CVA-62 was named after "famous ships of the past" that had borne the name Independence:

1. A Continental Navy sloop built in Baltimore, Maryland, and purchased and fitted out by the Marine Committee. She was in Quiberon Bay, 14 February 1778, when John Paul Jones in Ranger received the first national salute to the flag, first official recognition of the American Republic by a foreign power.
2. A ship of the line.
3. A steamer.
4. A WW II small aircraft carrier.

"(NY26)NEW YORK, July 1[, 1955]—LAY KEEL FOR HUGE CARRIER—Keel plate for 60,000-ton aircraft carrier Independence is lowered into place today at New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, where the Forrestal class warship is being built. The carrier, which will have an overall length of 1,046 feet, will cost more than $200,000,000 and will take more than three years to complete.(APWirephoto)."

The future USS Independence (CVA-62) under construction, New York Navy Yard. Photo is dated 21 September 1955.

"BIG MOVE: In Brooklyn, N.Y.—Navy tugs maneuvered the new supercarrier Independence to a new location in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where facilities are available to complete work on the flight deck. The 60,000-ton warship—fourth in a line of Forrestal-class carriers—is about 65 percent completed.—A.P. wirephoto." 26 August 1957.

"Launching of carrier Independence was done in drydock, as with other large ships. First wetting of ship's keel was performed by opening flood gates."

Photo from All Hands magazine, October 1957 issue.

"NEW YORK, June 7[, 1958]—SALUTE TO NAVY'S LATEST ADDITION—This is general view of crowd at christening ceremony for bunting-decorated 60,000[-ton] aircraft carrier Independence at Brooklyn Navy Yard yesterday. Sailor saluting the Navy's newest pride is Seaman Carrol Lee Soderquist of Detroit. (AP Wirephoto)(pr70840JR)1958"

Independence (CVA-62) during her first sea trials, September 1958.

Sea trials of Independence (CVA-62), Brooklyn, 1958. Notice the ice.

Independence (CVA-62) going under the Manhattan Bridge, New York, 1959. Note the tilted mast.

Leaving Brooklyn Navy Yard, February 1959.

From the collection of Edmund H. Cokely, CWO2, USN (Retired) who was Electrical Ship Superintendent for USS Independence.

USS Independence (CVA-62) photographed in April 1959, during her shakedown cruise. Planes on deck include the following types: Douglas A3D Skywarrior (including Bu # 135420, an A3D-1); Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk (including Bu #s 142708 and 142712); McDonnell F3H-2 Demon (including Bu #s 143434, 143447, 143448 and 143474); Vought F8U-1 Crusader (including Bu #s 145386 and 145429). Note paint pattern on the carrier's landing path.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1041841).

USS Independence (CVA 62) with Carrier Air Group 7 (CVG-7) aboard, headed for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Official USN photograph, USN 1023567, dated April 1959. Released. From US Naval Photographic Center, US Naval Station, Washington DC.

Crew on Liberty Launch near "Gitmo," 1959.

"While we were under way, I climbed onto a large antenna that hung down from the front corner of the flight deck. I pointed my camera toward the bow and took a shot. The wind was so strong it ripped the buttons off of my shirt. I found out later that it was a radio antenna and if someone would have sent a message I would have been fried. I was young and foolish."

USS Independence (CVA-62) underway near "Gitmo," 1959, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7 aboard.

USS Hawkins (DDR-873) alongside the newly-completed USS Independence (CVA-62) during replenishment exercises, May 1959.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 99066).

Official US Navy Photograph #USN-1044587. This is a shot of two A3D-2 Skywarriors of the "Smokin' Tigers" VAH-1 getting ready to launch from USS Independence (CVA-62). This photo from the US Naval Photographic Center, US Naval Station Anacostia, Washington 25, D.C. is dated 9 October 1959. I believe this is the date that they received the photo, because I know that this photo was taken during Indy's shakedown cruise to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 22 April–30 June 1959.

NS026253: Official U.S. Navy photograph of a Chance-Vought F8U-2 Crusader of Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Vagabonds"/"Jolly Rogers" preparing for a catapult launch aboard USS Independence (CVA-62). Possibly taken on 24 September 1959.

NS026254: U.S. Navy photo of Chance-Vought F8U-2 Crusaders of VF-84 "Vagabonds"/"Jolly Rogers" being prepared for launching from the carrier Independence. They have their wings pivoted up for take-off; in flight they will lower flush with the fuselage. Aircraft are BuNos 145572 (modex AG-206), 145585 (AG-212) and 145587 (AG-213); 145585 crashed near Cecil Field, FL, on 24 August 1964. The picture was probably taken on 9 October 1959. Photo and partial text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

VF-84 "Vagabonds" was established on 1 July 1955 and equipped with FJ-3 Furies. At the time, "Jolly Rogers" was the nickname of another fighter squadron, VF-61. The latter was disestablished on 15 April 1959 and its skipper, CDR R.T. Hoppe, assumed command of VF-84 the following month; a number of VF-61 pilots were transferred along with their commanding officer. Subsequently, a formal request to transfer the "Jolly Rogers" name and fin-flash over to VF-84 was submitted to the CNO. The request was approved on 1 April 1960, and VF-84 formally became the "Jolly Rogers" and acquired the skull and crossbones fin-flash. All of the squadron's Crusaders retained the fiery intakes, and the black band with yellow edging and chevrons of the old squadron, and got a small pirate flag painted on the fuselage, a symbolic merging of VF-84 and -61 designs.

