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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


Contributed by Mike Smolinski

USS ORISKANY   (CV-34)
(later CVA-34 and CV-34)

U.S.S. ORISKANY
Courtesy of Al Grazevich



Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Tango - Bravo - India
Tactical Voice Radio Call: "CHILD PLAY"


Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons


Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Navy Unit Commendation (3) / Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (3) / China Service Medal (extended)
2nd Row: Navy Occupation Service Medal ("Europe" clasp) / National Defense Service Medal (2) / Korean Service Medal (2 stars)
3rd Row: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3) / Vietnam Service Medal (10 stars) / Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm)
4th Row: United Nations Korean Medal / Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal / Republic of Korea War Service Medal (retroactive)

Specifications
Displacement 30,800 Tons, Dimensions, 904' (oa) x 129' x 30' 6" (Max)
Armament 8 x 5"/38AA, 32 x 40mm, 46 x 20mm, 82 Aircraft.
Armor, 4" Belt, 2 1/2" Hanger deck, 1 1/2" Deck, 1 1/2" Conning Tower.
Machinery, 150,000 SHP; Westinghouse Geared Turbines, 4 screws
Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 3460.

Essex Class (*) Aircraft Carrier
Ordered (**) Laid down Launched Commissioned Decommissioned Stricken
7 Aug 1942 1 May 1944 13 Oct 1945 25 Sep 1950
7 Mar 1959
2 Jan 1957
30 Sep 1976

25 Jul 1989
Builder: New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, N.Y.
(*) "Long Hull" group, aka Ticonderoga Class
(**) see below
Click On Image
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Namesake
CV-34 Oriskany
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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.

Partial text and image courtesy of Wikipedia.
Partial text courtesy of DANFS.
CV-34 Oriskany
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The Early Years — Korea
Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1944
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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.

NHHC, via Ron Reeves
Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1944
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CV-34 Oriskany
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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 (# 80-G-349258).

Ron Reeves
CV-34 Oriskany
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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 (# 80-G-349259).

Ron Reeves
CV-34 Oriskany
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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).

Bill Gonyo
CV-34 Oriskany
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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).

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

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

Jack Esdes, via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-34 Oriskany
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35k Undated, early 1950's image (pre SCB-125A). USN
CV-34 Oriskany
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USS Oriskany at anchor, date and place unknown.

David Buell
CV-34 Oriskany
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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.

Jack Esdes,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-34 Oriskany
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Catapult crew, 1950–1952.

Jack Esdes,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-34 Oriskany
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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).

NHC
CV-34 Oriskany
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28k Another view, as above (photo # USN 427341).

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

(Digitally restored by Tom Kermen.)

Glenn D. Winningham,
for his father Victor W. Winningham, Jr.
(USS Oriskany,
1945–47 & 1949–52)
CV-34 Oriskany
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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.)

Glenn D. Winningham,
for his father Victor W. Winningham, Jr.
(USS Oriskany,
1945–47 & 1949–52)
CV-34 Oriskany
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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.

Michael Coleman, for his father
CV-34 Oriskany
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USS Oriskany (CV-34), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 4, circa 1951.

Bill Houk,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-34 Oriskany
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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).

Naval History & Heritage Command
CV-34 Oriskany
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"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)"

Ron Reeves
CV-34 Oriskany
NS0234cxa
1.12M Bill Houk,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-34 Oriskany
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"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.

CV-34 Oriskany
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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).

Scott Dyben
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

NHC
CV-34 Oriskany
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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, via his daughter Stacy Smith (thanks to Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73, for his help)
CV-34 Oriskany
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CV-34 Oriskany
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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."
CV-34 Oriskany
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CV-34 Oriskany
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Photos courtesy of AD3 Wayne Gustave Holdinghausen, 1952–1953 Oriskany WestPac,
submitted by his son, Gary,
via Bob Canchola (BT, Fireroom #3, 1971–1973).


CVA-34
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Aircraft of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 102 (redesignated CVG-12 on 4 Februrary 1953). Flight deck covered in snow.
CVA-34
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F9F-5 Panthers from Fighter Squadron (VF) 783 (redesignated VF-122 on 4 February 1953).
CVA-34
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F9F-5 Panther, VF-783/VF-122.
CVA-34
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F9F-5 Panther.
CVA-34
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AD3 Wayne G. Holdinghausen.
CVA-34
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AD3 Wayne G. Holdinghausen.
CVA-34
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AD3 Wayne G. Holdinghausen, with F9F-5 Panther, "Lou," modex D203, VF-783/VF-122.
CVA-34
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AD3 Wayne G. Holdinghausen and friends.
CVA-34
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AD3 Wayne G. Holdinghausen.
CVA-34
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AD Skyraider, Attack Squadron (VA) 923 "Rough Raiders" (redesignated VA-125 on 4 February 1953).
CVA-34
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"Poor Devil," "One of our jets' name".
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"Our planes going to the beach [off] Yokosuka, Japan."
LT(JG) John E. Minardi flew Corsairs off USS Oriskany (CVA-34) during the 15 September 1952–18 May 1953 WestPac.
Photos submitted by his son,
Michael Minardi.


CVA-34
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This appears to be an Avenger, probably used for Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD).
CVA-34
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F4U-4 Corsair, Fighter Squadron (VF) 874, Carrier Air Group (CVG) 102. Pilot unidentified.
CVA-34
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F4U-4 Corsair, VF-874, CVG-102. VF-874 redesignated VF-124, and CVG-102 redesignated CVG-12, on 4 February 1953. Pilot unidentified.
CVA-34
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F4U-4 Corsair, modex D404, VF-874/124, CVG-102/12. Pilot unidentified.
CVA-34 Oriskany
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USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway, in a photo dated 1953.

Mike Donegan
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

Courtesy of Czechoslovak Skins,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023468
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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).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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  

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234co
1.79M Bill Houk,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234coa
608k Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany   Gene Lewis
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

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

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

Brian James,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
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531k NARA,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
"Oriskany crew members witnessed a spectacular jet crash on 31 March [1954], when a McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee [(BuNo 126461?)] came in too low and crashed the beginning of the flight deck. Breaking in two, and enveloped in a huge fireball, the forward half of the jet careened across the deck, trailing fire and debris. Fire fighters got to the scene almost immediately and helped LT Frank J. Repp climb out of the cockpit without a scratch." (Quoted from DANFS.)

