Saratoga (CV 60) - Naval Cruise Book

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f 'Q Captain C. B. Hunter. Commanding Officer

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i 2? i 3 'Q US CRUISER SARATOGA The fourth ship named SARATOGA was So named for part of her naval service. She was launched bearing the name USS NEW YORK on December 2, 1891 at the William Cramp and Sons Shipyard in Philadelphia. While serving as flag- ship for the Asiatic Station her name was changed on February 16, 1911. On December 1, 1917 her name was changed to USS ROCHESTER. She participated in the Nicaraguan Campaign from 1926 until 1951. She was decommissioned at Cavite on April 29, 1933, and was stricken from the list of active naval vessels on October 28, 1938. She WHS towed into Subic Channel on December 24, 1941, and was sunk to prevent capture by the japanese. v -,K ,P M . f-vi, - l :t.,.5' f 4-V ' it r,ngf. f ?3s'f'a W' ..-'.'4,,i 'ELf 'V V- I r .1 -A ' .. .,4. ,n,., g....,--'f,.,,..,.....s. Hy. . 1 .. 1 .- I. - ., h I . ..a.,,,, ,A , I , -- ..,- A- ,. , .hx .1 ,.,.i . - -f ',,, 1 i V - - ' 7. 1- gem-uno' US CARRIER SARATOGA CCV- 601 The present SARA was constructed at the New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn. Her keel was laid in December 1952 and she was commissioned on April 14, 1956 after being launched and christened on October 8, 1955. During the last 21 years, SARATOGA has served both in peacetime and war. In 1962 she patrolled off Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Middle East tensions in 1967, 1970 and 1976 kept her poised in the Eastern Mediterranean for the possible evacuation of Americans. On April 11, 1972, the SARATOGA deployed to the Tonkin Gulf for 10 months during the Vietnam Conflict. She left Mayport, Florida for her 14th Mediterranean deployment on july 11, 1977 and returned home on December 23, 1977. US CARRIER SARATOGA CCV-31 launched as an aircraft carrier. During World War II, she served in the Battle of the Solomons in 19423 sup- ported the first carrier air strike on Tokyo in 1944 and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The battle-scarred SARATOGA was swallowed up by the waters of Bikini Atoll as a result of an underwater blast in an atomic bomb test, july 25, 19-46. :-if

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Letter From The Captain s COMMANDING OFFICER UNITED STATES SHIP SARATOGA ICV-607 SARATOGA's 1977 deployment is now history and this book will serve as a visible record of your achievements. You, the SARATOGA crew, consistently demonstrated a strong sense of duty, sacrifice and dedication that made this cruise a hallmark in carrier aviation. Two of the departments on the ship and four of the squadrons within our air wing were awarded the coveted Battle Efficiency UEHS by COMNAVAIRLANT. The Air Department, the Weapons Department, VF-31, VA-105, HS-7 and VAW-123 are proudly sporting their awards. Furthermore, SARATOGA and Air Wing THREE have flown and operated without an aircraft accident longer than any other carrierfair wing team in the history of Naval Aviation. The sacrifices you and your families made in the service of your country were indeed worthwhile. It is important that you are aware that your personal contributions were key elements in the safe and efficient completion of our mission. Throughout the months of separation from our families and friends, some have asked HWhy are we hereu and nWhy is it necessary.n The answer can be found when one looks at the over-all view of the Navy and its role in national and international strategy. The United States is dependent on foreign trade and commerce to sustain her industrial needs. Be it peacetime or wartime, about 99 per cent of international trade moves on the sea. With balanced sea power we are able to maintain a flexible national policy and protect our lifelines to other countries. The Mediterranean has been a crucible for the mixing of men's political and economic affairs since the dawn of history and it is no less so today. lt is no secret that the Mediterranean has been the target of a significant buildup of international naval forces in the last decade. We must maintain capability sufficient to deter any act of aggression in this area. The SARATOGA, on this deployment, helped make that strategy real and visible. Your records for safety, efficiency and operational readiness will not soon be surpassed. I would like to take this opportunity to salute you for your superb performance. The SARATOGA Team of 1977 provided a remarkable display of talent, perseverance and self-less devotion to duty. Good luck to you all, and may fair winds and following seas accompany each of you on your future paths. crifnl...-11 C. B. HUNTER Captain, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer