USS Coral Sea CVA-43 - May 1965

USS Coral Sea CVA-43 operations in South China Sea. Flight deck ops and engine room scenes. May 1965

[@Cap6302]

I too was aboard when this clip was made. A-1 Hyd, deck edge elevators. All 331 days, 200+ on the line!!!

[@chriscarr6392]

My uncle was an AO2 on the USS Coral Sea, he was on the back to back pumps that lasted 11 months. He told me they dropped so much ordnance he thought Vietnam would sink. He loved the Navy. He was the only father I every knew. I joined the Navy because of him. I served 1984 to 1994, FC1. Served on the USS Cushing DD-985 from Jan 86 to Mar 90.

[@briancooper2112]

Thank u both for your service.

[@Thornbush434]

I was a 14 year old Sea Cadet when I went on a two- week cruise on the USS Coral Sea. I was assigned to Fox Div. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I later joined the Nave and became a Fire-Controlman and served on the USS Morton, DD 948 stationed at Pearl Harbor and had another great experience sailing on it around the world. First Navy ship since WW2 to port visit Mombasa Africa.

[@darrelldoke-jg9ky]

I served on this ship from March 65 tell October 67. 5th division. When you watch the starboard cat you should see the top of our gun mount. We had mounts on both sides on the fantail. So we could watch all the flight options we wanted. My friends served with me .Darrell Doke

[@randykelso4079]

Served aboard the Coral Maru when these shots were taken and for the entire 11 month Nam cruise: AQF2, VF-154 Fire Control Shop. Thank you for the memories.

[@raybin6873]

Thank you for your service for our country. I was too young then but do remember Vietnam. 🇺🇸👍

[@chriscarr6392]

Hi Randy, my uncle was an AO2 during that 11 month pump. Harry E. Woolley from Cedaredge, Colorado. Do you have a cruise book from that float?

[@randykelso4079]

@@chriscarr6392 Yes, and it's online but they won't let me post the link here.

[@randykelso4079]

@@chriscarr6392 Romeo Alpha November Delta Yankee Kilo Echo Lima Sierra Oscar Alpha Tango Yankee Alpha Hotel Oscar Oscar Delta Oscar Tango Charlie Oscar Mike

[@randynewman8098]

Thankyou (Dad) Randy Kelso for you bravery and hard work.👍🏻💙

[@JCT442]

A-4 #148475 was shot down and the pilot killed three months after this was filmed.

[@Steven67454]

@Steven67454 1 second ago This was my old ship I used to fuel Jet Aircraft on the flight deck when we went to VietNam patrolling the waters Wow, its a amazing bring back memories. 1967-1974

[@allgood6760]

Awesome vid👍.. I miss the Skyhawks down under with our RNZAF🇳🇿

[@romualdodelacruz9838]

The Skyhawk and Crusaders era

[@scottmurphy650]

I was on the Cora Maru for one cruise with VA-55 in 1986. I hated every minute I was on that rust tub ship. She was small, cramped, hot and could be an absolute bitch to come aboard, especially at night. She pitched and rolled even in low sea states. I was never so glad to take my last cat shot off that ship.

[@josephstevens9888]

What type of aircraft did you fly?

[@michaelgrey7854]

Did you fly A-6E's in operation Eldorado Canyon per chance?

[@scottmurphy650]

@@michaelgrey7854 Yes. I laid a ripple stick of Mk82's down the Benina runway.

[@rayperry7315]

Yes sir,she was all of the above and then some. I was on board her for her last 2 Med cruises and decommissioning. That old bitch was definitely worn out 😂.