loving shipmates in the photo lab had heard me bragging about Ohio and told me that as my first assignment as a Photo Mate I was to take my camera, go up to 'Vulture's Roost' and photograph this 'Buckeye' thing."

"I didn't know that one role of the A-3 was as a nuclear weapon-carrying strategic bomber and that 'Buckeye' was a live H-Bomb loading drill. My new buddies were sure that I either wouldn't be able to find the 'Roost' or that someone would see me carrying a camera and stop me. However, I got the picture, which shows an A-3, a nuclear weapon on a cart, and most of our Marine Detachment armed with clubs standing around the nuke."

Also visible in the photo are: RF-8A Crusaders (foreground), A-4B Skyhawks (left background), A-1H/J Skyraiders (parked aft on deck), F-3B Demons (right background), and F-8A Crusaders (right). Carrier Air Group (CVG) 16, tail code "AH." WestPac, 1 August 1963–10 March 1964.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway, possibly in the summer of 1964, en route from San Diego to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard or vice versa, for a four-month overhaul.

E-2A Hawkeye (appears to be BuNo 151709), Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 11 "Early Eleven," conducting carrier qualifications (CARQUALs) aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), October 1964.

Undated (1964 or later), post SCB-125A. At speed.

USS Navasota (AO-106) refueling USS Oriskany (CVA-34) and USS King (DLG-10) in the South China Sea, circa early-1965.

A Chance Vought F-8E Crusader (BuNo 150912) from Marine All-Weather Fighter squadron (VMF(AW)) 212 "Lancers" in 1965. The aircraft is armed with AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles. VMF(AW)-212 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) for a deployment to Vietnam from 5 April to 16 December 1965. VMF(AW)-212 kept its tail code "WD," although CVW-16's tail code was "AH." Photo taken by Marine Jimmy Labianco.

VMF(AW)-212 lost four Crusaders during the 1965 deployment: two shot down by enemy AAA, and two in operational accidents when landing on Oriskany after combat missions. BuNo 150912, assigned to VMF(AW)-235, crashed about 10 miles NW of Da Nang, South Vietnam, as it was returning from a bombing sortie and preparing to land, on the night of 2–3 October 1967.

A Douglas A-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 138974, modex ZB10) from Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 4 "Fourrunners" Det.G dropping a Mk-83 1,000 pound (454 kg) bomb in South Vietnam. VAH-4 Det.G was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16 aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) for a deployment to Vietnam from 5 April to 16 December 1965. National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 1996.253.3594).

(BuNo 138974 was later converted to KA-3B standard; assigned to VAH-10 "Vikings," named "Luck of the Irish." Scrapped at NARF Alameda in July 1970.)

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1965 off Vietnam, VAH-4 Det.G "Fourrunners" A-3B Skywarrior (modex ZB13) launches from starboard catapult.

Tails of three A-4E Skyhawks, left to right: VA-164 "Ghost Riders," VA-163 "Saints" (BuNo 150039), and VA-164.

The destroyer steaming in the background might be USS Maddox (DD-731) and the date might be early August 1965.

RF-8 Crusader from VFP-63 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. G. Appears to be the RF-8A version, which would date the photo to 1965.

A Douglas A-1H Skyraider (BuNo 137512) of Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies" in flight in 1966. VA-152 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) for a deployment to Vietnam from 26 May to 16 November 1966. BuNo 137512 was later lost over Laos to ground fire (location 191700N 1030600E) on 4 July 1969 while in service with the USAF 56th Special Operations Wing. The pilot, Col. Patrick M. Fallon, Vice Commander, 56th SOW, ejected safely, but was later missing in action, presumed dead. U.S. Navy photo. U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation photo No. 1996.253.2810.

A U.S. Navy Douglas A-4E Skyhawk, BuNo 152048, Attack Squadron (VA) 164 "Ghost Riders," AH406 Lady Jessie, nominally assigned to LCDR Richard C. Perry, in flight. VA-164 was attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16 aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) for a deployment to Vietnam from 26 May to 16 November 1966.

(On 31 August 1967 LCDR Perry's A-4E Skyhawk, BuNo 151991, AH402, VA-164, was hit by a SAM and he ejected about two miles off the coast. Though he had a good chute, there was no sign of life. The SAR crew reached the body, determined Perry was dead, and departed the area under orders of the on-scene commander, since the helo was taking fire from nearby shore batteries.)

(On 18 October 1967 BuNo 152048, AH402, VA-164, was hit by AAA and exploded, while engaging a SAM site near Hanoi. LCDR John Frederick Barr was killed.)

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 2011.003.237.009.

EA-1F Skyraider (BuNo 132529, modex VR-777), Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 13 "Zappers" (foreground); A-1H Skyraider (BuNo 139731, AH-511), Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies" (background).

Aircraft of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16. Identifiable are: KA-3B Skywarriors BuNo 138974 (modex ZB-610), and 138971 (ZB-612), Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 4 "Fourrunners" Det. G; RF-8G Crusader (146871, AH-604), Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 63 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. G.

F-8E Crusader, BuNo 150908 (modex AH-202), of Fighter Squadron (VF) 162 "Hunters," based on USS Oriskany (CVA-34), fires 2.75-inch rockets in support of ground forces in South Vietnam. Eighteen rockets are visible in this image.

Official US Navy photo, Naval History and Heritage Command, # USN 1117222.

Note: Although this photo is dated 23 July 1966, this cannot be correct, as BuNo 150908 was shot down on 14 July 1966. Pilot was CDR Richard M. Bellinger, who had his revenge in October.

Launching Crusaders in the Gulf of Tonkin, 19 July 1966.

M-117, 500-pound and 1000-pound bombs line the carrier's flight deck during Vietnam War combat operations in the South China Sea, 21 August 1966. Photographed by PHAA C.B. Vesper. Planes parked nearby include A-4, F-8 and A-1 types.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1118303).

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) catapulting an A-4 Skyhawk during operations off Vietnam, 30 August 1966.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1117395).

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16 embarked, conducting an underway replenishment (UNREP) from USS Caliente (AO-53) off Vietnam, during her 1966 deployment (26 May–16 November).

KA-3B Skywarrior, modex ZB610, VAH-4 "Fourrunners" Det. G, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), second Vietnam War cruise, 26 May–16 November 1966.

A-4E Skyhawks, VA-163 "Saints," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), second Vietnam War cruise, 26 May–16 November 1966.

F-8E Crusaders, VF-111 "Sundowners," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), second Vietnam War cruise, 26 May–16 November 1966.

A-1H Skyraider, VA-152 "Friendlies," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), second Vietnam War cruise, 26 May–16 November 1966.

A-4E Skyhawk, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), second Vietnam War cruise, 26 May–16 November 1966.

C-1A Trader recovering aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), second Vietnam War cruise, 26 May–16 November 1966.

F-8E Crusader, VF-111 "Sundowners," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), second Vietnam War cruise, 26 May–16 November 1966.

EA-1F Skyraider, BuNo 132529, modex VR777, VAW-13 "Zappers," not part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), second Vietnam War cruise, 26 May–16 November 1966.

Gordon Johnson's first-hand account:

"This picture holds a lot of interest for me. I can confirm that this was taken before 27 July 1966, as I was aboard Oriskany with the VAW-13 detachment."

"EA-1F 132529 departed Oriskany for NAS Cubi Pt on the afternoon of 27 July for crew/equipment rotation but did not arrive as scheduled."

