Lost Sailors Remembered USS Saratoga

[@charlesbaisden7586]

I will never stop getting chills

[@kevinirving4586]

Great, great video. I left Sara 2 months earlier in October 1990 to transfer to shore duty. I knew a few of those guys, Brent McCreight and I checked on board together in August of '88. Tim Seay was my DK in Disbursing, and Delwin Delgado and I worked in the Brig together. The only bad memory I have of Saratoga, and it happened after I left.

[@mrgrayday44]

I left about the same time I was in vs30 at the time Anthony Fleming was a dear friend of mine he had plans to get married after the cruise

[@charlesbaisden7586]

I was on duty that night, and after my shift is when I got word, and spent most of the night carrying them to medical. I lost three friends, one was MS2 Wilkinson, my training PO

[@jamiekelly246]

I was there that night. I was part of the ship's company (S-3 Division Ship's Serviceman). I was on the ferry boat behind the boat that sank. Our ferry boat sailors helped pull some sailors out of the water and then continued to the Sara. It was terrible that night. It was dark, cold, windy, and the water was so choppy. I don't know why they allow ferry boat operations during that time. I too have thought and dreamt about that night off and on for the last 30 years. RIP to the 21 shipmates that eve and the other two during our deployment.

[@shawnp6744]

I do not look forward to Christmas. Each year passes and the pain becomes more. Words escape me.

[@jeremyjames8678]

I was supposed to be on that ferry, missed it by 10 minutes. RIP shipmates. VAQ-132 Scorpions

[@daizyalvarez7039]

Here we are on the 30th Anniversary of the Haifa accident. ⚓️USS Saratoga CV60. In Honor & in loving memory of our 21 shipmates lost . 🎉Happy 56th Birthday Delwin 🥳⚓️💙🦅

[@AME3Martin]

I was a flightdeck troubleshooter for VA 35.I was in line at the dock,watched them sink.It was heartbraking.

[@ronaldlough7434]

I served onboard the Saratoga from 82-87. I worked beside FCC Jeff Shuckers. He was a really nice guy. Although it's been over 30 years since I served, I still occasionally have a dream about the Saratoga and my shipmates.

[@brentsooter1288]

I was with Randy Lee Neel that night. He was my best friend in that command (vFA-83). He was a great guy and I think about him all the time. It killed me when and how I had to find out how he had passed. I was literally sitting right next to him but when the ferry went down I lost him. We went out the aft door on the lower deck but I don’t know what happened from there. We lost 21 of our brothers that night that should not of been lost.

[@JettBlast]

I was there, My 1st ship, my 1st deployment was Desert Shield/Storm and went through the Suez Canal 6 times. That was when I was young and was looking to the future....then I lost 21 of my brothers....

[@shawnp6744]

Today ground was broken for the national Desert Storm memorial. Your names will be forever. No measure of time will erase your names from history.

[@sixstringb71]

I remember I got tired of waiting to use the phones on the pier and took the ferry back to the ship. The next ferry coming back to the ship was the one that sank. God bless all of the families of our sailors that were lost.

[@nathaniellocke3138]

I was there the night it happened. I was on duty and first it was man overboard, then mass casualties on fan tail. I will never forget it. Lost my shipmates that night. Really played a part in my life. It stays with you. Ate chow with some of my shipmates before they departed. Sad night. RIP.

[@danielhammond4047]

Even after all these years, it still feels like yesterday. I can still see their faces, hear their jokes, and remember the silence in the days that followed knowing that Christmas for those families would turn to horror when they received the news. That year, a simple phone call from the station set up on the pier to loved ones stateside was the greatest gift any of us would give our friends and family. Not a day has passed since I don't stop to think of them, and to wonder how things might have been. Matt Schiedler, my best friend, was only 20 years old, and would now be close to 50. Rest in peace, brothers - we will meet again.

[@leemaya3626]

From USS CORSICA "nickname" given by american soldiers during the 2nd World War to this small Island where I live in "Med" In HAÏFA, this so sad night , I remember I studied in Technion campus and lived in neigborhood at the top of the city. I understood that something wrong happenned because during a long Time, the israeli hélicoptèrs flighted With strong lightning. During this night WE didn't understood what happenned It was le lendemain à la radio que nous apprenions que le ferry faisant la navette entre le porte-avions and the city had sunked USS SARATOGA en escale à Haïfa avant son départ vers l'Irak. Je n'ai jamais oublié cette si triste nuit pour vos camarades qui ont perdu la vie dans la baie Thanks for this vidéo qui permet de se souvenir d'eux. And Thanks you so much to PROTECT US during january 91.