Photos by CDR (AN at the time) Al Shackelford, USN (Ret.), submitted by his son, CAPT Mike Shackelford, USN (Ret.)
via Bob Canchola


CVA-34
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1.04 M
CVA-34 Oriskany
ADM Charles D. Griffin
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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.

Bill Gonyo
CVA-34 Oriskany
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"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]

Ron Reeves
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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).

Robert Hurst
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023446
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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.)

David Buell
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023422
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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).

NHC
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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).

NHC
SCB-125A Modernization
CVA-34 Oriskany
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185k

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

Larry Blumenthal, PH3, 1957-61.
"US Navy Photos"
CVA-34 Oriskany
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CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234dg
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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.

David Buell
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023424
90k

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).

NHC
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023433
158k

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

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

Alex Tatchin
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234bx
237k

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

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.), USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234bh
1.05M

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.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.), USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0587719
122k USS Perkins (DDR-877), USS Pollux (AKS-4) and USS Oriskany (CVA-34) during a replenishment at sea off Okinawa in 1960. Doug Smith, RD3, USS Perkins (DDR-877), 1959-1962
Photos taken during Oriskany's first deployment after SCB-125A modernization, 14 May–15 December 1960. WestPac; Carrier Air Group (CVG) 14, tail code "NK".
Submitted by MM3 William D. Stoughton, via BT Bob Canchola


CVA-34
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TF-1 Trader, BuNo 146046, modex RZ2, Fleet Tactical Support Squadron (VR) 21 "Pineapple Airlines."
CVA-34
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515 Kb
AD-6 Skyraider, BuNo 135227, NK502, Attack Squadron (VA) 145 "Swordsmen."
CVA-34
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491 Kb
FJ-4B Fury, BuNo 143533, NK403, VA-144 "Road Runners."
CVA-34
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398 Kb
A3D-2 Skywarriors, BuNo 138924, ZB11, and BuNo 138965(?), ZB5, Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 4 "Fourrunners" Det. F.
CVA-34 Oriskany
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107k

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.

Tommy Trampp
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023469
100k

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.

Tommy Trampp
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023469a
108k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234cc
405k

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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234as
330k

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).

Naval History & Heritage Command,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234asa
292k

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).

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234asb
182k

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).

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234asc
276k Gene Lewis,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234bm
95k

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.

Lynn H. Chapman, PH3,
A-3 Skywarrior Assn.,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
President John F. Kennedy visited the U.S. Pacific Fleet at sea off the coast of San Diego, California, Thursday, 6 June 1963.

"1601 Completed recovering helicopters. The Honorable John F. KENNEDY, President of the United States of America came aboard. Rendered honors and fired a salute of 21 guns. Broke the President's flag. [...]"
"1645 Commenced launching helicopters. The Honorable John F. KENNEDY, President of the United States of America departed the ship and shifted his flag to the (USS) KITTY HAWK. [...]"

Photos submitted by Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Credit: Robert Knudsen. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.
NS0234cqf: Cecil Stoughton. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston.


CVA-34
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President John F. Kennedy (center, wearing sunglasses) exits a United States Marine Corps helicopter upon his arrival aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34). Secretary of the Navy Fred Korth follows behind President Kennedy; U.S. Navy seamen stand at attention.
(Photo accession Number KN-C29059.)
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548 Kb
President John F. Kennedy (center, wearing sunglasses) shakes hands with Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), ADM John H. Sides, upon his arrival aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34); a United States Marine Corps helicopter is visible in the background at left. Also pictured: Senator Clair Engle, California; Secretary of the Navy, Fred Korth; Chief of Naval Operations, ADM George W. Anderson, Jr.; Under Secretary of the Navy, Paul "Red" Fay.
(Photo accession Number KN-C29060.)
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President John F. Kennedy (center, wearing sunglasses) and others walk past members of USS Oriskany (CVA-34) flight deck crew after President Kennedy's arrival aboard the aircraft carrier. Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), ADM John H. Sides, and Commander of Carrier Division One, RADM Paul Masterton, walk to the left and right (respectively) of the President. Following behind, from left to right, are: White House Secret Service agent, Gerald "Jerry" Behn; Secretary of the Navy Fred Korth; unidentified (in back); Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell Shepard; Chief of Naval Operations, ADM George W. Anderson, Jr. (in back); and Commanding Officer of Oriskany, CAPT Herman J. Trum, III.
(Photo accession Number KN-C29061.)
CVA-34
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President John F. Kennedy (center right) reviews troops aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34); Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), ADM John H. Sides, and Commanding Officer of Oriskany, CAPT Herman J. Trum, III, walk behind President Kennedy at far right.
(Photo accession Number KN-C29063.)
CVA-34
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President John F. Kennedy (center) and Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), ADM John H. Sides (right, saluting), stand on the reviewing platform on the flight deck of USS Oriskany (CVA-34) as ships from the Task Force perform a 21-gun salute in honor of President Kennedy's visit to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, at sea off the coast of San Diego, California; Commander of Carrier Division One, RADM Paul Masterton (saluting), stands at far right. Also pictured (standing left of platform): Special Assistants to the President, Dave Powers, Kenneth P. O'Donnell, and Larry O'Brien; Press Secretary Pierre Salinger; Secretary to the Press Secretary, Sue Mortensen Vogelsinger.
(Photo accession Number KN-C29057.)
CVA-34
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632 Kb
President John F. Kennedy (center) and Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), ADM John H. Sides (right, saluting), stand on the reviewing platform aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) as ships from the Task Force perform a 21-gun salute in honor of President Kennedy's visit; Commander of Carrier Division One, RADM Paul Masterton (saluting), stands at far right. Secretary to Press Secretary Pierre Salinger, Sue Mortensen Vogelsinger, stands left of reviewing platform.
(Photo accession Number KN-C29058.)
CVA-34
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President John F. Kennedy (center left) and Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), ADM John H. Sides (right, saluting), stand on the reviewing platform aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) as ships from the Task Force perform a 21-gun salute in honor of President Kennedy's visit. Standing right of platform (left to right): Commander of Carrier Division One, RADM Paul Masterton; Commanding Officer of Oriskany, Captain Herman J. Trum, III; White House Secret Service agent, Gerald A. "Jerry" Behn; unidentified (in back); Personal Secretary to the President, Evelyn Lincoln; Assistant Physician to the President, RADM Dr. George G. Burkley; unidentified. Also pictured (standing left of platform): Special Assistants to the President, Dave Powers, Kenneth P. O'Donnell, and Larry O'Brien; Press Secretary, Pierre Salinger; Secretary to the Press Secretary, Sue Mortensen Vogelsinger.
(Photo accession Number KN-C29062.)
CVA-34
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649 Kb
President John F. Kennedy (center left) and Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), ADM John H. Sides (right, saluting), stand on the reviewing platform aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) as ships from the Task Force perform a 21-gun salute in honor of President Kennedy's visit to the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Standing right of platform, from left to right, are: Commander of Carrier Division One, RADM Paul Masterton; Commanding Officer of Oriskany, Captain Herman J. Trum, III; White House Secret Service agent, Gerald "Jerry" Behn; Personal Secretary to the President, Evelyn Lincoln; unidentified (in back); Assistant Physician to the President, RADM Dr. George G. Burkley; and two unidentified U.S. Navy officers; also pictured (standing left of platform): White House Press Secretary Pierre Salinger; Special Assistants to the President Dave Powers, Kenneth P. O'Donnell, and Larry O'Brien.
(Photo accession Number KN-C29116.)
  CVA-34
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President John F. Kennedy (center) and Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), ADM John H. Sides (right, saluting), stand on the reviewing platform aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34) as ships from the Task Force perform a 21-gun salute in honor of President Kennedy's visit to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, at sea off the coast of San Diego, California. Chief of Naval Operations, ADM George W. Anderson, Jr. (saluting), stands left of platform; Commander of Carrier Division One, RADM Paul Masterton (saluting), stands at far right. Also pictured: Secretary to Press Secretary Pierre Salinger, Sue Mortenson Vogelsinger (far left).
(Photo accession Number ST-C206-63-63.)
   
