Oriskany (CVA 34) - Naval Cruise Book

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copy to: Dr. Allard, or-oaaga, Bldg 210 wwr . . - OFFICE Ol IHl'1O1dflA2L'IOW f L c 'C 1'-I avy Dcpal'tmcn't Washington, D.C. 20350 February 2, l97l MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD Subj: Possible new book about USS ORISKANYfVietnam Mr. Zalin Grant, free lance writer, called lOOOf2 Feb, request- ing the following information pertaining to subject. If what he as- similates is enbugh, he plans to write a book, if not, he plans to submit approx 2D,OOO-word article for pblication in the New Yorker. Telephone numbers he provided are: home: HSM-3221, where he is do- ing his writing, messages taken for him by Time at 293-U300, if he is not there, aid also Dfw-Bgpublic, 338-QHQE,-where he is a con- tributing editor. l. Would like any narrative type information about the USS ORISKANY Qcva-guy for tha period July - octsber, l966. 2. Would like names and addresses of some of the members of Squadron 162, commanded by CDB Bellinger, on board during above time. 3. Would like all information available about a fire above the carrier in October l966, the same day President Johnson arrived in Cameron Bay for a visit. Believe it started in the fire locker and turned out to be very bad, number of pilots were killed and there were some heroic ac tions. M. When the ORISKAFY returned to Yankee Station in June l966, a pilot was shot down, first casualty. Would like to know his name and rank, and address,xf next of kin, if he was killed. In accordance with telephone conversation with Dr. D. C. Allard, Operational Archives Branch, Naval History Division, forwarded copy of this memorandum for action, to reply directly, or to provide the under- signed with information with which to do so, F lwv, , Q J Xtxrkfuble ex ' lk, Anna C. Urband Assistant Head Ext. 509ll or 50293 Magazine and Book Branch LTC MMackie Mag-Bk Br, OASDQFAD, for info and any background which might be useful to this office. w r r x x a r + + r x Q ' 9 Feb 71 MEMO MOB RECORD: Mrs. Holl Navy Library is re uesting ORISKANY cruise boon , !,, D yn L . Q 1. c . 1 .L for'l9o6, which contains information about the ilre, and will lorward it to LODR McEwen. Mr. Grant will como over and look at it HERE-Snot off 3 of our premises, and if he has any other questions, will put them then. y ACUfl6U5, 9 ret 71 ' f

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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.

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