I recall working the flight deck of the old Gal, and seeing the waves of jets returning from their missions both during the day and night time ops. The most nostalgic memory is of the A-1 skyraiders (spads) that were onboard for the 1966 deployment to the Tonkin. They would return with bullet holes in the wings and the sounds of the powerful 12 cylinder prop along with the backfire through the exhaust and the accompanying spitfire during the night ops.They were later transferred to the RVAF!

I was there when President Johnson ordered us to halt the bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong and felt the frustration, as did all of our shipmates of having worked long hours, most of the time from 12-18 hours, while the NVA rebuilt roads, bridges and moved troops and supplys to the south during our one sided truce.

I was on board this great ship both as ships company out of boot, and as a member of a squadron out of Lemoore NAS for the last two cruises (1966-1969) and always proud to have served on this wonderful carrier and with the men who helped make her what she was!

Now, all we have are the memories (she was deep sixed), but they are still vivid among us who served and will be enough to last a life-time. The Connie still plys the seas of our memory.

( A Vietnam Vet 1965-1969)

Respectfully,

coy smith