VF-84 was the first fleet unit to receive the F8U-2 (F-8C under the 1962 designation system) variant of the Crusader, 4 April 1959.

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.

F3H-2 Demon, BuNo 143449, modex AG-101, Fighter Squadron (VF) 41 "Black Aces," Naval Weapons Meet, MCASS Yuma, AZ, 3 December 1959. While equipped with Demons, and as part of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, VF-41 operated from USS Independence (CVA-62) between 1959 and 1961.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo.

F8U-2 (F-8C under the 1962 designation system) Crusader, BuNo 145575 (modex AG-207), Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers," NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts, circa 1960–1962. In those years, VF-84 was part of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7 and deployed with USS Independence (CVA-62).

F8U-2 (F-8C under the 1962 designation system) Crusader, BuNo 145574, modex AG-210, Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers." VF-84 flew F8U-2/F-8Cs from USS Independence (CVA-62) in 1960–1964.

USS Neosho (AO-143) refuels USS Independence (CVA-62) and USS Dyess (DDR-880), during Atlantic fleet operations, Sunday, 9 July 1961.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # USN 1075733.

The single Vought F8U-1T (TF-8A under the September 1962 designation system) Crusader during carrier suitability tests on a catapult of USS Independence (CVA-62), 1962.

BuNo 143710 was the 74th standard Crusader and had also served as the prototype for the F8U-2NE (F-8E) variant.

NS0262aua: National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.7359.011.

A3D-2 Skywarrior, BuNo 144626, modex AG-610, Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers," Carrier Air Group (CAG) 7, USS Independence (CVA-62), in flight circa 1962.

On 28 December 1962, flying with VAH-5 "Savage Sons" off USS Forrestal (CVA-59), and after five aborted recovery attempts aboard the carrier, this aircraft was diverted to Alghero, Sicily, but it never arrived.

(Note: This may be the same Skywarrior in photo NS0262afa.)

Four U.S. Marine Corps Douglas F4D-1 Skyray of Marine All-Weather Fighter Squadron VMF(AW) 115 "Able Eagles" in flight. VMF(AW)-115 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7 aboard USS Independence (CVA-62) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 19 April to 27 August 1962.

Aircraft are, clockwise from top: BuNo 139084 (modex AG-104), 139207 (AG-110, the final Skyray), 139196 (AG-105), and 139065 (AG-112).

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.7328.036.

USS Independence (CVA-62), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, 11 May 1962, off Cannes, France.

Visible, parked on deck, are A3D-2 Skywarriors from VAH-1 "Smokin' Tigers;" A4D-2N and A4D-2 Skyhawks from VA-72 "Blue Hawks" and VA-86 "Sidewinders," respectively; and F4D-1 Skyrays from VMF(AW)-115 "Able Eagles."

Photos by Marius Bar (Toulon, France).

Naples, 7–10 June 1962.

Crewmembers man the rail as the ship is visited by Prince Rainer and Princess Grace of Monaco, while anchored off Cannes, France, 5 July 1962. USS Compton (DD-705) is in the background.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1061608).

Official U.S. Navy photograph (#USN 1061619) of USS Independence (CVA-62) in the Mediterranean with the Italian training ship Amerigo Vespucci. Dated 12 July 1962.

USN Photographic Center, US Naval Station, Washington 25, DC. Photos by PHCM Joseph Stead.

Official U.S. Navy photograph (#USN 1061621) of USS Independence (CVA-62), as above.

Color postcard of USS Independence (CVA-62) underway. Judging from aircraft on deck the photo might have been taken during the Cuban missile crisis (October–November 1962).

"[T]wo pictures of the USS Independence that were taken by my father in July of 1963 as we were entering Guantanamo Bay Cuba on our way to the United States from Panama aboard the [USNS] Geiger."

USS Independence puts on a demonstration of air power in the Mediterranean in 1963. The formation includes three A-5 Vigilante attack aircraft followed by three F‑4B Phantom IIs, three F-8 Crusaders and three A-4 Skyhawks. U.S. Navy photo.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

A-5A Vigilante, BuNo 149299, modex AG612, Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers," Carrier Air Group (CAG) 7, made an emergency barricade recovery aboard USS Independence (CVA-62). Date is believed to be 23 August 1963, at 1709. Plane guard destroyer in the background is possibly USS William C. Lawe (DD-763).

USS Independence (CVA-62) underway, circa 1963–1964. (USN.)

Crusader about to recover aboard USS Independence (CVA-62), circa April–August 1962.

Planes on flight deck: F8U-2 Crusader, BuNo 146933, modex AG-203, Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers." A3D-2 Skywarrior, BuNo 144626?, AG-610, Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers." F4D-1 Skyray, 139065?, AG-112?, Marine All-Weather Fighter Squadron (VMF(AW)) 115 "Able Eagles."

USS Independence (CVA-62), circa 1963–1964. A-5A Vigilantes of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers" spotted abaft the island.

Aircraft of Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7—redesignated Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 on 20 December 1963—, circa 1963–1964.

As seen in photo NS0262ara: Left top: A-4C Skyhawks of (possibly) Attack Squadron (VA) 72 "Blue Hawks." Left bottom: F-8C Crusaders of Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers." Right top: F-4B Phantom IIs of VF-41 "Black Aces." Right bottom: A-5A Vigilantes of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers."

F8U-2 Crusaders, Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers."

Landing Signal Officers (LSOs), 1963–1964 Mediterranean Cruise. Left to right: Dick Forton, Bill Buc, Bill Wheat.

