USS Oriskany's Brutal War Deployment Streak

Comments · 416

• JO

  @jord9308 · 2 years ago

  The operational losses are a constant in Naval Aviation. I grew up on Naval Air Stations and saw losses of pilots and crew at every one. My best friend and I watched helplessly as his Dad’s F8 crashed into the ocean right in front of my house. The thing is, it was his stepdad. His real Dad was also a Navy pilot who was also killed in an Aviation incident. We read the Navy Times, and in the back it listed the KIA/MIA from Vietnam each week- the Navy losses were staggering and felt through the community. Everybody knew someone and their families that suffered loss .

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• HA

  @happisakshappiplace.6588 · 2 years ago

  Superb video Mr Ward. People don't realise how dangerous a carrier is or the amount of aircraft lost in Vietnam. RIP to all the lost carrier servicemen and pilots.

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• RO

  @robzilla60 · 2 years ago

  This presentation hit hard. We were trained in the art of firefighting from Navy boot camp onward, into our operational commands, and then once a year between deployments. At the end of FRAMP at Whidbey in VAQ-129, we had a mandatory class titled 'Shipboard Safety', taught by a PO1 who had Vietnam deployment experience. As part of the syllabus, he showed us 3 films, 'Trial by Fire' about the Forrestal fire in 67, another about the Enterprise fire in 69, and the Oriskany fire which you detailed in this video. This was the first time of many that we saw these films in training, and they pointed out the mistakes made in each one, so that we wouldn't make them all over again. It was stressed that living aboard a US carrier is one of the most hazardous environments there is, and we took it to heart. On the 3 deployments (and work-ups) I made during my Navy tenure, there were fire drills at least once every day, and there were occasions when we actually had to fight real fires. Nothing as major or devastating as the ones in the films, but we prevailed before they got out of hand. But back to your video CDR Mooch, I had no idea the combat and operational losses aboard the Oriskany were so severe aside from that one major fire. I am now 63, and many years out of the Navy, but all of those drills, training, and experience are still foremost in my mind, and can be put to use in everyday life if need be. I'm still working in Aviation Maintenance to this day, and all of this is still very relevant to my daily activity. Thanks again for another great presentation. BZ

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• PA

  @paularnold51 · 2 years ago

  I appreciated your presentation very much. I served on the Oriskany from 1969 to 1973, first as the hotsuit man on the Crash Crew and later as a Fly 2 yellow shirt. While serving and up to now, I've never felt that the Oriskany got the credit and attention she, her crew and Air Wings deserved.  Thank you.

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• TH

  @ThomasDrehfal · 2 years ago

  When I was in boot camp at Great Lakes in 10/1979, one of my company commanders, was onboard the Forrestal when that accident happened. He sat us all down one evening and shared the story of his experiences - it made a very big impression on all of us.

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• RI

  @rickwilliamson9248 · 2 years ago

  One thing that caught my eye was the amazing number of pilots listed as &apos;Rescued.&apos;&apos;<br><br>What a testament to the air crews, their SERE training, and the SAR crews who got them out.

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• JO

  @johnserrato6417 · 1 year ago

  My name is John Serrato. I was a storekeeper on board during this cruise and am a survivor of this fire on the Oriskany . I am honored to have served and survived. I want to thank my fellow members who also made it through this journey and for those who are still here. Fair winds smooth sailing to those of us who are still &nbsp;alive. &nbsp; Greatfully Yours &nbsp; John C. Serrato &nbsp;SK3 👍😎🌈

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• GO

  @Gozerthegozarian1984 · 2 years ago

  I greatly appreciated the straightforward, &nbsp;no embellishment presentation.

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• JO

  @joshcinelli7603 · 2 years ago

  Ward, I&apos;m not sure if you knew this, but we had a survivor of this fire serving with us in VF-102, 30 years after this fire. &nbsp;Amazing to work with soneone who directly witnessed this tragic day.

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• JA

  @jasonarcher7268 · 2 years ago

  One of my instructors in dive school, Travis Allinson, was the superintendent for the sinking of the Oriskany. He was the first guy to dive on her after the sinking too. Id love to see her final resting place for myself some day.

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• CL

  @cliff8669 · 2 years ago

  My Dad was on Oriskany 72 -75 while she was home ported at NAS Alameda. &nbsp;He was in Fox Div. &nbsp;Had my first dependents cruise on her. &nbsp;Laying flat on my back, I watched the Golden Gate Bridge pass over head and thinking the top of the mast was going to hit. &nbsp;And, I can truly say the biggest thing I got to steer was the Oriskany. &nbsp;Had the wheel for a bit. &nbsp;Glad she became a reef and not razor blades.

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• CH

  @charlestaylor1042 · 2 years ago

  Thank you for remembering the USS Oriskany! My father served in Vietnam on her. He told me about the fire and that he lost all his personal belongings. He was a cook and bomb stacker. He never really talked much about it and it&apos;s nice to know what happened. Thank you!

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