[@shawnp6744]

Well another year comes by. Words still escape me. We will meet again shipmates.

[@RIP19851]

My dad and two uncles served on CV-60 and they are all retired now

[@justinpogue2182]

chris hammond its nice to hear about other shipmates. Pitty that there is not much of her left.

[@michaeljamesvogt21]

Delwin Delgado and Brent McCreight, both served with me on the inport fire fighting team. both were good friends. when that ferry boat sank it took a big part of my soul too. I lost too many friends on that boat. Tore me up inside so badly for years to come. Delwin was a true hero that night. Saved countless lives before he made that one dive down and did not come back up. I still have nightmares of that night and will until the day i die. Brent was almost as tall as me. Use to call him shorty lol. always told him to duck going through the hatches because there was so many times we hit our heads lol. I wished it never had happened. Rest in peace my friends, Rest in peace.

[@ThePCTinkerer]

Michael Vogt I left Sara in 1989 and I can tell you that not everyone has fond memories of Delgado. When I knew him, he was a little punk. He loved to torment and harass subordinates. Maybe he changed after I left. Either way, no one deserves to go that way. I'm glad to hear he helped some fellow sailors.

[@thomasmcgee1181]

Michael Vogt I spoke to McCreights dad on the phone while preparing for the Saratoga return. I also spoke to McCreight just hours before he went ashore while trying to discourage him from going ashore. Next morning I was putting him in a body bag. My dad had to die on January 25th which allowed me emergency leave. My Name is Thomas McGee, I was the Watch Commander on duty that night and reported man overboard and quickly upgraded it to Mass Casualty. I hope our Executive Office recalls the 3 times I petitioned him to stop liberty...last time he ordered me not to bring the matter up again. That next year he was made Captain...

[@alyciaalvarez2489]

My names Daizy, I'm Delwins older sister. I was wondering if you could reach out to me and share some stories about my brother when he was serving. My email is [e-mail]

[@JettBlast]

Brent was one of my buddies on In-Port Fire Party, Sleep well my Brothers in the Everlasting Arms...

[@shawnp6744]

I was not a Saratoga crewmember. Was onboard FF-1082 for the cruise. AE2 Belliveau was in my bootcamp company. I live a hour from Brent McCreight's grave. I will be visiting December 21st. Unfortunately his father passed away this year. The most sacred duty we have is to remember our brothers.

[@earlashley1788]

Remembering it all to well. What a sad night that was. I remember responding the call and trying to help but still watching those men pass before my eyes. It still hunts me to this day. Thanks for the vid. Gone but not forgotten.

[@JettBlast]

I still think of that night, that could have been My fate but I could never get off because of the long lines. Rest well, my brothers...Brent and Anthony, I only knew such a small part of my life but remember you every day!

[@ricksadler797]

God bless

[@martinsalinas5178]

Thanks bro. I was on that ship. Jeffery was my best friend. Thank you. If you wanna hang out. I'm retired, and can travel. You're my forever be... My shipmate. I've got your six. Ms2 Salinas Martin

[@werewolf5674]

It was a terrible night. The crew did an amazing job responding. First time I had done CPR. Rest well brothers.

[@zsteve8591]

Outstanding tribute Justin. We will never forget our fallen brothers.

[@rogbow1]

I was there it's been 30 years and it was a day I will never forget it still makes me cry thinking about it. God bless them and the families they left behind RIP my brothers you may be gone but, your not forgotten.

[@saundrahansell6625]

Thank you for sharing. I remember waiting on the phone all night with my sister-in-law for word. My brother Ret Lt Commander James R Beeler Sr served on this carrier at that time. He made a special point to visit the memorial every year on the anniversary. He would have loved seeing this. God Bless all our veterans & service men and women. God Bless America.

[@dantanna3953]

Fighting back tears watching this tribute. Thanks for posting and what a great tribute. I was asssigned to the V-3 Division on board The Sara and I was on shore waiting for the ferry to return when we received word of the capsizing. I never as days go by forget about those shipmates that perished. God bless their families.