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234dj
39k

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.

Rob and Margaret Wainwright,
for their father,
Captain Norman Wainwright
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023492
2.33M

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.

San Diego Air and Space Museum
Larger copy via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023403
114k

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

USN
Vietnam
First Cruise, 5 April–16 December 1965
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, "AH"

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS091910615
127k

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

Patrick J. Audinet Sr., STG-2,
USS King (DLG-10) July '62 to July '65
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023460
131k

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.

Robert Hurst
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234aa
458k

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.)

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
Robert Hurst
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234av
95k

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

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234bq
414k

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.

EM3 Jim Palmer,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234bqa
350k

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.

EM3 Jim Palmer,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
Second Cruise, 26 May–16 November 1966
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, "AH"

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023472
105k

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.

Robert Hurst
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234da
619k

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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023404
49k Bashi Channel, June 23, 1966. ©Richard Leonhardt
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023405
65k Bashi Channel, June 1966. ©Richard Leonhardt
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023406
95k Bashi Channel, June 1966. ©Richard Leonhardt
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023408
111k Bashi Channel, June 1966. ©Richard Leonhardt
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023409
125k Pacific, June 1966. Taken from Fred T. Berry (DD-858) fueling alongside. ©Richard Leonhardt
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023410
72k Pacific, June 1966. Richard E. Krause (DD-849) making approach to come alongside to fuel. Taken from Fred T. Berry (DD-858) ©Richard Leonhardt
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023411
120k Bashi Channel, June 1966. ©Richard Leonhardt
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023407
35k Dixie Station, South China Sea, June 30, 1966. ©Richard Leonhardt
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234dr
1.47M

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.

Lou Manual,
via Bob Canchola
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234bg
147k

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

Gerhard Mueller-Debus
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023425
98k

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).

NHC
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023426
71k

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

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

NHC
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023486
90k

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).

Bill Dougherty
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023486a
85k
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023486b
377k
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023486c
87k
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023486d
83k
CVA-34 Oriskany
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108k

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.

Author unknown, submitted by Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023487a
108k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023487b
99k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023487c
100k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023487d
96k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023487e
108k

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

Author unknown, submitted by Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023487f
92k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023487g
1.17M

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."

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023487h
103k

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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023495c
78k

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

Andrew Liskey, VF-111 "Sundowners,"
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023495
36k

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."

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023495a
37k

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."

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023495b
45k

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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498
186k

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.)

Allen Morrow, EM2, A&O Shop, E Division 1965–1968
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498a
149k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498b
115k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498c
149k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498d
120k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498e
78k

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.

Allen Morrow, EM2, A&O Shop, E Division 1965–1968
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498f
148k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498g
83k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498h
114k

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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498i
124k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498j
568k

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

Allen Morrow, EM2, A&O Shop, E Division 1965–1968
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498j1
379k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234dp
170k

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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498k
45k

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

Allen Morrow, EM2, A&O Shop, E Division 1965–1968
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498l
36k

Launching E-1B Tracer.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498m
36k

Recovering A-1H Skyraider.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498n
52k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498o
21k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498p
24k

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

Allen Morrow, EM2, A&O Shop, E Division 1965–1968
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498q
119k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023498r
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Skywarrior refueling Crusader.

CVA-34 Oriskany
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Skyraiders perform a fire power demonstration.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234ac
159k

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.

Andy Thomas, brother, and Becky Thomas, sister of ENS Thomas,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234aca
120k
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234acb
1.39M
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234acc
104k
CVA-34 Oriskany
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93k
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234ag
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F-8E Crusaders recovering aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), May–October 1966.

Andy Thomas, brother of ENS Darwin Joel Thomas,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234aga
46k
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agb
54k

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."

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agc
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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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agd
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A-1H Skyraider, VA-152 "Friendlies," in flight.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234age
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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.

Andy Thomas, brother of ENS Darwin Joel Thomas,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agf
64k
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agg
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An A-1H Skyraider from Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies" (modex AH512), about to recover aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), 1966.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agh
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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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agl
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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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.)

Andy Thomas, brother of ENS Darwin Joel Thomas,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
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84k
CVA-34 Oriskany
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A-1H Skyraiders, Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, preparing to launch from USS Oriskany (CVA-34).

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agn
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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).

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234ago
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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.

Andy Thomas, brother of ENS Darwin Joel Thomas,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
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78k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agr
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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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agt
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A-4E Skyhawk about to recover aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34).

Andy Thomas, brother of ENS Darwin Joel Thomas,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234agu
235k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234ci
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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany, 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
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CVA-34 Oriskany
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Fire aboard Oriskany, 26 October 1966
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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023427a
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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).

Mike Green
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023427b
1.32M

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).

