USS Kitty Hawk Action - Color 1971 - F-4 A-7 RA-5 A-3 launch recovery arming Vietnam Viet Nam

[@airailimages]

F-8 Crusaders over Vietnam: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGbYgnWCeqigbKM

[@ttraderjim]

This is how I remember it. VF213 Plane Captain. The heat, the humidity, the grease everywhere. My dungarees were so caked with grease the they would just about stand up in the corner by themselves. The flight deck felt like a big frying pan. During launch we were spotted at the fantail and when Kitty Hawk turned into the wind we were treated to the sulphorous stack gas of the black oil fired engines as they spooled up to bring us up to the 30 or so knots of wind needed for the launching aircraft to get airborne not to mention the jet exhaust of every running plane ahead of us moving slowly up the deck with heavy bomb loads that required extra power to get moving. When my F4 Phantom was finally launched it was time hang up my tie down chains and take a break for an hour or so and do it again usually four times a day. It was my honor to serve with my flight deck and aircrew shipmates. The KittyHawk did a heck of a job and I'm proud to have been a part !

[@airailimages]

Wow! Thank you very much for that wonderful description of life on deck.

[@steveowens913]

Oh yeah! Stack gas!! YUK!!! Working as a plane captain or ordnance guy in my squadron was a situation where we worked long a$@ days, 7 days per week! I remember when I left that assignment and went to the AE Shop! 7am to 7pm!! Awesome. Didn't even get dirty anymore.

[@gustavoheberle6265]

Thank you for your service, Sir !

[@davycrockett5436]

I was there VA192, great ship, what great times. Olongapo was great. I wish I could have seen me in the video though.

[@reggierico]

My uncle Dr. Pat Flynn was a flight surgeon aboard the Kittyhawk and the Constellation in the 1960's and early 1970's. He was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal, with V, for jumping into the ocean trying to rescue an aviator who'd ejected and landed in the water and became fouled in the shroud lines of his parachute. Although the pilot ended up drowning, my uncles heroism was unquestionable. I believe he was in the Sea Sprite rescue helicopter when he jumped. BTW he was an outstanding swimmer, diver and athlete, so his ability to handle swimming in the open ocean was not a factor for him. I miss him very much. He helped me when I was struggling as a young man trying to figure out my future.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching, and for adding that great family story about your uncle. It's good to remember the role models we have had in our lives.

[@josephstevens9888]

Jeffrey - your uncle sounds like a remarkable man; both as a servant to the nation and a wise and caring uncle to his nephew.

[@mokeimusic]

I worked on this same flight deck in the 2000s. It’s crazy how many people served on the Kitty Hawk. It should have never been scrapped.

[@airailimages]

Yes, as a conventionally-powered carrier, Kitty Hawk could have made an amazing museum.

[@Collie1228]

I served at the time of this video as a YN2 in the Kitty Hawk's Legal Office. What a great time in my life. No regrets. Serving on the Hawk was one of the best things I've ever experienced. RIP my old ship!

[@airailimages]

And thank you for commenting, and for your service.

[@toastnjam7384]

This takes me back. USS Kitty Hawk 70-73. Radioman. Damn, 50 years ago. Stuff like this reminds me how old I am.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for serving, and thanks for watching!

[@adstaton8461]

Every punch keys on a mod-28?

[@robertbrink2240]

You have a memory you should look back with pride at what your younger self accomplished. I know I do. Thanks for your service.

[@steveowens913]

Yes, but it was like just yesterday!! Wasn't it!? And, if they had handed me $100,000 at the time, I would have likely given them 70k for an immediate trip home!

[@jerrydillard2430]

I served on 68 h

[@vondumozze738]

Thanks for posting this. I was an A02 with VF114 for this cruise. (AO3 for the one before it). I caught a glimpse of our old shop chief who moved up to CVW11 for this cruise., AOCS Strong. R.I.P. Chief.

[@airailimages]

Wow! Neat to hear from someone who was there. Thanks for adding your story.

[@worldcitizennews]

I was an RM aboard the USS HOLLISTER DD-788. We chased carriers, spent time on the navel gun line and had some exciting raids in the north. To all my fellow Vietnam Vets especially to those who didn't make it, I salute you.

[@airailimages]

Thank you for adding your story, and thanks for watching.

[@enricomandragona163]

Kudos 👍

[@kristov29]

12:10 A $200 million carrier, but it boils down to a couple of ratings and a wrench. Magnificent footage.

[@afenijmeijer9027]

Naval aviation rocks. Those pilots are very special people. Respect.

[@nynthworld4152]

Love the F-4 Phantom it still has a modern look to it. And it sounds...glorious.👍

[@steveowens913]

At high speeds, the Phantom actually screams. Love 'em. I was an electrician on them. For awhile, I worked as a plane captain on them. Nothing like standing beside them at night on the cats when they are "SHOT!" It's HEAVEN!!

