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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


Contributed by Mike Smolinski

USS INDEPENDENCE   (CVA-62)
(later CV-62)

U.S.S. INDEPENDENCE
Courtesy of Al Grazevich



Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign: November - November - Quebec - November
Tactical Voice Radio Call: "GUN TRAIN"


Unit Awards, Campaign and Service Medals and Ribbons

   

Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row: Navy Unit Commendation (4) / Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
2nd Row: Navy "E" Ribbon (2) / Navy Expeditionary Medal (3) / National Defense Service Medal (2)
3rd Row: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (5) / Vietnam Service Medal (1 star) / Southwest Asia Service Medal (2 stars)
4th Row: Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm) / Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal / Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)

CLASS - FORRESTAL
Displacement 56,000 Tons, Dimensions, 1046' 6" (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

Built by New York Navy. Awarded on 2 July 1954. Laid down on Friday, 1 July 1955; launched on Friday, 6 June 1958; commissioned on Saturday, 10 January 1959. Redesignated as a multimission carrier (CV 62) on Wednesday, 28 February 1973, after being modified to operate ASW aircraft. SLEP at Philadelphia Navy Yard 4/1985 to mid-1988.

Replaced Midway as forward-deployed carrier in Japan, 1991. Island was extensively enlarged during SLEP and other modernizations. Replaced by Kitty Hawk in July 1998 and decommissioned to reserve on 30 September 1998. Struck from the Navy list on 8 March 2004.

Contract awarded (25 August 2016) to International Shipbreaking Ltd. to tow the hulk to Brownsville, TX, and scrap it. Ex-Independence departed Bremerton on 11 March 2017, to be towed around South America. She arrived in Brownsville on 1 June 2017.

Status: Disposed of by recycling (scrapping/recycling), 1 February 2019.


Click On Image 
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
Namesake
CV-22 Independence
NS022225
141k

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.
US Navy illustration
Design & Construction
CVA-62 Independence
NS026285
54k

"(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)."

Ron Reeves
CVA-62 Independence
NS026263
601k

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

Robert Benoit,
U.S. Navy PH-2, 1957–1960
CVA-62 Independence
NS026274
107k

"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.

Tommy Trampp
CVA-62 Independence
NS026260
155k

"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.

Text from All Hands magazine, August 1965 issue.

All Hands magazine
CVA-62 Independence
NS026260a
142k

"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"

Tommy Trampp
CVA-62 Independence
NS026264
332k

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

Robert Benoit,
U.S. Navy PH-2, 1957–1960
CVA-62 Independence
NS026288
128k

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

Ron Reeves
CVA-62 Independence
NS026265
331k

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

Robert Benoit,
U.S. Navy PH-2, 1957–1960
As CVA-62 (1959–1973)
CVA-62 Independence
NS026238
184k

Leaving Brooklyn Navy Yard, February 1959.

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

John Dupre
CVA-62 Independence
NS026226
445k

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).

Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC)
CVA-62 Independence
NS026244
197k

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.

David Buell
CVA-62 Independence
NS026266
194k

Crew on Liberty Launch near "Gitmo," 1959.

Robert Benoit,
U.S. Navy PH-2, 1957–1960
CVA-62 Independence
NS026267
362k

"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."

Robert Benoit,
U.S. Navy PH-2, 1957–1960
CVA-62 Independence
NS026268
172k

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

Robert Benoit,
U.S. Navy PH-2, 1957–1960
CVA-62 Independence
NS026228
96k

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).

NHC
CVA-62 Independence
NS026257
128k

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.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-62 Independence
NS026253
151k

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). Believed to have been taken in the second half of 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. The picture must have been taken in late 1959 or early 1960, as it appeared in the May 1960 issue of Naval Aviation News. 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.

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-62 Independence
NS026254
131k Robert Hurst
CVA-62 Independence
NS026206
34k Profile view, undated. © Jim Clarke BT3
CVA-62 Independence, CVA-60 Saratoga, CVA-11 Intrepid
NS026222
125k

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 97716.