Mike Green
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023427c
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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.

John R Glover,
USS Oriskany CVA 34,
Ship's Company 1964‑1969
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.)

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
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The badly damaged A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 150116(?), modex AH306, Attack Squadron (VA) 163 "Saints."

Courtesy of Zapper George Johnson,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023427t
780k

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).

CVA-34 Oriskany
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"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).

NHHC
CVA-34 Oriskany
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Same as above, color photo taken from a slighlty different angle.

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

Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
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In Memoriam.

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

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Deck log.

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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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

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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.

National Naval Aviation Museum
CVA-34 Oriskany
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"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.

NARA,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
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441k

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

Allen Morrow, EM2,
A&O Shop, E Division 1965–1968
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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).

Mary Juntilla Pasley, daughter of CDR Juntilla,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
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"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.)

Bruce A. Campbell,
USS Bryce Canyon
CVA-34 Oriskany
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CVA-34 Oriskany + AD-36
NS0234bb
147k Allen Morrow, EM2,
A&O Shop, E Division 1965–1968
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023499
22k October 1966. Unloading a burned A-4E Skyhawk from VA-163 "Saints."

Andrew Liskey, VF-111 "Sundowners," via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023412
114k Collage of typical activities that go on routinely day in and day out during operations off the coast of Vietnam aboard a CV. Gary Priolo
Third Cruise, 16 June 1967–31 January 1968
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16, "AH"

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023415
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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.

Scott Dyben
Color copy submitted by Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany, 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023415a
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In all probability taken within seconds from the photo above.

Lou Manual,
via Bob Canchola
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234cb
1.36M

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

National Museum of Naval Aviation photo, # 1996.488.196.049.

Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany, 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023402
233k

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.

USN
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234cf
1.63M

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."

PH3 Gerald E. Logan, VFP-63, 1967–1968,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234cg
1.94M

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.

PH3 Gerald E. Logan, VFP-63, 1967–1968,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234ce
1.59M

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.)

PH3 Gerald E. Logan, VFP-63, 1967–1968,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234cd
1.95M

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.

PH3 Gerald E. Logan, VFP-63, 1967–1968,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023448
193k

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.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234ax
85k

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

Rick Sherley, BMSN, USN (Ret.),
USS Collett
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234axa
89k
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023416c
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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023416
95k Scott Dyben
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023416a
575k Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.), USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023416b
854k
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023416d
1.46M

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023429
44k

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

USN
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023430
48k

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

Richard Hallowell
RD1 DLG-11  69-71
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023431
45k

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

Richard Hallowell
RD1 DLG-11  69-71
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023496
45k

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.

Andrew Liskey, VF-111 "Sundowners,"
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023496a
1.43M

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023496b
27k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023496c
18k

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

Photos courtesy of Lou Manual, 1967–1968 Oriskany WestPac,
with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16,
via Bob Canchola (BT, Fireroom #3, 1971–1973).


CVA-34
NS0234du
1.37 Mb
E-1B Tracer, BuNo 147225(?), modex AH-703, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 111 "Hunters" Det. 34.
CVA-34
NS0234dua
1.73 Mb
A-1H Skyraider, BuNo 139779, modex AH-506, Attack Squadron (VA) 152 "Friendlies." (Transferred to the USAF in 1968, as 52-139779; later to the South Vietnamese A.F.)
CVA-34
NS0234dub
1.51 Mb
A-4E Skyhawk, BuNo unknown, modex AH-411, Attack Squadron (VA) 164 "Ghostriders," nominally assigned to LT(JG) Michael W. Mullane.
CVA-34
NS0234duc
1.13 Mb
-
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023497
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A-1J Skyraider, BuNo 142030, modex AH503, VA-152 "Friendlies," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 16.

Allen Morrow, EM2, A&O Shop, E Division 1965–1968
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023497a
148k

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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023497l
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Ordnancemen hauling bombs on the carrier's flight deck (1966 or 1967 cruise).

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023497b
158k

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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023497c
119k

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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023497d
138k

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

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023497e
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F-8E Crusader with a Sidewinder missile and a bomb, 1966 or 1967.

CVA-34 Oriskany
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Marine Detachment, 1966 or 1967.

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

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

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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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.)

Allen Morrow, EM2, A&O Shop, E Division 1965–1968
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
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A-4E Skyhawk, VA-163 "Saints," 1966 or 1967.

CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.)

Jeff Guidry, for his uncle Steve Guidry,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–73
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

William Connelly,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

David Buell
Fourth Cruise, 16 April–17 November 1969
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19, "NM"

CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

Douglas Gillmer,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
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CVA-34 Oriskany et al.
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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
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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).

Robert M. Cieri

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112k USS Oriskany (CVA-34) makes a port approach to USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) at Yankee Station, summer-fall 1969. © William P. Jones, former medical officer, USS Niagara Falls

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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.)

Norm Sperling,
USS Oriskany,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)

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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.)


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


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

Don Hickam, AO, VA-192 "Golden Dragons,"
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)

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"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.)

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.),
USS Oriskany 1971–1973
Boiler Rooms, 1969–1972
Photos courtesy of John Weigelt (BT2, Fireroom #1, 1969–1972) and U.S.S. Oriskany Homepage, Vietnam Era, via Al Headrick and Bob Canchola (BT, Fireroom #3, 1971–1973).


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Fireroom.
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Fireroom.
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Boiler steam drum.
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#1 Fireroom, September 1972. Dale Howe (standing, right).
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"Canned Heat." No. 1 Fireroom. Dale Howe.
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"A crew member climbing up the Fireroom Escape Trunk and out the Escape Hatch. The Firerooms had one main entrance with a traditional ladder and a secondary vertical ladder, it being the escape route in the event that the main hatchway was blocked by fire, steam, or physical obstruction." Bob Canchola.
Fifth–Seventh Cruises, 1970–1972
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19, "NM"

Photos courtesy of Ron Osgood, IC, working in V2 PLAT/Lens 1970–1972,
via Bob Canchola (BT, Fireroom #3, 1971–1973).


