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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CHARLES W HORTON JR December 1, 2009 at 7:46pm

I will never forget this ship. I have watched the fire film several times in my career. I worked with an ETCS on the Mount Vernon LSD-39 that was on the Forrestal as an E-2. Later in 2009 I learned who was sitting in that aircraft at the very beginning of the fire catastrophy.
Donald Krein August 27, 2009 at 12:55am

I'm a lifetime member of the USS Forrestal did a MET Cruise around 1977
Harry D. Polny July 14, 2009 at 2:43pm

USS Forrestal Photo Lab Crew 1965
Harry D. Polny June 23, 2009 at 11:33pm

I was ship's crew in the photo lab from 64 - 66. Last I saw her she was tied up next to the Saratoga in Norflok, she sure looked in sad shape. Yes she should be saved and not sunk like the America. Fer god's sake she was the first of her class!
Stick June 19, 2009 at 6:52am

I think it is....I think it would make an excellent reminder of the FIRE of 67'...
The USS FORRESTAL was the FIRST in her class...the first carrier to have a CENTER BEAM that was ALL 1 PIECE
Stick June 15, 2009 at 10:48am

The USS FORRESTAL was my first REAL ship and a REAL cruise..
While stationed at NAS WHIDBEY IS...63' we went South to Cali and did some carquqls with the USS RANGER...
64' VAH 6 was sent to NAS OCEANA...we did some carqals with the USS FORRESTAL and then a shakedown....around July we headed for the MED....as I said my 1st REAL cruise....I was in AWE as I got to see whatACTUALLY happens ...not just with the flight deck during launches and recoverys....but the operations that were going on everyday...
As stated somewhere...TOP GUN was "said" to be a movie as close to what actually goes on on a carrier....DEFINATELY NOT!!!! Not till you've done the things the crews did....not till you lose a pilot or crew to the ocean....there sre no words that describe the experience...it is definately a "YOU HAVE TO HAVE BEEN THERE DONE THAT "situation.....and until you do....you will never really experience it
Al Lieberman May 4, 2009 at 2:41pm

Got word of the 2009 Forrestal Association Reunion. 2009 Reunion will be held from Tuesday Sept 22 to Sunday Sept. 27, 2009 at Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach Reunion will be held during Virginia Beach's Neptune Festival and include Tours of Area Attractions like Historic Williamsburg, Nauticus/BB Wisconsin, Norfolk Naval Base & Active Duty Carrier Visit, Beach side Memorial Service with NAVY SEAL's Participation & Chopper Wrealth Drop, Welcome Aboard Party and Banquet Luau to name a few.
If you're interested, contact:
Paul H. Friedman
USS Forrestal CVA-59 Crewmember, AO3, G Div., WestPac 5/67 - 7/29/67
USS Forrestal Association Lifetime Member
Ken Colvin January 13, 2009 at 11:30pm

I was lucky to get assigned to VA-85 in time to make the '82 Med/IO cruise. Man, Benidorm, Spain was great! And getting to see Rome, Pompeii, the Pyramids, and going through the "ditch" were experiences I wouldn't trade for anything! I'm glad the FID was my 1st ship. Hey, anyone remember the "sliders" they served on the forward mess deck? YUM! And how 'bout the Tiger beer and Anchor beer we had on beer day while in the Indian Ocean? Man, I ain't never had beer as bad as those!
charles KUNK kunkel November 3, 2008 at 3:18pm

anybody no were i can get a loan to buy forrestal so i can live on it.
charles KUNK kunkel November 3, 2008 at 3:18pm

i was on the flight deck once with my gear on. i heard em say this ia a drill this is a drill general qrtrs.....well otto a 2nd class come runnin up to me yelling in my face WERE AT WAR WERE AT WAR like a chicken with his head cut off panicing...that was hilarious

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