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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive

Patch at left courtesy of Guy Dunbar (USS Coral Sea CVA-43 Association)
Patch at right courtesy of CAPT Gene Oleson, CHC, USN (Ret) (bluejacket.com)

USS CORAL SEA   (CVB-43)
(later CVA-43 and CV-43)



Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - India - Juliet - Alfa
Tactical Voice Radio Call: "MUSTANG"

U.S.S. CORAL SEA
Courtesy of Al Grazevich

Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons

   

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Navy Unit Commendation (7)
2nd Row: Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (5) / Navy Expeditionary Service Medal (2) / Navy Occupation Service Medal ("Europe" clasp)
3rd Row: National Defense Service Medal (2) / Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (4) / Vietnam Service Medal (12 stars)
4th Row: Humanitarian Service Medal / Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm) / Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Specifications

Class: MIDWAY

As built: Displacement: 45,000 tons (60,000 fl) — Dimensions: 900' wl (968' oa) x 113' (136' fd) x 32' 9" / 274.3 wl (295 oa) x 34.4 (41.5 fd) x 10 meters — Armor: 7.6" belt, 3.5" flight deck, 6.5" conning tower (side) — Power plant: 12 565-psi boilers, 4 geared turbines, 4 screws; 212,000 shp — Speed: 33 knots — Endurance (design): 20,000 nm @ 15 knots — Armament: 14 5"/54, Mk.39 single mounts; 84 40-mm (planned but not fitted); 28 20-mm (planned but probably not fitted) — Aircraft: 137 — Aviation facilities: 3 elevators; 2 hydraulic catapults — Crew: approx. 4,100

Last configuration: Displacement: 52,000 tons (65,200 fl) — Dimensions: 900' wl (979' oa) x 121' (236' fd) x 35' / 274.3 wl (298.4 oa) x 36.9 (71.9 fd) x 10.7 meters — Speed: 32 knots — Armament: 3 Phalanx CIWS — Aircraft: 65 — Aviation facilities: 3 elevators; 3 steam catapults — Crew: approx. 4,700



Operational and Building Data

Initially classified as an "Aircraft Carrier", hull number CV-43. Contract awarded on 14 June 1943 to Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Newport News, Va. Reclassified as a "Large Aircraft Carrier" (CVB-43) on 15 July 1943. Laid down 10 July 1944, launched 2 April 1946 and commissioned 1 October 1947.

Reclassified as an "Attack Aircraft Carrier" (CVA-43) on 1 October 1952. Decommissioned at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Wash., on 24 May 1957 to receive a major conversion (SCB-110A): enlarged flight deck, angled deck, relocation of elevators, more powerful catapults, enclosed "hurricane" bow, greater beam, etc. Recommissioned 25 January 1960.

Reclassified as a "Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier" (CV-43) on 30 June 1975.

FATE: Decommissioned and stricken 30 April 1990. Sold by the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) for scrapping on 7 May 1993. Scrapping was delayed by numerous financial, legal and environmental issues; finally completed 8 September 2000.


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Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Name
Coral Sea
NS0243ai
48k

CVB-43 was named after the battle fought, 4–8 May 1942, in the Coral Sea, located between New Guinea and Australia (NS0243ai). It was the first engagement in naval warfare in which warships exchanged not a shot, the action being carried on by carrier aircraft of both fleets. Although a Japanese tactical victory, it turned out to be a decisive strategic victory for the United States, as it halted further Japanese advance to the southeast, and saved Australia and New Zealand from any further threat of invasion. (Map courtesy of Google Maps.)

NS0202am: Paintings of Naval Aviation during World War II: Abbott Collection. # 99: "Death of Shoho." Artwork by Robert Benney. (Courtesy of the National Museum of the US Navy.)

An escort aircraft carrier had previously borne the name, but was renamed Anzio so that CVB-43 could be named Coral Sea.

NavSource
Coral Sea
NS0202am
518k
The Early Years
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024367
173k

"Newport News Shipbuilding, Va.—2 April 1946—The 45,000 ton aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea CVB 43 was Christened by the ship's sponsor Mrs. Thomas C. Kinkaid, as she swung the traditional bottle of Champagne striking the bow. On the left is the matron of honor Mrs. Joseph W. Henderson, Jr., Admiral C.L. Cox is behind Mrs. Kinkaid and on the right is Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid. International News Photo by P.N. Breon of INP."

Robert M. Cieri
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS0243as
772k

The future USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) leaves Dry Dock 10 on Wedenesday, 3 April 1946. The Midway-class aircraft carrier had been christened the previous day by Ship's Sponsor Mrs. Thomas C. Kinkaid.

Courtesy of Huntington Ingall Industries Newport News Shipbuilding (HII),
via Bob Haner, YN1, USN (Ret.)
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024387
163k

Overhead view of USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) on 30 September 1947. The ship is en route to Norfolk Navy Yard for commissioning.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection, # 1996.488.120.003.

Mike Green
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024387a
108k

Broadside view of USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) on 30 September 1947. The ship is en route to Norfolk Navy Yard for commissioning.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection, # 1996.488.120.004.

CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024387b
208k

Closeup of the future USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) taken on Tuesday, 30 September 1947. National Archives photo (# 80-G-389078).

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024388
111k

Bow view of USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) on 1 October 1947. The ship is en route to Norfolk Navy Yard for commissioning later that day.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection, # 1996.488.120.005.

Mike Green
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024388a
139k

Commissioning Program (partial).

Ron Reeves
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS0243an
339k

USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) in the late 1940s, early in her career. Exact date and location unknown.

David Buell
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024312
57k Underway in the Hampton Roads, Va., area Dec. 10, 1947. USN
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024313
137k

Photographed in 1948. Coral Sea, as shown in this and the above photo, was completed with 14, rather than 18, 5"/54 guns: note the absence of two of the after mounts on each side, as compared to her sister ships Midway and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo #: NH 97648).

NHC
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS0243ax
391k

Vertical aerial view of USS Coral Sea (CVB-43), 16 January 1948. U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-389507.

NARA
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024368
124k

A nice view of USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) probably taken during her shakedown cruise, 19 January–5 April 1948, to Cuba and Panama Canal, with Battle Carrier Air Group (CVBG) 5 embarked.

Jim Geldert
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bx
300k

A Lockheed P2V-3C Neptune patrol aircraft, [CDR Thomas D. Davies and LCDR John P. Wheatley], assisted by JATO rockets, roars down the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea on 27 April 1948, [off Norfolk, Virginia,] as the Navy initiated a program to develop a carrier-based nuclear strike capability. U.S. Navy photo.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

Robert Hurst
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bz
362k

One of the three Lockheed P2V-3C Neptunes of Composite Squadron Five being loaded aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) at Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia, on 4 March 1949. Three days later, off the Virginia Capes, the Neptunes took off with the aid of JATO boosters. Captain John T. Hayward was at the controls of the first plane, which weighed 74,100 pounds including a 10,000-pound dummy nuclear weapon. The other Neptunes weighed 65,000 and 55,000 pounds, respectively. Photo U.S. Navy, Official.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

Robert Hurst
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bs
1.48M

Six U.S. Navy Grumman TBM-3E Avenger anti-submarine aircraft of Composite Squadron (VC) 22 "Checkmates" flying over the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) and the Gearing-class destroyer USS Bordelon (DD-881), circa 1948–1950.

The squadron was established as Torpedo Squadron (VT) 42 on 19 July 1945; redesignated Attack Squadron (VA) 2E on 15 November 1946; VC-22 on 1 September 1948; Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 22 on 20 April 1950; and disestablished on 1 June 1956.

Robert Hurst
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024351
132k

"The crew of USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) stands at attention on the flight deck." From All Hands magazine, November 1950 issue.

Stanley Svec
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024318
91k

Vought F4U-5 Corsair fighter takes off from USS Coral Sea (CVB-43), while she was operating in the Mediterranean Sea, November 1950. This is a U.S. Marine Corps aircraft. Note radar antennas atop the island, and flag signal reading "085 turn".

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo # 80-G-423543).

Scott Dyben
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024342
.PDF file
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4.78M

Med Cruise Book, September 9, 1950–February 1, 1951, with Carrier Air Group 17 (CVG-17).

Map, pages 1–8 and 10–17.

Mike Sharp,
via Robert Hall
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS0243az
312k

USS Coral Sea (CVB-43), with embarked Carrier Air Group (CVG) 1, circa 1951.

Ben Levinsohn
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS0406827
96k

USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) as seen from USS Baltimore (CA-68) in 1952.

(See also photos NS0406819 and NS0406840).

George Panos,
Ex QMS 2/C
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024328
127k

USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) and USS Salem (CA-139) during Med. exercises, 1952. Note helo between Coral Sea and Salem.

George Panos,
Ex QMS 2/C
CVB-43 Coral Sea
NS024329
93k

USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) during 1952 Med Cruise.

George Panos,
Ex QMS 2/C
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024369
41k

The first XFJ-2 Fury, BuNo 133754, conducted carrier qualification tests aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in late 1952.

Pieter Bakels
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243ag
240k

Two images of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), circa 1953–1957.

