Oriskany (CVA 34) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 6 text:

'I-4

Page 5 text:

T Oni Vi WHY 1 5 1970

Page 7 text:

INTRODUCTION On January 18, 1911, just eight years after the Wright brothers pioneered heavier-than-air aviation, a man named Eugene Ely flew a fragile looking biplane aboard the USS PENNSYLVANIA at anchor in San Francisco Bay, Ely's landing was halted by lines attached to 50-pound sandbags, the Navy's first arresting gear. This ambitious venture was the first step in an evolution which has resulted in today's highly sophisticated and versatile attack aircraft carrier. In an age when immediate response to fast changing international developments is essential, the attack carrier has assumed an important role as an instrument of national purpose. With the capability to move quickly and to react immediately, the attack carrier is a formidable weapon in America's arsenal. Today, on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin, United States Navy aircraft carriers are performing missions in support of United States efforts in South Vietnam Daily, Navy aircraft deliver their bombs, rockets and missiles on target with pinpoint accuracy in defense 'of freedom not only for that embattled country, but for freedom deserving men throughoutthe world. The development of Naval Air has come a long way in 58 years, with the emergence of today's highly mobile and highly diverse fleet of attack carriers. ln November 1968 a long, nine month overhaul was complete and ORISKANY was readied for her tenth Western Pacific cruise, her fourth off Vietnam. The technical improvements in her equipment were matched by the renewed dedication of her crew and a thorough shake- down for the ship and Air Wing Team began. On April 16, 1969, after five months of intensive training, ORISKANY and her embarked Attack Carrier Air Wing NINETEEN departed her homeport, Naval Air Station, Alameda enroute to the Western Pacific. One month later to the day, on May 16, 1969, the Mighty 'O' arrived on the line in the Gulf of Tonkin. Commander Carrier Division Seven and his Staff embarked and ORISKANY took her turn at bat. When compared to the vast oceans of the world, the physical limits of Yankee Station are small. But, by the nature of the Vietnamese conflict, Yankee Station is the main arena, it is where the action is. During the 1969 WESTPAC cruise, ORISKANY spent more than 100 days on the line in that area. She visited Hawaii and the Philippines, too, with Hong Kong and Japan in between, the crew enjoyed some well-deserved and hard-earned rest and relaxation. This book is the story of ORlSKANY's 1969 WESTPAC Cruise. lt portrays the daily, cyclic activities of all 3,500 Oriskanymen in action, and highlights the changes in our Navy -then and now.