[@nynthworld4152]

@@steveowens913 Absolutely awesome👍

[@ChiefAUS]

This brings back memories of that time in my life. Thanks for the great video and history lesson.

[@airailimages]

Always fun to do. Thanks!

[@georgemallory797]

Quality footage. I second the sentiment that it's nice to see footage from the flight deck operations perspective and not just about the aircraft and their crews.

[@TimNelson]

My father-in-law was on the ship, as ship's company at this time, serving as catapult and arresting gear officer, James C. Barnes Jr. This ship was the one he most loved in his career.

[@WrightBrosRC]

Kitty Hawk was moved to dry dock March 9th of this year to clean the hull and start cutting her up. I was aboard many times while stationed at PSNS. Nice vid Fred.

[@airailimages]

Thanks Dennis! And interesting to learn more about Kitty Hawk's fate.

[@70stunes71]

USS Independence...same fate.. I was on it long ago. Sad to see our old ships going to the torches

[@michaelgeary5451]

Cat one topside PO, 71-72. Video brought back lot's of memories. Bad ASS crew and ship

[@airailimages]

Good to hear from veterans of any era! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@xlte]

Great Video! Brings back a lot of memories! I came aboard during the `71 cruise and all of the `72 cruise. I was an SKSN down in S-1 Supply Div.. This was one of the best times in my life over 50 years ago! I last saw the Kitty Hawk up in Bremerton, WA. a couple of years before she was towed to the scrap yards In Brownsville, TX

[@airailimages]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Glad you enjoyed it. It is good to hear from veterans who served aboard Kitty Hawk.

[@w6krg]

This sure brings back memories. I was a Photographer's Mate on the Constellation for the 1974 WESTPAC.

[@airailimages]

A friend of mine went through Navy photographer's school in the early 70s, and I was impressed with how much he was taught. Good for you! Thanks for watching, and thanks for your service.

[@Bryan-cs9to]

Great footage very clear and sharp images with excellent color

[@airailimages]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamesroets800]

Love those airplanes - Phantom, Whale, SLUF. My dad was stationed aboard Ranger (CVA-61) during that time. We lived in Alameda, CA, and I always was outside when the air wings were coming ashore. The flight path was right over base housing.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching, and for adding your story.

[@michaeljohnson4258]

It was scary watching the Whale land on the PLAT because it was such a large plane landing on the ship.

[@blackrocks8413]

I think of it now as the CLUF. Cool little ugly.... You know you spent tooo much time around A-6's and A-7's when you think they looked cool.

[@enricomandragona163]

@@blackrocks8413 it's SLUF!!

[@steveowens913]

Gee whiz, I am embarrassed! I had to Google Sluf. Didn't know what "bird " that was. I never was on a "pleasure cruise " with an F8 or an A7, but the intakes were certainly visually intimidating looking to me!! I had a pilot request me to stand on the two steps that were used on an F4 Phantom one day when he was pointing to a Guage and asking me if the bird was flyable. "I was thinking, HELL, I hope so, but right now I just want to get the right side of my head outta your intake!! If my flight deck helmet goes into that intake, you won't be flying this one, and I will have to go below decks to change my underwear!"

[@pip12111]

Proud member of the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club

[@airailimages]

Salute! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@emhjr6339]

the Phantom still is my favorite. my Father was stationed at Travis in '70-71. having returned from a year at Korat Royal Thai airbase.

[@airailimages]

Interesting how these vintage videos bring up family stories. Thanks for watching, and adding yours.

[@paladin0654]

I was living in a hole about 100 miles west of the boat; it was good to know it was there.

[@airailimages]

Yes! And thank you for serving.

[@wehavetopassittoseewhatsin696]

Great shots. Many memories, USS Independence, Airframes troubleshooter, VA-65

[@airailimages]

Glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for serving!

[@steveowens913]

I was with VF-102 for two years. Took a couple of boat rides on the Indy. I remember seeing VA-65.! I watch a lot of air crash investigation shows. Was watching one episode and saw that the guy in charge was Knutson, from Washington State...Immediately found him in the cruise book from our Med Cruise. Yesterday morning during a carwash, asked a Tesla driver, who was waiting for his car, WHY he got out of Air Force after only 14 years??? Answer?? He was on the ground at the Green Ramp Disaster at Pope Air Force Base!

[@mackydog99]

I served aboard the Kitty Hawk from ''71 to ''73 #4MMR P1Div MM

[@andreinarangel6227]

I was onboard her, for just over 2 days, when my FF escorted KITTY out of the Philadelphia shipyard, all the way around the Horn, to San DIego.