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Catapult steam after a launch, 1971 or 1972.
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F-8J Crusader, VF-194 "Red Lightnings." Appears to be BuNo 150863 (NM213), nominally assigned to LT(JG) Ted "Frito" Linger. Seventh Cruise.
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F-8J Crusader, VF-194 "Red Lightnings," NM213, launching. Note: Probably this is not the same aircraft seen in NS0234bta. This photo may have been taken during the 5th or 6th cruise.
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F-8J Crusader, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens," NM115, ready to launch. This aircraft was nominally assigned to then LT Jay L. Johnson, later Admiral and 26th Chief of Naval Operations. Seventh Cruise.
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Launching aircraft.
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A-7A Crusader, VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies," BuNo 153191, NM306, preparing to launch. May be the 5h (or 6th?) Vietnam cruise.
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"This C-1 launch was 1972. It was the first year we had a deck camera by the catapults." COD aircraft, C-1A Trader, BuNo 136767, side number 000.
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"I have a personal connection to this photo along with a few hundred others who bought 10 speed bikes in Yokosuska and they are lined up just behind the crane. Once onboard, they were all kept on the hangar deck and many of us ended up with a different one when we returned to Alameda since they all looked alike!"
Fifth Cruise, 14 May–10 December 1970
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19, "NM"

Photos by Mike Harris, via Jeffrey Kerr. Mike & Jeff are USAF Veterans. Possible date: July–August 1970.


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A-7A Corsair II, VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies," about to recover aboard Oriskany.
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A-7A Corsair IIs, VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies" (3xx) and A-7B Corsair IIs, VA-155 "Silver Foxes." (NM516 is BuNo 154528; NM503, BuNo 154516 ; NM502, BuNo 154363; NM300, BuNo 153223.)
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Bomb farm. F-8J Crusader BuNo 150882, NM207, VF-194 "Red Lightnings;" F-8J BuNo 150315, NM113, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens." Both aircraft were F-8Es, upgraded to F-8J standard.
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Capt. Bob Wagner and Lt. Tom Copeland USAF. They were on Jeff's crew at Monkey Mt.
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RF-8G Crusader, BuNo 145607, NM603, VFP-63 Det. 34 "Eyes of the Fleet," launching from cat #2.
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(Left) A-7A Corsair II, BuNo 153178, NM307, VA‑153 "Blue Tail Flies," being prepared for a strike.
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USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway.
 
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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).

Photo by Lee Noland STGC Ret.

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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.

David Buell

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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.

Saburo Inoue,
via Bob Canchola, USS Oriskany, 1971–1973

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


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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."

Paul "Skip" Christensen, USS Oriskany, 1970–1972,
via Bob Canchola, USS Oriskany, 1971–1973

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"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.

Bob Canchola, USS Oriskany, 1971–1973
Yu Chu

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121k USS Oriskany (CVA-34) underway in the first half of the 1970s, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19 aboard. Wolfgang Hechler
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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Sixth Cruise, 14 May–18 December 1971
Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19, "NM"

USS Oriskany (CVA-34)
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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.)

Freddy Ferro,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Photos by Jeffrey Kerr, USAF Veteran, who was stationed at Monkey Mt., at the Tactical Air Control Center - North Sector (TACC-NS). Possible date: mid–late June 1971.


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Flight deck activity. F-8J Crusaders, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens" (1xx side numbers); F-8J Crusaders, VF-194 "Red Lightings" (2xx); A-7A Corsair IIs, VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies" (3xx); A-7B Corsair IIs, VA-155 "Silver Foxes" (5xx); RF-8G Crusaders, VFP-63 Det. 4 "Eyes of the Fleet" (6xx).
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Flight deck activity. F-8J Crusaders, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens" (1xx side numbers); F-8J Crusaders, VF-194 "Red Lightings" (2xx); A-7A Corsair IIs, VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies" (3xx); A-7B Corsair IIs, VA-155 "Silver Foxes" (5xx); RF-8G Crusaders, VFP-63 Det. 4 "Eyes of the Fleet" (6xx).
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A-7A Corsair IIs, VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies" (3xx side numbers); A-7B Corsair IIs, VA-215 "Barn Owls" (4xx); A-7B Corsair IIs, VA-155 "Silver Foxes" (5xx).
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A-7B Corsair IIs, VA-215 "Barn Owls" (4xx side numbers); A-7B Corsair IIs, VA-155 "Silver Foxes" (5xx). The carrier in the background is probably USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63).
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UH-2C Seasprite, HC-1 Det. 5 "Pacific Fleet Angels" (BuNo 149765, modex NM004); C-1A Trader, COD aircraft (BuNo 136971, side number 000).
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A-7B Corsair II, BuNo 154477, NM512, VA-155 "Silver Foxes." Partly visible, fore to back, are: A-7B BuNo 154526, NM504, VA-155; F-8J Crusader, BuNo 150299, NM105, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens;" RF-8G Crusader, BuNo 146892, VFP-63 Det.4 "Eyes of the Fleet;" A-7B, BuNo 154523, NM514, VA-155.
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See NS0234bdb, above.
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A-7B Corsair II, BuNo 154518, NM505, VA-155 "Silver Foxes." Tail of F-8J NM106, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens."
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Launching A-7A Corsair II, VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies."
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Two F-8J Crusaders, VF-194 "Red Lightnings," and an A-7B Corsair II, VA-155 "Silver Foxes."
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Recovering A-7B Corsair II, BuNo 154456, NM405, VA-215 "Barn Owls."
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Recovering A-7B Corsair II, BuNo 154456, NM405, VA-215 "Barn Owls."
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Launching A-7B Corsair II, BuNo 154363, NM502, VA-155 "Silver Foxes."
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F-8J Crusader, BuNo 149215, NM115, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens," taxiing.
 
Photos by Hayakawa Masaaki at NAS Atsugi, 1971–1972.
A-7B Corsair IIs, VA-215 "Barn Owls."


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BuNo 154468, NM400 (CAG bird).
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BuNo 154544, NM402. (Preserved in Chino, CA.)
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BuNo 154430, NM411. (Lost operationally, through engine failure, 22 September 1971. Pilot, LCDR Charles E. Gudmunson, ejected and was rescued.)
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BuNo 154449, NM413. (Preserved at the Plant 42 Heritage Park, Palmdale, CA.)

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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."

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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."

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.


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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.


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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.


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

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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"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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
Seventh Cruise, 5 June 1972–30 March 1973

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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.

Alan Frank
and the USS Oriskany Alumni Facebook group, via Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

Photos by Dale Howe,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

RM3 Michael Corsi, USS Oriskany,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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"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]."