"The plane was ditched into the Sulu Sea at about TayTay Bay off the northeast coast of Palawan Island by pilot LT John Bentley with crew/passengers AE1 John Wester, AT2 Gordon Johnson and AM3 Joe Pluhar. All survived and were rescued and returned to Cubi Pt by a Coast Guard HU-16."

A-4E Skyhawk, VA-164 "Ghost Riders," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), second Vietnam War cruise, 26 May–16 November 1966.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) departing NAS North Island.

KA-3B Skyraider, VAH-4 Det. G "Fourrunners," refueling a Crusader in flight. The latter appears to be an F-8E attached to VF-162 "Hunters."

A Crusader about to recover aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in the Gulf of Tonkin, 1966. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, deployed with the aircraft carrier, included two F-8E squadrons, VF-111 "Sundowners" and VF-162 "Hunters," and an RF-8G detachment, VFP-63 Det. G "Eyes of the Fleet."

BuNos 149222 and 150925 were two F-8E Crusader aircraft attached to Fighter Squadron (VF) 111 "Sundowners" for Oriskany/CVW-16 Vietnam deployment in 1966.

A-1H Skyraider, BuNo 135231, modex AH506, VA-152 "Friendlies," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16.

(BuNo 135231 was shot down on 28 August 1966. Pilot, CDR Gordon H. Smith, bailed out and was rescued.)

This aircraft, launching from USS Oriskany (CVA-34), appears to be an F-8E Crusader from VF-111 "Sundowners."

A-4E Skyhawk, Attack Squadron (VA) 164 "Ghost Riders," launching from USS Oriskany (CVA-34) (1966?).

C-1 Trader recovering aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) (1966?).

A-1 Skyraider recovering aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) (1966?). Note plane guard DD steaming astern of the carrier.

A-1H Skyraider, BuNo 139641, modex AH503, Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies," in flight, 1966. Note extended tailhook. This plane was later transferred to the USAF as 52-139641.

UH-2A Seasprite, BuNo 149774, modex UP25, HC-1 Det. G "Pacific Fleet Angels" (destroyed by fire on 26 October 1966).

National ensign and plane guard destroyer (appears to be USS Prichett [DD-561]).

A-3B Skywarrior, VAH-4 "Fourrunners" Det. G, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, 1966. Appears to be BuNo 138974, modex ZB610, shortly thereafter converted to KA-3B.

A-4E Skyhawk, VA-164 "Ghost Riders," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), Hong Kong harbor, 17–23 September 1966.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), Hong Kong harbor, 17–23 September 1966. Author unknown.

While en route to Hong Kong on 16 September 1966, USS Oriskany (CVA-34) answered a distress call of the British-registered ore carrier SS August Moon, which was aground on the Pratas Island reef, 175 miles southeast of Hong Kong. The carrier launched a C-1A Trader at 0524 and an E-1B Tracker at 0933 to render assistance, but high seas in the wake of Typhoon Elsie continually struck the August Moon, prevented rescue by lifeboats from the nearby British frigate HMS Loch Fada (F390) and Japanese oil tanker Tokyo Maru, and eventually necessitated removal of the entire 44-man crew by helo to the Pratas Island Air Station or Oriskany.

All three Seasprite helicopters attached to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 1 "Pacific Fleet Angels" Det. G were launched to rescue the merchantman's crew. UH-2B BuNo 150183 (modex UP-47) and UH-2A 149774 (UP-25, appears to be the helo in the photo) at 1031, and UH-2B 152196 (UP-51) at 1122. At 1215 the latter helicopter was hovering above August Moon and preparing to winch the crew aboard when a plume of spray hit the side of the ship, bounced straight up, and instantly put the fire out in the helo's engine. The aircraft crashed into the ocean. Fortunately, all personnel aboard (LCDR Dale E. Barck, ENS Daniel Kern and PO2 William Thoday) were rescued, uninjured, by their squadron mates.

That afternoon, survivors from August Moon were transferred by helicopter to Loch Fada.

(Unfortunately, both #25 and #47 helicopters were destroyed in the fire aboard Oriskany, 26 October 1966.)

Photo from the Oriskany's 1966 Cruise Book. Text from the ship's Command History, deck logs, Naval History magazine, October 2021 issue, and Bob's own research.

UH-2A Seasprite, BuNo 149744, UP20, HC-1 Det. D "Pacific Fleet Angels," USS Constellation (CVA-64), June–October 1966.

Launching E-1B Tracer.

Recovering A-1H Skyraider.

F-8E Crusader, modex AH213, VF-162 "Hunters."

A-4E Skyhawk, VA-164 "Ghost Riders."

F-8E Crusader, BuNo 150654, modex AH107, VF-111 "Sundowners," 1966. (Later upgraded to F-8J standard.)

A-3B Skywarrior, VAH-4 Det. G "Fourrunners," 1966. Appears to be BuNo 138971, modex ZB612, shortly thereafter converted to KA-3B.

Skywarrior refueling Crusader.

Skyraiders perform a fire power demonstration.

On Friday, 14 October 1966, ENS Darwin Joel Thomas, USN, was flying his A-1H Skyraider (BuNo 139731, modex AH-511, VA-152 "Friendlies," CVW-16, USS Oriskany) on a night armed reconnaissance mission with another Skyraider, in a hilly area about 25 miles southwest of Thanh Hoa, North Vietnam.

When they spotted lights on a road, Ensign Thomas rolled in to attack the target with unguided rockets, but he failed to pull out of the dive before the aircraft hit the ground and exploded. His remains have not been repatriated.

Ensign Thomas was 23 years old and married. He is listed on panel 11E, line 075 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

F-8E Crusaders recovering aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), May–October 1966.

F-8E Crusader, VF-162 "Hunters," awaiting its turn to launch from USS Oriskany (CVA-34), May–October 1966. Plane ready on the catapult appears to be an E-1B Tracer from VAW-11 Det. G "Early Eleven."

F-8E Crusaders from VF-111 "Sundowners" prepare to launch from USS Oriskany (CVA-34), May–August 1966. Plane closest to camera is BuNo 150916 (modex AH103), which crashed in the Gulf of Tonkin on 20 July 1967 (during Oriskany's next cruise); pilot ejected under water and was rescued. The second Crusader is BuNo 150866 (modex AH113), lost in combat on 13 August 1966; pilot ejected and was rescued.

A-1H Skyraider, VA-152 "Friendlies," in flight.

A "Spad," A-1H Skyraider from Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies," in flight, as seen by ENS Darwin Joel Thomas (KIA) from the cockpit of his own "Spad," 1966.

An A-1H Skyraider from Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies" (modex AH512), about to recover aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1966.

An A-1H Skyraider from Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies" about to recover aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1966. Note the noses of an F-8E Crusader from Fighter Squadron (VF) 162 "Hunters" (modex AH230) and a KA-3B Skywarrior from Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 4 Det. G "Fourrunners" on the left side and bottom of the picture.

An A-1H Skyraider from Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies" recovers aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1966. Note the Visual Landing Aids (lights) on the left.

A-1H Skyraider—BuNo 137629, modex AH-510, Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16—preparing to launch from USS Oriskany (CVA-34).

