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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive

Patch at left courtesy of CAPT Gene Oleson, CHC, USN (Ret) (bluejacket.com)
Crest at right courtesy of USS Saratoga Association
U.S.S. SARATOGA
Courtesy of Al Grazevich

USS SARATOGA   (CVA-60)
(later CV-60)



Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - Juliet - Romeo - Sierra
Tactical Voice Radio Call: "FAIRFIELD"

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)
2nd Row: Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (3) / Navy "E" Ribbon (2) / Navy Expeditionary Medal (2)
3rd Row: National Defense Service Medal (2) / Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2) / Vietnam Service Medal (1 star)
4th Row: Southwest Asia Service Medal (2 stars) / Armed Forces Service Medal / NATO Medal (Yugoslavia)
5th Row: Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal / Liberation of Kuwait Medal (Saudi Arabia) / Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)

CLASS - FORRESTAL
Displacement 56,000 Tons, Dimensions, 1039' (oa) x 129' 1" x 37' (Max)
Armament 8 x 5"/54, 100 Aircraft.
Armor, Unknown.
Machinery, 280,000 SHP; Geared Turbines, 4 screws
Speed, 34 Knots, Crew 3800 - 4280.

Operational and Building Data

Ordered as a "Large Aircraft Carrier", hull number CVB-60. Contract awarded to the New York Naval Shipyard, New York City, N.Y., 23 Jul 1952. Reclassified as an "Attack Aircraft Carrier" (CVA-60), 1 Oct 1952. Laid down 16 Dec 1952, launched 8 Oct 1955, commissioned 14 Apr 1956.

Reclassified as a "Multi-purpose Aircraft Carrier" (CV-60), 30 Jun 1972. Modernized at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard Oct 1980-Feb 1983 under SLEP (Service Life Extension Program). Decommissioned at the Naval Station, Mayport, Fla., 20 Aug 1994, and stricken from the Navy List the same day; towed to Philadelphia, PA, in May 1995, then to Newport, RI, in Aug 1998 (upon deactivation of the Philadelphia Navy Yard). First placed on donation hold, her status was then changed to "disposal as an experimental ship." Returned to donation hold on 1 Jan 2000.

Navy approved the removal of ex-Saratoga from donation hold and authorized that she be scrapped in a SECNAV-signed letter dated 2 Apr 2010. Ex-Saratoga left Pier 1, NAVSTA Newport, 21 Aug 2014, under tow, en route to her final destination at a dismantling facility in Brownsville, TX.

Status: Disposed of by recycling (scrapping/recycling), 31 March 2019.


Click On Image
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Name
Saratoga
NS020351a
141k

CVA-60 (later CV-60) was named for the Battle of Saratoga, September and October 1777. It was a decisive American victory resulting in the surrender of an entire British army of 9,000 men invading New York from Canada during the American Revolutionary War. The Battle of Saratoga was actually two battles about 9 miles south of Saratoga, New York (NS020351a), namely the Battle of Freeman's Farm and the Battle of Bemis Heights, and is related with the earlier Battle of Bennington, about 15 miles east of Saratoga. The surrender of General John Burgoyne, who was surrounded by much larger American militia forces, took place after his retreat to Saratoga. The capture of an entire British army secured the northern American states from further attacks out of Canada and prevented New England from being isolated. A major result was that France entered the conflict on behalf of the Americans, thus dramatically improving the Americans' chances in the war. The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point in the Revolutionary War.

The first Battle at Saratoga, generally referred to by historians as Freeman's Farm, began with John Burgoyne's offensive (19 September)—the British lost two men for every one American casualty. In terms of ground gained, however, both sides fought to a draw. In the second Battle, otherwise known as Bemis Heights (7 October), British losses were four to one. The rebels' victory was overwhelming. After negotiations, Burgoyne officially surrendered on 17 October. He returned to England in disgrace and was never given another command. When news of the American victory reached Europe, France entered the war on the side of the patriots. Money and supplies flowed to the American cause, providing Washington's Continental Army with the support necessary to continue its fight against Great Britain. Britain's loss at Saratoga was disastrous because it showed the European powers that the rebels were capable of defeating the English on their own. More than any other event, it would prove decisive in determining the eventual outcome of the War and the victory of Patriots.

American warships that had previously borne the name:

  1. A Continental Navy sloop-of-war.
  2. A corvette.
  3. A sloop-of-war.
  4. A cruiser.
  5. An aircraft carrier of World War II fame.

NS020351: Surrender of General Burgoyne, painting by John Trumbull (1822); photograph by the Architect of the Capitol.

Map courtesy of Hamstermap.com. Partial text and painting courtesy of Wikipedia.

Submitted by Bill Gonyo.
Battle of Saratoga
NS020351
205k
Construction
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260be
318k

The future USS Saratoga (CVA-60).

All Hands magazine, October 1957 issue, p.5.

All Hands
1956 – 1994
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026060
130k

Christening of Saratoga (CVA-60), Saturday, 8 October 1955, New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, New York. Official U.S. Navy photograph.

S. Dale Hargrave
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026060b
114k

"(NY20)NEW YORK, Oct. 7[, 1955]–SUPERCARRIER SARATOGA READY TO GO—Here is a general view of crowd gathered for launching today of Navy's second super-carrier, the Saratoga, at the New York Naval Shipyard in Brooklyn. The Saratoga faces six more months of construction before she is ready to join the fleet. (AP Wirephoto)"

Tommy Trampp
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026060a
180k

Aerial photo of the launching of the attack aircraft carrier Saratoga (CVA-60) at the New York Naval Shipyard, Saturday, 8 October 1955. Photo by Flying Camera, Inc. of Bronx, NY #A-1297.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026060c
4.03M

"Christening of Saratoga (CVA 60) — Aircraft Carrier Attack — October 8, 1955 — New York Naval Shipyard — Brooklyn, New York"

Ron Reeves
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026058
174k

Official U.S. Navy photo of Saratoga (CVA-60) being moved into position while under construction, 28 January 1956.

S. Dale Hargrave
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bo
117k

"(NY27)NEW YORK, April 14[, 1956]—THE SARATOGA JOINS THE NAVY—The bow of the mighty U.S.S. Saratoga projects into the East River during commissioning services at the New York Naval Shipyard in Brooklyn today. The new aircraft carrier is considered the biggest, hardest-hitting combat vessel ever built. In background is span of the Williamsburg Bridge and the island of Manhattan. (AP Wirephoto)(See Wire Story)(m71710m1)1956"

David Buell
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026073
266k

Aerial view of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at New York Navy Yard in May 1956.

National Naval Aviation Museum Photo, No. 2008.122.015. Eisenbarth Photograh Collection.

Mike Green
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026073a
609k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in the New York Naval Shipyard, May 1956. Note the Regulus I missile on the port forward catapult.

National Naval Aviation Museum Photo, No. 2008.122.015.

