1973 Navy Air Operation USS Midway Vietnam

[@craigpennington1251]

I was out there somewhere in 73 also on the Kennedy doing the same thing. Wow! 51 years ago. Time goes by so fast.

[@xuanailuong6537]

❤❤❤😂😊

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Time sure does fly. I hope you liked the video.

[@johnbarthram2761]

Respect 🙏

[@juggernaut3373]

Incredible footage! This is the type of stuff I remember watching in documentaries in the early 1980s. My dad flew F-8s, F-4s, and F-14s in the Navy. Between the films and him, it led me directly to my career as a Naval Aviator. Annapolis, Class of 1991. Flew the F-14D (for 9 years - best plane ever) and F/A-18F after the 'Cat phase out picked up speed. The F-4 is my absolute favorite and made me wish I had been born earlier so I could have flown that. I can smell the deck watching this - that unique perfume of fuel, metallic steam, lubricant, sea spray, wet cloth and sweat.

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Thats an incredible description of your adventures. Something movies are made from. In your case, it actually happened to you. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm waiting for a few more to be digitized. Coming soon.

[@rogerramjet7567]

I was on the Ranger CV61. VF 21. F-4s. 1970. Never forget working the flight deck. 👍👍

[@steveowens913]

As long as the "Stack Gas from the carrier wasn't blown down to the flight deck!" YIKES!!

[@steveowens913]

That totally reminds me of what William Defoe said in the movie "Flight of The Intruder " as soon as he stepped off of the "Cod" after it brought him aboard the aircraft carrier. "Wait, I just want to smell it, I've been away for awhile!"...By the way, A great movie! Gets to the reality of even the Navy pilots' attitudes about the Vietnam War. Lots of folks don't know that the Navy pilots could "turn in their wings." A great book is Over The Beach by Zalin Grant. Between just July & October 10, the Oriskany, on one cruise lost 40% of its aircraft. When being strapped into your pilot's seat, "Do you feel lucky?"...

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

@@rogerramjet7567 must have been real frightening at first. Something you don't want to get use to or you can die. Literally!!

[@milesdee1806]

Great vid. I was on one of the "cans" there in '72 & '73. The USS Henderson DD 785 aka the Hendy Maru. We did shore battery support along with plane guarding for the carriers during launch and recovery. Proud member of the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club!!!

[@Paws4thot]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@milesdee1806]

👍@@Paws4thot

[@robertbrink2240]

You probably escorted the Ranger during that time I was aircrew on the C-1A. I loved watching you guys during the unreps in your foulweather gear. I was impressed. You guys were the true Navy. Thanks for being there and ready to rescue any of us who landed in the drink. Another proud member of the gulf of tonkin club!

[@milesdee1806]

@@robertbrink2240 Thank you for the compliment........yes, I believe we "guarded" the Ranger at times along with the Oriskany, and the Saratoga (Sorry Sara) as her crew dubbed her and lastly the Enterprise (she was a nuclear speed demon across the water). As you enjoyed watching us bob and weave we enjoyed watching you guys fly off and return. One of my favorite memories was when one of the carriers, I forget which one, was landing it's airwing for the last time on that particular Westpac. Those F4 pilots were allowed to put on a sort of airshow before they caught the hook and headed home. Some of those guys came over the top with victory rolls while some dipped down low over the water between the carrier and us cans. That was truly a delight to see. Their joy had to be immeasurable to have survived the bombing runs on the North and to be heading home. One of my most favorite books was Steven Coonts' Flight of the Intruder. Your guys piloting skills were simply unreal...........thank you too sir for all your bravery!

[@CharlesWhitford]

Me soooo haawny Me luuuuv you loooong time

[@henrymurray230]

God bless Bo'sn Heard. My hero. Many tours on Midway. Then assisted painting the flight deck for the museum.

[@steveowens913]

I really enjoyed the variety of aircraft that we had on the "boat" during the Vietnam War era. And I must admit, I wasn't really fearful of daytime flight ops on a carrier. Nights were very different!! We even had a 3rd class ordnance guy blown overboard at night on a very short Atlantic Ocean boat ride on the Independence. Fortunately, someone saw him go, and he was retrieved!! Picked up by a following destroyer!

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Glad it turned out good for guy😀 Thanks for your comment.

[@frankaxiak1959]

Thank you Surface Navy! Black shoes in action.

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

@@frankaxiak1959 yep!

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

@@frankaxiak1959 haven't heard that phrase in awhile.

[@frankaxiak1959]

@@RandyBridgesRealtor I am retired Surface Warfare Officer who served two tours on DDGs and did plenty of plane guard. Go Navy!

