USS Forrestal CV-59

The USS Forrestal (CV-59), formerly AVT-59 and CVA-59, is a supercarrier that was named after former Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal and was the lead ship of her class of aircraft carriers.

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FRANCIS N JONES February 22, 2017 at 10:29am

I WAS ON HER WHEN SHE BLEWUP. THAT WAS HELL. I AM A SHELLBACK THAT CROSSED THAT LINE IN THE ATLANTIC. I HOPE ALOT OF MY SHIPMATES ARE STILL ALIVE.
Richard Medeiros October 6, 2016 at 8:04pm

I remember that fire in 1972 at the pier and then that long cruise that lasted for like 10 months.
Harry Burris July 17, 2015 at 5:34pm

Back in 1986 As a LCDR SC,USNR I did a 2 week AT in the Florida & VA Ops area. 1st week was carrier quals for the experienced top guns (F14's & the new F18's) and had the pleasure to meet a few of them in the wardroom. I ran into a former shipmate from NAS Atsugi )we were both GMT2) who was the W Division O, also LCDR. The 2nd week were the newbies from Pensacola and it showed. Watching their approach from the Vultures nest or the deck-edge CCTV was at times SCARREY ! Nighttime ops was something to watch. and being a LCDR USNR only gets you a stateroom under the arresting gear engine room. but as you know, sailors can sleep anywhere after a long day !
Harry Burris July 17, 2015 at 5:13pm

While I was still a GMT1 in the USNR unit out of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and member of a CV unit, I did a 2 week cruise in Sara,(1977) we flew to Mayport and did unrep with USS Butte, met Chief I new in Japan, who now W Division Officer. I got my ticket punched in order to see the Secret Pubs I needed to pass my second try at E7 exam which I was successful. A very memorable time.
ROBIN RUBEN FLORES July 4, 2014 at 10:14pm

Was TAD on the old forest fire. It was the only ship I served on that had a decent weight room.
Paul Basso February 15, 2014 at 7:07pm

I was in VAQ-134 onboard USS Forrestal from Jan to Sep 1975. I worked the CAG LOX crew during the workups and nite check in my squadron for the cruise. I really wasn't impressed with the Med, but that could be because I was a 7th Fleet sailor. Big difference between 7th and 6th Fleets.
Charles J. Stokes August 27, 2013 at 5:18pm

I served aboard the mighty FID from May 1976 thru November 1979. We participated in the 1976 Bi-centennial celebration in New York and made the 1978 Med Cruise. I made some unforgettable memories on that cruise; a great time in Valencia, Spain at pier-side for 2 week and also 2 weeks in Marseilles, France; a couple of forgettable memories from Rota and Naples. I was a PN2 in the ship's Personnel Office; served with PNCS George Case, PN1 Carl Lineberger. Some great memories of my younger days.
John Culhane June 4, 2013 at 2:44pm

I did a few cruises on the Forrestal as a member of VA-85, from 1962-1964. I remember watching the C130 land on the flight deck after a few touch and goes. Great ship and it would be wonderful if it could be restored and put on display.
Tim Taylor March 19, 2013 at 3:50pm

Served as OS in OI Division 88-91. Too much fun was had.
Dennis Greer February 13, 2013 at 9:04am

My first cruise was on the Forrestal. I was with HS-15 from January 1986 to July 1989 and did 2 cruises on her.

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