David Buell
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026087
39k

"NY(20)NEW YORK, June 2[, 1956]—NAVY'S PRIDE PREPARES FOR SEA TRIALS—The USS Saratoga, with mast folded on hinges to permit clearance, moves under its own power beneath Brooklyn Bridge on East River here today, preparatory to undergoing sea trials starting Monday. The nation's newest fighting ship, claimed by the Navy to be the largest ship afloat, will moor in Gravesend Bay before proceeding to open sea for builder's trials. The Saratoga is 1,039 feet long and her flight deck is 252 feet wide. (U.S. Navy Photo via AP Wirephoto)"

Ron Reeves
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260aeb
26k

"[...][airc]raft carrier Saratoga, largest [...][po]werful in the world, passes [...][Manh]attan Bridge after being [...][t]he Brooklyn Navy Yard. This is one of the ships too wide to pass through the Panama Canal. Congress is considering plans by which the canal could be enlarged to permit passage of 'super' naval vessels." (15 July 1956)

Tommy Trampp
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260ae
99k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260aea
71k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260as
1.24M

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) photographed on 25 September 1956, with AD Skyraiders attack aircraft, F9F Cougars & F2H Banshees fighter aircraft on the flight deck. Note that her mast is more substantial than that on Forrestal. Photo USN (BfZ Collection).

Photo and partial text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

Robert Hurst
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260asa
792k

Port view of USS Saratoga, taken on the same day as NS0260as. The smokestack cap is still raked here. The director visible forward of the aft gun does not bear much similarity to Mk 56. Four of the Skyraiders and one Banshee still carry an overall Sea Blue scheme. Note the 5"/54 Mk 42 guns trained outboard. Photo USN (BfZ Collection).

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260asb
395k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) underway during her shakedown cruise, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 4 embarked. Photo taken on the same day as the two photos above.

Official USN Photo.

John Spivey
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026040
118k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) as built, 1956. From Our Navy magazine, 15 October 1956.

Stanley Svec
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026025
64k

Postcard. Photo was likely taken in 1956, prior to removal of mainmast.

-
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026043
77k

A great and very interesting aerial view of USS Saratoga in the second half of 1956, possibly during her shakedown cruise. "Canted" flight deck early markings are clearly visible. Note that Forrestal and Saratoga were built with a fore and a mainmast; Sara's mainmast was removed early in 1957. This was a period of change-over between aircraft paint schemes: both the "old," overall glossy sea blue, and the "new," light gull gray over glossy insignia white, schemes are represented; a few aircraft even appear to be in the "natural metal" finish experimented in 1952-1955.

Image courtesy of
Larry Blumenthal, PH3, 1957-61.
"US Navy Photos"
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026062
550k

Another nice photo of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) apparently taken at the time of her shakedown cruise (see above).

From the archives of Daniel (deceased) and Rebecca Baldelli USMC 1959
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026080
194k

A3D Skywarrior from Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers" is hoisted to #3 elevator aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at Mayport, Florida. US Navy photo # 1004707, dated 12 November 1956.

From the collection of CDR Thomas B. Ray (USS Essex), via Chris Stanley.
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bk
437k

Aerial view of the stern starboard quarter of USS Saratoga (CVA-60), with embarked Carrier Air Group (CVG) 4. Photo dated December 1956.

Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum photo, # CVA 60 698238-12-56.

Darryl Baker
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bl
480k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), circa 1956.

Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum photo.

Darryl Baker
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bm
410k

McDonnell F3H-2M Demon, BuNo 137060 (modex L202), Fighter Squadron (VF) 61 "Jolly Rogers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, being readied for launch aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60), circa early 1957 (note aircraft is still wearing the old "L" tail code).

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260af
166k

Aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 1957. The radar "dish" antenna on one of the ship's 5"/54 gun mounts was part of a GUNAR (GUN And Radar), a radar gunsight placed entirely on the gun mount. The antenna on the left is one of Saratoga's TED/AN/URR-13 ship-to-air communication units.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com.
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026023a
497k

Crewmen spell out "Welcome Mr. President" on the flight deck of USS Saratoga (CVA-60), on or about 6 June 1957 (see below).

Guided-missile cruiser USS Boston (CAG-1) is steaming alongside Sara.

Courtesy of the Museu Marítim de Barcelona, photo # 28829F.

Museu Marítim de Barcelona
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026023b
406k

President Dwight D. Eisenhower (at left) visits USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 6 June 1957. Also present are (from left to right): Captain Evan P. Aurand, the President's Naval Aide (largely hidden behind Eisenhower); Secretary of the Navy Thomas S. Gates; Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, Chief of Naval Operations; and Admiral Jerauld Wright, Commander in Chief, Atlantic.

Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC) photo, # NH 55871.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026023
832k

President Dwight D. Eisenhower (left), with Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, visiting USS Saratoga (CVA-60) on 6 June 1957. Between and behind them is the Presidential Naval Aide, Captain Evan P. Aurand, USN.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-K-22608.

CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bp
80k

"Navy Planes Span Nation—Make Ocean to Ocean Carrier Hop"

"Four Navy pilots made the first carrier-to-carrier, ocean-to-ocean, overland flight in history June 6[, 1957], flying from the Bon Homme Richard off San Diego to the Saratoga off Florida."

"F8U-1 Crusader pilots were CAPT Robert G. Dosé, CO of VX-3, and LCDR Paul Miller Jr., squadron F8U-1 project officer. Flying A3D Skywarriors were LCDR John H. Miller and LCDR C. C. McBratnie."

"The A3Ds took off first and flew non-stop without refueling. They averaged 632 mph on the 2530-mile flight to the carrier."

"The F8U-1s were refueled in flight by AJ-2 tankers of VAH-11 operating temporarily out of NAS Dallas. They landed three hours and 28 minutes after take-off for an average speed of 730 miles per hour."

"President Eisenhower witnessed their landings on the Saratoga."

"The Crusaders and Skywarriors thus proved the Navy's ability to shift carrier planes from ocean to ocean without reliance on land bases or the Panama Canal, in their flight."

From Naval Aviation News, August 1957 issue, page 8.

NS0260bpa: CAPT Dosé's F8U-1 Crusader, BuNo 143706 (modex XC-1), with arresting hook retracted, clears the landing area and taxis forward aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60). Photo courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum.

NS0260bpb: F8U-1 Crusader, BuNo 141346 (XC-2), believed to be LCDR Miller's plane.

NS0260bpc & NS0260bpd: A3D-2 Skywarrior, BuNo 138929 (FG-9), Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 9 "Hoot Owls."

NS0260bpe: A3D-2 Skywarrior, BuNo 138957 (FG-1), VAH-9 "Hoot Owls."