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243aga
154k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bt
941k

This is probably USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), seen from USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39), circa May 1953. Both carriers departed their homeports on 26 April 1953: Coral Sea steamed from Norfolk for a tour of duty in the Mediterranean; Lake Champlain departed Mayport for Korea, via the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and China Sea.

Lipo Davis, for his father, CDR Judson C. Davis, Jr.,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-59 Forrestal
NS0259ds
1.33M

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

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

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

David Buell
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024357
81k

The Douglas XF4D-1 Skyray prototype (BuNo 124586) during carrier trials aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in October 1953. BuNo 124586 was later used for fire-fighting practice and destroyed in the 1980s. Official US Navy photo.

Robert Hurst
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024352
658k

Aerial view of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) with Carrier Air Group 10 (CVG-10) aboard, probably in 1954. Lightship in the background appears to be USCG LV 84/WAL 509, which was stationed at the entrance of the St. Johns River, near Jacksonville, FL, 1929–1954.

David Buell
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024352a
910k

Another view of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) with Carrier Air Group 10 (CVG-10) aboard, probably taken at the same time as the photo above.

Mediterranean Cruise, 7 July–20 December 1954
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243ba
500k

Three U.S. Navy Grumman F9F-6 Cougars of Fighter Squadron (VF) 103 "Flying Cougars" fly over USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). VF-103 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 10 aboard the Midway-class carrier for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 7 July to 20 December 1954.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.7407.021.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Robert Hurst
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024394
117k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) at anchor, possibly in the summer of 1954, during her seventh Mediterranean Cruise.

Photo Galilea.

Jaume Cifré Sánchez
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024314
65k

Maneuvers at high speed in the Mediterranean Sea, 28 July 1955.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives (photo #: 80-G-K-18394).

NHC
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024385
70k

Genoa, Italy, 29 August 1955. Carrier Air Group (CVG) 17.

Carlo Martinelli
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024385a
98k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243at
421k

Aerial view of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) underway, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 17 aboard, circa 1955.

David Buell
CVA-43 Coral Sea + BB-61
NS016154k
211k

USS Iowa (BB-61) and USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) circa 1956–1957.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), College Park, Maryland, photo # 80-G-1011635.

Courtesy of Sean Hert
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243au
692k

Aerial view of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) at anchor, apparently with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 10 aboard, circa 1956–1957.

David Buell
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243ce
2.24M

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the Mediterranean, August 1956–February 1957, seen from USS Randolph (CVA-15).

Donald Tenney,
via Bob Canchola
SCB-110A Modernization
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243al
119k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) undergoing SCB-110A modernization at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, 1 February 1958.

David Buell
CVA-43 Coral Sea + CVA-41 Midway
NS0243ch
170k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) standing out, USS Midway (CVA-41) standing in, San Francisco, sometime in the 1960s.

Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243ah
891k

Aerial view of three aircraft carriers, USS Hancock (CVA-19), USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), and USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), at Naval Air Station Alameda, California.

Note a former escort carrier, converted into an aircraft transport, on the upper left—possibly USNS Breton (AKV-42).

Although the photo is dated 1966, it is believed to have been taken in the first half of 1960.

Courtesy of the USS Coral Sea Tribute Site, via Bob Canchola
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243br
108k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), closer to camera, USS Midway (CVA-41), two unidentified auxiliaries and a modernized Essex-class carrier. Naval Air Station Alameda, California, first half of the 1960s.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024335
46k

"Column Left..." The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada parade down the flight deck of the USS Coral Sea. The Highlanders, commanded by LCOL Ian Bell-Irving, were guests of Coral Sea during the ship's visit to Vancouver, British Columbia, March 1960. US Navy photo now in the Seattle Branch of the National Archives.

Tracy White
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024392
143k

Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawks of U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy attack squadrons on the flight deck of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in 1960–61. Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15 had two Skyhawk squadrons assigned for a deployment to the Western Pacific from 19 September 1960 to 27 May 1961: VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies" and VA-155 "Silver Foxes." Two additional Marine Corps squadrons were assigned: VMA-121 "Green Knights" (November 1960–April 1961), and VMA-324 "Vagabonds" (November 1960–March 1961). USMC squadrons did not adopt CVG-15's tail code "NL," but kept their own tail codes: "VK" (VMA-121) and "DX" (VMA-324). This picture shows five A4D-2s: three from VMA-324 in the foreground, DX616, DX624 (BuNo 142873), and DX626 (BuNo 142854); NL502 (BuNo 145046) and NL510 from VA-155. In the foreground, two Douglas A3D-2 Skywarriors of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 2 "Royal Rampants" are partly visible. In the background is one of Helicopter Utility Squadon (HU) 1 Det. D "Pacific Fleet Angels" Piasecki HUP-2 Retriever helicopters. The A4D-2 BuNo 145046 was later sold to Singapore (converted to an A-4S). Photographed by John Lyons, USN.

Robert Hurst
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024373
49k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) during her 12 December 1961–17 July 1962 WestPac deployment, as seen from USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7).

WA Jagger EM2,
via Dan Marks
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243cb
310k

A3D-2/A-3B Skywarrior BuNo 147650 was attached to Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 2 "Royal Rampants" in 1961–66 and deployed to WestPac/Vietnam as part of Carrier Air Group/Carrier Air Wing (CVG/CVW) 15, aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43).

BuNo 147650 was lost in a mid-air collision with an RA-5C Vigilante off southern California, 6 October 1966.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024396
134k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) mooring alongside Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, circa 1962. Aircraft from Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15 are spotted on the flight deck.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 1999.272.013).

Mike Green
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024353
175k

Official US Navy Photograph, USN 1061345, dated January 12, 1962, officially released. US Naval Photographic Center. Caption on back reads: "USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) leaving Subic Bay, Phillipines. British ships in background."

David Buell
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024315
139k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) steams alongside USS Bellatrix (AF-62) during underway replenishment in Western Pacific waters. USS Duncan (DDR-874) is at left. Photo was released by USS Coral Sea under date of 16 April 1962. Among the planes on the carrier's flight deck are seven A3D Skywarrior heavy attack aircraft.

Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo #: NH 97649).

Planes from Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15 are parked on the flight deck. Visible are F8U-2N Crusaders of VF-154 "Black Knights," F3H Demons of VF-151 "Vigilantes," A4D-2 Skyhawks of VA-155 "Silver Foxes," A4D-2N Skyhawks of VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies," AD-6 Skyraiders of VA-152 "Friendlies," WF-2 Tracers of VAW-11 Det. D "Early Elevens," A3D-2 Skywarriors of VAH-2 "Royal Rampants," and a single HUP-3 Retriever helicopter of HU-1 Det. D, "Pacific Fleet Angels." (Thanks to Robert Hurst.)

Naval History & Heritage Command
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024384
165k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) conducting a replenishment at sea with an unidentified oiler and an unidentified destroyer, apparently in late 1962–early 1963 in the Eastern Pacific.

US Navy photo.

Paul L. Adkisson, MMCM, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024395
79k

A U.S. Navy Douglas A-4E Skyhawk, BuNo 149648, assigned to the Naval Air TestDMA (NATC), Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD, on the cat aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), probably in the Eastern Pacific, circa 1962–64. USN photo.

Robert Hurst
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024309
583k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), with embarked Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15, passing the Arizona Memorial as the aircraft carrier departs Pearl Harbor, at 1621 on 18 April 1963.

Official U.S. Navy photograph by PHCS Robert A. Carlisle, USN. Naval History & Heritage Command, photo # NH 97325-KN.

Joe Radigan
Bob Canchola
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024309a
3.19M

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), with embarked Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15, departs Pearl Harbor, 18 April 1963, en route to Sydney, Australia.

On the left side of photo NS024309a, moored to Pier F-1, U.S. Naval Station Ford Island, are (left to right): USS Isle Royale (AD-29); USS Newell (DER-322), soon to begin a dry dock period; USS Durant (DER-389); and USS Moctobi (ATF-105).

Courtesy of the USS Coral Sea CVB-43 CVA-43 CV-43 Tribute Site.

NS024309d: Courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum, photo # 1996.488.120.032.

Via Bob Canchola
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024309b
1.84M
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024309c
2.15M
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024309d
1.91M
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024309e
2.25M
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024344
105k

"En route to her third WestPac deployment [3 April–25 November 1963] USS Coral Sea makes a stop at Sydney, Australia to be the only U.S. Navy carrier in the annual observance of the Battle of the Coral Sea". Quoted from Naval Aviation News, June 1963 issue.

Official US Navy photo. (Appears to have been taken before 1963.)

Robert Hurst
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024370
113k

An E-1B Tracer, BuNo 148907, assigned to VAW-11 "Early Elevens" Det. D (top), and an A-1H/J Skyraider assigned to VA-152 "Friendlies" (bottom), photographed at the Royal Australian Navy Air Station, HMAS Albatross, near Nowra, about 100 miles south of Sydney, Australia, (probably in May) 1963. Both VA-152 and VAW-11 Det. D were part of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15, deployed to WestPac aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43)—see also NS024344—.

Photos by Kimberley Dunstan, Royal Australian Navy (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024370a
121k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024372
133k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) visited Sydney, Australia, in May 1963, marking the 21st anniversary of the battle for which she was named (sometimes also referred in Australia as the "Battle for Australia").

Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15 deployed with Coral Sea and included the following squadrons: VF-151 "Vigilantes," F-3B Demons; VA-152 "Friendlies," A-1H & A-1J Skyraiders; VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies," A-4C Skyhawks; VF-154 "Black Knights," F-8D Crusaders; VA-155 "Silver Foxes," A-4B Skyhawks; VAH-2 "Royal Rampants," A-3B Skywarriors; VAW-11 Det. D "Early Elevens," E-1B Tracers; VFP-63 Det. D "Eyes of the Fleet," RF-8A Crusaders; and HU-1 Det. D "Pacific Fleet Angels," UH-2A Sea Sprites.

Submitted by Kimberley Dunstan, Royal Australian Navy (Ret.),
courtesy of Ron Sofge & the USS Coral Sea Tribute Site
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024372a
124k Submitted by Kimberley Dunstan, Royal Australian Navy (Ret.),
USN photo courtesy of the USS Coral Sea Tribute Site
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024372b
138k Submitted by Kimberley Dunstan, Royal Australian Navy (Ret.),
courtesy of Leslie Withrow & the USS Coral Sea Tribute Site
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS09062916
251k

Overhead view of USS Graffias (AF-29) replenishing the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) and the destroyer USS Marshall (DD-676) in November 1963. Coral Sea, with assigned Carrier Air Group (CVG) 15, was deployed to the Western Pacific from 3 April to 25 November 1963.

Courtesy of U.S. Naval Reserve Center, Tacoma Wharf Port Facility—Naval History and Heritage Command. Photo # UA 556.05.

Robert Hurst
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0578201
185k

Mattaponi (AO-41) refueling Rowan (DD-782) to starboard, Coral Sea (CVA-43) to port. US Navy photo, likely taken in 1964–1965.

-
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024341
87k

Photograph taken by Commander Jim Waldron in 1965, off the coast of Vietnam.

CDR Jim Waldron, USNR (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS09051822
79k

Paricutin (AE-18) rearming Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the South China Sea, 26 February 1965. US Navy photo.

David Hanson for his father CAPT. Ralph M. Hanson USN (Ret) CO USS Paricutin, 1964-65
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS09051823
56k

Paricutin (AE-18) rearming Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the South China Sea, 26 February 1965. US Navy photo.

David Hanson for his father CAPT. Ralph M. Hanson USN (Ret) CO USS Paricutin, 1964-65
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS09051824
56k

Paricutin (AE-18) rearming Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the South China Sea, 26 February 1965. US Navy photo.

David Hanson for his father CAPT. Ralph M. Hanson USN (Ret) CO USS Paricutin, 1964-65
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS09051825
92k

Paricutin (AE-18) rearming Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the South China Sea, 26 February 1965. US Navy photo.

David Hanson for his father CAPT. Ralph M. Hanson USN (Ret) CO USS Paricutin, 1964-65
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS09051826
68k

Paricutin (AE-18) rearming Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the South China Sea, 26 February 1965. US Navy photo.

David Hanson for his father CAPT. Ralph M. Hanson USN (Ret) CO USS Paricutin, 1964-65
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024336
101k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) steams past USS Ranger (CVA-61) in the South China Sea, 24 March 1965, during the early days of the air campaign against North Vietnam.

Aircraft in the foreground is a North American RA-5C Vigilante reconaissance plane (BuNo 149313) assigned to RVAH-5 "Savage Sons." Planes parked beyond it include McDonnell F-4B Phantom II fighters and Douglas A-1 Skyraider attack aircraft. Photographed by JOC R.D. Moeser, USN.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1110187-C).

NH&HC
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024336a
102k

Aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), the Catapult Officer signals "launch" and an A-4C Skyhawk (from VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies" squadron) starts down the flight deck, during operations in the South China Sea, 24 March 1965. The plane is being launched from the carrier's starboard catapult. Photographed by PH1 James F. Falk, USN.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1111691-A).

NH&HC
Task Force 77
NS026119
739k

Task Force 77 operating in the South China Sea, March 1965 [Note: Although the official caption gives a date of "March 1965," the ships' deck logs show that Operation Candid Camera actually took place on 21–22 February]. It had recently launched strikes against North Vietnam. Carriers present are (clockwise from bottom): Ranger (CVA-61), Yorktown (CVS-10), Coral Sea (CVA-43) and Hancock (CVA-19). The guided missile cruiser Canberra (CAG-2) is in the center of the formation. The destroyer screen includes: England (DLG-22), Gurke (DD-783), Rogers (DD-876), Walker (DD-517), O'Bannon (DD-450), Somers (DD-947), Jenkins (DD-447), John A. Bole (DD-755), Higbee (DD-806), Buck (DD-761), Joseph Strauss (DDG-16) and Ernest G. Small (DD-838). This photograph was specially posed, and does not represent a normal operating formation.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1109915).

James Shriver, PHCM, USN (Ret), notes: "The photo [...] was taken in an exercise we called 'Operation Candid Camera.' On day one it was tried by a Vigilante photo plane. They missed. So the next day it was tried again and the photos were taken with a hand held camera from a HS-8 helicopter. The photographer was PH1 Elvin C. Conarty (now deceased). I was there... I processed the film and printed the photos."

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Task Force 77
NS026119a
1.64M

Operation Candid Camera, as above.

PH3 Phil Wayne Harrison,
via Bob Canchola
CVA-43
NS0243aj
321k

USS Taluga (AO-62) refueling USS Buchanan (DDG-14) and USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), possibly in the South China Sea on 3 July 1965.

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15 was aboard. Parked aft on the flight deck (NS0243aj), left to right, are: an A-4E Skyhawk from Attack Squadron (VA) 155 "Silver Foxes," two F-8D Crusaders from Fighter Squadron (VF) 154 "Black Knights," and an A-4C Skyhawk from VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies."

O.W. Krik Kuykendall, IC3, USS Buchanan,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany, 1971–1973
CVA-43
NS0243aja
410k
CVA-43
NS0243cg
1.31M

Text from USS Coral Sea CVB-43 CVA-43 CV-43 Tribute Site:

(Submitted by Randy Kelso)—This sequence of photos show LT Jack Terhune ejecting from his damaged [F-8D Crusader, BuNo 147899, modex NL-406,] over the China Sea [on 14 October 1965]. He was picked up by a helicopter from the USS Coral Sea.

The photos were taken by LT(JG) Roy A. Zink of VFP-63 from his [RF-8A] photo bird. LCDR Jim Ginn is seen flying his [F-8D, BuNo 148670, NL-411] along side of the crippled F-8. Mr. Jack Terhune's aircraft was shot up on a raid into North Vietnam and he was trying to make it back to the boat but lost all his hydraulic fluid. When this happens in the F-8, everything hangs out in the breeze (gear, flaps, speedbrake, wing raised, hook, etc, then the stick freezes!).

Mr. Terhune told his two wingmen Mr. Jim Ginn on the starboard side and Mr. Roy Zink in a photo Crusader on the port side that he was about to punch. Mr. Zink started his starboard camera taking pictures at a high rate and the result was the series ejection photos. The pictures made the newspapers and several Navy publications; it was apparently the first time such a sequence had been captured on film.

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), Fighter Squadron (VF) 154 "Black Knights," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.

NS0243cg: All Hands, January 1966 issue.

NS0243cga: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # USN 1113584.

NS0243cgb: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # USN 1113585.

Note: The date of this incident is sometimes given as 11 August 1965, which is not correct. On the alleged date, Coral Sea was anchored in Hong Kong and got underway at 0730. (Source: Coral Sea deck log.)

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43
NS0243cga
248k
CVA-43
NS0243cgb
225k
CVA-43
NS0243ar
197k

Grumman C-1A Trader (BuNo 146022) assigned to USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) during the carrier's deployment to Vietnam from 29 July 1966 to 23 February 1967. U.S. Navy photo.

Courtesy of Coral Sea Tribute Site, via Robert Hurst
CVA-43
NS0243bo
177k

A Grumman E-2A Hawkeye of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 11 "Early Eleven" Det. A about to recover aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) during the carrier's deployment to Vietnam from 29 July 1966 to 23 February 1967. U.S. Navy photo.

Courtesy of Coral Sea Tribute Site,
via Robert Hurst
CVA-43
NS024371
118k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) as seen from USS Perkins (DD-877) in July 1966, west bound at the start of her second Vietnam War cruise (29 July 1966–23 February 1967). Carrier Air Wing was CVW-2.

Michael O'Brien
CVA-43
NS024371a
149k
CVA-43
NS024371b
161k
CVA-43
NS024371c
132k
CVA-43 + AO-43
NS091904311
177k

USS Tappahannock (AO-43) conducting an underway replenishment (UNREP) of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the South China Sea, 13 January 1967. Coral Sea, with assigned Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, was deployed to the Western Pacific and Vietnam from 29 July 1966 to 23 February 1967.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command. Photo # L45-274.01.01.

Note: The photo's date was originally given as 12 January 1967, but the deck logs of both ships show the UNREP on the afternoon of Friday, 13 January 1967, local time.