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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More photos of USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in dry dock, Yokosuka, Japan, November 1972.
Submitted by Bruce Sramek, AQ2, VF-194 "Red Lightnings," via Bob Canchola.
Bruce is in picture
NS023482t.

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More photos submitted by Bruce Sramek, AQ2, VF-194 "Red Lightings," via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34
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F-8J Crusader, BuNo 150864, modex NM200, CAG plane (CDR Thomas F. Brown, III)
713 kb
CVA-34
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F-8J Crusader, BuNo 150678, modex NM203, launching
588 kb
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F-8J Crusader, BuNo 150678, modex NM203, recovering
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F-8J Crusader, BuNo 150863, modex NM213, recovering
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F-8J Crusader, BuNo 150863, modex NM213, tail hook extended
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CVA-34
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Three Corsair II squadrons were embarked for this cruise: VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies" (equipped with A-7As, 3xx side numbers), VA-215 "Barn Owls" (A-7B, 4xx), and VA-155 "Silver Foxes" (A-7B, 5xx).
2.41 Mb
CVA-34
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Close inspection (?) or an air intake.
1.65 Mb
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A peaceful image, for a change.
1.48 Mb
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Night launching.
2.01 Mb
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Daylight launching, A-7B Corsair II, Attack Squadron (VA) 155 "Silver Foxes."
1.85 Mb
CVA-34
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Recovering A-7B Corsair II, VA-155, modex NM514.
1.66 Mb
CVA-34
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E-1B Tracer, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 111 "Hunters" Det. 6.
1.23 Mb
CVA-34
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Another view of a night launching of an F-8J Crusader, Fighter Squadron (VF) 194 "Red Lightnings" (NM203?, BuNo 150678?), as above.
2.17 Mb
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Daylight launching, F-8J Crusader, VF-194 "Red Lightnings."
1.58 Mb
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Launching a C-1A Trader, apparently from shore-based Fleet Tactical Support Squadron (VRC) 50 "Foo Dogs."
1.70 Mb
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F-8J Crusader, BuNo 150863, modex NM213, VF-194 "Red Lightings," about to recover.
2.15 Mb
CVA-34
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F-8J Crusader, Fighter Squadron (VF) 194 "Red Lightnings" (NM205, BuNo 149220), recovering.
2.47 Mb
CVA-34
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Daylight launching.
1.71 Mb
CVA-34
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Launching an F-8J, BuNo 149170 (NM102), VF-191 "Satan's Kittens."
1.98 Mb
CVA-34
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SH-3G Sea King, BuNo 150620, modex NM004, HC-1 "Pacific Fleet Angels."
2.17 Mb
Photos submitted by Ron Camp, via Bob Canchola.

CVA-34
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A-7A Corsair II, VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies"
288 Kb
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RF-8G Crusader, VFP-63 "Eyes of the Fleet" Det. 4, BuNo 144608, modex NM601.
1.14 Mb
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F-8J Crusader, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens," BuNo 150670(?), modex NM106(?).
1.28 Mb
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F-8J Crusader, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens," BuNo 150889(?), modex NM111(?).
1.28 Mb
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F-8J Crusader, VF-194 "Red Lightnings," BuNo 149216, modex NM201.
1.48 Mb
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A-7A Corsair II, VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies," BuNo 153151, modex NM304.
1.76 Mb
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F-8J Crusader, VF-194 "Red Lightnings," BuNo 150864, modex NM200, CAG bird.
1.46 Mb
CVA-34
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SH-3G Sea King, HC-1 "Pacific Fleet Angels," Det. 5 (or Det. 8, depending on the exact date?), BuNo 151545, modex NM006.
1.46 Mb
CVA-34
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A-7B Corsair II, VA-215 "Barn Owls," BuNo 154456, modex NM405; F-8J Crusader, NM200.
1.04 Mb
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Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 19.
1.01 Mb
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Underway refueling and rearming, circa 1972.
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Underway refueling and rearming, circa 1972.
1.06 Mb
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Underway refueling and rearming, circa 1972. Note E-1B Tracer (right), BuNo 148135, modex NM012, VAW-111 "Hunters" Det. 6.
1.02 Mb
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Underway refueling and rearming, circa 1972.
1.07 Mb
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Underway refueling and rearming, circa 1972.
1.10 Mb
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Underway refueling and rearming, circa 1972. Bridge.
978 kb
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Underway refueling and rearming, circa 1972.
1008 Kb
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About to UNREP from USS Wichita (AOR-1).
1.19 Mb
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Underway refueling and rearming, circa 1972.
1009 Kb
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Underway refueling and rearming, circa 1972.
1.21 Mb
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UNREP with USS Wichita (AOR-1). (See also NS09210141.)
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UNREP with USS Wichita (AOR-1). (See also NS09210142.)
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Refueling from an oiler.
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Refueling from an oiler.
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Friday, 21 July 1972. "0743 Received report that section of number one shaft and propeller are missing."

Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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


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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!)"

Courtesy of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund website, via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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"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."


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"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."


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"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."


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"'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."


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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.)

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

CDR Pete Clayton
Vietnam cease-fire, 28 January 1973

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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).

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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NS023467a
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NS023467g
126k Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.)

USS Oriskany Alumni Facebook Group,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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Zenithal view of the same group.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

NARA, via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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!"

PH3 Spence Spivey,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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NS023467n
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NS023467p
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CVA-34 Oriskany
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USS Oriskany (CVA-34) as seen from USS Ranger (CVA-61), 28 January 1973.

Photo by Kevin Stecher.

Kevin Stecher,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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."

Michael Corsi, RM3.
Via Bob Canchola, BT,USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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

PH3 Spence Spivey,
USS Oriskany 1972–1974,
via Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

Photos by
PH3 Spence Spivey,
USS Oriskany 1972–1974,
via Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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NS09520130
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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.

Photos by
PH3 Spence Spivey,
USS Oriskany 1972–1974,
via Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–1973

NS0234aua
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NS0234ct
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"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).

PH3 Spence Spivey,
USS Oriskany 1972–1974,
via Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–1973

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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.

Robert Hurst

NS023461a
522k Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234bp
942k

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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024346
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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).

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-43, CVA-19, CVA-34, CVAN-65
NS024346a
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Same as NS024346, above, from a different angle.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234bj
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"USS Oriskany CVA-34 Vietnam War," Vietnam Magazine. Article by Art Giberson, reproduced with permission.