See also NS023190.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bpa
82k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bpb
726k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bpe
74k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bpc
763k Ed McCready, USS Saratoga Association
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bpd
488k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260br
358k

President Dwight D. Eisenhower chatting with Navy pilots aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during a two-day visit to the ship off the Florida coast, 6–7 June 1957. The plane behind them is an F8U-1 Crusader fighter. (Note: regarding this aircraft, official caption reads "probably of Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32);" in fact, it is BuNo 143706, of Experimental and Devoloping Squadron (VX) 3.)

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 68558.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026024
95k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at her anchorage in Hampton Roads, Virginia, during the International Naval Review, 12 June 1957. Photographed by PH1 Castiglia, from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97674).

NHC
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bn
595k

USS Pompon (SSR-267) and USS Thornback (SS-418) moored along the starboard side of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) for replenishment. Berth Alfa, Rhodes, Greece, 17–19 August 1958. This was Sara's first Mediterranean deployment, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3 embarked.

Official US Navy photo, # USN 1038277.

David Buell
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026038
40k

At sea during NATO Exercise Strike Back, September 1957.

Photo by Glenn Herzenach PNSN, USN (USS Intrepid, 1957-1958). Submitted by Robert Hall.
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026088
86k

A U.S. Navy Douglas F4D-1 Skyray of Fighting Squadron VF-101 based aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) is about to be launched from HMS Ark Royal's steam catapult, during cross-deck operations in [the fall of] 1957. Note the FAA Westland Whirlwind plane guard helicopter hovers to port. USN photo.

Scanned from United States Navy and Marine Corps Fighters 1918–1962, compiled by Paul R. Matt and edited by Bruce Robertson.

Robert Hurst.
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026088a
150k

A U.S. Navy Douglas F4D-1 Skyray from Fighter Squadron (VF) 101 "Grim Reapers" aboard the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (R09). VF-101 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during the NATO exercise Strikeback in the North Atlantic, 3 September–22 October 1957. Photographer PM Nick Williams, U.S. Navy.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, No. 1996.253.7326.003.

CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026079
104k

British Fairey Gannet lands aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) (1957?). US Navy photo # 1016914.

From the collection of CDR Thomas B. Ray (USS Essex), via Chris Stanley.
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260ab
510k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3 aboard, very late 1957 or very early 1958.

David Buell.
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026083
129k

Four planes of U.S. Navy Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3 in 1958: a Vought F8U-1 Crusader of Fighter Squadron (VF) 32 "Swordsmen" (left), a Grumman F9F-8P Cougar of Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 62 Det.43 "Fighting Photos" (above), a Douglas A4D-1 Skyhawk of Attack Squadron (VA) 34 "Blue Blasters" (below), and a McDonnell F3H-2N Demon of VF-31 "Tomcatters" (right). CVG-3 was deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) to the Mediterranean Sea from 1 February to 1 October 1958. CVG-3 (after 1963 Carrier Air Wing, CVW, 3) deployed aboard Super Sara from 1958 to 1980.

NS026083: National Naval Aviation Museum (# 2008.122.055).

NS026083a: Naval Aviation News, December 1958 issue.

Robert Hurst
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026083a
82k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026063
549k

Two Grumman F9F-8P Cougar aircraft (BuNos 144416 and 144417) of Light Photographic Squadron VFP-62 Det. 43 "Fighting Photos" flying over Malta in 1958. VFP-62 Det. 43 was assigned to Carrier Air Group Three (CVG-3) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 1 February to 1 October 1958. Notice RAF Hal Far airbase below the Cougars. U.S. Navy photo by Marion Swinford, USN.

Robert Hurst
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260aw
926k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) underway, circa 1958.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 2008.122.027.

David Buell
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bg
2.48M

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3, probably in September–October 1958 in the Mediterranean Sea.

Note, on the lower right corner, A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142700, Attack Squadron (VA) 72 "Hawks," CVG-7, aboard USS Randolph (CVA-15).

Donald Tenney, USS Randolph,
via Bob Canchola, USS Oriskany
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026026
89k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at sea on 17 February 1958, as four Douglas AD4-1 Skyhawk aircraft from Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) fly past in formation. These planes are Bureau #s 139928, 139968, 139970 and 142152.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1034275).

NHC
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026046
200k

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# CVA-60-4186(L)) of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in May 1958, during her first Mediterranean cruise. She is in Piraeus Harbor and her crew is "manning the rail" for a visit of the King and Queen of Greece.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260am
91k

"(NY21–June 19[, 1958])ROYAL SHOWING FOR U.S. NAVY—Crown Prince Constantine, right, with binoculars, and other members of Greek royal family stand on deck of USS Saratoga to watch demonstration by the aircraft carrier's planes in eastern Mediterranean Monday [16 June 1958]. The planes display their fire power as they throw up huge geyser of water in the warship's wake. (AP Wirephoto)(pr514451on)1958"

Tommy Trampp
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026067
459k

A Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior, BuNo 138955, of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 9 "Hoot Owls" pictured after its nose wheel collapsed during recovery aboard the carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60), circa 1959. Note the open canopy. As a high altitude strategic bomber the A3D (A-3 under the 1962 designation system) was not equipped with ejection seats and the crew was expected to jump off with parachutes in case of an emergency. U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation photo No. 2008.122.031.

BuNo 138955 was redesignated A-3B in 1962 and converted to a KA-3B in June 1967.

Robert Hurst
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026067a
395k Via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260aq
716k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) underway with Carrier Air Group (CAG) 3, 13 November 1959.

Jim Karr
CA-134 + CVA-60 Saratoga
0413455
362k

View on the forecastle, looking aft, of USS Des Moines (CA-134) while operating as flagship of the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, during the later 1950s. Her 8"/55 guns are trained out to starboard, while men work on a 3"/50 twin in the foreground. USS Saratoga (CVA-60) is in the distance.

Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC) photo, # NH 45506.

NH&HC
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026057
434k

A U.S. Navy Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk (BuNo 144900) of VA-34 "Blue Blasters," armed with a Mk-7 nuclear weapon, prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60). VA-34 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) aboard Saratoga, and equipped with A4D-2's between 1959 and 1962 (A4D-2 was redesignated A-4B after September 1962).

(See also NS0238aif.)

Pieter Bakels
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026070
51k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at anchor, late 1950s–early 1960s.

John Hummel
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bw
91k

Official photo of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) underway in the early 1960s.