This plane was lost in combat on 8 October 1966. A section of Skyraiders was conducting a road reconnaissance mission 25 miles southwest of Thanh Hoa, Thanh Hoa province, North Vietnam, and encountered heavy gun fire. Despite evasive maneuvers, AH-510 was hit in the central fuselage, caught fire, and crashed almost immediately. Pilot, LT John A. Feldhaus, was KIA. (Read Yankee Station 1966: Off North Vietnam in the Bay of Tonkin, by Larry Feldhaus, John's older brother.)

A-1H Skyraiders, Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, preparing to launch from USS Oriskany (CVA-34).

E-1B Tracer, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 11 Det. G "Early Eleven," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, recovering aboard USS Oriskany (CVA‑34).

A-4E Skyhawk, apparently from Attack Squadron (VA) 163 "Saints," about to recover aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1966.

An F-8E Crusader from Fighter Squadron (VF) 162 "Hunters" is parked on the flight deck.

KA-3B Skywarrior from Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 4 Det.G "Fourrunners" has just recovered aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1966.

A view of the flight deck of USS Oriskany (CVA-34), as seen from the cockpit of one of Attack Squadron's (VA) 152 "Friendlies" A-1H Skyraiders.

A-4E Skyhawks from VA-163 "Saints" are on the right.

A Skywarrior about to recover aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), with another Skywarrior from VAH-4 "Fourrunners" on the flight deck.

This photo and the next one appear to have been taken during the 5 April–16 December 1965 deployment.

A-3B Skywarrior from VAH-4 Det.G "Fourrunners" on the flight deck of USS Oriskany (CVA-34). The tail of an A-4E Skyhawk from Attack Squadron (VA) 164 "Ghost Riders" is visible on the lower right corner.

This photo and the previous one appear to have been taken during the 5 April–16 December 1965 deployment.

A-4E Skyhawk about to recover aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34).

A-1H Skyraider, VA-152 "Friendlies," in flight.

An exultant CDR Dick Bellinger, CO of Fighter Squadron (VF) 162 "Hunters," describes his MiG kill to LT Dick Wyman, Asst. Operations Officer, as they walk away from Bellinger's Crusader, followed by other squadron members. On 9 October 1966 Bellinger, flying F-8E BuNo 149159 (modex AH210), shot down a MiG-21 with a two-missile (Sidewinder) salvo. This was the first Navy "kill" over the advanced MiG-21 "Fishbed."

NS0234cib: This photo of CDR Richard M. Bellinger is believed to have been taken in September 1966, with F-8E Crusader BuNo 150911 (AH207). Note Bellinger's camouflaged flight suit.

Fighter Squadron (VF) 111 "Sundowners," as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, tail code "AH," and flying F-8 Crusaders, made two deployments to Vietnam aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), May–November 1966 and June 1967–January 1968; and one aboard USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14), February–September 1969. This photo was possibly taken during Oriskany's 1966 cruise. The cartoon character painted on the tail tip was known as "Omar." Note the wooden flight deck.

"When You're Out of F-8's You're Out of Fighters" was a common saying among the Crusader community and fans.

Smoke pours from Oriskany's Hangar Bay #1, during the fire which killed 44 of her officers and men, 26 October 1966.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1121718).

List of officers and men who died in or as a result of the fires (courtesy of The Virtual Wall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Water pours from USS Oriskany (CVA-34) on 26 October 1966. A fire, originating from a mishandled parachute flare, resulted in explosions in the ship. Fire fighting sprinklers dumped tons of water into hangar deck and void areas below.

National Naval Aviation Museum, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection (# 1996.488.197.005).

Crewmen on the flight deck assist in fire-fighting operations while water pours from USS Oriskany (CVA-34) on 26 October 1966.

National Naval Aviation Museum, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection (# 1996.488.197.016).

Photos taken aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) after the 26 October 1966 fire.

NS023427c: Berthing.

NS023427d: Fire is out.

NS023427e: Flare.

NS023427f: Hangar bay area.

NS023427g: Passageway from locker.

NS023427h: Oriskany's flag, South China Sea, 1966.

Photos taken aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) after the 26 October 1966 fire.

NS023427r: A-4E Skyhawk attack planes damaged by the fire are stored on the ship's flight deck after the blaze was extinguished. The fire, which killed 44 crewmen, occurred off Vietnam on 26 October 1966. Photograph by Photographer's Mate Third Class Holzhauer. Photo # USN 1121680. (See also photo NS023427t.)

NS023427q: Smoke billows from hangar bay no. 1 on the starboard sponson. Photo # USN 1121683.

NS023427o: Photo # USN 1121685.

NS023427p: DT3 Gene Lewis wrote: "I believe [this photo] is showing me applying CPR to one of the fire victims from the October 1966 fire we suffered. I think I'm the one kneeling and facing away from the camera in the center of the photo. I'm also insetting a photo from the 1966 cruise book that shows the dentist I worked for, Jim Killinger (wearing the cap), one of the other dental techs, Tom Whistler (center, facing Dr. Killinger) and others doing the same thing nearby."

NS023427m: "In Tribute to the men who died in the fire aboard the USS Oriskany CVA 34, October 26, 1966." (From a postal envelope, by USCS 5676 J.)

The badly damaged A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 150116(?), modex AH306, Attack Squadron (VA) 163 "Saints."

Badly damaged A-4E Skyhawks, modex AH-316, Attack Squadron (VA) 163 "Saints" (left) and modex AH-415, BuNo 152088, VA-164 "Ghost Riders" (right, see also photos NS023427j and NS023427r).

"Right Hand Salute!—As the body of Lieutenant Commander Omar R. Ford, USN, one of 44 officers and men who lost their lives in USS Oriskany October 26 fire tragedy, is committed to the deep from Oriskany's flight deck during memorial services at sea in the Western Pacific, November 6, en route to San Diego, California. Fire-scarred Oriskany departed Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, for San Diego November 3." (quoted from the original caption released with this image). Note Oriskany's insignia on the light-colored flag, at right, and three destroyers steaming alongside. Nearest destroyer is USS Chevalier (DD-805). Next outboard is USS Gurke (DD-783). USS Black (DD-666) is in the background. Photographed by JOC Dick Wood.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (# NH 97411).

Same as above, color photo taken from a slighlty different angle.

From USS Oriskany (CVA-34) 1966 Cruise Book.

In Memoriam.

List from USS Oriskany (CVA-34) 1966 Cruise Book.

Deck log.

Funeral services for Lieutenant Commander Omar R. Ford, one of the 44 victims of the fire, are held aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34). LCDR Ford was buried at sea. The fire occurred off Vietnam on 26 October 1966.

National Archives and Records Administration photo, catalog # USN 1121706.

Lieutenant Commander Omar R. Ford, one of the 44 victims of the fire, is buried at sea during funeral ceremonies hold on the USS Oriskany's flight deck.

National Archives and Records Administration photo, catalog # USN 1121689.

The bodies of sailors killed in the fire aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) are off loaded at Naval Air Station (NAS) Cubi Point, Philippines for transport back to the States.

According to Gary Herron, "the two sailors facing the camera next to the Chaplain were friends and shipmates Armand Smith and Jimmy Reid."

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 1996.488.197.013). Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

If you have any additional information concerning this photo, please contact us.

"Bodies of men who lost their lives in the fire aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) on 26 October 1966 are off loaded at Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines. The bodies will be flown to the United States. The fire broke out while the Oriskany was operating off the coast of Vietnam."

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 428-K-34318. Photographer: J.A. Johnston.

"Fallen Heroes - Going Home, USS Oriskany (CVA-34), Subic Bay, Philippines, October 28, 1966"

Commander Harry William Juntilla, USN (1 June 1924–31 October 1966) fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and perished as a result of burns he suffered in the fire aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34).