Art Giberson,
via Bob Canchola
Post-Vietnam
CVN-65, CV-43, CV-34
NS026523
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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.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-34
NS0234ar
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"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.

Chris Wills, USN (Ret.)
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CV-34
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Photos taken during Oriskany's final deployment to WestPac, 16 September 1975–3 March 1976.
Submitted by Danny Yambao, via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)


CV-34
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E-1B Tracer.
CV-34
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91 Kb
F-8J Crusaders.
CV-34
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179 Kb
C-1A Trader.
CV-34
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69 Kb
A-7B Corsair II.
CV-34
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Corsair II launching.
CV-34
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A-7B Corsair II, VA-155 "Silver Foxes."
CV-34
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168 Kb
Corsair II launching.
CV-34
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A-7C Corsair II, VA-122 "Flying Eagles" (Fleet Replacement Squadron).
CV-34
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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.

CDR Pete Clayton,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CV-34
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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
Yu Chu
CV-34
NS0234ba
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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.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CV-34
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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.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany 1971–1973
CV-34
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CV-34
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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.

Mike Green
CV-34
NS0234cz
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Port bow view of ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34), probably at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, circa the late 1980s.

Bill Houk,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Oriskany in the Movies
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023442
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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.

-
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023442e
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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023442f
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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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023442h
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CVA-34 Oriskany
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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.

CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023442b
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The Bridges at Toko-Ri. Note port side elevator and aircraft crane.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023442c
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The Bridges at Toko-Ri. With Carrier Air Group 19.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Yu Chu
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023442d
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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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234az
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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.

Bob Canchola,BT,
USS Oriskany, 1971–1973
CVA-34 Oriskany
NS0234aza
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Ex-Oriskany
NS023442a
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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-USS Oriskany
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023493
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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.

Ray F. Longaker, Jr.
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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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.

Mike Green
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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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.

Mike Green
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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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.

Robert Hurst
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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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.

Mike Green
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS0234cw
1.63M

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).

Ron Reeves
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS0234dt
704k

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.

Jeremy Dennis
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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Ex-Oriskany at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA in 1994.

Stephen Renouard
ex-CV-34 Oriskany et al.
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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).

Douglas Gillmer,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
ex-CV-34 Oriskany et al.
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany et al.
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Some more photos taken by Douglas Gillmer in the 1990s.

Douglas Gillmer,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
ex-CV-34 Oriskany et al.
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1.61M
ex-CV-34 Oriskany et al.
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany et al.
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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Ex-Oriskany (CV-34) at Mare Island in the spring of 1998.

Jeremy Dennis
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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Ex-Oriskany tied up at Mare Island in 1999.

From Warship Boneyards, by Kit and Carolyn Bonner.

Submitted by Robert Hurst.
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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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).

Dale Howe, BT,
via Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–73
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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86k Dale Howe, BT,
via Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–73
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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66k Dale Howe, BT,
via Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–73
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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106k Dale Howe, BT,
via Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–73
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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70k Dale Howe, BT,
via Bob Canchola, BT,
USS Oriskany 1971–73
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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74k
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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ex-CVA-34 Oriskany
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"Former Navy warship the USS Oriskany (CV-34) sits in the waters off Pensacola on Monday afternoon after its trip from Corpus Christi, Texas. The carrier will be tied up at the Port of Pensacola until it is sunk in the Gulf under the artificial reefs program."

Photo from the 21 December 2004 edition of the Pensacola News Journal newspaper.

Joe Radigan
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023434a
167k

"USS Oriskany, Sinking naval history to make artificial reefs"

Gerd Matthes, Germany
ex-CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023435
82k

The 888-foot decommissioned aircraft carrier Oriskany arrived in Pensacola, Fla, on Dec. 20, 2004 from Corpus Christi, Texas. Oriskany will be the Navy�s first ship to be sunk under the authority provided under the fiscal year 2004 National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law 108-136) and will be the largest ship sunk as an artificial reef. The Oriskany artificial reef will benefit marine life, commercial and sport fishing and recreational diving off the coast of Florida. The sink date has not been established. U.S. Navy photo by Gary Nichols (050111-N 5328N-010).

Chester Morris
ex-CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023435a
147k

Onlookers watch as the 888-foot decommissioned aircraft carrier Oriskany arrives in Pensacola on 20 December 2004 from Corpus Christi, Texas. U.S. Navy photo by LT Gary Nichols (# 050111-N-5328N-015).

Bill Gonyo
ex-CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023436
89k

Pictures of the ex-Oriskany at the port of Pensacola, January 2005, being prepared for her ultimate fate as an artificial reef. Note a large rectangular hole cut in the hull (to allow for quicker and more even flooding?) below the forward port gun sponson and not far above where the waterline used to be.

W. Eric Zink
ex-CVA-34 Oriskany
NS023437
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ex-CVA-34 Oriskany
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ex-CVA-34 Oriskany
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Pensacola, June 2005.

Photo by Keely Shea Finnegan (11 years old)
ex-CVA-34 Oriskany
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Ship Delivery Certificate, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 23 June 2005.

Ron Reeves
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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Pensacola, Fla., March 22, 2006 — Tugboats turn the decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34) prior to mooring at Allegheny Pier onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. Known as the "Big O," the 32,000-ton, 888-foot Oriskany was being delivered to the air station while she was being prepared for her final journey. The ship was scheduled to be sunk 22 miles south of Pensacola in approximately 212 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico May 17, 2006, where she would become the largest ship ever intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. After the Oriskany reached the bottom, ownership of the vessel would transfer from the Navy to the State of Florida. U.S. Navy photo by Megan Kohr (# 060322-7750K-N-319).

Tony Cowart
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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The decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34) sits in port at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, 17 April 2006, while undergoing necessary maintenance prior to sinking as an artificial reef. U.S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate Airman David R. Quillen (# 060417-N-6031Q-003).

Chester Morris
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023478a
549k

Engineering Technicians for Computer Science Corporation (C.S.C.) Beddy Mcbride and Allen Dunbar overlook the decommissioned aircraft carrier Oriskany, 17 April 2006, during preparations to sink the vessel. Known as the Big O, the 32,000-ton, 888-foot Oriskany was in Pensacola, Fla., where she was being prepared for her final journey. U.S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate Airman David R. Quillen (# 060417-N-6031Q-010).

