Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - Naval Cruise Book

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Prelaunch Testing On August 29. it was Up, up and away for 1 1 vintage World War II aircraft as they were launched from CARL VINSON ' S flight deck as part of the ceremony commemorat- ing the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pa- cific Theater of Operations. It was the first time that these type of aircraft were launched from the flight deck of America ' s favorite aircraft carrier. The property of Yankee Aviation Museum, Pomona, California, the aircraft were flown in by private civilian pi- lots. Ex-WWII aviator Jack Carson piloted the TBM Avenger, an aircraft once flown by former President George Bush. Before the event, the planes were tested at Naval Air Station Alameda runway to ensure they could take off in the required flight deck dis- tance. On August 16, air depart- ment personnel brought on board and packed 12 aircraft into Hangar Bay One where 1 1 of these warbirds awaited be- ing launched off the flight deck of San Francisco ' s Own. While in Hangar Bay One, the word safety took on a whole new meaning due to the highly volatile AV gas used by these classic planes. To minimize the danger of fire, batteries were disconnected, as this type of gas has a low flash point in comparison to JP-5, the fuel used by air wing planes. Thirteen days later, the planes took to the skies at about 9:30 a.m., amidst flashbulbs popping on cameras used by the more than 1 ,000 spectators who turned out for the event. Crew members cheered as these historic relics kicked off the first day of a week-long celebration. Similar to the Doolittle Raid reenactment on board USS RANGER (CV 61) in 1992, the planes started at the stem of the ship, went to full throttle and, upon receiving word from a launch officer, shot down a pre-marked cen- ter line. In addition to the much talked about B-25 Mitchell bomber, three Army Air Corps bombers, one TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, two F-4U Corsair fighters, two JRF Grumman Goose amphibious aircraft patrol planes, one SNJ trainer aircraft, one Wildcat fighter and one Albatross am- phibious aircraft patrol plane were part of the aerial perfor- mance. Though this was the first time ever these type of aircraft were launched from CARL VINSON ' S flight deck, the crew wanted more from these wonderful birds. They got their wish during the return trip home when the warbird pilots conducted tours of the aircraft along with brief explanations of the aircraft ' s history and op- erability. Upon CARL VINSON ' S return to Alameda, the warbirds were craned off the ship and, after a preflight in- spection, flew back to their home base in Pomona. PiZ M mjM P ipBLri mmmm ' - - . -- f - - Members of CARL VINSON ' S air department discuss their strategy prior to field qualifications.

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A preflighl conference ahnut field qualificaliiins takes place in from of North American B-25 Mitchell.

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An F-6F Wildcat prepares to taxi at NAS Alameda. Prelaunch Testing .1 nSM AvLiijier (f(iref;r iuiid) and an I— 11 ( Drsair are piisitiiined on the pier before heinn loaded aboard the CARL VINSON. A THM .Avenger, owned by Mr. .lack I arson, awaits repair oj a raptured oil line.