"The Oriskany Fire"

"It's a rare sight to see a Destroyer Tender alongside an Aircraft Carrier. As a matter of fact, no one here knows whether it has ever happened before."

"Recently, however, at Subic Bay, in the Philippines, USS Bryce Canyon (AD-36) wrote a new page in Western Pacific history by going alongside USS Oriskany (CVA-34). The event was occasioned by a serious fire which had broken out in Oriskany while operating off the Vietnam coast. As soon as the ships were moored together, Bryce Canyon's repair personnel swarmed aboard the carrier, and commenced around-the-clock operations. First on the agenda was the immediate recharging of some 107 CO₂ fire extinguishers, which had been used in fighting the blaze. At the end of six days, all repair work was completed. Every one of the seventy ventilation and heating systems, as well as all electric motors in the damaged area had been checked out and restored to order. During this period, working parties from the tender had also pitched in with Oriskany sailors and personnel from SRF Subic, in cleaning up the fire and smoke damaged areas to make them habitable. Elsewhere aboard the tender, skilled technicians worked on countless jobs not immediately associated with the fire damage, giving the carrier a tender availability the like of which she had never seen. On conclusion of work, Bryce Canyon's modern electronic accounting machine installation tallied the results of her 6-day effort. In all, a total of 6,019 manhours had been expended; the equivalent of a two week availability for four destroyers."

"As both ships got underway at the crack of dawn on the sixth day, Oriskany sent the following visual message to the tender: "Your outstanding service and voluntary assistance in removing our scars is greatly appreciated. The willingness to work and your speed and efficiency helped us leave Subic Bay in outstanding shape for our transit home. Well done to all men aboard Bryce Canyon!"

(Quoted from USS Bryce Canyon's Cruise Book.)

En route to the Western Pacific for operations off Vietnam, 23 June 1967. Photographed by PH1 F.L. Blair.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 428-KN-15081.

In all probability taken within seconds from the photo above.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway near Midway Atoll, 24 June 1967.

National Museum of Naval Aviation photo, # 1996.488.196.049.

Good overhead view of USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway with Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16) during her June 16, 1967 – January 31, 1968 Vietnam cruise. Photo by PH1 F. L. Blair.

A-4E Skyhawk, BuNo 151194, modex AH406, Attack Squadron (VA) 164 "Ghost Riders."

This aircraft is currently on display at Pacific Coast Air Museum, California, painted in the colors of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 131 "Diamondbacks."

Ordnancemen wheel carts loaded with bombs on the flight deck of USS Oriskany (CVA-34), with five A-4E Skyhawks attached to Attack Squadron (VA) 164 "Ghost Riders" in the background.

Plane with side number 415 is believed to be BuNo 151175, lost on 18 July 1967. #412 is BuNo 151994. #414 is probably BuNo 151985, lost on 2 November 1967. #402 may be BuNo 151991, lost on 31 August 1967.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) gets ready to help USS Forrestal (CVA-59), burning on the horizon, 29 July 1967. (See "The Forrestal Fire, July 29, 1967" for further information.)

Five A-4E Skyhawks attached to Attack Squadron (VA) 164 "Ghost Riders" and one attached to VA-163 "Saints" spotted on the flight deck of USS Oriskany (CVA-34), September–October 1967. Plane closest to camera, BuNo 151994 (modex AH412) had collided with BuNo 151995 in May 1966, during a night Steel Tiger attack over Laos, while attached to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 "Tomcats," but was repaired and returned to service, and transferred to the Israeli Air Force in the 1970s. The second aircraft, BuNo 151152 (AH404), ditched into the South China Sea due to battle damage, 11 January 1968. The third Skyhawk, BuNo 152048 (AH402), was shot down near Haiphong, 18 October 1967. The fourth plane appears to be BuNo 152085 (AH416), lost on 9 October 1967, probably as a result of combat damage.

Official US Navy Photograph #CVA-4147-9-67 of USS Oriskany (CVA-34), from the Mighty O's own Photo Lab, dated 18 September 1967 (original caption states Oriskany is shown operating in the Gulf of Tonkin, but she was en route to Sasebo on that date — the pic might have been actually taken a few days earlier.) Oriskany and Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16, tail code "AH") were on her third combat cruise to Vietnam (June 16, 1967 – January 31, 1968) and spent 122 days on the line.

Photo by PHC Neal Crowe.

Photographed from USS Collett (DD-730) during an UNREP, to or from Yokosuka and Vietnam, circa November 1967.

Navy pilot Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Denny Earl, with both legs shattered by North Vietnamese anti-aircraft fire, successfully lands his A-4E Skyhawk attack plane (BuNo 152003) aboard the Oriskany in the Gulf of Tonkin, 20 November 1967. The nylon emergency barrier assures the wounded pilot that he will not have to make more than one attempt to land his plane.

NS023416a: Official U.S. Navy Photograph (photo # K-42269). Photographed by PHC Neal Crowe.

BuNo 152003, modex AH300, had the name of LT(JG) Dennis R. Earl stenciled on after he was evacuated.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway on 3 January 1968. US Navy photo by PHC Neal Crowe [K-43387].

Taken by RD3 Steve Karolyi from the deck of the USS Mahan (DLG-11) around 1968 in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Taken by RD3 Steve Karolyi from the deck of the USS Mahan (DLG-11) around 1968 in the Gulf of Tonkin.

A KA-3B Skywarrior from VAH-4 "Fourrunners" prepares to launch from USS Oriskany (CVA-34), sometime in 1967–68. Note nose of a VF-111 "Sundowners" F-8C Crusader in the right foreground.

An A-4E Skyhawk aircraft, from VA-163 "Saints," taxiing to the cat.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) at Cubi Point, Philippine Islands, 1967.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in Hong Kong, December 1967.

A-1J Skyraider, BuNo 142030, modex AH503, VA-152 "Friendlies," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16.

Ordnancemen hauling bombs on the carrier's flight deck (1966 or 1967 cruise). Part of the tail of an A-4E Skyhawk, from VA-164 "Ghost Riders," is visible on the right.

Ordnancemen hauling bombs on the carrier's flight deck (1966 or 1967 cruise).

F-8C (side number 102) and F-8E (side numbers 205, 212, 202 and 204) Crusaders from VF-111 "Sundowners" and VF-162 "Hunters," respectively.

This KA-3B Skywarrior from the "Fourrunners" of VAH-4 Det. G (redesignated Det. 34 on 1 August 1967) appears to be BuNo 142655, modex AH611, lost on 21 October 1967 due to accidental ignition of JATO bottles while taking off from NAS Cubi Point, R.P., en route to USS Oriskany (CVA-34). Crew of four survived: An injured crew member was rescued by a UH-2 Seasprite helicopter of the newly established Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 7 "Seadevils" Det. 105. The three remaining survivors were picked up by small craft.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), launching aircraft. Summer 1967?

F-8E Crusader with a Sidewinder missile and a bomb, 1966 or 1967.

Marine Detachment, 1966 or 1967.

Allen with a friend and an A-1 Skyraider from Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies," 1966 or 1967.

Allen with a friend and an E-1B Tracer, 1966 or 1967.

A-1 Skyraiders from Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies" aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1967. Plane with side number 502 was an A-1J variant; it had been assigned to VA-152 in April that year, and was transferred to the USAF as 52-142072 in February 1968.