USN
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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A pier-side press conference was held on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, 18 April 2006, for the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34), as the ship made final preparations for sinking. Oriskany was scheduled to be scuttled 22 miles south of Pensacola in approximately 212 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico, 17 May 2006, where she would become the largest ship ever intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. After Oriskany reached the bottom, ownership of the vessel transferred from the Navy to the State of Florida. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Gary Nichols (# 060418-5328N-N-159).

Chester Morris
Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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Resolve Marine Group employee, Robert Luna sweeps dust and debris from the escalator aboard the decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34), 19 April 2006. Known as the "Big O," the 32,000-ton, 888-foot Oriskany was in Pensacola, Fla., where she was being prepared for her final journey. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Jackey Bratt (# 060419-N-4097B-002).

Chester Morris
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023481a
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Civilian employees with the Resolve Marine Group, lay out the anchor chain on the flight deck aboard the decommissioned Oriskany, 20 April 2006, as the carrier undergoes final preparations for her scheduled sinking, while moored to the pier at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida (FL).

USN photo by JO1(SW) Jackey Bratt (# 060420-N-4097B-002).

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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One of many photos taken aboard ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34), NAS Pensacola, 24 April 2006, by CAPT Patrick Mulcahy.

Pat "Father" Mulcahy,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023481
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Resolve Marine Group employees, left, Aaron Nahapetian and Robert Lee Jr., begin pulling cable in off the flight deck aboard the decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-USS Oriskany (CV-34) in preparation for the ship's scheduled sinking. Pensacola, Fla., 20 April 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist First Class Jackey Bratt (# 060420-N-4097B-003).

Chester Morris
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023473g
265k

Guided by a flotilla of tugboats and small craft, the former U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Oriskany passes in front of Pensacola's historic Fort Pickens, 15 May 2006, as she makes her way along the Intracoastal Waterway from her last port call at Naval Air Station Pensacola to her final destination in the Gulf of Mexico.

NS023473g: U.S. Navy Photo by Mike O'Connor (#060515-N-0856O-146).

NS023473h: U.S. Navy Photo by Mike O'Connor (#060515-N-0856O-323).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
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The decommissioned aircraft carrier Oriskany is towed out to sea, 15 May 2006, for her scheduled sinking two days later. U.S. Navy photo Journalist 1st Class Jackey Bratt (#060515-N-4097B-011).

ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023473
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The US Coast Guard Marine Protector Class Patrol Craft USCGC Bonito (WPB-87431) enforces a safety zone in the water off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, 15 May 2006. The Bonito crew ensured that recreational and commercial vessels stayed at least 500 yards away as the decommissioned Oriskany (CV-34), underwent final preparations for her scheduled sinking, while moored to the pier at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida. Ex-Oriskany would be towed 22 miles south of Pensacola in approximately 212 feet of water where she would become the largest ship ever intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. After Oriskany reached the bottom, ownership of the vessel would transfer from the USN to the State of Florida.

U.S. Coast Guard photograph by PO1 Kyle Niemi, USCG (# 060515-G-3550N-005).

Robert M. Cieri
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023473a
83k

The decommissioned aircraft carrier Oriskany (CV-34) is towed out to sea, 15 May 2006. Oriskany was scheduled to be scuttled on May 17th, 22 miles south of Pensacola in the Gulf of Mexico. The public would be allowed to fish and dive on the ship two days later. Known as the Big O, the 32,000-ton, 888-foot aircraft carrier was built at the New York Naval Shipyard and delivered to the Navy in 1950 where she later became a highly decorated veteran during conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Jackey Bratt (# 060515-N-4097B-012).

ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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Former Navy Gunnersmate and USS Oriskany (CV-34) plank owner, Mike Hajek Jr., of Cape May N.J., who served aboard the warship from 1949 to 1954, salutes the hulk of his ship as it makes its way along the Intracoastal Waterway, 15 May 2006, from its last port call at Naval Air Station Pensacola, to its final destination in the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. Navy photo by Gary Nichols (# 060515-N-5328N-180).

Chester Morris
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023473c
151k

The decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34) is towed out to sea one final time, 15 May 2006. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060515-N-7992K-006).

ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023473d
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The decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34) is towed out to sea one final time, 15 May 2006. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060515-N-7992K-007).

ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023473e
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The decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34) is towed out to sea one final time, 15 May 2006. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060515-N-7992K-013).

ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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The decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34) is towed out to sea one final time, 15 May 2006. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060515-N-7992K-014).

ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023445
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Gulf of Mexico, May 17, 2006 — Ex-Oriskany was sunk 24 miles off the coast of Pensacola, Fla., to form an artificial reef. The 888-foot ship took about 37 minutes to sink below the surface. After 25 years of service to the Navy in operations in Korea, Vietnam and the Mediterranean, ex-Oriskany now benefits marine life, sport fishing and recreation diving off the coast of the Florida panhandle. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060517-N-7992K-001).

USN
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060517-N-7992K-002).

Gerd Matthes, Germany
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023445d
532k

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060517-N-7992K-003).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060517-N-7992K-004).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS023445f
510k

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060517-N-7992K-007).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060517-N-7992K-009).

Gerd Matthes, Germany
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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As above U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060517-N-7992K-017).

Chester Morris
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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As above.

Gerd Matthes, Germany
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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As above.

Gerd Matthes, Germany
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060517-N-7992K-019).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
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U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jeffrey P. Kraus (# 060517-N-7992K-020).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
ex-CV-34 Oriskany
NS0234bz
381k

Personnel Specialist 1st Class Kevin Armold, attached on board Naval Air Station Pensacola, is reenlisted by Army Maj. Shean Phelps on the main deck of the newly sunken, former aircraft carrier Oriskany at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, about 23 miles south of Pensacola, 6 July 2007. This was the first reenlistment to be held on the sunken aircraft carrier.

US Navy photo # 070706-O-0000X-002.

USN

For more information about this ship, see:

Read the
USS Oriskany (CV-34 / CVA-34 /CV-34) DANFS History entry

Crew Contact And Reunion Information

Contact Name: Mr. Lito Puglia
Address:1160 Hooksett Rd Hooksett, NH, 03106-10200
Phone: 603-626-4823
E-mail: b-bop2@juno.com

Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages by Andrew Toppan.
Korean Combat Action Reports located on the Naval Historical Center Web Site
  Search YouTube for videos related to "USS Oriskany"  

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Last update: 15 February 2024