[@justinpogue2182]

I hope to get it national attention next year for the 25th anniversary

[@dantanna3953]

That would be awesome! Great job again. If you have any other videos to share that would be great also. I'm still trying to locate old friends from the ship. No success so far. I am in contact with one friend from the ship whom I've known for years. God bless.

[@jamestuccillo]

may have found one of your shipmates. was badly burned in the accident in the 90's. give me a shout I'll ask about giving out his info.

[@shawnp6744]

31 years later. This remains my worst day in the Navy. Not forgotten this year shipmates. I'll pour one out for you guys this year.

[@justinpogue2182]

Even though I made this long ago, I still tear up a little each time I come here to read the comments and to watch the video again.

[@shawnp6744]

@Justin Pogue I was onboard FF-1082 but the ties are one degree of separation. Brent McCreight is buried close by and I visit his grave often. Michael Bellivue was in my bootcamp company. They will be with forever.

[@Youtubeparolee]

I remember this like yesterday or better. 😞

[@chalmersell9161]

we will meet again my ship mates c sell cs1

[@shawnp6744]

Another Christmas approaches. Our brothers are forever gone. No words can be given that show our sorrow during the Christmas season. Our shipmates don't get to age. They don't get to hold their grandchildren or their own children. We will never forget you guys and your ultimate sacrifices.

[@Eggo645]

I was ship's company Aug '86 - Jan '90. ET2 (SW) OPS/OE Div. I remember hearing about the ferry sinking on the news and wondering if anyone I knew was onboard.

[@maryannschweikert4495]

Saw this on the news and my son was on this ship. I rember anxiously waiting to hear if he was safe. I thank God that he was determined to telephone his wife so he missed the ferry by 5 minutes. My prayers and thoughts go out to the mothers of these brave sailiors who did not come home.

[@GolfNaples]

God Bless all that served on the USS Saratoga 🇺🇸🙏🏻

[@chalmersell9161]

i was on sars 65 to 69 c sell cs2

[@Youtubeparolee]

I was there that night. Still sucks.

[@charlesr.baconsr.7403]

RIP my dear shipmates.

[@martinsalinas5178]

I was there too....damn!!!!! it still makes me cry.......

[@kingsbayrealtor]

I was there as well as Ship’s Sec that night...duty Admin Officer. Also was CACO (Casualty Assistance Calls Officer) for the ship. LT Chris Imbach and I had to get messages out on the remains, inventory personal affects, assign escorts to the remains and prepare them for shipment to Dover AFB via Germany. Thank God for YN2 Gary LeBlanc that went to the “local morgue” to pack the remains in ice - since Israel didn’t have a true morgue. He had to inventory the personal affects on the bodies - wallets, watches, etc. He was my “go to guy” who stayed with the remains until we had a plane. Wouldn’t you know it - we didn’t get satellite phones until 3 months after this event. 72 hours with no sleep. Worst couple of days in my career - taking care of our guys. Stood OOD watch with Delgado on several occasions - he was personally responsible for saving at least 2 lives. Still have some of their faces in my mind. Tragic event that would not have happened if the ferry boats had bilge pumps. By the way - was assigned to the month long JAGMAN investigation on the incident....4 feet of paperwork that didn’t accomplish anything!!

[@kevinirving4586]

I remember YN2, used to call him Mike Tyson's brother. Great guy.

[@TheNovadude]

Oh Lord remember our fallen loved one, may they sleep in heaven forever

[@crissycat3045]

So beautiful! God bless our military and the sacrifice they have made!!

[@shawnp6744]

Was onboard FF-1082 as part of the Saratoga Battle Group. The next night we anchored out in Hurghada, Egypt and had to take liberty boats. That night we learned about the Saratoga. From that day on every liberty boat I always stayed above deck. Many made fun of me on future ships but I learned my lesson from the Saratoga. AE2 Michael Bellivue was in my bootcamp company. Till Valhalla brothers.

[@ronaldhanson7196]

Every year around that time I always remember it like it had just happen, I will never forget that moment. I was suppose to have been on that ferry, but the good Lord apparently had different plans for me that night.

[@JacSteed]

count my blessing i had duty that first night in :(

[@Youtubeparolee]

Me too. That’s why I’m here now. It’s coming up on the anniversary.

[@JacSteed]

i still tear and choke up when i watch this, i was in 4MMR on duty that night when the call went out, i didn't know any of the guys personally, but knew a couple of them around the ship.But we were all "brothers" in a way. It was a very sad night for all.