Note tail of KA-3B Skywarrior, BuNo 142655, on the lower left of the photo (see also NS023497c). This plane was assigned to VAH-4 Det. G "Fourrunners" (Det. G was redesignated Det. 34 on 1 August 1967). Its tail code, "AH," is further indication that the photo was taken in 1967, as the squadron's tail code for Oriskany's 1966 cruise was "ZB."

Note DD (apparently a Gearing FRAM I) in the background.

F-8 Crusader, VF-111 "Sundowners," possibly 1967.

(Appears to be BuNo 146984, an F-8C, that was shot down on 31 July 1967. Pilot, LT Charles P. Zuhoski, ejected and became POW; he was released on 14 March 1973.)

A-4E Skyhawk, VA-163 "Saints," 1966 or 1967.

AN Steve Guidry served aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1967–1969, and was a Blue Shirt in V-3 Division. This photo was taken in the carrier's hangar deck.

(Note that in the Cruise Book photo Steve's name is misspelled S.C. Buidry.)

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in dry dock at Hunters Point, near San Francisco. This photo was possibly taken during her final major overhaul, February–October 1968.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), with Point Loma and San Diego Bay in the background. This photo, from Marine Photos and Publishing of Spring Valley, CA, appears to have been taken sometime after Mighty O's 1968 overhaul.

Douglas Gillmer was a plane captain with Fighter Squadron (VF) 191 "Satan's Kittens" aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) during her 1969 WestPac.

NS0234db was taken as Oriskany was departing Pearl Harbor, 29 April 1969.

NS0234dba shows Douglas standing in front of F-8J Crusader BuNo 150890.

Seventh Fleet ships replenishing in the South China Sea, May 1969. Photographed by PH1 Long. Ships present are (from front to back): USS Wiltsie (DD-716), USS Tappahannock (AO-43), USS Oriskany (CVA-34), USS Mars (AFS-1), and USS Perkins (DD-877).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1139357).

Note: According to the ships' deck logs, this photo was most likely taken on 6 May 1969, while en route to the South China Sea, but still in the North Pacific Ocean.

Aerial 3/4 starboard bow view of USS Oriskany (CVA-34) conducting air operations in the South China Sea, 6 May 1969 (see Note above). Official US Navy Photograph from the ship's photo lab (# CVA-34-3398-5-6-1969), taken from an HC-1 Seasprite by PH1 R. A. Long.

The carrier was on her 12th overseas deployment, and 4th Vietnam Cruise, 16 April–17 November 1969. On board was Carrier Air Wing NINETEEN, tailcode "NM", consisting of the following squadrons: VF-191 "Satan's Kittens" and VF-194 "Red Lightnings" (F-8J Crusaders); VA-23 "Black Knights" and VA-192 "Golden Dragons" (A-4F Skyhawks); VA-195 "Dambusters" (A-4E Skyhawks); VFP-63 Det. 34 "Eyes of the Fleet" (RF-8G Crusaders); VAQ-130 Det. 34 "Zappers" (EKA-3B Skywarriors); VAW-111 Det. 34 "Hunters" (E-1B Tracers); and HC-1 Det. 6 "Fleet Angels" (UH-2C Seasprites).

F-8J Crusader, BuNo 150289, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens," on catapult #2.

(This aircraft hit the ramp and disintegrated when returning to Oriskany after a BARCAP mission over the Gulf of Tonkin, 6 October 1970. The pilot, LT John Bernard Martin II, was killed.)

Individually identifiable are: an F-8J Crusader, BuNo 150662, VF-194 "Red Lightnings," foreground; and A-4E Skyhawk, BuNo 150076, NM515, VA-195 "Dambusters," left (according to Joe Baugher's lists, this plane is currently on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, FL, but marked as BuNo 154180, which had a long flight history.)

A-4F Skyhawk, VA-192 "Golden Dragons."

Gulf of Tonkin, Halloween Day, 1969. Three unidentified servicemen in front of an A-4E Skyhawk (BuNo 150056) assigned to VA-195 "Dambusters."

"In Memoriam," from the 1969 Cruise Book.

LT Stanley K. Smiley, VA-23 "Black Knights," KIA, 20 July 1969.

LT(JG) Charles S. Taylor, VAQ-130 "Zappers," 23 June 1969.

SR Jimmy M. Dolan, 24 August 1969.

(This photo was probably taken on 27 June 1969, during memorial services for LT(JG) Taylor—note USS John W. Thomason (DD-760) steaming off Oriskany's port side.)

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in the South China Sea during her 14 May–10 December 1970 Vietnam cruise. Photo taken from USS Bausell (DD-845).

Aircraft carriers USS Oriskany (CVA-34), foreground, and USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) underway in the Tonkin Gulf off Vietnam, 13 October 1970. Oriskany, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19 embarked, was deployed to Vietnam from 14 May to 10 December 1970. Bon Homme Richard, with CVW-5 embarked, was deployed to Vietnam from 2 April to 12 November 1970—this was her final deployment.

RF-8G Crusader, BuNo 145624 (modex NM602), Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 63 "Eyes of the Fleet," Det. 34. Yokosuka, Japan, 19–29 October 1970.

This aircraft was accidentally lost while launching from Oriskany on 14 November 1970. Tragically, its pilot, LT Joseph R. Klugg, ejected but drowned.

A-7B Corsair IIs, BuNo 154520 (modex NM520) and 154526 (NM504), Attack Squadron (VA) 155 "Silver Foxes." Yokosuka, Japan, 19–29 October 1970.

F-8J Crusader (BuNo 150900, modex NM-104), Fighter Squadron (VF) 191 "Satan's Kittens," probably during the 14 May–10 December 1970 deployment to Vietnam.

A-7A Corsair II, NM-311 (probably BuNo 153220), Attack Squadron (VA) 153 "Blue Tail Flies."

"GREETINGS FROM THE ORISKANY—Crewmen of the aircraft carrier Oriskany, base for last month's raid on a North Vietnam prisoner of war camp, spell out 'NOEL POWS' as the ship arrives in San Francisco today on its way to its home port at the Alameda Naval Air Station. The ship returned from its fifth Vietnam combat tour. 10 December 1970." Photographer: PH3 C.M. Bauman, USN.

Overhead view of USS Oriskany. Location unknown. Exact date unknown, sometime in 1970–1976.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), identifier 6641406, local identifier 330-CFD-DN-SP-04-08722.jpeg.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) moored to Pier Hotel, berths #3 and #4, Pearl Harbor, HI, late May 1971, on her way to WestPac and Vietnam. Several F-8J Crusaders attached to Fighter Squadron (VF) 191 "Satan's Kittens" are visible on deck: BuNo 150299 (modex NM-105) and, apparently, 150915 (NM-114).

(On 5 September 1972, while attached to VF-24 "Red Checkertails" with CVW-21 aboard USS Hancock (CVA-19), 150299 collided with RF-8G 146861, Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 63 "Eyes of the Fleet." They were about to refuel from a tanker over the Gulf of Tonkin. Both LT J. Schultz and CDR R. Harrison ejected and were rescued.)

These pictures were taken off the coast of Vietnam, November 1971. They were taken from the island, on "vulture's row," during flight recovery operations ("traps"). The pictures are of A-7 Corsair IIs. This time, they aborted ("boltered") their landing and had to go around for another attempt.

The first four pictures appear to be of an A-7A from VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies." The last picture appears to be of an A-7B from VA-155 "Silver Foxes."