[@tungteo1190]

Thanks

[@airailimages]

Thank you very much. We do appreciate your support.

[@jodyodell9817]

Doug Odell on West Pac '72. Worked in the 3-M Office, X Div. 72 cruise was a long wild ride for a kid from Minnesota! Did a lot of growing up fast.

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching and adding a bit of your history.

[@jerrydillard2430]

It does make you grow up fast!

[@boblohof4579]

I was stationed aboard the Kitty Hawk at this point in time (1967-71). Made 3 cruises, so sorry to see the ship being scraped. Yes I know the steel will be used for newer carriers but just a hard pill to swallow

[@airailimages]

Thanks for watching. Good to hear from veterans of these ships.

[@jerrydillard2430]

I may have been there the same time. 68 or 69. VA 37.

[@jungletension2835]

Love those F-4 Phantoms

[@airailimages]

Yes! Thanks for watching.

[@johnmorrison1227]

Dates of service. I am the surviving spouse of a sailor, John Morrison who sailed on the USS Kitty from 1974 to 1979. My application for compensation was denied because the VA says the Kitty Hawk was never in Vietnam after May 1974. Is there anyone who served on the Kitty Hawk that can tell me if the USS Kitty Hawk was, indeed, in Vietnam during the years 1974 - 1975? Does any one have photos of the ship that shows that the ship was in Vietnam during those years? The claim was denied because the VA says the ship was never in Vietnam after 1972. My husband, like many sailors, died from Parkinson's Disease and severe Lewy-Body dementia. He was a cook aboard the ship. His name was John Morrison and, his home city was Portland, Oregon. I am very grateful for any information about the ship's service in Vietnam during 1974-75. Any photos that put the ship in Vietnam. I was asked if there is any correspondence that any one has that says they were on the ship in Vietnam during 1974 to 1975. This shouldn't be this difficult and, for every family who has been through this process, I apologize for the angst you have been through with the VA process, especially during COVID 19. Theresa Prefontaine [e-mail]

[@deuce38]

Best part of my Navy experience was on the flight deck. CVA-67 Kennedy, VF-32 AO3. A ten month Med cruise in 71-72.

[@crashburn3292]

I can't imagine how load a carrier full of F-4's must have been. The Phantom is the loudest jet I've ever heard outside of the SR-71.

[@craigpennington1251]

Man, does this bring back the memories being on the Saratoga & the Kennedy. Ancient history.

[@steveowens913]

Ancient history, yes. BUT, we can go back in our minds with those ships, and those aircraft, (the F-4 Phantom was THE fastest FIGHTER JET on the planet when I worked on her!) and use that sentence at the beginning of the Titanic movie about how glorious that vessel was! Maybe we just didn't really realize what we had ahold of!! I was simply BLOWN AWAY the first time I ever saw the U.S.S. Independence, due to the sheer magnitude of its SIZE!!! Since I was in Naval Air, I was shocked when I first saw an Air Force C5A GALAXY!

[@pdoherty]

Memories for sure. Was aboard the Hawk when CQ F14-A Tomcats first time. VA-122 A7-E's PR2 71-75

[@airailimages]

Thank you for watching and commenting. And thanks for serving aboard Kitty Hawk!

[@jerrydillard2430]

A7 A, VA 37, 68

[@michelleschultz472]

Grew up an air force brat. Loved those Vietnam Era planes. The F-4 was iconic. Such a beautiful plane. Also was a fan of the A-6's and 7's.

[@jrmorrell5034]

I was on the Nimitz in the Med, 1987 I think and the Kitty relieved us. I worked cat#2, only bridle bird we had was the A-3 Whale.

[@bbbsites]

Yes, I was on the Kitty Hawk that year (my last), and we did relieve the Nimitz. I worked in catapults (Cat 3 waist), and we had just come come through the Suez Canal, and afterwards went into dry dock in Philadelphia.

[@shaywilliams8076]

I should have become a pilot love airplanes and helicopters

[@motorTranz]

Thank you for this fascinating video!

[@airailimages]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@redfisher3334]

Thanks for posting. I was at Yankee Station in late 71 on the USS Midway, an Aviation Technician. I worked on the flight deck trying to keep the VF -161 F4 Phantom weapon radar systems running. The flight deck was a noisy, dangerous, fascinating place to be.

[@airailimages]

Always glad to hear from veterans with their stories to add. Thanks for commenting.

[@Minimouse580]

Thanks for that. Greetings from a German, in the Philippines.

[@airailimages]

You're welcome!

[@dennythomas8887]

Nice to see a rare video about working on the boat that's not focused on the aircrew. Us ground pounders worked our butts off keeping those things flying. USS Ranger 1976.