[@andymorales9131]

Sara was my first ship. I was in 2MMR and 4MMR. 1980-1983. Also on the Rapid Response Team, during the yards in Philly.

[@shawnp6744]

34 years ago today. The Saratoga and JFK Battle Groups were brought to our knees. Never forgotten shipmates.

[@MyCubs11]

Thank you for sharing Shipmate. I too was there when that God awful accident took our brothers. Think about them quite often even today. God Bless.

[@NavyVetVF103]

⚓34th Anniversary of that tragic night this weekend. I still have nightmares about it all the time. Rest In Peace Shipmates, We Have The Watch! ⚓

[@wonderglory]

You did a fantastic job. Here's a little piece of interesting information. Haifa is a sister city of San Francisco, where I was born and raised.

[@rolltidelbc2832]

Great posting to make sure we never forget those we knew and didn’t. We served on Sara so they will always be our bros.

[@justinpogue2182]

Thank you. It was difficult to make this.

[@rolltidelbc2832]

Justin Pogue , your name has my mind running. I recognize your name, but just can’t place it. I worked V1 Crash crew.

[@justinpogue2182]

ROll Tide LBC you might have seen me in the p-way. We had an office just off of the catwalk starboard side by a fueling station and a ready room.

[@leelarko2646]

Thanks shipmate,I think about these men often. Delgado was my brig escort partner, I transferred 2 weeks before this occurred. Both of our birthdays were around that time and we would have been on duty the day before. Had it not been for my transfer I believe that I might had shared the same fate. All in total I knew 7 of those names as acquaintances or friends in some way, They all are missed.

[@scottu.s.a9045]

RIP. I was there. I still remember Anthony Flemming from my squadron VS-30

[@TheTurk56523]

I was there as well. AO3 Fleming trained me in Cag Arm/Dearm. I miss him.

[@mrgrayday44]

I myself was from vs30 an gray in airframes I transferred before this happened

[@JimmyMerriweather]

I think about it all the time. I was suppose to go on liberty that day. I was getting dress when Settimi ask to switch duties with me, at first i was like no man we been out to sea a long time man i need to get off this boat, and then my supervisor came over and said that they wanted to hang out together so i said ok, and i never seen him again. it's tough man we lost some great sailors that day. i can never for get that day.

[@ravenopenheart2649]

I rember that night, the hanger bay covered in stretchers. Some officer handed me a yellow tablet and pen...interview them all he said. Get there names, and the names of everyone they saw. So I talked to everyone pulled out of the water, watched a chief die. Every name on my list that could not be found, died that night. I still have that list.

[@oilman614]

Very nicely done USS Saratoga (CV-60) EM2 E-Div 82'-84'

[@jamestuccillo]

thanks for your service to all you guys who did.

[@davidallison234]

I was there that night on duty while my shipmates went ashore for liberty. Late in the evening it started out with man overboard starboard side, then man overboard port side then changed to mass casualties on the fantail. It was strange to me because this is a common drill but didn't make sense since we were anchored. I ran to the fantail to see what was going on and was shocked to hear. As part to the CACO team it was my responsibility to identify those that died confirming their identity and working with the CACO response team getting the information back to the states to notify family members. To this day it still haunts me with 21 shipmates that passed and 2 personal friends in DK2 Seay and MS2 Wilkinson. This is something that will never leave me and any time there are mass casualties the memories come flooding back especially when this was so close to Christmas for my shipmates and friends.

[@charleshudson1620]

I was there Weps Dept. I worked with Christopher Brown I still have nightmares

[@justinpogue2182]

I know, I serve in the Texas State Guard and we had a guy go down full cardiac arrest during AT. It really brought me back to that night.

[@ronniewright6639]

Never forget 🙏🇺🇸⚓️

[@Retnavycpo]

I was VFA-83's Operations Dept. CPO. AN Randy Neel, one of the sailors who drowned in that accident, worked for me. I escorted his body back to his family in Albuquerque, NM, and went on to duty at Saufley Field, Pensacola from there. The night of the accident, I was ashore in Haifa. Shore Patrol went to all the hotels and started banging on doors to tell everyone there was a "emergency muster" at fleet landing. None of us knew the true story. We heard rumors that some guys had fallen overboard, either from the ferry, or when getting back aboard the Sara, but that all of them were rescued. Wasn't until we got back aboard that we were told what really happened. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYWTnmB9r8p9bJo