Ling-Temco-Vought A-7A Corsair II, BuNo 153235, modex NM310, VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies."

This aircraft might be returning from an Iron Hand mission, as it is carrying what appears to be an AGM-45 Shrike antiradiation missile.

Combat aircraft of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19 crowd the forward end of the flight deck of USS Oriskany (CVA-34), off Vietnam, November 1971: F-8J Crusaders from VF-191 "Satan's Kittens" and VF-194 "Red Lightnings," A-7A and A-7B Corsair IIs from VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies," VA-215 "Barn Owls" and VA-155 "Silver Foxes."

This F-8J Crusader, BuNo 149155, was assigned to VF-191 "Satan's Kittens." BuNo 149155 was manufactured as an F8U-2NE, redesignated F-8E under the 1962 system, and later upgraded to F-8J standard.

Note, on the upper right corner, the tail of an A-7B Corsair II assigned to VA-215 "Barn Owls."

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), off Vietnam, November 1971.

An A-7B Corsair II assigned to VA-215 "Barn Owls" (side number 412) and an F-8J Crusader assigned to VF-191 "Satan's Kittens" (side number 110) ride the deck of USS Oriskany (CVA-34) off Vietnam, November 1971.

Carrier On-Board Delivery (COD) aircraft, C-2A Greyhound (BuNo 152793, modex RG407), Fleet Tactical Support Squadron (VRC) 50 "Foo Dogs," off Vietnam, November 1971.

Fighter Squadrons were VF-191 "Satan's Kittens" (modex NM1xx) and VF-194 "Red Lightnings" (NM2xx), both equipped with F-8J Crusaders.

Sikorsky SH-3G Sea King helicopter, (BuAer 149722, modex NG005), Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 1 Det. 3 "Pacific Fleet Angels," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9. HC-1 Det. 3 was deployed aboard USS Constellation (CVA-64). Off Vietnam, November 1971.

"Shellback" initiation, 27 November 1971, latitude 105° 38'E, longitude 000° 0'. (Note that latitude and longitude are reversed, but this is how they appear in the 1971 Cruise Book.)

The "Royal Baby" is BT1 D.L. Thurston, Leading Petty Officer (LPO) in the #3 Fireroom.

Six photos of USS Oriskany (CVA-34) moored at Leyte Pier, Cubi Point Naval Air Station, Subic Bay, Philippines, 30 November–2 December 1971, at the end of her 6th Vietnam cruise.

En route to CONUS from Vietnam, December 1971.

Neat views of the large rectangular antenna of the SPS-43A air-search radar and the large "dish" of the SPS-30 height finder. The framework protruding from the starboard side of the island carried antennas for a ULQ-6 defensive jammer against Soviet missiles.

Steaming into San Francisco Bay, December 1971, after completing Oriskany's 13th WestPac and 6th Vietnam cruise (14 May–18 December 1971). The Golden Gate Bridge can be seen in the background.

View of Pearl Harbor from the flight deck of USS Oriskany (CVA-34) on 7 December 1971, exactly 30 years after the Japanese attack on the Hawaiian base.

Bob comments: "[This picture was] taken in 1972 at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco. We were in Hunters Point for repairs before being deployed for Vietnam in June of 1972. That is me in [the picture] wearing dungarees, our usual uniform of the day."

"[It's] me clowning around with the helmet on [and] was taken on the island by the bridge I believe."

Four A-7A Corsair II aircraft from VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19, in flight, circa 1972.

VA-153 made three Vietnam deployments with A-7As aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) between 1970 and 1973.

USS Oriskany at Leyte Pier in Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, during her seventh Vietnam cruise, 5 June 1972–30 March 1973.

Oriskany was in port, Subic Bay, 21–25 June 1972, 2–10 September, 30 September–7 October, 19–26 December, 2–9 February 1973, and 8–15 March.

On 21 July 1972 USS Oriskany (CVA-34) lost a screw and shaft section on number one main engine, while operating in the Tonkin Gulf. She spent 28 July to 11 August in dry dock in Yokosuka, Japan, for repairs. Number three elevator, which had been damaged on 28 June, when the carrier collided with ammunition ship USS Nitro (AE-23) during an underway replenishment evolution, was fixed as well.

These photos may have been taken during this dry dock period, or maybe during a later dry dock period in November.

"These pictures of the Oriskany in dry dock were taken in Yokosuka, Japan during our 1972–1973 West Pac. During that West Pac Cruise we had to go into dry dock twice in 1972 because we dropped a screw along with several feet of propeller shaft into the Gulf of Tonkin on two separate occasions."

"I took these pictures the second time we had to go into dry dock for repairs. I believe that it was in November of 1972 [Oriskany lost a second screw, this time from number two shaft, on 24 October, and so diverted to Yokosuka in early November, arriving there on the 3rd. Repairs were completed on 20 November 1972]. The first four pictures were taken from ground level of the fantail, at the aft end of the ship."

"The other eight pictures were taken inside the dry dock itself. I wanted to take some pictures from a different perspective. So I climbed down into the dry dock with one of my fellow shipmates and took these pictures. I remember asking the shipyard dry dock supervisor if it would be OK, and he said 'sure, just as long you wear a hard hat.'"

"The last picture down in the dry dock is of me. The shipmate who went down into the dry dock with me took it. I always kind of liked that picture. I have never seen another like it."

"That picture, along with the ones of the shipyard workers working on the propellers and some other shipyard workers standing by the ship's rudder gives you a pretty good perspective how big of a ship the Oriskany [was]."

Friday, 21 July 1972. "0743 Received report that section of number one shaft and propeller are missing."

Tuesday, 24 October 1972. "1233 Received report from divers that #2 propeller and part of #2 shaft are missing."

These photos were posted to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website by Bill Wright, who was an F-8J Crusader pilot with VF-194 "Red Lightnings" aboard Oriskany during her 1972–73 WestPac cruise. They are a tribute to LT Richard Bryan Lineberry, his squadron mate, who was killed on 29 September 1972 when his Crusader, BuNo 150325, crashed when taking off from Da Nang to return to the ship.

"Here is a photo as it was coming aboard the USS Oriskany, CVA-34. Richard Lineberry, assigned to VF-194, was stationed aboard the USS Oriskany. This photo was taken during flight ops in the South China Sea (on a good day!)"

"Richard 'Linus' Lineberry flew the F-8 Crusader. This 'Gator was from our sister squadron, VF-191. This photo shows the F-8 at full power—afterburner lit and ready to be launched. The Jet Blast Deflectors (JBD's) protected the folks behind the tail pipe."

"Linus and I shared a stateroom directly below this location of the flight deck."

"Here is a photo of an F-8 that was flown by Richard Lineberry (Linus). It is on the flight deck after its ride up from the hangar bay."

"Being loaded with 500lb. MK-82 bombs is an F-8 Crusader that was flown by Richard Lineberry off of the USS Oriskany in 1972. Note the Sidewinder air-to-air missile on the fuselage."

"'Linus' and I shared a stateroom on the Oriskany. He was a great guy and a close friend. Here is a photo of 'Linus' while we were aboard the USS Oriskany at the start of our WestPac cruise."

BuNo 144608 was the third F8U-1P Crusader built. On 19–20 June, and again between 13 September and 2 October 1957, it was used for carrier suitability demonstrations at Patuxent River, and for BIS photographic, electronic, and electrical trials.