Robert Hurst
CVA-43
NS0243cc
253k

A-4E Skyhawk, BuNo 151120 (modex NE340), Attack Squadron (VA) 23 "Black Knights," was forced to land into Coral Sea's barricade after a combat strike near Haiphong in North Vietnam, 26 November 1966. The plane was hit in the left wing, was on fire at different times in the flight, and was very low on fuel, but LT Jerry P. Shafer was able to recover aboard the carrier.

From Naval Aviation News magazine, February 1967 issue.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43
NS024380
50k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) at Alameda, CA, around 22 April 1967. Coral Sea had returned from her second Vietnam deployment on 23 February.

David Miller
CVA-43
NS0243ab
451k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), with A-4E Skyhawks from VA-153 "Blue Tail Flies" and VA-155 "Silver Foxes," moored to pier #3 South, U.S. Naval Air Station, Alameda, California, 22–26 July 1967. USS Hancock (CVA-19) is moored to pier #3 North, and USS Ranger to pier #2 North. Other ships present include: USS Bellatrix (AF-62) and USS Aludra (AF-55), moored port side and starboard side, respectively, to pier #2 South; and probably USNS Breton (T-AKV 42), astern of Coral Sea.

Courtesy of
William T. Larkins
CVA-43
NS024348
54k

Two views of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) taken at 11AM on July 26, 1967 as she left San Francisco headed for WestPac and her third Vietnam deployment — an eventful cruise, involving many of the heaviest strikes of the war. Air Wing was CVW-15.

Courtesy of
William T. Larkins
CVA-43
NS024348a
62k
CVA-43
NS0243be
382k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) was adopted as "San Francisco's Own" shortly before departing for her third Vietnam cruise, 26 July 1967–8 April 1968.

David Linhorst,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43
NS024390
148k

A Douglas A-1 Skyraider assigned to VA-25 "Fist of the Fleet" comes in to recover aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in January 1968. Note the destroyer on plane-guard duty astern of the carrier. Photo US Navy.

Robert Hurst
CVA-43
NS024399
218k

On 18 October 1967 USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) collided with the ammunition ship USS Mount Katmai (AE-16) while conducting an underway replenishment in the Tonkin Gulf. There were no personnel casualties or injuries reported.

This is a chunk of metal that came off Coral Sea as a result of the collision.

Photo by Butch Kid Baty,
via his brother Darrell E. Baty
CVA-41 + CVA-43 + CVA-19 + CVA-34
NS024345
175k

Aerial view of the San Francisco Naval Shipyard at Hunters Point, sometime between April and July 1968. USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) and USS Hancock (CVA-19) are easily identifiable. Also visible in this photo are Midway (CVA-41), undergoing her SCB-101.66 modernization in the drydock just aft of Coral Sea, and USS Oriskany (CVA-34), undergoing an 8-month overhaul in the background.

Chester Morris comments: "The two A shaped structures (painted with stripes) next to the large overhead crane at the bottom of the photo, are a part of the system used to test the new Polaris missile during the 60's at Hunters Point. They would fire a missile with what I assume was compressed air, and they were a part of the catching apparatus."

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-43
NS0243ac
567k

"On July 23 and 24, [1968] Coral Sea conducted the only carrier suitability tests of the F-111B, the Navy's version of the multi-service F-111. The fighter with the variable sweep wings made 10 arrested landings and eight touch-and-go landings on the ship. Tests were also conducted to see how the F-111B performed on the ship's elevators and towing procedures. The plane had to be lowered on Elevator One empty of fuel. V-1 Division personnel noted that the elevator's maximum weight load is 74,000 pounds; the F-111B, when fueled weighed 74,500 and when empty about 56,000. There was also very little clearance for the plane on the elevator. The F-111B was then towed from the elevator to hangar deck control. The feeling of V-3 Division personnel was that the plane was inconsistent with the size of the ship, large and unwieldy, and difficult to move. The plane was then taken back to the flight deck via the elevator."

From USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) Command History, 1968.

William Stevens (USN, Ret.)

BuNo 151974 was the only F-111B to perform carrier suitability trials.

 


NS0243aca
225k

NS0243acb
384k

NS0243acc
314k

NS0243acd
403k

NS0243ace
344k

NS0243acf
356k

NS0243acg
508k

NS0243ach
480k
 
NS0243aci
254k
   
USS Coral Sea, CVB-43 CVA-43 CV-43, Tribute Site,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
4th Vietnam Cruise, 7 September 1968 – 18 April 1969
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024308
70k Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, October 1968. © Richard Leonhardt
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024360
495k

McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 151487, modex NL215, VF-161 "Chargers," probably during the ship's fourth Vietnam cruise.

Glenn M. Miller
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bi
1008k

Photos of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) and aircraft of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15, Yokosuka, Japan, December 1968 or April 1969.

A-4F Skyhawk, BuNo 155022 (NL302), Attack Squadron (VA) 153 "Blue Tail Flies;" and A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148464 (NL603), VA-216 "Black Diamonds." Partly visible in one or both of these photos are: (left), F-4B Phantom II BuNo 150634 (NL210), Fighter Squadron (VF) 161 "Chargers;" F-4B Phantom II BuNo 153913 (NL101), VF-151 "Vigilantes;" (right), F-4B Phantom IIs, BuNos 152267 (NL206) and 151487 (NL215), VF-161 "Chargers."

Photos by Saburo Inoue,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bia
864k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bib
1.02M

Left to right: F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 151003 (NL107), VF-151 "Vigilantes;" F-4B Phantom II BuNo 149450 (NL204), VF-161 "Chargers;" F-4B Phantom II BuNo 149446 (NL104), VF-151 "Vigilantes."

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bic
1.27M

F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 151482, modex NL202, Fighter Squadron (VF) 161 "Chargers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bid
1.26M
CVAN-65, CVA-19, CVA-43
NS026583
362k

Front to back: USS Enterprise (CVAN-65), USS Hancock (CVA-19), three auxiliaries (which appear to be USS Markab (AR-23) with USS Pictor (AF-54) outboard, and USS Procyon (AF-61) forward of them), and USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) at NAS Alameda, CA, possibly in the first half of July 1969.

Robert M. Cieri
5th Vietnam Cruise, 23 September 1969 – 1 July 1970
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024319
87k Near the Philippines, late 1969. Carrier in the background is USS Ranger (CVA-61). David Guerra
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024320
92k The Philippines, circa 1969, with two F-4B Phantom II from the "Vigilantes" of VF-151. David Guerra
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024321
77k Circa 1969. David Guerra
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bh
263k

Soviet AGI (intelligence gathering auxiliary) Gidrofon (Гидрофон) shadows USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the Gulf of Tonkin, 28 October 1969.

Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), photo # USN 1141512.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea et al.
NS0243bha
385k

Soviet AGI (intelligence gathering auxiliary) Gidrofon (Гидрофон) shadows USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) and other US warships in the Gulf of Tonkin, 28 October 1969.

According to their deck logs, USS Camden (AOE-2) conducted an UNREP with Coral Sea, USS Blue (DD-744), and USS Collett (DD-730), 27–28 October 1969.

USS Coral Sea CVB-43 CVA-43 CV-43 Tribute Site,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024378
115k

On her way back home, after her 5th Vietnam Cruise, USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) made a port call to Sydney, Australia, 13–17 June 1970. This series of photos was taken during an open house event while in port.

Kaman UH-2C Seasprite, BuNo 152202, modex NL006, HC-1 Det. 9 "Pacific Fleet Angels."

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024378a
142k

Grumman E-2A Hawkeye, BuNo 150539, modex NL010, VAW-116 "Sun Kings."

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024378b
103k

McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 149450, modex NL206, VF-161 "Chargers."

(The original NL206, BuNo 152286, had been lost in an operational accident on 25 February, as it ran out of fuel and the crew had to eject—both pilot and RIO were rescued.)

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024378c
128k

Ling-Temco-Vought A-7A Corsair II, BuNo 152685, modex NL306, VA-82 "Marauders."

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024378d
123k

Grumman A-6A Intruder, BuNo 152902, modex NL500, VA-35 "Black Panthers."

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024374
117k

Darrell took this picture on 1 July 1970, while standing on the Golden Gate Bridge just as USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) was passing under the bridge. Coral Sea was returning from her fifth combat tour off Vietnam.

Darell E. Baty
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bv
449k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15, first half of the 1970s.

Ron Reeves
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243cf
1.13M

Three F-4B Phantom IIs from Fighter Squadron (VF) 51 "Screaming Eagles" fly in formation, circa 1971.

Plane closest to camera is BuNo 153027 (modex NL103). Later upgraded to F-4N standard and retired in 1983.

Next, BuNo 150456 (NL100) is the colorful aircraft of Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15. Later upgraded to F-4N standard and then converted to a QF-4N drone; expended as target in 1989.

Next, BuNo 150996 (NL111). Later upgraded to F-4N standard, retired in 1977 and salvaged in 1985.

Naval Aviation News, November–December 2005 issue, pp.20–21.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
6th Vietnam Cruise, 12 November 1971–17 July 1972
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024362
585k

Departing Alameda.

Glenn M. Miller
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243am
491k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15. This photo was probably taken on Tuesday, 16 November 1971, while Coral Sea was en route from NAS Alameda, California, to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in company with Bill's ship, USS Waddell (DDG-24), and USS Albert David (DE-1050), and refueled from USS Kawishiwi (AO-146).