[@hitorque2734]

My logbook shows 16 green-ink hops in the F--4 at 1:15, Buno 152983, during the 72-73 cruise. The squadron was VF-151, call sign Switchbox. Our sister squadron, VF-161, got several MiG kills but we never got lucky. Closest I came was my wingie and I getting vectored off a day BARCAP station for a couple MiG-21's overland. Their controllers warned that we were coming and they bugged out for Phuc Yen. We couldn't catch 'em.

[@ThomasMcConville-x9k]

You must have been the flight operators officer during this exercise on the carrier.

[@ThomasMcConville-x9k]

operations officer

[@Melifter]

Although only a brief four-year tour, I’m proud to have served my time in U.S. Naval Aviation. Helicopter Combat Support SPECIAL Squadron FIVE (HCS-5) Firehawks; NAWS Pt. Mugu; 1991-1995.

[@bigal4304]

paint schemes back then where amazing

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

It makes you wonder who came up with the ideas...

[@sdvol9077]

I live across from The Midway , great view everyday! They’re getting ready to convert the “Midway Pier” to a nice park - dropping the old warehouse

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Aren't you the lucky one!! Wow...⚓

[@grumpyguy8651]

I Re-Commissioned the Midway in 1970 and made the '71 Westpac Cruise. We were still a CVA then. Last one in the fleet!

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Thanks for the comment. Those were the days. Did you ride the Midway to Guam to offload all the helos/jets we transported there? I think it was Guam.

[@raybates3119]

The A-6 was a tough old bird but the F-4 was always my favorite!

[@joevaccaro6655]

A truly remarkable carrier ⚓️ 🇺🇸

[@chuenmanlau8434]

But after wwii america never won a war.

[@user-hoe25xsni2hn4n4gs]

Half century ago wow imagine seeing this 50years later it will be still impressive

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Yes it is. Can't believe it myself sometimes. I was right in the middle of it all. Thanks for the like.

[@CharlyBaby-77]

This material is gold!!!

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Yes it is Charly. Thanks for your comment.

[@michaelmappin4425]

Great footage. If I could only have one day of my career holding a smart phone.

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

It would be well worth it.....

[@steveowens913]

Maybe, but maybe not! We both know if there's a place to be totally aware of your surroundings, the flight deck during flight ops IS that place!!

[@michaelmappin4425]

@steveowens913 We have photographers up there all the time. Also, all the yellowshirts worked for me, so I have no doubt I'd be safe.

[@mikethomas4598]

I served aboard her with Mar-Det 11 years later.

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Good for you. I trust your service was an enjoyable and educational experience. I know it was for me. Thanks for commenting.😃

[@waynelincoln6340]

My brother inlaw was on the Midway during the evacuation of Saigon.

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Wow. Finding someone/relations who served simultaneously while I was aboard. He must have had a few stories.

[@JohnSaylock-ec4cd]

I don't know if it counts that in 89 VQ-1 put us aboard for a month. I was on the flight deck all that time.. very fast deck that's for sure.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Was it the film or was this task force just leaving port? Pretty day all is correct and gleaming in the sun. Thanks!

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

This was my personal footage taken during flight operations off the coast of Vietnam in 1973. I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.

[@brianmahaney1361]

Was there then on the Saratoga CVA-60 G-DIV ROOF RAT IYAOYAS!!

[@charlesmoore1358]

I just missed that I joined the Navy in 1 March 73. USS JFK Tomcats 1974 med cruise 😢

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

It was an interesting time for sure..

[@steveowens913]

My squadron converted to the Tomcats in '81. By then I was long gone, finished with college with 2 great kids. But I still love the fighter jets. Watched the Blue Angels here in South Atlanta 3 shows at the beginning of November last year. And I got the "Need for Speed, " buying 6 Corvettes since '95, currently with an "antique " and a C6Z06. Plus a 600 hp M5. But no tickets, no fast driving on public roads!!

[@kolddk]

Thank f... for the mute option!!!

[@blastman88061]

what months were that? i was aboard the Connie from Jan to Oct 1973. the 9th fleet at that time were Enterprise, Constellation, and Kitty Hawk. Don't remember those carriers being on the line.

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

I don't recall the exact time frame but Midway was a main evacuation part of the fall of Saigon. I can remember vividly helos flying in and out of Saigon. Several H-1 Hueys at a time had to hover, while others landed on Midway, offloading refugees, and flew back for more. At the same time, several helos were pushed off the deck to make room for others to land and off again. It was a very stressful time in history for all.

[@blastman88061]

@@RandyBridgesRealtor thank you for your service shipmate. the fall of saigon was in 1975

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

That was year I got out.

[@jkaposi]

Great footage.

