Four legendary supercarriers once ruled the seas, projecting unmatched U.S. power and Cold War dominance. Named for James Forrestal, these colossal Forrestal-class ships redefined naval warfare with cutting-edge designs like the angled flight deck, setting a new standard for military might.
From Vietnam to Desert Storm, here’s how the USS Forrestal, Saratoga, Ranger, and Independence cemented their place in history.
1. USS Forrestal (CV-59)
The USS Forrestal was officially commissioned on October 1, 1955, ready to serve and conduct missions for the U.S. Navy.
It was the first carrier to feature an angled flight deck. This design allowed aircraft to take off and land simultaneously, significantly improving efficiency during operations.
It was primarily based at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. It made numerous deployments around the world, including:
- The Mediterranean Sea, where it participated in exercises and missions during the Cold War.
- The Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War, where it launched air strikes and supported ground forces.
- The Indian Ocean and various other locations, showing the versatility and reach of U.S. naval power.
In 1967, the USS Forrestal experienced a tragic fire caused by an accidental launch of a Zuni rocket, which resulted in the loss of 134 crew members.
The USS Forrestal was decommissioned on September 11, 1993 and was eventually scrapped in 2013.
2. USS Saratoga (CV-60)
The USS Saratoga was officially commissioned on April 14, 1956, which marked the beginning of its service in the Navy. It had a long and interesting history, serving during the Vietnam War, conducting air strikes against enemy targets, and supporting ground troops.
With its busy flight deck showcasing the strength of U.S. naval aviation, the carrier played a key role in operations like Operation Rolling Thunder, which aimed to weaken North Vietnam. The Saratoga’s planes flew thousands of sorties that helped to establish air superiority in the region.
Like the USS Forrestal, the Saratoga had an angled flight deck that made takeoffs and landings safer and more efficient, a design that became standard for future aircraft carriers.
The USS Saratoga was based primarily at Naval Station Mayport in Florida. Throughout its career, it served in several important locations, including:
- The Mediterranean Sea, where it participated in NATO exercises and helped maintain peace during the Cold War.
- The Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War, where it conducted numerous air operations in support of U.S. and allied forces.
After many years of service, the USS Saratoga was decommissioned on October 20, 1994 and scrapped in 2014.
3. USS Ranger (CV-61)
Commissioned on July 1, 1957, the USS Ranger was an impressive aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, known for its speed and versatility. It had a significant impact during its service life, participating in many important missions around the world.
The USS Ranger participated in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, which provided crucial air support and helped establish U.S. military presence in those regions.
Like most of the Forrestal Class supercarriers, it also featured an angled flight deck, which allowed for simultaneous takeoffs and landings. Equipped with modern technology for its time, it could launch a wide variety of aircraft.
The USS Ranger was stationed at the Naval Air Station North Island in California and operated in the following locations:
- The Pacific Ocean, where it conducted numerous exercises and training missions.
- The Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, where it supported U.S. military operations and provided air support during conflicts.
It was decommissioned on February 3, 1993 and ultimately scrapped in 2004, bringing its storied career to an end.
4. USS Independence (CV-62)
Another notable aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy was the USS Independence. Officially commissioned on January 24, 1959, it participated in numerous naval exercises that showcased the strength and readiness of the U.S. Navy during the Cold War.
The USS Independence featured modern technology and advanced combat systems, including sophisticated radar and weapons that boosted its air defense and strike capabilities.
The Independence also took part in major operations, including missions during the Vietnam War and various humanitarian efforts, with its air wing flying numerous sorties to provide air support and conduct surveillance.
The USS Independence was docked at the Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia for most of its service and served in locations, such as:
- The Mediterranean Sea, where it participated in NATO exercises and helped maintain stability during the Cold War.
- The Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, where it was involved in operations supporting U.S. interests and allies.
For over three decades, the USS Independence was finally decommissioned on September 30, 1998 and scrapped in 2010.
These massive and imposing aircraft supercarriers helped to protect U.S. interests and project strength around the world. Today, these supercarriers remind us of the Navy’s dedication to defense and innovation, leaving a legacy that inspires future naval forces.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