A-4C Skyhawk, BuNo 148502 (modex AG-308), Attack Squadron (VA) 72 "Blue Hawks," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7—redesignated Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 on 20 December 1963—.

F-8C Crusaders, BuNo 146983 (modex AG-205) and 146957 (AG-214), Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers." Note extended tailhooks in photo NS0262are.

(BuNo 146957 crashed into Currituck Sound, NC, 5 April 1966.)

F-8C BuNo 146963 (modex AG-204), Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers."

Same aircraft, ready to launch.

BuNo 146963 again. This Crusader is preserved at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.

Compared to photo above, different markings indicate different deployments.

Unidentified F-8C Crusader, Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers," about to recover aboard USS Independence (CVA-62).

F-8C Crusader, modex AG-206 (BuNo 145549?), Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, USS Independence (CVA-62).

F-8C Crusader, modex AG-207 (BuNo 145575?), Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, USS Independence (CVA-62).

F-8C Crusader, BuNo 145575 (modex AG-207), Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, USS Independence (CVA-62).

Compared to photo above, different markings indicate different deployments.

F-8C Crusader, BuNo 146948 (modex AG-208), Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, USS Independence (CVA-62).

Note different markings, which indicate different deployments.

F-8C Crusader, BuNo 145585? (modex AG-212), Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, USS Independence (CVA-62).

Note markings.

F-8C Crusader, BuNo 146957 (modex AG-214), Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, USS Independence (CVA-62), circa 1963–1964.

Bill landing at NAS Dallas, en route to Yuma, AZ. BuNo 145559, modex AG-200, Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers."

Inspection aboard USS Independence (CVA-62), probably in Norfolk.

Note tail of F-8C (later upgraded to F-8K) Crusader BuNo 145575, modex AG-207, Fighter Squadron (VF) 84 "Jolly Rogers."

A-5A Vigilantes from Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers" spotted on USS Independence (CVA-62), in a photo dated 31 January 1964. Front to back: BuNo 149288 (modex AG-603), BuNo 149292 (AG-609), BuNo 149295 (AG-607), BuNo unknown (AG-605), and BuNo 149299 (AG-612). The F-4B Phantom II is from Fighter Squadron (VF) 41 "Black Aces."

Official U.S. Navy photograph of an F-8C Crusader of VF-84 "Jolly Rogers" launching from USS Independence (CVA-62) in February 1964, during a Mediterranean cruise (6 August 1963–4 March 1964).

USS Independence (CVA-62) is welcomed to New York Harbor by a fire tug, 3 July 1964. The carrier, whose rails are manned in this photo, was en route to a 4th of July visit to the World's Fair. Photographed by PH1 R.C. Lister.

Note that Independence has three types of attack aircraft embarked: A-1, A-4 and A-6, as well as F-4 and F-8 fighters and E-1 early warning planes.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (# NH 97713).

An A-6A Intruder [(VA-75 "Sunday Punchers")] being catapulted from USS Independence (CVA-62) while an A-4E Skyhawk [(VA-86 "Sidewinders")] is readied for launching [, mid-1960s]. (PHC R.C.Lister, USN.)

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

A Grumman A-6A Intruder [(BuNo 151583, modex AG506, VA-75 "Sunday Punchers")] about to be catapulted from the aircraft carrier USS Independence just before the carrier sailed for Vietnam to enter combat with the first Intruder squadron. U.S. Navy photo by PHC R.C. Lister.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

A pair of Grumman A-6A Intruders (BuNo 151589, modex AG508, and BuNo 151591, AG511) of Attack Squadron (VA) 75, from the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA-62) in flight, circa 1964–1965.

Official US Navy photo taken from United States Navy Aircraft since 1911, by Gordon Swanborough and Peter M. Bowers.

Two U.S. Navy Grumman A-6A Intruders (BuNo 149948, modex AG510; and BuNo 149944, AG511) of Attack Squadron (VA) 75 "Sunday Punchers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, from the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA-62), circa 1965–66. USN photo.

From The World's Fighting Planes, by William Green.

An A-4 Skyhawk from the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA-62) starts to pull up after attacking railway rollings stock at Van Hoi, North Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo.

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers, by Norman Polmar.

"The attack aircraft carrier USS Independence ended five months of combat operations with the U.S. Seventh Fleet in the South China Sea on December 13, 1965 when she returned to her home port of Norfolk, Virginia."

"Independence, the first Atlantic Fleet attack carrier to deploy to the South China Sea area, launched over 7,000 combat sorties against the enemy and participated in the first major series of coordinated strikes against vital enemy supply lines north of the Hanoi-Haiphong complex. During these strikes, aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 7 successfully evaded one of the first massive surface-to-air missile barrages in aviation history while attacking assigned targets and executing one of the first successful attacks on an enemy surface-to-air missile installation."

"Independence is commanded by Captain John E. Kennedy, USN, of Rice Lake, Wisconsin."

"Official U.S. Navy photos released by Department of Defense, Washington, D.C. December 21, 1965."

"CVA62-3646-7-65—North American (Rockwell) RA-5C Vigilante being launched from the starboard catapult of the attack aircraft carrier USS Independence on a mission over Vietnam."

This Vigilante, possibly BuNo 149287, modex AG601, was attached to Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadron (RVAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers."