On Tuesday, 16 July 1957, then Maj. John H. Glenn, Jr., USMC (later USMC Colonel, NASA astronaut and US Senator [D-OH]), flew 144608 to break the transcontinental speed record, with a crossing in 3 hours, 22 minutes, 50.05 seconds, at an average speed of 723.517 miles per hour, from NAS Los Alamitos, CA, to NAS Floyd Bennett Field, NY. This marked the first upper atmosphere supersonic flight from the west to east coast. Glenn came up with the name Project Bullet for this flight. Eventually, a small brass plaque was affixed to the port side of the aircraft to commemorate the flight.

BuNo 144608 was redesignated RF-8A under the September 1962 designation system, and was acquired by Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 62 "Fighting Photos" in October, for missions over Cuba. After its assignment to Blue Moon (Cuba) and the Naval Air Test Center (NATC), it was transferred to VFP-63 "Eyes of the Fleet," the West Coast photo squadron. At some point in time, the aircraft was upgraded to RF-8G standard.

With modex NM601, BuNo 144608 was one of four photo birds that VFP-63 brought aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) for the carrier's 1972–73 WestPac/Vietnam cruise. Unfortunately, the jet was lost on Wednesday, 13 December 1972, while attempting to recover aboard the Mighty O. Pilot, then LT Thomas B. Scott, could eject safely and was rescued. (See marine Corps Aviation Reconnaissance Association and Flying Leathernecks websites for more information.)

SH-3G Sea King, BuNo 148051 (modex NM-005), Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 1 "Pacific Fleet Angels," probably during the 5 June 1972–30 March 1973 Vietnam deployment.

A Vietnam cease-fire was announced on 23 January 1973 and came into effect on the 27th. The carriers USS Oriskany (CVA-34), USS Ranger (CVA-61), USS Enterprise (CVAN-65), and USS America (CVA-66) were on Yankee Station and cancelled all combat sorties.

On Sunday, 28 January 1973, all four carriers, along with a DD/DE screen, steamed together for a photo exercise. As seen from Oriskany, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19:

NS023467e, NS023467f, NS023467i, NS023467j: Ranger, with CVW-2.

NS023467f, NS023467i: USS Cone (DD-866) steaming off Ranger's port bow.

NS023467a, NS023467d, NS023467g: Enterprise, with CVW-14.
NS023467a, NS023467g: USS Fanning (DE-1076) steaming off the Big E's port bow, USS Corry (DD-817) off the starboard bow.
NS023467d: Escorts leading the formation are, left to right: Fanning, USS William C. Lawe (DD-763), and Corry.

NS023467, NS023467b, NS023467c, NS023467h: America, with CVW-8.
NS023467: Escort in the lead is USS Bronstein (DE-1037).

Left to right: USS America (CVA-66), USS Enterprise (CVAN-65), and USS Ranger (CVA-61), with USS Oriskany (CVA-34) steaming astern of the Big E, and five destroyers and destroyer escorts in the lead. Vietnam cease-fire, Sunday, 28 January 1973.

Escorts are, left to right: USS Bronstein (DE-1037), USS Corry (DD-817), USS William C. Lawe (DD-763), USS Fanning (DE-1076), and USS Cone (DD-866). (Photo and escorts id thanks to Enterprise WestPac 1972–73 Cruise Book, via Bob Canchola.)

Zenithal view of the same group.

South China Sea, 28 January 1973, the nuclear-powered attack aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVAN-65)—center—the attack aircraft carriers USS America (CVA-66)—left—and USS Oriskany (CVA-34), and—left to right—the destroyer escort USS Bronstein (DE-1037), destroyers USS Corry (DD‑817), USS William C. Lawe (DD-763), destroyer escort USS Fanning (DE-1076), and destroyer USS Cone (DD-866), cruise together in the multiple aircraft carrier force at the end of the hostilities in Vietnam.

Official U.S. Navy photo, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 428-K-97942.

PH3 Spence Spivey turned 25 on January 27th. He is seen here aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), with USS Enterprise (CVAN-65), photos NS023467l and NS023467m; and USS Ranger (CVA-61), photo NS023467n, in the background.

NS023467p: Spence in his flight deck gear, with camera. He comments:

"I like [this photo] because I think it, or a very similar pic of another flight deck photographer from the Vietnam era, would well represent how we looked."

"Us non-squadron PH's were the black sheep orphans of the Roof. We spent many more hours up there, also doing what is now described as 'one of the most dangerous jobs in the world,' than others who spent time there. As best I can tell, even the PH's assigned to the photo birds and their squadrons did not spend as much time as the Airman or PH3 from the ship photo lab, especially the ones like me who managed to get as much time on the roof as possible because it was exciting and got me out of the darkroom!"

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) as seen from USS Ranger (CVA-61), 28 January 1973.

Photo by Kevin Stecher.

Firepower demonstration for COMSEVENTHFLT, units of TU 77.1.1 and units of TG 73.5, 24 February 1973, 1500–1540.

NS0234ai: A-7A and A-7B Corsair IIs from VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies," VA-215 "Barn Owls," and VA-155 "Silver Foxes," and F-8J Crusaders from VF-194 "Red Lightnings."

NS0234aia: A-7B Corsair IIs from VA-155 "Silver Foxes."

NS0234aib: F-8J Crusader from VF-194 "Red Lightnings."

NS0234aic: SH-3G Sea Kings from HC-1 "Pacific Fleet Angels."

USS Oriskany (CVA-34), Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, 1973–1974.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) and combat stores ship USS Mars (AFS-1) conducting an UNREP/VERTREP during Big O's WestPac deployment, 18 October 1973–5 June 1974.

USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway, WestPac deployment, 18 October 1973–5 June 1974.

NS0234au: F-8J Crusader, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens."

NS0234aua: Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19.

"Instruct your unworthy, slimy pollywogs to prepare a festive evening of entertainment to bring a smile to his Royal lips, as His Most Vindictive Royal Majesty, Neptunus Rex, and his court, will arrive shortly."

Crossing the line, 20 December 1973, Latitude 00° 00' Longitude 50° 11' E (Indian Ocean).

A Chance Vought F-8J Crusader of Fighter Squadron (VF) 194 "Red Lightnings" intercepts a Soviet Tupolev Tu-95 Bear-A/B reconnaissance aircraft near the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34) (steaming below), 25 May 1974. VF-194 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19.

NS023461: Photo taken by LT Richard M. Fessenden, Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 63 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. 4. Id. DN-SC-85-06071.

NS023461a: Photo taken by LT Richard M. Fessenden, Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 63 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. 4. Id. DN-SC-85-06068.

Overhead view of USS Oriskany (CVA-34) at anchor, Pearl Harbor, 30 May 1974.

National Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.196.039, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Aerial view of Naval Air Station Alameda, summer of 1974. Left to right: USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), USS Hancock (CVA-19), USS Oriskany (CVA-34), and USS Enterprise (CVAN-65).

Same as NS024346, above, from a different angle.

"USS Oriskany CVA-34 Vietnam War," Vietnam Magazine. Article by Art Giberson, reproduced with permission.

Left to right: USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Coral Sea (CV-43), USS Kansas City (AOR-3), USS Wabash (AOR-5), and USS Oriskany (CV-34) at NAS Alameda, CA, July-August 1975.

Official US Navy photo from the Naval Photographic Center, Washington, D.C.

"612 from VFP-63 experienced a hard landing that busted the right main mount completely off, he boltered and got airborne again."