Tommy Trampp
CVS-9 Essex + CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026064
162k

"Modern Aircraft Demands Bigger Carriers — Impressive difference in the size of the old USS Essex (CVS 9) and the new Saratoga (CVA 60) is seen as they steam into Mayport, Fla., last February [Essex and Saratoga returned from the Mediterranean Sea on 26 February 1960]. The Essex began her eighteen year history as a striking arm of the Pacific Fleet after commissioning in 1942. Now, the combat-experienced Essex, like several others of her class, is outmoded as a striking force ship by the demands of modern aircraft and the necessities of fleet operations. The converted Essex is now a part of the important anti-submarine warfare forces. The modernized Essex has many features of the new Forrestal class carriers, such as angle decks, steam catapults [sic] and the landing mirror system. However, these features do not compensate for the Saratoga's size advantage. The Navy attributes the Saratoga's size advantage, and increased aviation features with the fifty-percent-fewer accident ratio over the Essex. She carries twice as much jet aircraft fuel, three to four times the number of bombs and can deliver them on target at three to four times as fast as the Essex. The Saratoga carries more aircraft and her heavier launching and arresting gear, longer flight deck and stronger decks allow her more ease in handling the stresses created by modern jets. The weight of combat aircraft has jumped to six times that of the 1940 models and landing and take-off speeds are faster. The Saratoga's ability to sustain greater speeds for a longer period give her greater tactical elusiveness. Her stability increases the all-weather capability of her air squadrons." (Quoted from the back of the photo.)

Official US Navy photograph (#USN 1048532) released by the Department of Defense, Washington, D.C., August 26, 1960.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260ax
243k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) and West German freighter and ore carrier M/V Bernd Leonhardt collided 33 miles off the outer banks of North Carolina just after midnight on 25 May 1960. View of the damaged port catwalk of Saratoga. The port wing of Bernd Leonhardt's bridge was demolished.

Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum photo, # CVA 60 47X01-5-60 TH.

Darryl Baker
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026047
189k

BuNo 146697, the 4th production North American A3J-1 Vigilante, conducted the type's initial carrier suitability tests aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during the week of July 25, 1960. Piloted by NATC's CDR Carl Cruse, LCDR Ed Decker and LT Dick Wright, the Vigilante made 14 successful launches and arrested landings.

Official US Navy photo.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bh
457k

Aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 28 September 1960. F8U-1E Crusader, BuNo 145435, modex AC209, Fighter Squadron (VF) 32 "Swordsmen," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3. North Atlantic Ocean, near the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Sea.

"1547 Recovered F8U-1[E], BuNo 145435 on emergency landing with barracade [sic] rigged. Nose wheel collapsed on previous bolter landing. Damage to aircraft appears to be light. No injuries to pilot." (Saratoga deck log.)

Destroyer in the background appears to be USS Mitscher (DL-2).

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bha
466k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026085
124k

NATO cruise in the North Atlantic, November 1960. USS Saratoga (CVA-60) can be seen on the right. It is hard to identify the other ships in the photo, but the distinctive lines of USS Northampton (CLC-1) are easily seen in the left middle distance.

ETC Robert "Cliff" Wolff
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026085a
129k

NATO cruise in the North Atlantic, November 1960. USS Saratoga (CVA-60) conducting an UNREP operation.

ETC Robert "Cliff" Wolff
CVA-62 Independence, CVA-60 Saratoga, CVA-11 Intrepid
NS026222
566k

USS Independence (CVA-62), USS Saratoga (CVA-60), and USS Intrepid (CVA-11) (listed from bottom to top) underway, 17 November 1960, with crewmen paraded on deck in a spellout commemorating the 50th birthday of Naval Aviation.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 97716.

NH&HC
Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026072
108k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3, probably in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, circa 1962.

Photos by Harvey K. Glasspoole, ADRC.

Frances Matlock, daughter of
Harvey K. Glasspoole
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026072a
75k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026075
73k

Caption reads: "Photograph from the United States Navy that shows the USS Saratoga (CVA-60) as it heads toward the Straits of Gibraltar. Dated 12.6.1962." However, location and date are incompatible with Saratoga's itinerary, no matter if the date is taken to mean "12th June" or "December 6": Sara returned from a Mediterranean deployment on 12 May 1962; in December she was operating in the Caribbean.

Tommy Trampp

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) deployed to the Mediterranean, with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, 29 March–25 October 1963. This was her fourth Med cruise.

The following photos were taken by André van Haute off Cannes, France, 1–8 July 1963. Special thanks to Olivier van Gorp ("Pappy"), Belgian Air Force (Ret.), who submitted the pictures via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)



CVA-60
NS060bx
554 Kb
A-1H Skyraider, Attack Squadron (VA) 35 "Black Panthers" (BuNo 135297, modex AC-403).
(Flying with VA-115 "Arabs" off USS Hancock (CVA-19), this aircraft was hit by AAA over the Southern provinces of North Vietnam, 17 March 1967 and had to ditch. Pilot, LCDR Arnold H. Henderson, was rescued.)
CVA-60
NS060bxa
664 Kb
F-3B Demon, Fighter Squadron (VF) 31 "Tomcatters" (BuNo 145288, modex AC-106).
CVA-60
NS060bxc
585 Kb
BuNo 145288 again, from a different angle.
CVA-60
NS060bxb
574 Kb
VF-31 insignia. The second oldest Navy fighter squadron, the "Tomcatters" incorporated the Felix the Cat character in their insignia.
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260ai
169k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, 1962.

Source: LIFE magazine Archives, John Dominis Photographer, shared by Peter DeForest.

Mike Green
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260an
47k

Photos taken during the Mediterranean Cruise, 28 November 1964–12 July 1965.

Jimmy Anselmo
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260ana
44k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260anb
46k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026071
94k

Launching the Grumman C-1A Trader COD aircraft (VR-24, "World's Biggest Little Airline," Squadron) in the Mediterranean, 28 November 1964–12 July 1965.

Photo by
Michael O. Smith
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026027
111k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) with her crew manning the rail on the flight deck, as she arrives in Barcelona, Spain, 12 February 1965. Photographed by PH1 M.J. Stump.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1110849).

NHC
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026028
71k

U.S. Sixth Fleet ships at anchor in Augusta Bay, Sicily, on 17 March 1965. The large carrier, at right, is USS Saratoga (CVA-60). Other U.S. Navy ships visible include one Essex-class attack aircraft carrier (USS Shangri-La, CVA-38), two guided missile light cruisers (CLG), two guided-missile frigates (DLG), six destroyers (DD), two oilers (AO) and other auxiliaries. There are also several merchant ships present.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1111048).

NHC
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bs
298k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) underway, circa 1967(?).

Ron Reeves
CVA-60 Saratoga + AO-55
NS091905513
65k

USS Elokomin (AO-55) conducting an underway replenishment with USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in 1967, location unknown.

Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026005
40k Atlantic Ocean, May 8, 1967. From Fred T. Berry (DD-858) ©Richard Leonhardt
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026007
66k Atlantic Ocean, May 1967. F-4 Phantoms on deck. ©Richard Leonhardt.
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026008
121k Atlantic Ocean, May 1967, detail of island. ©Richard Leonhardt.
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026084
105k

NS026084: CVA-60-1690-B-5-67 Mediterranean Sea (May 10, 1967). The XC-142A, tiltwing experimental aircraft revves up, preparing for take off, aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60). Official Navy Photo by PH2 F.W. Bailey USS Saratoga (CVA-60) Public Affairs Office.