GMG2 Bill Liesch, USS Waddell,

via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany,
1971–1973
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024355
100k

F-4B Phantom IIs BuNo 150466, "Old Nick 204" from VF-111 "Sundowners," and BuNo 149457, "Screaming Eagle 113" from VF-51 "Screaming Eagles" drop Mk.82 500-lb bombs over North Vietnam, March 8, 1972.

Glenn M. Miller
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024359
518k

F-4B Phantom II, VF-111 "Sundowners."

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024361
533k

SH-3G Sea King, HC-1 Det. 6 "Pacific Fleet Angels."

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024363
588k

Underway replenishment.

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024364
614k

Sweethearts (and a VF-111 "Sundowners" F-4B Phantom II).

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bb
385k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), hangar deck, Gulf of Tonkin, February 1972.

Dick Hanover,
via Yu Chu
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bba
442k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), Gulf of Tonkin, February 1972.

Dick Hanover,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bm
103k

A-7E Corsair II.

Plane in photo NS0243bma appears to be BuNo 156821 (NL303), Attack Squadron (VA) 22 "Fighting Redcocks."

Dick Hanover,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bma
306k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bmb
2.50M

F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 150456, modex NL-100 (CAG aircraft). Fighter Squadron (VF) 51 "Screaming Eagles." In the background is an A-7E Corsair II, modex NL-313, from Attack Squadron (VA) 22 "Fighting Redcocks;" may be BuNo 156879, which was shot down near Dong Hoi on 6 May 1972.

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bmc
701k

F-4B Phantom II, Fighter Squadron (VF) 111 "Sundowners," Victory Flyby, (6 March?) 1972.

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bmd
2.35M

Another view of BuNo 150456.

Jim van Gaasbeck,
via the USS Coral Sea CVB-43 CVA-43 CV-43 Tribute Site,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)

March 1972

 


NS0243av

F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 153023, NL101, VF-51 "Screaming Eagles" (left), SH-3G Sea King, BuNo 149710, NL007, HC-1 Det. 6 "Pacific Fleet Angels" (right)
1.07M

NS0243ava

F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 153023, NL101, VF-51 "Screaming Eagles" (left), SH-3G Sea King, BuNo 149710, NL007, HC-1 Det. 6 "Pacific Fleet Angels" (right)
1.02M

NS0243avb
Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15 spotted on deck. One of them (side number 114, in the background) was a "MiG killer." On the other hand, #102 was shot down 27 April and #501 failed to return on 3 May
1.10M

NS0243avc
F-4B Phantom II, NL206, VF-111 "Sundowners" (left) and F-4B, NL107, VF-51 "Screaming Eagles" (right). Note USS George K. MacKenzie (DD-836) steaming in the background
1.14M

NS0243avd

F-4B Phantom IIs, VF-111 "Sundowners;" A-7E Corsair IIs, VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks" and VA‑94 "Shrikes"
315k

NS0243ave

Island, USS Coral Sea (CVA-43)
1.32M

NS0243avf
A-7E Corsair IIs, VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks" (3xx side numbers), and VA-94 "Shrikes" (4xx)
1.01M

NS0243avg
Note tail of A-6A Intruder, BuNo 155650 (NL503), VMA(AW)-224 "Bengals," beyond the crane. On 29 May 1972 it was hit repeatedly by AAA but completed its bombing run. LCDR Schuyler and Capt. Ferracane had to eject over the Tonkin Gulf and were rescued
260k

NS0243avh
Two green shirts at work
1.09M

NS0243avi
Soviet "trawler" Kursograf (Курсограф)
373k

NS0243avj
RF-8G Crusader, VFP-63 Det. 5 "Eyes of the Fleet"
1.52M

NS0243awo

F-4B Phantom II, VF-111 "Sundowners," modex NL203, recovers aboard during the Easter Offensive, 1972. The original NL203 was BuNo 150418, shot down on 30 December 1971; replaced by 151459
1.97M

NS0243awz
F-4B Phantom II, appears to be BuNo 153023, NL101, VF-51 "Screaming Eagles"
550 k

NS0243awn
F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 153025, NL102, VF-51 "Screaming Eagles." This aircraft was shot down by an air-to-air missile on 27 April 1972, and both aviators became POW
1.50M

NS0243avk
A-7E Corsair II, VA-94 "Shrikes," BuNo 158011, modex NL414
1.89M

NS0243avl
F-4B Phantom II
1.59M

NS0243avm
F-4B Phantom II, VF-111 "Sundowners"
873 k

NS0243avn
F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 151465, NL211, VF-111 "Sundowners," with two squadron mates and two A-7E Corsair IIs in the background
1.14M

NS0243avo
Two F-4B Phantom IIs, VF-111 "Sundowners"
581 k

NS0243avp
Planes for Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15
487 k
Dick Hanover, via Jeffrey Kerr, USAF (Ret.), and
Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)

Dick Hanover served aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in 1971–1974, with three WestPacs during that time.

 


NS0243bu

This appears to be a Tu-95 Bear "friend" being "greeted" by an F-4 Phantom II.
287k

NS0243bua

Another Soviet reconnaissance aircraft escorted by US fighters. The destroyer appears to be USS Edson (DD-946).
1.93M

NS0243bub

A friendly Intruder.
2.22M

NS0243buc

EKA-3B Skywarrior, VAQ-135 Det. 3 (became VAQ-130 Det. 2 on 25 August 1973, when VAQ-135 transferred to NAS Whidbey Island for transition to the EA-6B Prowler). This aircraft may be BuNo 142646.
137k

NS0243bud

EKA-3B Skywarrior (appears to be the same one as in photo NS0243buc).
1.29M

NS0243bue
EKA-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 142404?). (See also NS0243buc.)

447k

NS0243buf
In port.
1.15M

NS0243bug

A-6A Intruder, VMA(AW)-224 "Bengals" (left), and A-7E Corsair II, VA-94 "Shrikes" (1971–1972).
1.95M
 
NS0243buh
Phantom II in flight, with an F-4B Phantom II (modex NL205, VF-111 "Sundowners") and an A-7E Corsair II (NL302, VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks") on deck.

1.87M
   
Dick Hanover, via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bk
1.39M

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) steaming in company with USS Francis Hammond (DE-1067), March–May 1972.

The F-4B Phantom II on Coral Sea's flight deck is BuNo 151459, modex NL203, from Fighter Squadron (VF) 111 "Sundowners." (This cruise's original NL203, BuNo 150418, had been shot down over North Vietnam on 30 December 1971.)

Dick Hanover,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bj
64k

Aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), May 1972.

Dick Hanover,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243aw
489k

"May 10th, 1972, Operation Linebacker, USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the Gulf of Tonkin off North Vietnam. BARCAP/MIGCAP F-4B Phantom IIs of VF-51 'Screaming Eagles' heading out."

NS0243aw: BuNo 153027, NL103. Later converted to F-4N.

NS0243awa: BuNo 151398, NL110. Credited with shooting down a MiG-17 over North Vietnam on 10 May 1972 (note that, if the photo is dated accurately, it was taken precisely on this day), pilot LT Kenneth L. "Ragin Cajun" Cannon and RIO LT Roy A. "Bud" Morris, Jr. Plane later converted to F-4N.

Dick Hanover, via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243awa
455k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243awy
1.42M

During her 1971–72 WestPac deployment USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) called at Hong Kong, 15–22 May 1972.

"June 1972. We were in the Northern part of the Tonkin Gulf at the time, and getting close to chopping-out for home. Our relief, USS America, was on her way."

 


NS0243awb

A-7E Corsair II
84k

NS0243awd
F-4B Phantom II in flight, with another F-4B and an A-7E Corsair II on deck
166k
          
NS0243awf — NS0243awh
F-4B Phantom II, VF-111 "Sundowners," comes around for recovery after mission to North Vietnam, March 1972
135k — 112k

NS0243awe
F-4B Phantom II, VF-111 "Sundowners"
1.13M

NS0243awg

F-4B Phantom II, VF-51 "Screaming Eagles"
80k

NS0243awk
A-7E Corsair IIs, VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks" (side numbers 3xx) and VA-94 "Shrikes" (4xx)
1.22M

NS0243awm
F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 152313, modex NL215, VF-111 "Sundowners"
1.34M
                     
NS0243awi — NS0243awc — NS0243awj
F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 151459, modex NL203, VF-111 "Sundowners," assigned to LCDR Dave Cowles and LT(JG) "Mike" Kaye. "Old Nick 203" is seen returning from an escort mission for Corsairs and Intruders charged with mining the approach to Haiphong harbor, during Operation Pocket Money (May 1972). A fire fighting squad is training for what is one of the most serious threats to a carrier—a major fire
1.45M — 1.55M — 1.52M

NS0243awl
F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 149423, modex NL112, VF-51 "Screaming Eagles"
1.45M

NS0243awp
A-7E Corsair II, VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks," recovering aboard. Two more A-7Es and two F‑4B Phantom IIs in the background. E-1B Tracer and SH-3G Sea Kings in foreground
472k

NS0243awq
EKA-3B Skywarrior. VAQ-135 "Black Ravens" Det. 3 had three aircraft aboard Coral Sea for this cruise
1016k

NS0243awv
One of the "MiG killers," F-4B Phantom II modex NL113, BuNo 149457, with another F-4B and two A-7E Corsair IIs
289k

NS0243aww

"MiG killer" NL113, BuNo 149457, again
223k
 
NS0243awx
The Navy's only Vietnam War "ace," LT Randall "Yank/Duke/Randy" Cunningham and his wingman, LT Brian "Bulldog" Grant, VF-96 "Fighting Falcons," CVW-9, USS Constellation (CVA-64), do a flyby for USS Coral Sea (CVA‑43)
1.72M
   

 


"FlightOps Commence for Operation Linebacker, 10 May 1972.
(Later known as Operation Linebacker I.)"


