Full Deck CV-38 USS Shangri-La Carrier Operations Late 1950s

On the deck with engines running are propeller driven Douglas A-1E Skyraiders. The jets with folding wings are McDonnell F3H Demons and also visible are the Grumman F11F Tigers.
Being catapulted is a Douglass A-4C Skyhawk, aka "scooter". Deck crew with catapult slings in hand assist the A-4 into position for catapult launch. The A-4 Skyhawks first entered service in October 1956.
The next aircraft on the catapult is a Grumman F11F Tiger followed by a McDonnell F3H Demon. The Demon was a short-lived program, which suffered mainly from lack of power.
Next, taking off without catapult assist is an A-1E Skyraider followed by an A3D Skywarrior. The straps seen on top of the A-3D are attached to the wing fold pins. Also, notice the two men on the wing tops. These crew remove the wing tie down braces once the massive bird is ready to take off.
In formation, four McDonnell F3H Demons fly by the decks of the USS Shangri-La.
On approach: McDonnell F3H Demon catching the number 3 wire followed by a Douglass A-4C Skyhawk.

[@nervechews6781]

Far and away my favorite era of aviation. Man those planes were beautiful.

[@user-dc8vr2gd2y]

My name is Dennis Davis I served on the Shangri-la from 1959 to 1960. That was the time it went into drydock in Bremerton, Washington. In March 1960 it changed duty stations from San Diego to Mayport, Florida. I was able to take the ride all around South America. Very few sailors have ever gone around the Horn of South America. That was an adventure I will remember all my life a great ship and a great ride.

[@kkay2270]

My dad served during WWII in the U.S. Navy from 1945-1946 aboard the USS Shangri-La. He worked as a fireman in the engine area. He told me about the testing of the bombs during that time period. My dad decided not to volunteer for the bombing tests because the volunteers got sick after coming back from the tests.

[@allgood6760]

Awesome 👍✈️

[@Ulleval73]

Yes, not only did the A-1E not get a cat-shot, it began its takeoff roll on the diagonal across the flight deck and off the starboard corder of the flight deck... the pilot wanted to be SURE he was taking off into the wind, I guess.

[@vondumozze738]

Ah, VF-114, my old squadron 68-71.

[@Retroscoop]

Love that sleek F 11 Tiger, maybe not the best Navy plane -although the Blue Angels kept it quite long in service- but certainly a very nice model !

[@jimbrumm6197]

I was with VF-13 in 64 on the Shang. We had the F3h Demons, then in 65 changed to F8U crusaders. 2 med cruises nice old ship. Not like the new ones back then.

[@stratoleft]

Pretty rough weather out there, eh?

[@bluetopguitar1104]

I know two guys that were on this ship in the early 60s. I think this is the era of these videos as I thought the tiger went into service in the early sixties. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks.

[@dankuettel5063]

I have a question for those that served in the time period. Did the early jet age steam catapult system jettison the launch cable with each launch? I’m certain I’ve seen stills of a cable flying off into the water. I believe later systems had a retention feature to keep it attached to the catapult. Is that correct?

[@stacase]

On the 1966-67 Med cruise the "banzel" (can't find that term on a short search) that was supposed to reel the bridle back in wasn't working, so yes on much of that cruise the launch cable (Bridle) wound up in Davy Jone's Locker. I was the tilly bar man for the A4 Sky Hawks in fly one.

[@stacase]

@@gladiatorao3 Then you probably remember in Feb 67 there was a fight and one of the blue shirts was med-evaced off the ship to Naples. That was me.

[@o.c.metheney8635]

yes i was there

[@vondumozze]

My eyes are not what they used to be. What is a more exact date of this footage, as I can't tell if she has her angle deck yet.

[@cowboybob7093]

At 1:26 the Skyraider starts its roll on the angle deck, at 1:35 it passes the end. Hope this reply finds your eyes young again.

[@cbhooi330]

Former PM of Malaysia Dr. Mahathir M Purchase On Behalf Of Malaysia Gov 80 of the second hand A4 Sky Hawk Bomber in 1985 . However only 40 of the Sky Hawks in order received by the Gov . It was a insurgency in Sabah that time where more that 20 bomb strikes in Sabah major town after the opposition parties won the election . I get the massage from the public the Malaysia can not get enough pilots to fly the A4 Sky Hawk bombers . The massage also said the PM asked me why not I fly the bomber .

[@bobandbally88]

Never was on it but all I remember is that is was called the shitty shang!! Why? something about bad evaporators?

[@johngwozdz8456]

Yea thats what it was called, Bobby. She was my ship from 1968 to 1970. She was just too old and the government dollars in upkeep just never came. Just about everything on her went to hell. Her sailors did a heck of a job to keep her afloat. Now near my death bed I would never refer to her by that name (although I did in my earlier years). She deserves our respect after all she brought us home safely from her last cruise in 1970, Vietnam.

[@jimzarcone8923]

@@johngwozdz8456 I was on the Shang 66-69 almost 3 Med. cruises before leaving ship in Rota , Spain