NH&HC
CVA-62 Independence + AO-143 + DDR-880
NS0262ah
474k

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.

Robert Hurst
CVA-62 Independence
NS026292
78k

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).

Jaume Cifré Sánchez
CVA-62 Independence
NS026292a
92k

USS Independence (CVA-62) deployed to the Mediterranean, with embarked Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, 19 April–27 August 1962. This was her third Med cruise.

The following photos were taken by André van Haute off Cannes, France. Independence called at Cannes 8–13 May, 2–15 July, and 10–12 August. Special thanks to Olivier van Gorp ("Pappy"), Belgian Air Force (Ret.), who submitted the pictures via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)



  CVA-62
NS0262af
377 Kb
A3D-2 Skywarrior, BuNo seems to be 138921, modex AG604, Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers." (BuNo 138921 was converted to a KA-3B in June 1967. It crashed near NAS Whidbey Island in April 1968, under the circumstances explained here—scroll down to page 13—.)
CVA-62
NS0262afa
469 Kb
A3D-2 Skywarriors, AG604 and AG610, VAH-1. The A3D-2 was redesignated A-3B in September 1962, under the new designation system. The nose of an F8U-2 (later F-8C) Crusader, AG204, VF-84 "Jolly Rogers," can be seen on the right.
 
CVA-62 Independence
NS026231
112k

Naples, 7–10 June 1962.

Photo by Jack C. Sofield
CVA-62 Independence
NS026227
97k

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).

NHC
CVA-62 Independence
NS026205
69k In July 1962, I was an AG-2 stationed aboard the USS Randolph (CVS-15). We were homeport out of Norfolk and operated as Task Group Alpha. In the Summer of 1962, Task Group Alpha went on a Med Cruise to give the USNA Middies a little at-sea time. While in the Med, we joined up with the USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) and USS Independence (CVA-62). With the three Carrier Task Forces combined, we had the largest gathering of US Naval Warships in the Med since the latter days of WWII. © Frank K. Roshto
CVA-62 Independence
NS026208
189k

Official U.S. Navy photograph (#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.

David Buell
CVA-62 Independence
NS026211
359k

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).

Omar Rubido (formerly) Armada Española
CVA-62 Independence
NS026283
36k

"[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."

John Crimmel
CVA-62 Independence
NS026283a
36k
CVA-62 Independence
NS026271
79k

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.

Robert Hurst
CVA-62 Independence
NS0262am
7.10M

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).

Joe Kaposi,
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-62 Independence
NS0262ama
111k From the USS Independence 1963–1964 Cruise Book
CVA-62 Independence
NS026210
79k

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

Robert Hurst
CVA-62 Independence
NS026255
72k

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).

Robert M. Cieri
CVA-62 Independence
NS026219
92k

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).

NHC
CVA-62 Independence
NS026204
44k Hampton Roads, Virginia, July 21, 1964. © Richard Leonhardt.
CVA-62 Independence
NS026216
59k An A-3B Skywarrior ("Whale"), BuNo 138974, assigned to VAH-11 "Checkertails" goes for #3 wire on USS Independence, probably in the second half of 1964. Good view of 5"/54 mounts. Edward Cleary
CVA-62 Independence
NS026251
143k

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.

Robert Hurst
CVA-62 Independence
NS026289
177k

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.

Robert Hurst
CVA-62 Independence
NS0262aj
84k

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.

Robert Hurst
CVA-62 Independence
NS0262ai
347k

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.

Robert Hurst
CVA-62 Independence
NS026280
131k

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.

Robert Hurst
CVA-62 Independence
NS0262ag
605k

"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."

Olivier van Gorp ("Pappy"),
Belgian Air Force (Ret.),
via Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
CVA-62 Independence
NS026278
42k

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.

Bill Gonyo
CVA-62 Independence
NS0262ab
485k

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

Yu Chu
CVA-62 Independence
NS026297
355k

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.)