Jeremiah Andrew Denton, Jr. served as United States Naval Aviator during the Vietnam War and was the Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron Seventy-Five (VA-75) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA-62). On 18 July 1965, then-Commander Denton was flying an A-6A Intruder (Bureau Number 151577) off the Independence with Lieutenant (JG) Bill Tschudy, his navigator/bombardier, leading twenty-eight planes on a bombing mission. They ejected when their jet was shot down over the city of Thanh Hoa in North Vietnam, and they were captured and taken prisoner by the North Vietnamese. Denton and Tschudy were both held as prisoners of war for almost eight years, four of which were spent in solitary confinement. Denton is best known from this period of his life for the 1966 televised press conference in which he was forced to participate as an American POW by his North Vietnamese captors. He used the opportunity to communicate successfully and to confirm for the first time to the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence and Americans that American POWs were being tortured in North Vietnam. He repeatedly blinked his eyes in Morse code during the interview, spelling out the word, "T-O-R-T-U-R-E". He was also questioned about his support for the U.S. war in Vietnam, to which he replied: "I don't know what is happening, but whatever the position of my government is, I support it fully. Whatever the position of my government, I believe in it, yes sir. I am a member of that government, and it is my job to support it, and I will as long as I live." While a prisoner, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. Denton was later awarded the Navy Cross and several other decorations, mostly for heroism while a prisoner of war. Denton was put in the "Hanoi Hilton" and the "Zoo" prison and prison camp and "Little Vegas" and "Alcatraz" prisons. In "Alcatraz", he became part of a group of American POWs known as the "Alcatraz Gang". The group consisted of James Mulligan, George Thomas Coker, George McKnight, James Stockdale, Harry Jenkins, Sam Johnson, Howard Rutledge, Robert Shumaker, Ronald Storz and Nels Tanner. They were put in "Alcatraz" and solitary confinement to separate them from other POWs because their strong resistance led other POWs in resisting their captors. "Alcatraz" was a special facility in a courtyard behind the North Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense, located about one mile away from Hoa Lo Prison. Each of the American POWs spent day and night in windowless 3-by-9-foot (0.91 m × 2.74 m) cells mostly in irons. On February 12, 1973, both Denton and Tschudy were released in Hanoi by the North Vietnamese along with numerous other American POWs during Operation Homecoming. Stepping off the jet back home in uniform, Denton said: "We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances. We are profoundly grateful to our Commander-in-Chief and to our nation for this day. God bless America." The speech has a prominent place in the 1987 documentary, Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam.

Following his retirement from naval service, Denton was a U.S. Senator from the State of Alabama (1981–1987). Rear Admiral Denton died in Virginia Beach on 28 March 2014. He was 89 years old.

USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG-129) was named after him.

An E-1B Tracer, VAW-12 Det. 62 "Bats" (with "Dead Eye" painted on its nose) lands aboard USS Independence (CVA-62) in this September 1965 photo. In the foreground, we see an A-6A Intruder (BuNo 151583), VA-75 "Sunday Punchers;" two F-4B Phantom IIs, at least one of them from VF-41 "Black Aces;" two RA-5C Vigilantes, RVAH-1 "Smokin' Tigers;" what appears to an A-3B Skywarrior, VAH-4 Det. 62 "Fourrunners;" and a small fragment of the tail of an EA-1F Skyraider, VAW-13 Det. 1 "Zappers." Note the F-4 crew on standby by the A-6, as well as the "brown shirt" and another sailor watching nearby.

A Fletcher-class destroyer steams astern, on plane guard duty.

Official U.S. Navy Photo, # KN-12934

U.S. Naval War College Professor Emeritus Porter Alexander Halyburton delivers a lecture at the Naval War College, 8 May 2012, about his time as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Halyburton was declared killed-in-action after his plane was shot down and the photo projected behind him is of his own gravestone. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Dietrich (# 120508-N-LE393-023).

LT(JG), later LCDR, Halyburton was the RIO of an F-4B Phantom II (BuNo 151515, AG205, VF-84 "Jolly Rogers," CVW-7) shot down on 17 October 1965, in Long Son province, some 40 miles east of the city of Thai Nguyen. (See "Halyburton, Porter Alexander," for more info.)

RFA Tidereach (A96) refuels USS Independence (CVA-62) in the Strait of Malacca, 18 November 1965. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 deployed aboard Indy.

U.S. Navy photo.

USS Independence (CVA-62) (foreground) and USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) rendezvous in the Indian Ocean on 21 November 1965. Independence was en route to Norfolk, Virginia, after six months "on the line" off Vietnam. Enterprise was headed for combat duty in Vietnamese waters. Photographed by PH3 E.R. Pomponio.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (# NH 97717).

On 25 June 1968 the U.S. Sixth Fleet celebrated its 20th anniversary with a close formation, an air power demonstration, a 20-gun salute and a pass-in-review. The crews of (top to bottom) USS Independence (CVA-62), USS Sylvania (AFS-2) and USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) spell out "POWER FOR PEACE", Sixth Fleet's motto.

A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 147728, modex AG-507) from Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron (VSF) 1 "War Eagles" in flight circa 1968. VSF-1 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 aboard USS Independence (CVA-62) for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 30 April 1968 to 27 January 1969.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.253.4222.

USS Independence (CVA-62) underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, circa 1968–1969.

USS America (CVA-66), left; USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), framed in red; and USS Independence (CVA-62), framed in yellow. Norfolk Naval Shipyard, (probably) first half of 1969.