NS026084a: CVA-60-1693-A-5-67 Mediterranean Sea (May 10, 1967). The XC-142A departing from USS Saratoga (CVA-60) en route to Rota, Spain. From Rota it will complete its last leg of the trip to the Paris Air Show. Official Navy Photo by PH1 C.F. Witherow USS Saratoga (CVA-60) Public Affairs Office.

The XC-142A is a tiltwing, experimental aircraft designed to investigate the operational suitability of vertical/short takeoff and landing transports.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) deployed from NS Mayport, Florida on May 2, 1967 for a Mediterranean Cruise. She was transporting the XC-142A to the Med.

Sara embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 consisting of the following squadrons: VF-31 "Tomcatters," F-4B Phantom II; VF-103 "Sluggers," F-4B Phantom II; VA-176 "Thunderbolts," A-1H Skyraider; VA-216 "Black Diamonds," A-4B Skyhawk; VAW-121 "Griffins" E-1B Tracer; VAH-10 "Vikings" KA-3B Skywarrior; RVAH-9 "Hoot Owls," RA-5C Vigilante; and HC-2 "Fleet Angels," UH-2A Sea Sprite.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026084a
127k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026098
103k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, 26 July 1967, during her 8th Mediterranean cruise (2 May–6 December 1967).

Photos by Marius Bar, Toulon, France.

Jaume Cifré Sánchez
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026098a
56k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bc
845k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), date and location unknown (may be circa late 1967–early 1968 at Philadelphia?).

Ron Reeves
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026029
85k

President Richard M. Nixon (left), with Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, witness air and sea power demonstrations from the flight deck of USS Saratoga (CVA-60), in the Atlantic Ocean, May 1969. Photographed by PH3 Philip J. Fraga.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# K-72713).

NHC
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026030
123k

North American RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance aircraft (Bureau # 146696) lands on board USS Saratoga (CVA-60). This photograph was received by the Naval Photographic DMA in May 1969.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1140473).

NHC
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026031
85k

Entertainer Bob Hope on stage with Miss World, during a Christmas show for servicemen held on board USS Saratoga (CVA-60), off Gaeta, Italy, 22 December 1969.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# K-80498).

NHC
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026001
33k Undated. USN
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bf
164k

RA-5C Vigilante, Reconnaissance Attack Squadron (RVAH) 9 "Hoot Owls," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 1970–1971.

Ray D. Bean collection,
via Yu Chu
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026061
66k

A Grumman A-6B Intruder (BuNo 149957, modex AC510) of attack squadron VA-75 "Sunday Punchers" on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in the summer of 1971. VA-75 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) during a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, 3 June–31 October 1971. The first ten A-6B defense suppression aircraft (BuNos 149949, 149957, and 151588–151595) were obtained by stripping off most of the attack systems of existing A-6A's, and substituting them with specialized equipment that could detect radars from surface-to-air missiles. They were equipped with the AGM-78 Standard anti-radiation missile, visible on the left inboard pylon of AC510.

BuNo 149957 was later brought up to the A-6E standard and subsequently, its service life completed, was sunk as an artificial reef.

USN photo by Randy Bender, ATR2, USN.

Robert Hurst
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026086
130k

"JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 10[, 1972]—CARRIER SARATOGA LOADING FOR REPORTED TRIP TO VIETNAM—Loading operations went around the clock Monday as the aircraft carrier Saratoga was readied for what is reportedly a trip to reinforce Navy units already off Vietnam. Navy officials allowed pictures but refused to give information or let any Navy personnel talk about the surprise movement from Mayport Naval Station near Jacksonville. (AP WIREPHOTO)(m21705tu)."

Ron Reeves
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260ak
14k

Night cat shot, USS Saratoga (CVA-60), Vietnam cruise, 11 April 1972–13 February 1973.

John Driskill
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260aka
62k

A tired flight deck hand, USS Saratoga (CVA-60), Vietnam cruise, 11 April 1972–13 February 1973.

John Driskill
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bv
412k

C-1A Trader, BuNo 136751, "Rooster Rocket," USS Saratoga (CVA-60) COD aircraft during the carrier's Vietnam cruise. Note very distinctive markings on port and starboard engines.

NS0260bv: From Saratoga Cruise Book, 1972–1973.

NS0260bva: This photo was taken in January 1973. John recalls: "We were told that something special was coming up the bomb elevator. I was ready but not for this."

Bob Canchola
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bva
1.85M John DiMasso
via Bob Canchola
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS091905122
174k

USS Ashtabula (AO-51) conducting an underway replenishment with USS Sarsfield (DD-837) and USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in the South China Sea, 17 May 1972.

Glenn Sirkis MMSN STREAM Team A-Division USS Ashtabula WestPac 1971–1972
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bb
382k

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) refueling from USS Ashtabula (AO-51) in the South China Sea, 9 June 1972. Photographed from USS Mispillion (AO-105).

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 was embarked aboard Saratoga for their only Vietnam cruise, 11 April 1972–13 February 1973.

Photos by Bruce A. Hevner.

Bruce A. Hevner,
via Bob Canchola
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS091905130
95k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0260bba
446k
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS091905131
134k
CVA-67 John F. Kennedy + CVA-60 Saratoga
NS0267am
125k

USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) in company with USS Saratoga (CVA-60), right, and USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), center background, at NavSta Mayport, 20 February 1973. U.S. Navy photo by PH1 Deverman.

Steve Graham
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260ar
407k

BuNo 145607 was delivered to the Navy as an F8U-1P, redesignated RF-8A under the 1962 designation system, and upgraded to RF-8G standard. It flew over Cuba in 1962–1963, with Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 62 "Fighting Photos", and over Vietnam with VFP-63 "Eyes of the Fleet". It was attached to VFP-206 "Hawkeyes," with Carrier Air Wing Reserve (CVWR) 20 for some 13 years, 1974–1987. Loaned to Rockwell Corp. to support the Advanced Technology Wing program, and as of 2021, it is part of the collections of the Castle Air Museum, Atwater, CA.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) is steaming below, date and location unknown.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026032
140k

USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway in the Atlantic, off Jacksonville, Florida, 16 October 1975. Photographed by PH1 Donald D. Deverman.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 97675.

NH&HC
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026032a
141k

USS Saratoga (CV-60) seen from astern, while underway off Jacksonville, Florida, on 16 October 1975. Photographed by PH1 Donald D. Deverman.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 97676.

NH&HC
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026033
327k

USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, circa 1975 (maybe at about the same time as the photos above?)

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.063.037.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026082
102k

Aft view of the island of USS Saratoga (CV-60), the day after a collision with USS Mississinewa (AO-144) in late 1975.

Bob Royes,
USS Saratoga
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026076
159k

USS Saratoga (CV-60), Genoa, Italy, 1976.