USN
CVA-62 Independence
NS026295
581k

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.

Josep M. Ferrer
CVA-62 Independence, CVAN-65 Enterprise
NS026223
67k

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).

NHC
CVA-38 + AFS-2 + CVA-62
NS023871
49k

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.

Rebecca Parnell
CVA-62 Independence
NS0262ac
2.21M

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

Ron Reeves
CVA-62 Independence
NS024256
81k

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.

Steve Graham
CVA-62 Independence
NS026249
171k

USS Independence (CVA-62), 1969.

Courtesy of ©Windjammer-Arts Naval Art & Aviation Art
CV-62 Independence
NS026220
101k

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

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

NHC
CVA-62 Independence
NS0262aa
155k

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.

USN
CVA-62 Independence
NS0262al
216k

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.

Mike Green
CVA-62 Independence
NS026256
104k

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.

Robert Hurst
CVA-62 Independence
NS026258
92k

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.

Robert Hurst
As CV-62 (1973–1998)
CV-62 Independence
NS026259
142k

"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.

AMH1 Howard Bardsley III, USNR (Ret.)
CV-62 Independence
NS026259a
99k
CV-62 Independence
NS0262ak
631k

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.

Ron Reeves
CV-62 Independence
NS026202
138k Good detail of the ship's starboard side. Taken in January of 1974 on her return trip to the States from a 73-74 Med. cruise. USN
CV-62 Independence
NS091905710
1.2M

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.

USN
CV-62 Independence
NS026218
102k

Underway in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, 1 October 1974.

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

Scott Dyben
CV-62 Independence
NS026224
78k

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).

NHC
CV-62 Independence
NS026225
76k

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).

NHC
CVA-59 Forrestal + CV-62 Independence
NS0259bg
427k

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.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-62 Independence
NS026272
270k

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

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-62 Independence
NS026272a
219k

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

CV-62 Independence
NS026207
57k

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

Jeffrey Padell
CV-62 Independence
NS026209
23k Off Barcelona, Spain, on April 10, 1976.  Despite the distance the antennas of her SPS-30 height finder and her long-range air search SPS-43A can be clearly seen on the island (fore and aft, respectively).  Note, also, the location of the port side elevator, forward of the island, and how crowded the flight deck looks. © Fabio Peña 
CVA-62 Independence
NS026201
26k Small image, probably taken in the late 70s-early 80s. USN
CV-62 Independence
NS026232
114k A port bow view of the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62) underway in the Caribbean Sea, 19 January 1979. US Navy photo by PH1 Lincoln (DVIC id: DNSC8200354). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-62 Independence
NS026261
137k

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.

Carlo Martinelli
CV-62 Independence
NS026291c
1.27M

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.

NARA
CV-62 Independence
NS026291
117k

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).

DahliaBleue
CV-62 Independence
NS026291a
147k
CV-62 Independence
NS026291b
145k
CV-62 Independence
NS050142108
221k
CV-62 Independence
NS026233
142k A stern view of the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62) underway. Photo is dated 12 November 1979, but this might be incorrect. US Navy photo by PH1 R.J. Lincoln (DVIC id: DNSC8200353). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-62 Independence
NS026234
83k An overhead view of the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62) underway in the Atlantic Ocean as crewmen form the word "Indy" on the flight deck, 12 December 1979. The carrier was heading home from her 14th deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. US Navy photo by PHC C. Pedrick (DVIC id: DNSC8200286). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-62 Independence
NS026235
50k Atlantic Ocean, 12 December 1979 — Aerial view of the USS Independence (CV-62) battle group as it heads home from deployment in the Mediterranean Sea. The ships are, clockwise from top, USS Farragut (DDG-37), USS McCandless (FF-1084), USS Independence (CV-62), USS Detroit (AOE-4), USS Garcia (FF-1040), USS Mahan (DDG-42), USS Caron (DD-970) and USS Peterson (DD-969). US Navy photo by PHC C. Pedrick (DVIC id: DNSC8200297). Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-62 Independence
NS026229
2.00M

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

John Rutherford
Larger copy submitted by Ron Reeves
CV-62 Independence
NS026276a
202k

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

Scanned from a Change of Command Ceremony booklet.