The photo clearly shows the size and design differences between the ships. FDR was designed and built during WW II to operate piston-engined aircraft; the ship was eventually upgraded to operate jets. America (Kitty Hawk-class) and Indy (Forrestal-class) were cold-war ships designed from the start to accommodate jet aircraft.

USS Independence (CVA-62), 1969.

USS Independence (CV-62) photographed circa the 1970s.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (# NH 97714-KN).

An A-6A Intruder, BuNo 152942, of VA-65 "Tigers," being hoisted aboard USS Independence (CVA-62), alongside the carrier pier at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, sometime in 1970–1972. The "AG" tail code indicated Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, and the double zeros on the fin indicated this was a CAG (Commander, Carrier Air Group/Wing) bird.

USS Independence (CVA-62) underway during her eighth Mediterranean cruise, 16 September 1971–16 March 1972, with aircraft of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 aboard.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 2001.205.083.

HMS Ark Royal (R09), leader of TF 401.2, steams in company with USS Independence (CVA-62), leader of TF 401.1, while sailing towards the Arctic Circle to participate in Exercise Royal Knight, September 1971. Ark Royal was joined by USS Newport News (CA-148), flagship of the Commander-in-Chief of the Atlantic Striking Fleet, Vice-Admiral Vincent du Poix; by USS Dahlgren (DLG-12); by HMS Jupiter (F60); and by the Dutch Frigates HNLMS Noord Brabant [(D810)] and Tjerk Hiddes [(F804)]. Photo taken from the cockpit of a Gannet AEW Mk.3, belonging to "B" Flight, No.849 Sqd.

Photo and text from Phoenix Squadron, by Rowland White.

While operating in the Mediterranean, [HMS] Ark Royal's 892 Sqd Phantom F.G.Mk.1's flew off the deck of USS Independence [(CVA-62), early 1972]. Here one of the British jets streaks down the catapult of the American carrier past a US Navy SH-3 Sea King and the tail and folded wing of an A-7 Corsair II attack jet. Photo courtesy Nick Kerr.

Photo and text from Phoenix Squadron, by Rowland White.

"President Richard M. Nixon and crowd salute and sing 'Star Spangled Banner' during Armed Forces Day speech at Pier 12 Norfolk, Virginia. Virginia Governor L. Holton is on the President's left and Mrs. Nixon on his right." U.S. Navy photograph by PH3 Steven J. Clem (# CV62 1189-5-73, USS Independence CV-62), 19 May 1973.

USS Independence (CV-62) underway in the Eastern Mediterranean, 20 December 1973, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. Photo K-10-582 by PH1 H.M. Webb, USN.

USNS Marias (T-AO 57) underway alongside USS Independence (CV-62) during an underway replenishment in the 1970s. Aft of the island is a North American RA-5C Vigilante which was last deployed in Independence in 1977. The two planes between the RA-5C and the island could either be Grumman C-1 Trader COD aircraft or Grumman S-2 Tracker ASW aircraft. As there are two planes, which would be unusual for COD aircraft, the picture was most probably taken in between 1973 and 1975, when Independence had an S-2 Tracker ASW squadron as part of her air group. (In fact, the Vigi appears to be attached to RVAH-9 "Hoot Owls," which would date the photo to circa July 1974–January 1975.)

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service photo VIRIN: DN-ST-88-03722.

Underway in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, 1 October 1974.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# KN-22669).

Catapult crewmen check the tension on the launch cable while preparing to catapult a F-4 Phantom II fighter, during flight operations in the Atlantic Ocean, October 1974. Photographed by JOCS R.P. Benjamin.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (# NH 97718).

Lieutenant Michael F. Jordan (center), Landing Signal Officer of Attack Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7), and two other landing signal personnel, man their stations during aircraft recovery on board Independence. The carrier was operating in the Mediterranean Sea. Photographed by PH1 Donald Grantham. This image was received by the Naval Photographic Center in October 1974.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (# NH 97719).

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

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

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

Grumman A-6E Intruder, BuNo 158792, modex AG507, VA-65 "Tigers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. Circa 1975.

Ling-Temco-Vought A-7E Corsair II, BuNo 157578, modex AG404, VA-12 "Flying Ubangis," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. Circa 1975.

I took this picture in the Mediterranean in 1976. It is of USS Independence (CV-62) and USS Paul (FF-1080).

USS Independence (CV-62) at anchor in Genoa, Italy, 30 October 1979. This was Indy's 14th Mediterranean deployment, the first with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6.

An aerial port view of USS Independence (CV-62), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6, anchored in the harbor, at Toulon, France, 10 November 1979. Photo by PHC C. Pedrick, USN.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 330-CFD_DN-SC-82-00312.

The USS Independence (CV-62) Carrier Battle Group anchored in the Rade de Vignettes, near Toulon, France, in November 1979, prior to its participating in French exercise (Invitex) Îles d'Or 1979.

Also visible in the photos are USS Mahan (DDG-42), USS Detroit (AOE-4), and USS Farragut (DDG-37).

USS Independence (CV-62) underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6, 1982–1985.

"CV-62 7th Fleet CV-41"
"The Great Turnover"
"USS Midway Independence"
"Pearl Harbor 1991"

USS Independence (CV-62) steaming alongside replenishment oiler USS Savannah (AOR-4), circa 1982–85.

Scanned from a Change of Command Ceremony booklet.

Captain Jerry Breast (CO, left) and crewmen paint a green C, for communications efficiency, on USS Independence (CV-62), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, February 20, 1982. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 M. Doran (DVIC id: DN-SN-82-10630).