Carlo Martinelli
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026018a
195k

USS Saratoga (CV-60) and escorts steaming towards the fleet anchorage near Gaeta, Italy, 16 March 1976.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 1996.488.063.053. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

Mike Green
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260ag
173k

USS Saratoga (CV-60) and escorts, as seen from USS Independence (CV-62), maybe on the same occasion as the photo above.

Jeff Padell, PH3,
USS Independence
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260ad
101k

A Lockheed S-3A Viking of Anti-submarine Squadron (VS) 22 "Checkmates," from USS Saratoga (CV-60), displays its retractable "sting," which carries Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) gear. This has to be extended to avoid interference from the aircraft.

USN photo, circa 1976–1977.

Robert Hurst
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026004
177k

Underway at high speed, sometime in 1977, getting ready for flight operations. Like Forrestal, she had been fitted with two Sea Sparrow launchers and the appropriate SPS-58 radar.

Sara deployed to the Mediterranean, July 11-December 23, 1977 with Carrier Air Wing Three. CVW-3 included F-4J Phantoms, A-7E Corsairs, A-6E and KA-6D Intruders, EA-6B Prowlers, S-3A Vikings, E-2C Hawkeyes and SH-3H Sea Kings.

(Thanks to Robert Hurst, who provided additional info).

USN
CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026006
122k Mayport Florida, April 1978, USS Vogelgesang (DD-862) in foreground. ©Richard Leonhardt.
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026092
181k

Mayport, Florida, probably on 4 April 1978, from the flight deck of Forrestal (CV-59), as FID departed for the Mediterranean.

Bob Royes,
USS Saratoga
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260bt
692k

Clubleaf 205, a McDonnell F-4J Phantom II (BuNo 155764, modex AC-205), from Fighter Squadron (VF) 103 "Sluggers," about to touchdown at her Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, home, July 1978. VF-103 was at the time assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60).

This aircraft is currently preserved at the MAPS Air Museum, North Canton, OH.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, No. 1996.253.7278.017.

Robert Hurst
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026034
34k A right front view of a Medium Attack Squadron 37 (VA-37) A-7E Corsair II aircraft landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) during training exercises off the coast of Florida, 8 January 1980. US Navy photo by Robert L. Lawson (DVIC id: DNSN8406780). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026034a
131k A right front view of an F-4J Phantom II aircraft from Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) assigned to Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway off the coast of Florida, 8 January 1980. US Navy photo by Robert L. Lawson (DVIC id: DN-SN-82-04480). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260ba
42k

USS Saratoga (CV-60) on the Delaware River, 30 September 1980, heading toward the Philadelphia Navy Yard for an overhaul (1980–1982).

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, George D. McDowell Collection, photo # P564053B.

Mike Green
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260baa
94k

Starboard side view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) off Philadelphia Navy Yard, 30 September 1980. The ship would be overhauled at the Yard, 1980–1982.

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, George D. McDowell Collection, photo # P564054B.

CV-60 Saratoga
NS026041
217k

Aerial port quarter view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, October 22, 1982, conducting post-modernization trials. Saratoga underwent the most extensive industrial overhaul ever performed on any Navy ship, the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard (October 1, 1980-February 2, 1983). Several problems were soon found, including improper welding of boiler tubes, and she was inoperative for several months. Newly nicknamed "Super Sara," she deployed again in April 1984.

US Navy photo by PH3 Kenneth J. Berkeihiser (DVIC id: DN-SC-83-04010).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026003
86k A starboard quarter view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway during operations with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, April 15, 1984. Photo by PH1 Goodrich (DVIC id: DNST8408938). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026002
101k

A bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway during operations with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, April 15, 1984. Photo by PH1 Goodrich (DVIC id: DNST8408942).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026048
220k

Starboard bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway in the Med, April 15, 1984. Official US Navy Photograph (#DN-SN-84-08947) from the DAVA Still Media Depository, Washington DC.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026066
261k

USS Saratoga (CV-60), Mayport, Florida, 12 December 1984.

Carl Orbann
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026066a
270k
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026039
79k

Underway with her Battle Group, mid-1980s.

Alex Tatchin
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026020
66k

Underway, circa the mid-1980s

John Rutherford
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026021
36k

Underway, circa the mid-1980s

John Rutherford
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260at
1.53M

USS Saratoga (CV-60), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, underway in the mid-1980s, location unknown.

John Rutherford
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260ao
497k

A-7E Corsair II (modex AA302), VA-83 "Rampagers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, circa 1984–1986.

VADM Jerry L. Unruh,
via Wolfgang Hechler
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260aoa
506k

E-2C Hawkeye (BuNo 161548, modex AA602), VAW-125 "Tigertails," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, circa 1984–1986.

CVA-60 Saratoga
NS026090
143k

An F-14A Tomcat of Fighter Squadron Seventy-Four (VF-74) ["Be-Devilers"] engages the second (of four) arrester wires on board the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60), scoring an "OK, Two". The approach was fractionally low, since ideally, the pilot should have engaged the third wire. US DoD Photo[, mid-1980s].

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

Robert Hurst
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026049
191k

A photo of USS Saratoga (CV-60) taken in April 1985 by an F-14 TARPS pod.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260aa
245k

USS Saratoga (CV-60) at anchor, Toulon, France, second half of 1985. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 deployed with Super Sara.

Photo by Marius Bar, Toulon, France.

Jaume Cifré Sánchez
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260aaa
194k
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026011
105k

USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway with three F-14 fighters on her bow and waist catapults during operations in the Mediterranean Sea, 15 September 1985.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97677-KN).

Mark W. Lupus
CV-60 + AOE-3 + FF-1040
NS0602104010
70k

Mediterranean Sea, October 21, 1985 — An elevated port bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60), the fast combat support ship Seattle (AOE-3) and the frigate Garcia (FF-1040) participating in an underway replenishment.

Fred Weiss
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260ah
1.39M

A high angle port bow view of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, 15 November 1985.

US Navy photo by PH1 P.D. Goodrich, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 330-CFD-DN-SC-86-03496.

NARA
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260aha
1.04M

USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway in the Red Sea, 15 November 1985.

US Navy photo by PH1 P.D. Goodrich, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # DN-SC-86-03498.

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026091
171k

An aerial port bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) tied up at pier, Diego Garcia, 12 December 1985. This was the first time an aircraft carrier visited the island.

US Navy photo by PH1 P. D. Goodrich, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # DN-SC-86-03501.

Ron Reeves
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026091a
222k

An aerial port bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60), the guided missile destroyer USS Scott (DDG-995), and the fleet oiler USS Monongahela (AO‑178), tied up at pier, Diego Garcia, 12 December 1985. This was the first time an aircraft carrier visited the island.

US Navy photo by PH1 P. D. Goodrich, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # DN-SC-86-03500.

NARA
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026091b
203k

An aerial port bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60), the guided missile destroyer USS Scott (DDG-995), and the fleet oiler USS Monongahela (AO‑178), tied up at pier, Diego Garcia, 12 December 1985. This was the first time an aircraft carrier visited the island.