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jkaposi]

@@RandyBridgesRealtor Shame its only 3 minutes. Nearly got aboard Midway during her 1987 visit to Sydney Oz....well we actually got aboard, but only lasted not even as long as this video goes before the Jarheads frogmarched us back down the gangway to the ferry.

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

@@jkaposi more to come.

[@jkaposi]

@@RandyBridgesRealtor I can't wait.

[@blackrocks8413]

hat tip to the 73 guys who put in the long hours at flight ops, day and night. From an '83-er on cv-59 and cv-67 with VA-85. Sierra Hotel

[@TheTruthcometh]

Love the Midway...Go VA-93 The Ravens!

[@tonymanero5544]

Really appreciate the footage, but the parade music is distracting. Thanks much.

[@steveowens913]

Didn't exactly finish, lots of high ranking pilots who were long term P.O.W.'s in the Vietnam War, lost their marriages...

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

To me I had to add Navy music, it would have been boring to me. Glad you liked it.

[@enricomandragona163]

I agree if rather here the action

[@wfdix1]

I wasn’t aboard the Tip of the Sword until 1977. We didn’t have music like this. The FOD walk down would have looked much better.

[@allgood6760]

Awesome ✈️👍

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

I have to agree with you. It was a great time to view this in real time... Thanks for the like.

[@johnburkholder9461]

A-7 driver 75-78 with the Champs

[@scottritner1260]

Was the plane guard hello from HC2?

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Dont remember. It could have been.

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Maybe Her Majesty's Secret Service "007" was onboard.🚁🚁

[@macworks9389]

HC-1 Det 2

[@cameronturner7475]

My dad was the FDO on the Midway in 76/77. I got to go out on her for a family day once.

[@rogermurray5582]

U.S.S.MIDWAY Now Museum California Famous Fall of Saigon Vietnam 🇻🇳 1974

[@shanan1124]

What camera did you use?

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

I don't remember. That was 51 years ago.

[@alessandrobartoloni2871]

assolutamente notevole!

[@CriticalThinker78]

Nice to see the f4 phantom and prowlers/ intruders

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

It was exciting to see them in action...

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Yes it was.

[@jrranch9712]

F8 Crusader Bad ass

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

I quess... I have always been a fan of the F-4 myself. ✈

[@erikzornes4183]

How did it end

[@JamesGlidewell-g1b]

VF-151, 78 to 80, off Iran, Gonzo

[@星-r6n]

お　グラマン　イントルーダーだね。懐かしいね。

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Correct. C1-A COD. Basically, the Admiral's private plane. Most importantly, served as the "the ships mail plane"

[@enricomandragona163]

Can the parade music 🎵🎶

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

It would be very boring without navy music in the background in my opinion.. Did you enjoy it?

[@enricomandragona163]

@@RandyBridgesRealtor no I didn't!! Apparently your not a Phantom pilot or someone that worked on them or around them!! The music is the sound of the J-79's in full burner!!

[@michaelmappin4425]

Back in those days, cameras with sound were not something most sailors were able to afford. There would be silence without Souza.

[@enricomandragona163]

@@michaelmappin4425 apparently you doubed in the ridiculous music a better choice would be better

[@michaelmappin4425]

@@enricomandragona163 I like National Emblem.

[@derekpierkowski7641]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@SeadogCVA41hal3]

VA-56 CHUMPS 71-73

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Same time frame I was onboard. I was COD crew 6 months.

[@SeadogCVA41hal3]

@@RandyBridgesRealtor I could have met you, in fact probably did. I shuttled on a Cod half a dozen times at least. I was usually part of the advanced det when we pulled into port. I was flown to atsugi Nas the first part of October 1973. That was one of my last shuttles. Small world. Or should I say small web

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Here I am facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10225371607271182&set=pb.1653942532.-2207520000&type=3@@SeadogCVA41hal3

[@terrelmchenry9524]

3MMR JFK CV-67...

[@grummanfanschneid]

Shame - no one mentioned Grumman Aerospace yet “Baby” the proud son of a Grumman Airframe engineer recently deceased..

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

Sorry to here that but I think you are posting on the wrong video...

[@grummanfanschneid]

Where did most of your aircraft come from my friend????

[@alfred.g7521]

Best viewed with the sound turned off

[@RandyBridgesRealtor]

I can appreciate that. To me, it adds to the emotions of the event. Glad you liked the video part though.

[@angloaust1575]

20 years before it was korea Russian pilots flew migs Against sabres!

[@xBLLI-ka]

Чего у американцев не отнять - отличное оснащение и условия для военных, чтобы убивать

[@SimonWIEMER]

Doch ich kann nicht klagen.