USS Independence (CV-62), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6, background, relieves USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), with CVW-7, in the Mediterranean Sea, 29 June 1982.

NS026996: DOD Imagery photo # DN-SC-87-05092, by PH3 Ron Thigpen.

NS026996a: DOD Imagery photo # DN-SC-87-05099. (Note: Appears to have been taken on a different date.)

NS026996b: DOD Imagery photo # DN-SC-87-05090, by PH3 Ron Thigpen. (Independence in foreground.)

NS026996c: DOD Imagery photo # DN-SC-87-05093, by PH3 Ron Thigpen. (Independence in foreground.)

USS Independence (CV-62) conducting Fleet Carrier Qualifications in July 1984. This is BuNo 160777, YF/A-18A Hornet Full-Scale Development (FSD) aircraft #3. See also NS0266ba and NS0270ar.

USS Independence (CV-62) in the Suez Canal. Photo believed to have been taken on 8 November 1984.

USS Independence (CV-62) underway, 1988-1989 (note F/A-18 Hornet on port catapult and corresponding bridle catcher still in place).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center. (# NH 97715).

(Thanks to William F. Baca, who helped date this photo).

Left to right: USS Ranger (CV-61), USS Constellation (CV-64) and USS Independence (CV-62), Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, San Diego, California, circa 1989 (late 1988–early 1990).

View of USS Independence's island and masts. This photo was apparently taken circa the late 80s–early 90s.

USS Independence (CV-62), Vancouver, BC, circa 1988–1991.

USS Independence (CV-62), Vancouver, British Columbia, 10 August 1989.

Photos by Rick Garcia.

USS Independence (CV-62) underway. (From the Cruise Book.)

A B&W, but uncropped and cleaner, copy of the photo above. USS Independence (CV-62) underway with Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14) aboard.

Indy relieved on station by USS Midway (CV-41), November 1990. (From the Cruise Book.)

A bow view of the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62) underway in the Indian Ocean, 1(?) November 1990, with the frigate USS Reasoner (FF-1063) in the background. U.S. Navy photo by OS2 John Bouvia. (Photo available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-SC-92-05761.)

An F-14A Tomcat (probably BuNo 161617, modex NK202) of Fighter Squadron (VF) 21 "Free Lancers" positioned on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62) on 1(?) December 1990, during WestPac '90.

US Navy photo taken by OS2 John Bouvia, # DN-SC-92-04828.

San Diego Homecoming, December 20, 1990. (From the Cruise Book.)

USS Flint (AE-32) alongside USS Independence (CV-62) with Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) attached, circa either 1990, returning from Operation Desert Shield (most likely), or 1991 when Independence changed homeport to Japan.

Defense Imagery photo # DN-SC-92-08702.

F-14A Tomcat, modex NK-203 (BuNo 161445?, 161619?), Fighter Squadron (VF) 21 "Free Lancers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, flying above USS Independence (CV-62), circa 1990–1991.

Official US Navy photo.

An overhead view of the flight decks of the aircraft carriers USS Independence (CV-62), top, and USS Midway (CV-41), bottom, moored beside each other, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, 23 August 1991. A great detailed photo, showing the various aircraft of their Air Wings. Midway was en route from Naval Station, Yokosuka, Japan, to Naval Air Station, North Island, California, where she would be decommissioned in the spring of 1992. Independence would travel to Yokosuka to take over as the Navy's only forward-based aircraft carrier. US Navy photo by PH2 Omar Hasan. (Available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service as photo # DN-ST-9203042.)

As above.

A port beam view of the aircraft carriers USS Ranger (CV-61), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and USS Independence (CV-62), with CVW-5, underway in the Persian Gulf, 16 September 1992, during Operation Southern Watch, a multinational effort establishing a no-fly zone for Iraqi aircraft south of the 32nd parallel in Iraq.

US Navy photo by PH2 Andrew C. Heuer (SDAN: DN-ST-93-00101).

USS Independence (CV-62), and VFA-192 "World Famous Golden Dragons" F/A-18C Hornet, 1994.

A port quarter view of the destroyer USS Hewitt (DD-966) being assisted back into berth by two large harbor tugs, 3 May 1994, Yokosuka, Japan. The aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62) is moored to the right at the Piedmont pier, under the 450-ton hammerhead crane. Photo by PHAA Jason K. Trahan (# DN-SC-95-00375).

USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) transferring fuel to Independence (CV-62) in March 1996 off Taiwan, during the Taiwan Crisis. US Navy photo.

A port bow view showing USS Independence (CV-62) underway as an F-14A Tomcat from Fighter Squadron (VF) 154 "Black Knights," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, launches from the flight deck. Western Pacific, 10 March 1996.

Official USN photo, author unknown. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), # DN-SD-03-11973.

The forward-deployed aircraft carriers USS Nimitz (CVN-68), left, and USS Independence (CV-62), center, perform an underway turn-over Sept. 25, 1997, while steaming off the coast of Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Chris Ware. [970925-N-4778W-117].

Yokosuka, Japan, January 21, 1998 — Secretary of Defense William Cohen arrives aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62) via a U.S. Army Helicopter during his tour of Asia. Independence Battle Group, at its Forward Deployed homeport of Yokosuka, Japan, would soon deploy to replace the USS Nimitz Battle Group in the Persian Gulf as announced by the Secretary during his visit. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel A. Taylor (# 980121-N-0000T-001).

Two F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters make a low level pass over USS Independence (CV-62) during her transit to the Persian Gulf, 3 February 1998. Independence and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) would relieve USS Nimitz (CVN-68).