US Navy photo by PH1 P. D. Goodrich, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # DN-SC-86-03502.

NARA
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026065
129k

A scene from the catwalk as the twin turboprops of a Grumman E-2C Hawkeye from Airborne Early Warning squadron (VAW) 125 "Tigertails" develop full power immediately prior to a catapult launch from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) in the Mediterranean, 28 January 1986. U.S. Navy photo by PH1 William A. Shayka (available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-SC-86-03634).

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

Robert Hurst
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026019
43k

Underway, circa the mid-1980s

CDR Steven Lohr states: "I was onboard the ship at that time (in fact, I'm one of the dots on the flightdeck in the photo). The photo was taken in either February or March 1986 when we were northbound in the Suez Canal, enroute to FON ops off Libya."

"That may be the USS Seattle in the background, although I don't recall for sure if she deployed with us to the IO."

John Rutherford
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026077
119k

A plane director guides a Grumman F-14A-105-GR Tomcat aircraft (BuNo 160897) from Fighter Squadron (VF) 74 "Be-Devilers" into position over a catapult on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60), 22 March 1986. VF-74 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 aboard Saratoga for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 26 August 1985 to 16 April 1986. U.S. Navy photo by PH1 William Shayka, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (# DN-SC-87-00540).

Robert M. Cieri
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260bi
20.1M

Damage Control Diagram, prepared by New York Naval Shipyard for Bureau of Ships, March 1956; corrected to suit SLEP 1982 (Philadelphia); corrected to suit SRA of 1986 (Norfolk).

Courtesy of San Francisco Maritime National Park Association,
via Curtis Tammany
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260bq
1.30M

A series of seven photos of USS Saratoga (CV-60) as she appeared while in Mayport, FL, spring(?) 1986.

Sam Middleton
CV-60 Saratoga + CV-63 Kitty Hawk + other ships
NS026095
1.66M

Turnover in the Mediterranean, 17 June 1987. Clockwise from top center: USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, en route to Philadelphia; guided missile frigate USS Hawes (FFG-53); USS Saratoga (CV-60) with CVW-17, newly arrived in the Med from Mayport; guided missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG-39); frigate USS W.S. Sims (FF-1059); destroyer USS Comte de Grasse (DD-974); guided missile cruiser USS Josephus Daniels (CG-27); destroyer USS Conolly (DD-979); frigate USS Truett (FF-1095); and guided missile destroyer USS William V. Pratt (DDG-44). Replenishment oiler USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6) is steaming in the center of the formation.

U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Thomas Hensley.

Museum of Military History, Kissimmee, FL
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026050
258k

A great official US Navy photograph of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway with Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) aboard, circa 1990–1991.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-60 Saratoga et al.
NS0267ac
105k

Top to bottom: USS Biddle (CG-34), USS Saratoga (CV-60), USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and USS San Jacinto (CG-56). This photo was taken during Operation Desert Shield, October 1990, in the Red Sea, by one of the JFK's photomates.

Bob Haner, YN1, USN (Ret.)
CV-67 John F. Kennedy
NS0267aca
122k

An aerial view of, from left, the guided missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56), the aircraft carriers USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), and USS Saratoga (CV-60), and the guided missile cruiser USS Biddle (CG-34) underway in the Red Sea, 24 October 1990. After a month and a half on station in support of Operation Desert Shield, JFK and her battle group were being relieved by Sara and her battle group.

Official photograph, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-SC-91-04746.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-67 John F. Kennedy
NS0267acb
164k

An aerial view of, from upper left, the guided missile cruiser USS Biddle (CG-34), the aircraft carriers USS Saratoga (CV-60) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), and the guided missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56), underway in the Red Sea, 24 October 1990. After a month and a half on station in support of Operation Desert Shield, JFK and her battle group were being relieved by Sara and her battle group.

Official photograph, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-SC-91-04750.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260ac
135k

A Grumman F-14B Tomcat from Fighter Squadron (VF) 74 "Be-Devilers" (BuNo 161434, modex AA102) rolls down the No. 2 catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) as it is launched during Operation Desert Storm, 1 February 1991. Photo taken by SRA Chris A. Putnam.

Official photograph, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), id. DN-ST-91-07670.

Robert Hurst
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260bu
422k

Four U.S. Navy Grumman F-14B Tomcats flying in formation as they wait their turn for refueling during Operation Desert Storm on 26 February 1991. The two aircraft in the foreground are from Fighter Squadron (VF) 103 "Sluggers" (BuNo 161440, modex AA-207; and 163215, AA-204) while the two in the background are from VF-74 "Be-Devilers" (BuNo 162925, modex AA-100; the second one cannot be identified). Both squadrons were operating from USS Saratoga (CV-60) as part of the Battle Force Red Sea.

US Navy photograph by LCDR Dave Parsons, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), id. DN-ST-91-07670.

Robert Hurst
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260av
276k

USS Saratoga (CV-60), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17. Palma de Mallorca, Spain, mid-June 1992.

José Antonio Rodríguez Carreño
AVT-59 Forrestal, CV-60 Saratoga
NS0259bw
279k

Aerial photograph of USS Forrestal (AVT-59) moored alongside ex-USS Iowa (BB-61) [(1) in annotated photo], with USS Saratoga (CV-60) [(2)] and many other ships at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, PA, in 1993.

Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian
AVT-59 Forrestal, CV-60 Saratoga
NS0259bwa
280k
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026042
75k

A port bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, August 13, 1993, with Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17). US Navy photo by PH2 Al Renkel (Photo available from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id: DN-SC-93-06135).

Alex Tatchin
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260bj
18.3M

Redacted booklet of General Plans, selected record drawing prepared by M. Rosenblatt & Son for New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, N.Y., 24 June 1957; corrected up to 3 September 1993, Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

Courtesy of San Francisco Maritime National Park Association,
via Curtis Tammany
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026099
280k

F-14B Tomcat, VF-103 "Sluggers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, in flight over USS Saratoga (CV-60), probably in 1993–94.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

Wendell Royce McLaughlin Jr
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260ay
61k

USS Saratoga (CV-60) conducts flight operations while underway in the Atlantic, 25 July 1993. An F-14B Tomcat is approaching for a landing.

U.S. Navy photograph by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Al Renkel (# DN-SC-93-06131).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260au
673k

USS Saratoga (CV-60), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, last visit to Mallorca, Spain, 3–9 May 1994.

José Antonio Rodríguez Carreño
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026012
27k

Florida, August 1994, just prior to decommissioning.

Photo by Russ Hartley,
USS Saratoga,
1977-78
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026022
27k

Florida, August 1994, just prior to decommissioning.

Photo by Russ Hartley,
USS Saratoga,
1977-78
CV-60 Saratoga
NS026013
27k

Florida, August 1994, just prior to decommissioning.