 


NS0243awr
SH-3G Sea King, HC-1 "Pacific Fleet Angels" Det. 6
69k

NS0243aws
A-6A Intruder, VMA(AW)-224 "Bengals" (left) and A-7E Corsair II, VA-94 "Shrikes," on the cats
43k

NS0243awt

C-1A Trader
140k

NS0243awu
A-6A Intruder, BuNo 155649, modex NL502, VMA(AW)-224 "Bengals;" and SH-3G Sea King, NL005, HC-1 "Pacific Fleet Angels" Det. 6, in flight
1016k

 


MiG Killers
Phantoms from Carrier Air Wing 15, operating off USS Coral Sea, shot down five NVAF MiGs during the 1971–1972 cruise.

"Each of the MiG Killers is in one of these shots. I took the pictures at random throughout the cruise, most before the kills, and in recent times, rummaged through my photo archive to find the BuNos of the planes, so only VF-111's plane shows the profile on the splitter."

 


NS0243bg
BuNo 153019 (NL201), LT Garry L. "Greyhound" Weigand & LT(JG) William C. "Farkle" Freckleton, VF-111. MiG-17. AIM-9 Sidewinder. 6 March 1972. Note "MiG kill" marking on the splitter vane
1.41M

NS0243bga
BuNo 150456 (NL100), LCDR Jerry B. "Devil" Houston & LT Kevin T. Moore, VF-51. MiG-17. AIM-9 Sidewinder. 6 May 1972.
BuNo 151398 (NL110), LT Kenneth L. "Ragin Cajun" Cannon & LT Roy R. "Bud" Morris, VF‑51. MiG-17. AIM-9 Sidewinder. 10 May 1972
371k

NS0243bgb

BuNo 149473 (NL114), LCDR Foster S. "Tooter" Teague & LT Ralph M. Howell, VF-51. MiG-17. AIM-9 Sidewinder. 11 June 1972. USS Constellation (CVA-64) in background
1.24M

NS0243bgc

BuNo 149457 (NL113), LT William W. "Mad Dog" Copeland & LT Donald R. Bouchoux, VF‑51. MiG-17. AIM-9 Sidewinder. 11 June 1972. See also NS0243awv, NS0243aww and NS0261as
271k
Dick Hanover, via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)

"USS Waddell (DDG-24) was escort for USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) when their air wing did a fly by just prior to us heading for home from the Gulf." This was in late June–early July 1972.

F-4B Phantom IIs, VF-51 "Screaming Eagles" and VF-111 "Sundowners." A-7E Corsair IIs, VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks" and VA-94 "Shrikes." A-6A/KA-6D Intruders, VMA(AW)-224 "Bengals."
RF-8G Crusaders, VFP-63 Det. 5 "Eyes of the Fleet."

 


NS0243ap
285k

NS0243apa
256k

NS0243apb
351k

NS0243apc
264k

NS0243apd
350k

NS0243ape
304k

NS0243apf
269k

NS0243apg
289k

NS0243aph
153k

NS0243api
636k

NS0243apj
289k

NS0243apk
172k

NS0243apl
144k

NS0243apm
278k

NS0243apn
198k

NS0243apo
188k
GMG2 Bill Liesch, USS Waddell,

via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany,
1971–1973
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243ao
277k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) refuels USS Waddell (DDG-24), first half of July 1972, en route from WestPac to California.

NS0243ao: l-to-r, F-4B Phantom II, VF-51 "Screaming Eagles;" A-7E Corsair II, VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks;" A-7E, VA-147 "Argonauts" (borrowed from Carrier Air Wing 9—note tail code "NG"—and USS Constellation (CVA-64)); A-7E, VA-94 "Shrikes;" F-4B, VF-51.

NS0243aoa: l-to-r, three F-4B Phantom IIs, VF-111 "Sundowners;" F-4B, VF-51 "Screaming Eagles."

NS0243aod: l-to-r, A-7E Corsair II, VA-94 "Shrikes;" A-7E, VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks."

NS0243aoe: A-6 (probably A-6A) Intruder, VMA(AW)-224 "Bengals."

GMG2 Bill Liesch, USS Waddell,

via Bob Canchola, BT, USS Oriskany,
1971–1973
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243aoa
277k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243aob
307k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243aoc
533k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243aod
226k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243aoe
196k

Scratchbuilt 1/350 scale model of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) as she appeared during her 1971–72 deployment to WestPac and Vietnam. Built by Frank Ilse. It took Frank five years to build the model.

 


NS0243bc
616k

NS0243bca
435k

NS0243bcb
214k

NS0243bcc
540k
Frank Ilse, Hamburg, Germany
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243aq
450k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) underway, 1971–72 (exact date unknown).

GMG2 Bill Liesch, USS Waddell,

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

NS0243ay

A-6A Intruder recovering aboard, with a VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks" A-7E Corsair II in the background. Circa 1971–73.
93k

NS0243aya

F-4B Phantom II, NL212, VF-111 "Sundowners." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.
124k

NS0243ayb
A-7E Corsair II, NL411, VA-94 "Shrikes."
110k

NS0243ayc
Launching A-7E Corsair IIs, and an F-4B Phantom II from VF-51 "Screaming Eagles."
97k

NS0243ayd

Prepearing a strike.
86k

NS0243aye

Wheeling bomb-laden carts among A-7E Corsair IIs, Attack Squadron (VA) 94 "Shrikes."
146k

NS0243ayf
A-7E Corsair IIs, VA-94 "Shrikes" and VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks." Tails of a couple F-4B, VF-111 "Sundowners."
150k

NS0243ayg
F-4B Phantom II, Fighter Squadron (VF) 111 "Sundowners."
103k
Patrice Habans,
via Jeffrey Kerr, USAF (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024365
130k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), as seen from USS Schenectady (LST-1185), probably off California in the early 1970s.

Chuck Case, USS Schenectady LST-1185 (1971–1975)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024365a
138k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024365b
141k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024391
167k

CDR Gary A. Scoffield was the commanding officer of Attack Squadron (VA) 22 between 28 July 1973 and 8 November 1974. The unit, nicknamed the "Fighting Redcocks" and equipped with A-7E Corsair IIs, was part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15 and deployed aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). Image from the 1978 USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) Cruise Book.

Bill Gonyo
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024346
146k

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
345k

Same as NS024346, above, from a different angle.

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bf
934k

A Soviet Bear and four of USS Coral Sea's F-4N Phantom IIs, December 1974.

Dick Hanover,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bfa
301k

F-4N Phantom II, BuNo 150475 (NL213), Fighter Squadron (VF) 111 "Sundowners," in Alert 5 (NS0243bfb), December 1974.

This aircraft was manufactured as an F4H-1 (F-4B under the 1962 designation system), refurbished as an F-4N, and finally converted to a QF-4N drone.

CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bfb
819k
CVN-65, CV-43, CV-34
NS026523
157k

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-43 Coral Sea
NS024376
119k

A series of photos of USS Coral Sea (CV-43) taken while in port in San Francisco on Bicentennial Day, 4 July 1976.

John Skillman
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376a
124k

A-7E Corsair II, VA-94 "Shrikes." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376b
111k

F-4J Phantom II, VF-191 "Satan's Kittens." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376c
158k

Skyline.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376d
153k

Flight deck, island.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376e
159k

Partial view of island, from elevator.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376f
177k

Island.

F-4J Phantom II, VF-194 "Red Lightnings," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376g
147k

RF-8G Crusader, VFP-63 "Eyes of the Fleet." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376h
149k

A-7E Corsair II, VA-22 "Fighting Redcocks." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.

John Skillman
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376i
159k

E-2B Hawkeye, VAW-114 "Hormel Hawgs." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376j
169k

F-4J Phantom II, VF-194 "Red Lightnings." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376k
151k

A-6E Intruder, VA-95 "Green Lizards." Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 15.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376l
166k

Island.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376m
172k

Island.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376n
138k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43). San Francisco, 4 July 1976.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024376o
152k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43). San Francisco, 4 July 1976.

CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243aa
96k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43), hangar deck, 1977.

Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR (Ret.)
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0265by
106k

Two LTV A-7E Corsair II attack aircraft in formation, possibly in early 1977. The one in the foreground (BuNo 157502, modex NK410) is from Attack Squadron (VA) 27 "Royal Maces," operating from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65); the other (BuNo 158002, modex NL404) is from VA-94 "Shrikes," operating from the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43). Photo courtesy of Ling Temco Vought.

Robert Hurst
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243af
527k

Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tarawa (LHA-1), and aircraft carriers USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and USS Constellation (CV-64), tied up along the quay wall at NAS North Island, California, 7 August 1976 (see below).

Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR (Ret.)
Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-64 Constellation et al.
NS0264cr
660k

Aircraft carriers USS Constellation (CV-64) and USS Coral Sea (CV-43), and amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA-1), tied up along the quay wall at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California, 7 August 1976 (see above).

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.103.080.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024316
98k

Underway on 10 September 1977, during a WESTPAC cruise. Little altered since her SCB-110A refit, by this time she had only three 5"/54 guns left; within three years, all were gone.

Note UH-46 helicopter over the carrier's flight deck, amidships, with cargo suspended below. Two of the F-4 fighters visible (parked aft of the starboard after aircraft elevator) are wearing camouflage paint schemes.

Official U.S. Navy photograph by PH1 Don Hanson; Naval Historical Center photo #: NH 97650.

NHC
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024381
122k

This F-4 Phantom II crash landed on the flight deck of USS Coral Sea (CV-43), sometime in 1977–79.

Duane Wehus,
V-3 Div.,
Coral Sea,
1977–79
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024327
95k Approaching Oakland, CA, October 1979. Photo by Gerhard Mueller-Debus
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bw
2.11M

Three photos of A-7E Corsair II, BuNo 158834 (modex NK411), attached to Attack Squadron (VA) 27 "Royal Maces," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43). These photos are dated 4 October 1979, while the carrier was engaged in training for an upcoming deployment to WestPac and Indian Ocean (13 November 1979–11 June 1980).

Photos from the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bwa
1.25M
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bwb
1005k
CV-43
NS024349
117k

With Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) aboard, USS Coral Sea (CV-43) departs San Francisco for WestPac and the Indian Ocean, November 13, 1979.

Courtesy of
William T. Larkins
CV-43
NS024349a
122k
CV-43
NS024349b
114k
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bd
168k

A Grumman E-2B Hawkeye (BuNo 150534, modex NK603) of Carrier Airborne Early-Warning Squadron (VAW) 113 "Black Eagles," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, after recovering aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43) in 1979. BuNo 150534 was one of 49 E-2As upgraded to the E-2B standard. It was swapped with BuNo 150535 (VAW-115, NF602) from USS Midway (CV-41) on 4 February 1980.

USN Photo, courtesy of www.usscoralsea.net.

Robert Hurst
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024343
318k

An A-7E Corsair II of Attack Squadron (VA) 97 "Warhawks" (BuNo 156872, modex NK300) waits to be launched. Another Corsair II of VA-27 "Royal Maces" (BuNo 159976, NK414) is in position on USS Coral Sea's port catapult. Both planes bear the distinctive recognition stripes applied to aircraft participating in Operation Eagle Claw, April 1980, to provide a means for quick visual identification in case an air combat between Iranian and US forces broke out.

Photo USN.

Robert Hurst
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024379
57k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) in port, location unknown, probably in the late 1970s–early 80s.

Tommy Trampp
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024375
21k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) conducting flight operations with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, and an Underway Replenishment (UNREP), in the Arabian Sea, 4 April 1980. Taken from USS Cook (FF-1083).

Carl T. Orbann
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024375a
29k
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024375b
29k
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024375c
226k
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS140979407
86k

Mandan (YTB-794) and another, unidentified tug assist the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) as she arrives at Naval Station Subic Bay, Luzon, P.I., from her deployment in the Arabian Sea, 9 May 1980. Air Wing is Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14.

NS140979407: DVIC photo # DNSC8511123 by PH3 Joseph Gallegos, USN.

NS024382: U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum photo # 1996.488.120.089. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024382
119k U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum,
via Mike Green
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243ak
133k

Fire truck and crew standby during deployment of USS Coral Sea (CV-43). Photographed by PH3 Steve Abernathy, in the East China Sea. Photo is dated 3 July 1980, but must have been taken earlier, as on that date Coral Sea was at Alameda, California. U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 428-GX-K 128061.

NARA
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024377
292k

A great aerial view of USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and USS Sylvania (AFS-2) during an underway replenishment, circa 1981–83. A CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter can be seen between the two ships (right of the photo) transferring stores.

James E Lockard USN Retired
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024323
37k A starboard beam view of the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) underway off the coast of California during an operational readiness evaluation, February 1981. US Navy photo (DVIC id: DNSN9300760). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024324
27k A close-up view of the island of the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) as three Attack Squadron 305 (VA-305) A-7B Corsair II aircraft fly in formation overhead. The Coral Sea was taking part in carrier qualifications off the coast of southern California. March 10, 1981. US Navy photo by ENS A. Legare (DVIC id: DNSN9300848). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024325
52k A rear view of an A-6E Intruder aircraft being launched and an A-7 Corsair II aircraft awaiting launch from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43), May 1981. US Navy photo by PH2 Robert S. Swinland (DVIC id: DNST8200679). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024326
54k A stern view of the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) underway approaching Naval Station, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1981. US Navy photo by PH2 Vick (DVIC id: DNSC9300769). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024337
100k A bow view of the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) underway near Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, March 1982. US Navy photo by PH1 Dave MacLean (DVIC id: DNST8500273). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024338
111k A port quarter view of the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) underway near Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, March 1982. US Navy photo by PH1 Dave MacLean (DVIC id: DNST8500275). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024339
63k A port view of the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) approaching the Golden Gate Bridge en route to Naval Air Station, Alameda, California, after a Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment, March 23, 1982. Crewmen spell out "San Francisco's own" on the flight deck. US Navy photo by PH3 Curt Fargo (DVIC id: DNST8205158). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024340
100k Crewmen line the rails on the island of USS Coral Sea (CV-43). The aircraft carrier was returning to her home port, Naval Air Station, Alameda, California, after a Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment, March 23, 1982. Note the large "dish" antenna of the SPS-30 height-finding radar (top right corner). US Navy photo by PH3 Curt Fargo (DVIC id: DNST8205145). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024307
85k

The large harbor tug Accomac (YTB-812) nudges the starboard bow of USS Coral Sea (CV-43) during docking operations. The aircraft carrier was returning to Naval Air Station Alameda, CA, after a Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment, 23 March 1982. US Navy photo by PHAA Kathy Moss (DVIC id: DNST8205152).

Note Coral Sea was, at the time, fitted with Phalanx CIWS, SPS-30 and SPS-43A radars (see NS024306).

Defense Media Activity Center (DMA)
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bq
89k

Grumman KA-6D Intruder, BuNo 151576, modex NK516, Attack Squadron (VA) 196 "Main Battery," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, circa June 1982. This particular aircraft deployed aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43) for a WestPac/Indian Ocean cruise, 20 August 1981–23 March 1982.

Photo from United States Navy Aircraft since 1911, by Gordon Swanborough and Peter M. Bowers.

Robert Hurst
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024306
72k A view similar to NS024307, but taken later (1985+): SPS-30 height-finding radar replaced by a 3D SPS-48, SPS-43A long-range air-search radar substituted by SPS-49. Coral Sea had the Fleet's last operational SPS-30 radar.

USN
CV-43
NS024389
545k

Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King, BuNo 149005, modex NK611, HS-12 "Wyverns," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43), 1983, location unknown.

Note USS Dahlgren (DDG-43) in the background.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-43
NS0243ca
367k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) passes under the Golden Gate Bridge, California, 21 March 1983, en route to her new homeport, Norfolk, Virginia. Coral Sea was nicknamed "San Franisco's Own", as she had been homeported at Naval Station Alameda in San Francisco Bay since 1960. Aircraft on deck are from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14.

Courtesy of
PH2 Raymond Malkiewicz, EverafterImages.com.
CV-41 + CV-43 + CVN-65
NS024331
96k

Photo taken on 13 April 1983, during exercise FleetEx 83-1, in the North Pacific Ocean. The three carriers are, clockwise from left, USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Midway (CV-41), and USS Coral Sea (CV-43).

Then LT Jim Petroski was aboard the Big E in the Reactor Dept., as RC division officer, and comments: "I spent some time up on the signal bridge during this photo op and got some great pictures of aircraft flying over us. Our air wing was the only one which could fly that day as the sea was quite rough—wave splashes were coming over the hurricane bow—and neither the Coral Sea nor Midway could launch/recover a/c. The frigate to starboard of "E" went up to 1/2 under in the waves, and the Coast Guard cutter to port came about 2/3 out of water. Quite a sight that day."

"The April 13 date sounds correct. We were crossing and re-crossing the international date line a lot at that time. So some days were 46 hours long, and others were 2 hours long. It was easy to forget what day it was!"

Darrell Young (RM3), USS Coral Sea, 1983-1987
CV-43
NS024393
78k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43), as seen from USS Midway (CV-41), during FleetEx 83-1, April 1983, in the North Pacific Ocean.