"The Air Boss wanted to inflight refuel him and bingo him to the nearest land base."

"Since he was down and dirty with a hydraulic failure, as soon as he plugged into the basket, his plane yawed to the right and broke his inflight refueling probe completely off."

"So they had no choice but to bring him into the barricade. Th[is photo sequence is] of that event. Th[e first] picture is of the crew rigging the barricade."

"For the record, these pictures were taken [by] a PLAT camera man off duty, I got a copy of these from him!"

BuNo 141363, modex NM612, was the 32nd and last example of the second production batch of the F8U Crusader. It was modified to become the first "photo Crusader," F8U-1P, and flew for the first time on 17 December 1956. In September 1962, F8U-1Ps were redesignated RF-8As in accordance with the new Tri-Service unified designation system. Upgraded to RF-8G standard circa 1969–70. The incident shown here took place circa 1975, while 141363 was assigned to VFP‑63 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. 4, as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19 aboard USS Oriskany (CV-34). This plane was lost in an operational accident at NAS Dallas, TX, 18 July 1977—it landed in the Officers Quarters; there were no injuries and the pilot, LT E.S. Gregory, ejected safely.

NS0234ara shows BuNo 141363 in happier days.

One of the best photos of a Crusader recovering aboard USS Oriskany (CV-34). This is BuNo 149210, NM211, VF-194 "Red Lightnings," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19. Manufactured as an F8U-2NE (F-8E under the 1962 designation system), it was later upgraded to F-8J standard and transferred to France as parts source in 1990.

Photo taken by CDR Pete Clayton, USN, in January 1976. The pilot was, probably, LT(JG) Robert "Buster" Taylor.

USS Oriskany (CV-34) returns from her final deployment, 3 March 1976. With Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19, Big O had begun her cruise to the Western Pacific on 16 September 1975.

Note that parked on her deck are at least one cocooned aircraft, and two McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs and a Grumman A-6 Intruder, aircraft that never operated from any Essex-class carrier.

A-7B Corsair II, VA-215 "Barn Owls," in bicentennial markings, 1976.

A few men recognized themselves in this photo: Plane Captain was George Douglas Kyzer; the shooter (usually an officer) was ABEC Bill Sowers (his especially-made jacket read "Spirit of 76" on the back and "Pride of the 34" on the front); Don Nowicki could be sitting on the tractor.

A-7B Corsair II, BuNo 154479, modex NM401, Attack Squadron (VA) 215 "Barn Owls," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19, in bicentennial markings, 1975–1976. CVW-19 deployed aboard USS Oriskany (CV-34) for the carrier's final cruise, 16 September 1975–3 March 1976, to the Western Pacific.

Photo NS0234baa is in Oriskany's 1975–76 Cruise Book. Photographer: Gordon "Howdy" Doody, USN.

Port bow view of USS Oriskany (CV-34) moored at Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda, 29 September 1976. She was decommissioned the next day.

National Naval Aviation Museum, photo #2009.116.017.

Port bow view of ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34), probably at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, circa the late 1980s.

Oriskany and the F9F-5 Panthers of VF-192 "Golden Dragons"  (thereafter nicknamed "World Famous Golden Dragons") were featured in the movies Men of the Fighting Lady (directed by Andrew Marton; starring Van Johnson, Walter Pidgeon, Louis Calhern, Dewey Martin, Keenan Wynn and Frank Lovejoy) and The Bridges at Toko-Ri (directed by Mark Robson; starring William Holden, Grace Kelly, Fredric March and Mickey Rooney), filmed just a few months after the end of the Korean War and released in May (Men of the Fighting Lady) and December 1954.

Actors (left to right) Earl Holliman, William Holden, and Mickey Rooney, shooting a scene at Yokosuka Naval Base during production of the film The Bridges at Toko-Ri.

LIFE magazine, used for educational purposes.

Actors Mickey Rooney (left) and Earl Holliman shooting a scene at Yokosuka Naval Base during production of the film The Bridges at Toko-Ri.

LIFE magazine, used for educational purposes.

Actor Mickey Rooney shooting a scene at Yokosuka Naval Base during production of the film The Bridges at Toko-Ri.

LIFE magazine, used for educational purposes.

The Bridges at Toko-Ri. Note port side elevator and aircraft crane.

The Bridges at Toko-Ri. With Carrier Air Group 19.

F9F-5 Panthers attached to Fighter Squadron (VF) 192 "World Famous Golden Dragons" launching from USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1953. Frame from The Bridges at Toko-Ri.

Capricorn One (1977). Starring Elliott Gould, James Brolin, Brenda Vaccaro, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson and Hal Holbrook. Music by Jerry Goldsmith. Written and directed by Peter Hyams.

USS Oriskany is mentioned and briefly appears as the Prime Recovery Ship for Capricorn One, the first NASA manned mission to land (fakely, though) on Mars. Notably, Oriskany had been decommissioned in 1976, and she is shown in her 1950s appearance, prior to SCB-125A modernization. The footage is probably re-used from The Bridges at Toko-Ri.

What Dreams May Come (1998); directed by Vincent Ward; starring Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Annabella Sciorra. The hulk of ex-Oriskany was used to film part of the "Hell" scene.

Ex-Oriskany (CV-34) towed from Alameda to Bremerton, 2–30 October 1976, by USS Brunswick (ATS-3).

All photos taken by Ray F. Longaker, Jr.

Here is a video by Vern Bouwman, featuring these photos.

Decommissioned on 30 September 1976, ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34) is being towed from San Francisco Bay on October 2nd, by USS Brunswick (ATS-3), to the Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility at Bremerton, Washington.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 2009.116.016.

The decommissioned carrier ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34) is being escorted under the Golden Gate Bridge by tugs on 2 October 1976. After clearing San Francisco Bay, the ship would be towed by USS Brunswick (ATS-3) to the Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility at Bremerton, Washington.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 2009.116.021.

USS Brunswick (ATS-3) towing ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34) from San Francisco, CA., to Bremerton, WA., in 1976.

Photo contributed to NAFTS by Ray F. Longaker, Jr.

Looking a bit weather beaten, ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34) is moored at an unknown location, circa the late 1970s or 1980s.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection, # 1996.488.196.005.

Department of Defense, Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service, National Sales Office, Invitation For Bids, Sale Number 31-3312, Bid Opening 26 January 1993, Aircraft Carriers: Ex-Hornet (CVS-12), ex-Bennington (CVS-20), ex-Oriskany (CV-34).

Ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34) with ex-USS Sailfish (SS-572) alongside. Bow of ex-USS Chicago (CG-11) at right. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA, spring 1990.

Ex-Oriskany at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA in 1994.

Two aerial photos taken by Douglas Gillmer from a plane flown by his brother over Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 14 April 1996.

Left to right in photo NS0234cp (right to left in photo NS0234cpa) are: partly visible flight deck of ex-USS Midway (CV-41), seven retired Knox-class frigates, ex-USS New Jersey (BB-62), and ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34).

Some more photos taken by Douglas Gillmer in the 1990s.

Ex-Oriskany (CV-34) at Mare Island in the spring of 1998.

Ex-Oriskany tied up at Mare Island in 1999.

Twenty-seven photos of ex-Oriskany (CV-34) taken by Dale Howe in Corpus Christi, TX. Dale was a BT (Boiler Technician) and served aboard the Mighty O in Fireroom #1 for most of his time aboard (1972–74).