Photo by Russ Hartley,
USS Saratoga,
1977-78
ex-CV-60 Saratoga
NS0260az
406k

Mayport, Florida, circa late 1994. Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), struck from the Navy list and being stripped.

Bob Royes,
USS Saratoga
Ex-USS Saratoga
ex-Forrestal
NS0259ao
59k

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

Ken Killmeyer, USS Forrestal Association historian
ex-Saratoga
NS0260bd
58k

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

Alex Tatchin
ex-Saratoga
NS026059
57k

Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), Newport, R.I., date unknown (1999–2001).

Steve Singlar
ex-Saratoga
NS026017
195k

Ex-USS Saratoga moored at Newport, RI, August 2003.

Peter E. Skoutas
EN1 (SW)
ex-Forrestal + ex-Saratoga
NS026035
49k

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

Image courtesy of Google Earth.

Ray Gedeon (brother of Paul Gedeon, USS Saratoga, 1962-1964).
ex-Forrestal + ex-Saratoga
NS026044
89k

Ex-Saratoga and ex-Forrestal (moored to the far side of the pier) at Newport, RI, June 10, 2005.

J. Tyler
ex-Forrestal + ex-Saratoga
NS0260al
63k

Ex-Forrestal (left) and ex-Saratoga, Newport, RI, November 2005.

Joe Pires, USS Bennington Association & Web Site Historian
ex-Forrestal + ex-Saratoga
NS0260ala
155k
ex-Forrestal
NS025989
149k

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

Joe Pires, USS Bennington Association & Web Site Historian
ex-Saratoga, ex-Forrestal
NS025951a
159k

Pier view at the US Naval Complex Newport, RI, looking at the ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59, left) and the ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60, right). Photo taken while at the Forrestal Veterans Day Ceremony held on November 11, 2006.

Photo by Allen Adriani,
John Adriani Collection
ex-Saratoga
NS026045
118k

Ex-USS Saratoga moored at the US Naval Complex Newport, RI, USA. Photo taken while at the Forrestal Veterans Day Ceremony held on November 11, 2006.

Photo by Allen Adriani,
John Adriani Collection
ex-Saratoga
NS026068
98k

Ex-USS Saratoga, Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, 7 September 2011. Ex-Saratoga was at the time under the operational control of the Naval Sea Systems Command, Navy Inactive Ships Maintenance Office (INACTSHIPMAINTO).

Note open lighter YC-1410, outboard.

LCDR Jim Brooks (Ret.), PAO, Naval War College
ex-Saratoga
NS026068a
98k
ex-Saratoga
NS026069
86k

Ex-USS Saratoga, Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, 16 September 2011. Ex-Saratoga was at the time under the operational control of the Naval Sea Systems Command, Navy Inactive Ships Maintenance Office (INACTSHIPMAINTO).

LCDR Jim Brooks (Ret.), PAO, Naval War College
ex-Saratoga
NS026069a
90k
ex-Saratoga
NS026069b
112k
ex-Saratoga
NS026069c
77k
ex-Saratoga
NS026069d
125k
ex-Saratoga
NS026069e
98k
ex-Saratoga
NS026078
172k

Ex-USS Saratoga, Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, 4 April 2013.

Pete Skoutas, ENC
ex-Saratoga
NS026097
166k

Ex-USS Saratoga at Coddington Docks, circa 2013. Ex-Forrestal (AVT-59) was gone.

Google Maps photo.

Ric Hedman
ex-Saratoga
NS026089
138k

Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60) under tow off the coast of North Carolina, 25 August 2014, en route to Brownsville, Texas, for dismantling. The aircraft carrier was decommissioned in 1994. The photographer, LCDR Scott Moak, was, at the time, one of the last active duty Saratoga sailors still serving. U.S. Navy photo by LDCR Scott "Smoke" Moak (# 140825-N-BG563-004).

Ron Reeves
ex-Saratoga
NS026096
206k

Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60) being scrapped, 11 July 2015.

Photos by Larry Schmuhl,
via Bob Haner, YN1, USN (Ret.)
ex-Saratoga
NS026096a
212k
ex-Saratoga
NS026096b
299k
ex-Saratoga
NS026074
165k

Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60) being scrapped in Brownsville, Texas, 21 January 2016.

Google Earth image via Craig Busack
CV-61 Ranger
NS0261aia
158k

Three former aircraft carriers being dismantled at Brownsville, Texas. Left to right: ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), ex-USS Ranger (CV-61), and ex-USS Constellation (CV-64). Google Earth image dated 21 January 2016.

Google Earth image via Craig Busack
CV-61 Ranger
NS0261aib
185k

Three former aircraft carriers being dismantled at Brownsville, Texas. Top left, partly visible, ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60); center, ex-USS Ranger (CV-61); center right, ex-USS Constellation (CV-64). Taken approximately at the same time as the photos above.

Courtesy of International Shipbreaking Limited, LLC
xCV-60, xCV-61, xCV-64
NS026000
166k

Three former aircraft carriers being dismantled at Brownsville, Texas. Left to right, and top to bottom: ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), ex-USS Ranger (CV‑61), and ex-USS Constellation (CV-64). Google Earth image dated 29 January 2017.

William comments:

"No significant progress on ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60) on north side of channel. Work appears to have stopped some months ago."

Jeff Suhs (25 April 2017) notes: "The scrapping of the U.S.S. Saratoga has ceased indefinitely. The company which was awarded the recycling project by the Navy, ESCO Marine, filed bankruptcy in March 2015. No further scrapping has been done on the Saratoga since then and none is scheduled to continue until ESCO Marine reorganizes post-bankruptcy, or new investors purchase the company's assets."

Ron Reeves (23 May 2017) adds: "ESCO is in receivership, the court owns the vessel pending litigation in the bankruptcy trial, so no work being done to finish her off."

"The entire flight deck of ex-USS Ranger (CV-61) has been removed, left (west) south side of the shipping channel."

"Scrapping of ex-USS Constellation (CV-64) appears just about complete. Less than 1/2 of the hull appears to remain and the hulk is being winched in to the south shore in the demolition slip as it is scrapped from fore to aft. It should be completely gone by the next Google Earth photo and I expect that the CV-61 hulk will be moved to the slip trench to complete the scrapping."

Google Earth image via William Stevens (USN, Ret.)
CV-60
NS0260ap
101k

USS Saratoga (CVA/CV-60) Veterans pose with the ship's nameplate, Naval Station Mayport, Florida. Photo published on 18 January 2019. USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is in the background.

Yu Chu

For more information about this ship, see:

Read the
USS SARATOGA (CVA-60 / CV-60) DANFS History entry

Crew Contact and Reunion Information
Date:  
Place:  
Contact: Mr. Brad Senter
Address: 1302-28th Avenue North — Texas City, TX 77590
Phone: (toll free) 1-877-360-SARA (7272)
E-mail: USS Saratoga Association
Web site: USS Saratoga Association
Remarks:  

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Last update: 6 March 2024