CWO3 John Trolinger,
COMCARGRU FIVE Staff,
1982–1983
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024332
269k World Cruise '83. Darrell Young (RM3), USS Coral Sea, 1983-1987
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024333
43k World Cruise '83. Darrell Young (RM3), USS Coral Sea, 1983-1987
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024330
111k At Portsmouth, Va., 1983, undergoing a major overhaul that would enable her to operate F/A-18 Hornets. Darrell Young (RM3), USS Coral Sea, 1983-1987
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024347
182k

At 1948 Thursday, April 11, 1985 USS Coral Sea (CV-43) collided with the Ecuadorean tanker Napo about 45 miles southeast of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The carrier had been in the area since April 3 on refresher training and was conducting flight operations when the collision occurred. Eleven aircraft airborne at the time of the accident were diverted to the Naval Air Station at Guantanamo Bay. There was a Soviet intelligence gathering ship shadowing Coral Sea, since her embarked Carrier Air Wing 13 (CVW-13) was equipped with the then new F/A-18A Hornet aircraft. There were no injuries to crew members of either ship, but the carrier's bow had a 30-foot hole punched in and some radar and communications equipment damaged, and had to return to Norfolk. The Napo was holed above the waterline and spilled 7,600 barrels of oil before reaching Guantanamo for repairs.

This series of three photos was taken by Bill Fessenden from the bridge wing of USS Charleston (LKA-113). At the time LKA-113 was moored to the South Wall of US Naval Station Norfolk's Destroyer and Submarine (D&S) piers. Bill was using a 35-mm camera equipped with a 200-mm telephoto lens and Kodak 400 speed color film. Coral Sea is seen traveling south bound in Hampton Roads, heading towards the Elizabeth River, and eventually, to Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA. Damage to the ship's bow area, as the result of the recent collision with Napo, is clearly visible.

In the first photo, Coral Sea can be seen passing by two unidentified Sturgeon-class submarines, as well as the after area of USS Glover (FF-1098).

In the second photo, the ship at the extreme right is USS Milwaukee (AOR-2), while the object on the left of third photo, is the forward "H" frame of Charleston.

Bill Fessenden
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024347a
150k
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024347b
163k
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243ad
118k

The catapult officer on board the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) signals that a Grumman A-6E Intruder is ready for launch[, sometime in 1985–89]. Another crewman sits nonchalantly in the haven area in the centre of the deck watching the action. Photo US DoD.

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

Robert Hurst
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024397
66k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 13, 15 November 1985.

Photos by Marius Bar, Toulon, France.

Jaume Cifré Sánchez
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024397a
95k
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024397b
79k
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024386
218k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) is refueled while underway by the fleet oiler USNS Waccamaw (T-AO 109), Mediterranean Sea, 29 January 1986. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 13, tail code "AK," was aboard. A Knox-class frigate is steaming astern.

U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Rory Knepp.

National Archives, via Ron Reeves
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024317
229k

Underway at sea in 1986.

Official U.S. Navy photograph by PH2 Robert Chouinard; Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC) photo # NH 97652-KN.

NH&HC
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024317a
545k

As above (appears to have been taken at about the same time).

Ron Reeves
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243cd
509k

A McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18A Hornet being directed on to the catapult by a flight deck director aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43), circa 1985–86. Curiously, this aircraft has been armed with only one wing-tip AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile. Photo Brian M. Service.

Aircraft appears to be BuNo 162443 (modex AK204), Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 132 "Privateers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 13.

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

Robert Hurst
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bn
857k

NS0243bn: Various ships, including the battleship USS Iowa (BB-61), the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43), and the guided missile detroyer USS Scott (DDG-995), are adorned with Christmas lights and decorations while moored at a pier. US Navy photo by PH2 Bob Maxwell (# DN-SC-87-03632).

NS0243bna: Christmas lights and decorations adorn the crane and island of Coral Sea while the ship is moored at a pier. In the background is Iowa, also decorated with lights. US Navy photo by PH2 Bob Maxwell (# DN-SC-87-03633).

NS0243bnb: Christmas lights and decorations adorn the aircraft crane and island of Coral Sea while the ship is moored at a pier. US Navy photo by PH2 Bob Maxwell (# DN-SC-87-03634).

NS0243bnc: Santa Claus and his reindeer decorate the aircraft crane aboard Coral Sea, while the ship is moored at a pier. US Navy photo (# DN‑SC‑87-03637).

Norfolk, Virginia, 28 December 1986.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bna
1.03M
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bnb
1012k
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bnc
1.00M
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024334
126k Off Toulon, France, when the NBC "Today" show was onboard, November 23, 1987. Darrell Young (RM3), USS Coral Sea, 1983-1987
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024383
291k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 13, in port, Marseille, France, December 1987.

Philippe Gonzales
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024366
63k

An F/A-18 Hornet of VFA-137 taxis forward through catapult steam, during flight operations on 18 January 1988. Photographed by PH2(AW) Wayne Edwards.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97654-KN).

NHC
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bl
1.17M

Members of the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) form the letter "E," denoting an efficiency award, on the flight deck of USS Coral Sea (CV-43) moored in the port of Benidorm, Spain, 7 March 1988.

The aircraft carrier, with assigned Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 13, was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea from 29 September 1987 to 28 March 1988.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph by PH2 Lester G. Richier, available from the Defense Imagery Management Operations Center (DMA), VIRIN DN‑SC‑93-00764.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243bp
576k

A Grumman E-2C Hawkeye of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 127 "Seabats" is launched from USS Coral Sea (CV-43) in 1989. VAW-127 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 13, aboard Coral Sea, for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 31 May to 30 September 1989. USN Photo.

Courtesy of USS Coral Sea CVB-43 CVA-43 CV-43 Tribute Site,
via Robert Hurst
CV-43 Coral Sea et al.
NS091914328
196k

USNS Neosho (T-AO 143) steams alongside USS Coral Sea (CV-43) in preparation for an underway replenishment, 16 February 1989 (possibly in the Western Atlantic Ocean and with Carrier Air Wing [CVW] 13 aboard Coral Sea). The guided missile frigate USS Boone (FFG-28) is in the background.

US DefenseImagery photo VIRIN: DN-SC-93-00770., by PH2 Michael Skeens.

Robert Hurst
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024301
80k

Making over 30 knots, during a high speed run on 1 March 1989.

Official U.S. Navy photograph by PH2 Michael Skeens; Naval Historical Center photo #: NH 97651-KN.

NHC
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024356
68k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) silhouetted against a low sun, as she arrives at Palma, Spain, during her final Mediterranean deployment, June 1989. Photographed by PH2 Michael Skeens.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97653-KN).

NHC
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024398
164k

Ship's Marine Detachment and A-6E Intruder (BuNo 152599, modex AK514, VA-65 "Tigers," CVW-13) on the flight deck of USS Coral Sea (CV-43), possibly at Palma de Mallorca, Spain, June 1989.

This Intruder is now on display aboard the USS Yorktown Museum, Patriots Point, Charleston, SC.

Jaume Cifré Sánchez
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0161023
192k

Underway in formation off the coast of Lebanon are, from left, the guided missile cruiser USS Belknap (CG-26), the battleship USS Iowa (BB-61), the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA-4), 16 Aug 1989.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph # DN-SC-90-11755, by PH3 Michael Skeens.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024302
155k USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and USS Wasp (LHD-1) at the end of "Coral Maru"'s final deployment, 28 September 1989. Deactivation and stripping at Norfolk started a few days later. Official USN photo by PH3 Rick Stamm. (DVIC id: DNSC9011762). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
Memorabilia
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024322a
233k

USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), Far East Cruise, 12 November 1971–17 July 1972.

Tommy Trampp
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024322b
137k

Four Group Boilers * * Able-Baker-Charlie — Steamin' Demons, Lite-'Em Up!! — CVA 43.

Tommy Trampp
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024322c
152k

West-Pac 1974-75 — USS Coral Sea CVA-43 — Mike "Oscar" Pfeffer — Hawaii, Philippines, Singapore, Australia — Operation Frequent Wind, Mayaguez Rescue.

Tommy Trampp
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024322f
154k

Operation "Frequent Wind," Vietnam, USS Coral Sea CVA-43, West-Pac 1974–75, 30 April 1975, The Evacuation of Saigon.

Tommy Trampp
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024322e
52k

USS Coral Sea (CV-43).

Tommy Trampp
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024322
45k Decommissioning patch. Mike Smolinski
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024322d
92k

USS Coral Sea CV-43 / 500 Fire Watch Hrs

Tommy Trampp
CV-43 Coral Sea
NS0243by
2.63M

USS Coral Sea CV-43, Decommissionig Program (partial) and Invitation.

Ron Reeves
Models
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024358
98k

Model on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. Photos taken on 13 June 2008.

Photos by Judson Phillips
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024358a
82k
CVA-43 Coral Sea
NS024354
30k Model of USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) as she appeared in the mid-1960s. Courtesy of Joel Rosen, Motion Models
Ex-USS Coral Sea
ex-CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024350
105k Ex-Coral Sea at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, on a Family Day, 1992. Richard Smith
ex-CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024350a
112k
ex-CV-43 Coral Sea
NS024350b
108k

For more information and photos of this ship, see:

Read the USS CORAL SEA (CVB-43 / CVA-43 / CV-43) DANFS History entry
Crew Contact And Reunion Information

Contact Name: Mr. Herman Doernbach
Address:3144 S 98th St Milwaukee, WI, 53227-4210
Phone: 414-321-0098
E-mail: None

Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan.
U.S.S. Coral Sea CVA-43 Association
  Search YouTube for videos related to "USS Coral Sea"  

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Last update: 24 February 2024