Independence (CV 62) - Naval Cruise Book

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Our story begins on September 11, 1991. INDEPENDENCE was sent to Yokosuka, japan, to relieve the USS MIDWAY CCV 415. gpgp The I-5 Team was formed when Carrier Air Wing Five joined INDEPENDENCE. Upon relieving the MIDWAY in Pearl I-Iarbor, INDEPENDENCE became the Navy's only for- ward deployed aircraft carrier. On our first deployment from Iapan, the INDEPENDENCE took part in paying tribute to fallen comrades during commemorations of the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Coral Sea in Sydney Australia. After enjoying Wonderful Australian hospitality INDE- PENDENCE sailed to the Arabian Gulf Where we re- mained on station during the extreme heat of summer. Dccasional visits to the United Arab Emirates provided relief, rest and a chance to call loved ones at home. Nearing the end of our time on station, INDEPEN- DENCE was once again called upon to deter aggression as the main force for Qperation Southern Watch. Dperation Southern Watch, a United Nations imposed no-fly I f I 'N I -

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r 3 2. -tif -i1...i.,- I . 'rr During herfirst Western Pacific Cruise, Independence made history by becoming the first aircraft carrier to enter into the Arabian Gulf in more than 17 years. homeport in San Diego. In Iuly 1990, INDEPENDENCE departed on her first Western Pacific X Indian Dcean deployment. While per- forming exercises in the North Arabian Sea, INDEPEN- DENCE was called upon to deter Iraqi aggression against the nation of Kuwait during Dperation Desert Shield. On Dctober 2, 1990, INDEPENDENCE became the first aircraft carrier since 1974 to enter the Arabian Gulf. She remained on station for over 90 consecutive days as the United States' defender of freedom.

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zone , restricted all Iraqi aircraft from flying south of the 32nd parallel. The I-5 Team participated for three weeks in protecting the innocent from the dangers of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. During these weeks the I-5 Team was thrust into headlines as news media from all over the world em- barked INDEPENDENCE for 22 straight days. D As never before, we all watched ourselves on television and read about our success in newspapers from around the globe. Relieved on station by the USS RANGER LCV 615, the last time these two ships would ever be together, we headed home on time and on schedule. Hbrief stops in Pattaya Beach, Thailand, and Hong Kong capped a most successful and rewarding first deployment of I INDEPENDENCE as the nation's only forwarded deployed aircraft carrier. The following pages highlight our when answering the call, it shall al- ways be For the love of the country . GOOD-DAYMATESN . . . During West Pac '92, Independence participated in the Battle of Coral Sea Memorial held off the coast ofAustralia. In addition to reliving the history of the past, many , new friends and memories were made during 9 four-day po t V .- ' accomplishments and success. The I-5 Team has shown the world -