Tom Armstrong
CV-62 Independence
NS026242
108k

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).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-62 + CVN-69 Eisenhower
NS026996
266k

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.)

DOD Imagery
CV-62 + CVN-69 Eisenhower
NS026996a
132k
CV-62 + CVN-69 Eisenhower
NS026996b
1.31M
CV-62 + CVN-69 Eisenhower
NS026996c
1.30M
CV-62 Independence
NS026212
282k

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

Mark Sprenkle
CV-62 Independence
NS026221
115k

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).

NHC
CV-62 Independence
NS026294
141k

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

Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR (Ret.)
CV-62 Independence
NS026262a
303k

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

David Freeburn, Vancouver, BC
CV-62 Independence
NS026262a
285k
CV-62 Independence
NS026262b
223k
CV-62 Independence
NS026262c
244k
CV-62 Independence
NS026262d
217k
CV-62 Independence
NS026262e
233k
CV-62 Independence
NS026279
118k

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

Photos by Rick Garcia.

Chris Howell,
New Zealand
CV-62 Independence
NS026279a
113k
CV-62 Independence
NS026279b
102k
WestPac, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf (Operation Desert Shield),
23 June-20 December 1990

CV-62 Independence
NS026239
93k

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

William F. Baca,
USS Independence, 1988-1992
CV-62 Independence
NS026239a
147k

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.

Wolfgang Hechler
CV-62 Independence
NS026240
87k

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

William F. Baca,
USS Independence, 1988-1992
CV-62 Independence
NS026273
145k

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.)

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-62 Independence
NS0262an
409k

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.

Robert Hurst
CV-62 Independence
NS026241
97k

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

William F. Baca,
USS Independence, 1988-1992
 
CV-62 Independence
NS09053213
65k

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.

Robert Hurst
CV-62 Independence
NS026215
56k North Island, San Diego, early 1991. Photo by AMS3 Rick Rowan
CV-62 Independence + CV-41 Midway
NS026252
154k

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.)

Robert M. Cieri
CV-61 Ranger
NS0261bg
334k

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).

Robert M. Cieri
CV-62 Independence
NS026250
258k

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

Courtesy of ©Windjammer-Arts Naval Art & Aviation Art
CV-62 Independence
NS0596627
135k

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).

Bill Gonyo
CV-62 Independence, AO-199 Tippecanoe
NS091919901
243k

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

MSC web site
CV-62 Independence
NS0262aq
649k

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.

DVIDS
CV-62 Independence
NS026203
155k USS Independence entering Apra Harbor, Guam, on 28 February 1997. Indy was the first carrier to enter Apra Harbor since USS Midway, 36 years earlier. USN

NS026811
46k

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].

USN

NS026237
144k

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).

Bill Gonyo
CV-62 Independence
NS026213
148k

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).

Alex Tatchin
CV-62 Independence
NS026243
113k

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).

Alex Tatchin

NS026236a
126k

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.

Bill Gonyo

NS026236
133k

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).

Bill Gonyo

NS026236b
191k

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

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-62 Independence
NS026230
2.60Mb

EA-6B Prowler landing aboard USS Independence.

U.S. Navy video.
Format: QuickTime (.MOV)  Duration: 11"  Size: 160 x 120

USN

NS026214
167k

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).

Robert M. Cieri

NS026214a
163k

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).