U.S. Navy photo by PH3 Keith Milam, USN (#980203-N-4016M-006).

USS Independence (CVA-62) was commissioned January 10, 1959, CAPT R. Y. McElroy, commanding. Here she makes a tight turn while patroling the Persian Gulf during Operation Southern Watch, February 11, 1998. Indy had Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) embarked. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Felix Garza (# 980211-N-4142G-014).

The aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62) pulls into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii passing the USS Arizona Memorial (right background) with the aid of tugboats, for the last time (July 17, 1998) as she was decommissioned in September 1998.

USN photo (# 980717-N-5961C-001) by PH1(NAC) Spike Call, available from the Defense Visual Information Center, id.: DN-SD-00-01116.

Naval Station Pearl Harbor, July 17, 1998 — The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) (left) docks alongside the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62). Following a turnover with the Independence, Kitty Hawk would take her place in Yokusuka, Japan, as the nation's only forward deployed carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Mahlon K. Miller (# 980717-N-0226M-005).

Another view, as above. USS Independence (CV-62), left; USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), right.

An aerial view showing part of Naval Station Pearl Harbor with the aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), left, and USS Independence (CV-62), right, tied up at the same dock (see above). Exercise RIMPAC '98, 17 July 1998.

US Navy photo by PH1(NAC) James G. McCarter, # 980717-N-3612M-002.

An aerial view showing part of Naval Station Pearl Harbor with the aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), right, and USS Independence (CV-62), left, tied up at the same dock (see above). Exercise RIMPAC '98, 17 July 1998.

US Navy photo by PH1(NAC) James G. McCarter, # 980717-N-3612M-001.

EA-6B Prowler landing aboard USS Independence.

Resting in her last home port, USS Independence (CV-62) is dressed out for her decommissioning ceremony in Bremerton, Washington, 30 September 1998. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Gloria J. Barry, USN (#980930-N-4541B-008).

US Navy sailors of USS Independence (CV-62) exit the ship and move on to the pier for the conclusion of the decommissioning ceremony, Bremerton, Washington, 30 September 1998. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Gloria J. Barry, USN (#980930-N-4541B-022).

USS Independence (CVA/CV-62), Unit Identification Mark (UIM) tab patch.

Part of USS Independence (CVA-62) Christening Program, Friday, 6 June 1958, New York Naval Shipyard, Naval Base, Brooklyn, New York.

USS Independence (CVA-62) Commissioning Program, Saturday, 10 January 1959, New York Naval Shipyard, Naval Base, Brooklyn, New York.

CVW-14, CV-62, WestPac 90 (23 June– 20 December 1990.)

U.S. Navy, Operation Desert Shield, 1990, CV-62.

Iraq Pac 90—USS Independence—CVW-14—Desert Shield—America's First Response.

USS Independence (CV-62), Carrier Air Wing 5, "Foreign Legion," 1991–1998.

VFA-192 "World Famous Golden Dragons," F/A-18C Hornet, Carrier Air Wing 5, USS Independence (CV-62), WestPac, 1991–1998.

VFA-27 "Royal Maces," F/A-18C(N) Hornet, Carrier Air Wing 5, USS Independence (CV-62), WestPac, 1997–1998.

Change of Command Ceremony, Monday, 28 July 1986. CAPT William R. Needham relieved CAPT Kenneth L. Carlsen as Commanding Officer, USS Independence (CV-62).

USS Independence, sticker.

Welcome Aboard booklet, 1990–91.

Welcome Aboard booklet, August 1997.

"USS Independence (CV 62), The Declaration, 'News for and about Freedom's Flagship', An Independence port visit to...Hong Kong, March 7-12, 1994, presented by Independence Public Affairs Office"

USS Independence (CV-62) Decommissioning Ceremony, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, 30 September 1998.

A rare, Town & Country, hand-painted Zippo made for USS Independence (CVA-62) in 1960.

One of the two screws from USS Independence on display in a park on the shore of the Laguna Madre in South Padre Island, Texas, 19 August 2019.

Flight of the Intruder, released in 1991, was made with complete US Navy cooperation, and USS Independence (CV-62) provided for two weeks of filming in November 1989. The movie was directed by John Milius and was based on the novel by Stephen Coonts (1986). Cast: Danny Glover, William Dafoe, Brad Johnson.

In this frame, LT Jake "Cool Hand" Grafton (Brad Johnson) is helping CDR Frank Camparelli (Danny Glover), whose Intruder, in the background, had been shot down shortly before. This aircraft is supposed to be BuNo 151105, modex NK501, assigned to VA-196. In fact, BuNo 151105 was an A-4E Skyhawk shot down in May 1968. VA-196 "Main Battery" was a real squadron that made seven deployments to Vietnam, two of them with side numbers in the 500 series aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) in 1971–72 and 1972–73. Although the plane is marked as being attached to Independence, in real life the "Main Battery" did not deploy aboard Indy until April 1990. All these discrepancies have to be accepted as "artistic licenses."

Bremerton, Wash., 2006. Four aircraft carriers (front to back, photo NS026245; left to right, photo NS026245a): ex-USS Independence (CV-62), ex-USS Constellation (CV-64), ex-USS Ranger (CV-61), and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). Also visible in these photos are two Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigates, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, a Knox-class frigate and the fast combat support ships ex-USS Sacramento (AOE-1) and ex-USS Camden (AOE-2).