Memorabilia

NS026269
88k

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

Robert M. Cieri

NS0262ae
5.90M

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

Ron Reeves

NS026296
3.24M

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

AGCM Dale Burnell, plankowner,
via his son-in-law J. Vinny McCrum, Secretary, USSVI Volunteer Base

NS026287
42k

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

Tommy Trampp

NS026284
54k

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

Tommy Trampp

NS026284c
178k

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

Tommy Trampp

NS026284b
174k

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

Tommy Trampp

NS026284a
146k

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

Tommy Trampp

NS026276
2.26M

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

Tom Armstrong

NS026276b
23k

USS Independence, sticker.

Ron Reeves

NS026277
10.6M

Welcome Aboard booklet, 1990–91.

Wolfgang Hechler

NS026277a
5.34M

Welcome Aboard booklet, August 1997.

Manuel García García

NS026275
2.9M

"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"

Tom Armstrong

NS026214b
167k

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

Robert M. Cieri

NS026214c
74k

NS026214d
142k

NS026282
135k

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

John A. Altfeltis, USN Retired

NS026200
419k

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.

Leonard Waldorf

NS026200a
449k
In the Movies

NS0262ad
457k

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."

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Ex-USS Independence

NS026245
40k

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).

Jack Treutle

NS026245a
51k

NS026246
93k

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.

Mïk Watson

NS026247
85k

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.

Larry Lee

NS026248
85k

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.

Dave Nilsen

NS026248a
85k

NS026248b
85k

NS026248c
85k

NS026248d
85k

NS026248e
85k

NS026248f
85k

NS026248g
85k

NS026248h
110k

NS026248i
113k
ex-CV 62 Independence
NS026299
51k

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.

Photo by Bill Ellis,
via Scott Roche
(USS Ranger '87–89;
USS Independence '89–91)
ex-CV 62 Independence
NS026299a
52k
ex-CV 62 Independence
NS026270
79k

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

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

Scott Roche
(USS Ranger '87–89;
USS Independence '89–91)
ex-CV 62 Independence
NS026270a
123k
ex-CV 62 Independence
NS026270b
69k
ex-CV 62 Independence
NS026270c
71k
ex-CV 62 Independence
NS026270d
79k

NS0261ak
110k

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).

Ron Reeves

NS026180
207k

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.»

John Slaughter, Webmaster USS Ranger History & Memorial site.

NS026286
156k

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?).

Courtesy of tugster: a waterblog, via Robert Hurst.

NS0263cg
320k

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

Photo by Ron Jensen,
via Ron Reeves

NS026281
65k

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).

Robert Hall.

NS026281a
59k

NS026281b
42k

NS026281c
43k

NS026290a
190k

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.

© Ray F. Longaker, Jr., via Vern Bouwman and Ron Reeves

NS026290b
214k

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.

© Ray F. Longaker, Jr., via Vern Bouwman and Ron Reeves

NS026290c
168k

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."

©Jack Landstrom, via Vern Bouwman and Ron Reeves

NS026290d
154k

NS026290
29k

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

Bob Haner, YN1, USN (Ret.)

NS026290e
299k

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.

USN

NS026290f
294k

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).


NS026290g
360k

As above.

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


NS0262ao
121k

Valparaiso, Chile, 18 April 2017.

Courtesy of International Shipbreaking Port Of Brownsville.

NS0262ap
88k

Strait of Magellan, 5 May 2017.

Courtesy of International Shipbreaking Port Of Brownsville.

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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.

Gil Ramirez, via Kory Mehrer and Bob Haner, YN1, USN (Ret.)

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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.

Philip Smith

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

Yu Chu

For more information about this ship, see:

Read the
USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA / CV 62) DANFS History entry

Crew Contact and Reunion Information Web Sites
U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation
Fleet Reserve Association
USS Independence Association
Contact Name: Lewis H. Amos
Address:1807 Hicks Circle
Roxboro, NC 27573
Phone: 336-599-7222
E-mail: None

Additional Resources
Hazegray & Underway World Aircraft Carrier Pages By Andrew Toppan.

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This page was created by Paul Yarnall and is maintained by Fabio Peña
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Last update: 16 April 2023