Bremerton, Wash., circa April 2007. Ex-USS Sides (FFG-14), ex-USS Independence (CV-62), and ex-USS Constellation (CV-64), among other decommissioned ships.

A shot showing the bows of ex-USS Independence (CV-62), foreground, then ex-USS Constellation (CV-64) beyond, and lastly ex-USS Ranger (CV-61). Bremerton, Wash., 17 November 2007.

Eight views of ex-USS Independence (CV-62) at Puget Sound, Wash., taken on Tuesday, 8 July 2008. Also partially visible in some of these photos are ex-USS Constellation (CV-64), ex-USS Ranger (CV-61), and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74).

NS026248h: Indy's island and "Belknap mast" from dead ahead.

Decommissioned ex-USS Independence (CV-62), Bremerton, Wash., 17 October 2008.

Ex-Constellation (CV-64) and ex-Ranger (CV-61) are partly visible beyond Independence.

Decommissioned ex-USS Independence (CV-62), Bremerton, Wash., February 2009.

Ex-Constellation (CV-64) and ex-Ranger (CV-61) are partly visible beyond Independence.

Aerial view of Bremerton, WA, 10 March 2009. Left to right: ex-Independence (CV-62), ex-Constellation (CV-64), ex-Sides (FFG-14), ex-George Philip (FFG-12), ex-Ranger (CV-61), and ex-Vincennes (CG-49).

Series of screen shots from Google Maps pieced together by John Slaughter. Left to right: ex-USS Independence (CV-62), ex-USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), ex-USS Constellation (CV-64), and ex-USS Ranger (CV-61), Bremerton, WA, circa 2010.

John comments: «Indy and Connie are showing signs of weathering. They are both in the early stages of being readied for scrapping. Kitty Hawk is still listed as in reserve. I guess that's in case something disastrous happened to one of the active carriers. Ranger's flight deck is covered with something like a rubber coating about 3" thick to protect it. This is because of the efforts going on to save her as a museum. Less maintenance. I measured Kitty Hawk's flight deck in the picture and then, using that as a scale, I measured the gap between her and Indy. Their flight decks, by my rough estimate, are less than 10' apart.»

Stern view of ex-USS Independence (CV-62) at her moorings at Inactive Ships On-site Maintenance Office, Bremerton, WA. USN photo. (10 July 2010?).

Ex-USS Independence (CV-62), left, and ex-USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), right. Saturday, 11 February 2017.

Series of four photos taken by Robert Hall on 27 May 2011.

NS026281 & NS026281b: Ex-Independence (CV-62), with the island of ex-Constellation (CV-64) in the background.

NS026281c: Left to right: Stern of ex-Independence (CV-62), bow of ex-Kitty Hawk (CV-63), island and port elevator of ex-Constellation (CV-64), and island of ex-Ranger (CV-61).

The Last Voyage—Ex-USS Independence departed Bremerton, under tow, 11 March 2017, on her way to the scrappers.

Tugs made up and lines being cast off just prior to getting underway in heavy rain. Tug Lindsey Foss is on the left side of the picture. Ex-USS Kitty Hawk to the right of Indy.

Here is a video by Vern Bouwman, with more photos © by Ray F. Longaker, Jr., documenting Indy's departure from Bremerton.

The Last Voyage—Ex-USS Independence departed Bremerton, under tow, 11 March 2017, on her way to the scrappers.

Ex-Independence (CV-62) standing out of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard—Sinclair Inlet—for sea, under tow. Tugs are, left to right: Henry Foss, Andrew Foss, and Lindsey Foss.

Here is a video by Vern Bouwman, with more photos © by Ray F. Longaker, Jr., documenting Indy's departure from Bremerton.

M/V Dino Chouest towing ex-USS Independence (CV-62), standing out to sea. Photos ©Jack Landstrom. Vern comments: "[These photos] were taken in the vicinity of Sequim, WA at Diamond Point looking North-East I believe with the Whidbey Island bluff in the background. Great shots by Jack in poor weather conditions in which there was a brief Sun-Break whereas Jack was able to get these shots."

The Last Voyage—Ex-USS Independence departed Bremerton, under tow, 11 March 2017, on her way to the scrappers.

Tug boats tow the decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-Independence (CV-62) through the Sinclair Inlet, 11 March 2017, en route to Brownsville, Texas, for dismantling by International Shipbreaking Ltd. Independence was commissioned on 10 January 1959, and was the fourth and final of the Forrestal-class carriers.

U.S. Navy photo, # 170311-N-KW311-00X.

The decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-Independence is towed through the Sinclair Inlet, 11 March 2017, en route to Brownsville, Texas, for dismantling.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vaughan Dill (# 170311-N-SH284-052).

As above.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vaughan Dill (# 170311-N-SH284-061).

Valparaiso, Chile, 18 April 2017.

Strait of Magellan, 5 May 2017.

Four photos of Indy completing her final cruise and arriving in Brownsville, TX, 1 June 2017.

Photos by Gil Ramirez, who served aboard Indy. Kory Mehrer served aboard Indy and aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) during his time in the Navy.

Ex-USS Independence (CV-62) passes through Brazos Santiago Pass and turns into the Brownsville Ship Channel, 1 June 2017. Compare these to similar pictures on the USS Forrestal (CV-59), USS Ranger (CV-61), and USS Constellation (CV-64) pages. Along with these great and important ships—and USS Saratoga (CV-60)— Indy will be scrapped in Brownsville.

Ex-USS Independence (CV-62) on her last voyage.