[@warrenchambers4819]

Incredible footage but I find myself really bothered by the thought of how many of these guys we're seeing didn't make it? Never forget the cost of those who serve on the line.

[@mattdaugherty7865]

02:33 That's one big chunk out of that tire!

[@bobmartin4942]

Yes it was. I'm wondering if it was changed before the next flight. I know that it would have been on a AF bird.

[@johnschultz5602]

You can thank PH 1 Sharkey of the Hawk’s OP Division for the fine quality of this video. AK 3 Schultz, USN (Ret.), S-6 Division / USS Kitty Hawk 70-71cruise

[@Bond-fx7si]

Amazing footage!!!

[@airailimages]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelmason4528]

I was on board 1970-72 V-1 fly1 recognized many of those faces can still put a name to some of them.

[@airailimages]

Glad you found our channel, and glad you recalled some of the folks.

[@Sturminfantrist]

Amazing color footage/Film with Phantoms, A-7 Corsair II`s RA-5 Vigilante`s ect.

[@giljeep]

belle époque, ou il y avait beaucoup d'avions différents sur les porte-avions!!!!! merci pour cette belle vidéo

[@airailimages]

Oui, c'était une période de variété à bord des porte-avions. Merci, comme toujours, d'avoir regardé et commenté.

[@louislamboley9167]

Kitty Hawk and America were of the same class. Being the Kitty Hawk class carrier. I was on the America CVA 66 in 68. Same place. Great color footage for history.

[@philliplopez8745]

I hope that we continue to have an endless supply of brave kids .

[@skywarp2180]

Beautiful, tks!!

[@airailimages]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@bournejsn]

This is so wholesome

[@alanweiss4947]

I was on that cruise in RVAH-6. If I remember correctly, for one of the few times on a WestPac cruise, no aircrew lives were lost. There was only one sailor who died and he jumped overboard. A Dear John letter was found.

[@steveowens913]

In my humble, but ACCURATE opinion, the worst reason in the history of Earth, for jumping overboard! He possibly wanted a "do-over " very shortly after that move.

[@tomdemerly]

Another excellent video. Thank you very much.

[@airailimages]

You are very welcome.

[@hardrocky]

Was with VA-195 on board '72 & '73-'74. Worked in ordnance and as an AT. Flight deck was a well oiled dance when in operation. You had to have your spidy sense well tuned during night ops.

[@ricksadler797]

Nice 👍 thank you

[@airailimages]

Welcome 😊

[@tomdemarino251]

A couple of those Chippy Bird landings might have been me!

[@airailimages]

That's neat! Thanks for watching.

[@johnblandford]

Or me, Tom.....howdy...!!

[@roaster591]

Home port overseas was in the Philippines, good times in Olongapo when it was cool. I did my time on the Kitty from '74 to '79, enjoyed three westpacs and was made into a shellback.

[@airailimages]

Good stories to add. Thanks for watching.

[@allgood6760]

Thanks 👍🇳🇿

[@airailimages]

You are welcome

[@ag7620]

Arming wires on the A-7 at 11:30.

[@philliplopez8745]

Those RA-5 Drivers were the Sierra Hotel Papa's

[@airailimages]

Perhaps the best looking Navy jet ever.

[@philliplopez8745]

@airailimages had the opportunity to see one up close at Hill AFB IN 79 OR 80 . You really don't know until you have stood in the shadow .

[@ghost-mikeMZO]

What kind of helicopter is this at 1:56? Is this a Kaman H2?

[@kaiwontwin]

kitty hawk basically has her own kids and grandkids with how many people served on it

[@davidcochran595]

Joined the Hawk 1976 BM Deck Department

[@АндрейШмырев-х8н]

Познавательное видео.

[@airailimages]

И спасибо за просмотр и за комментарии. I spasibo za prosmotr i za kommentarii.

[@eugenejustice7833]

Hello i know it's years late but I'm standing here with a 3rd class petty officer that was on this air craft carrier in this video 😮 it's blowing my mind

[@airailimages]

Glad you found the video, and shake that 3rd Class Petty Officer's hand for me!

[@lebaillidessavoies3889]

2:23 yep , its good to go..

[@joolz1967]

This is great. What is the start music ? Love the 70's feel of it. Suits the footage.

[@airailimages]

Thanks -- glad you enjoyed the music. That first piece was generated in an old Sony music arrangement program called Cinescore. You input styles, genres, moods, and such to tell the computer what to generate and for how long. Quite enjoyable to create music with it, and almost infinitely customizable. But Sony dropped it quite a few years ago around 2009; I think the program and some of the music modules in CD form show up on E-Bay every once in awhile.

[@gunhog11]

What music piece is at 3:15 on? Nicely done video. Enjoyed it.

[@davidmcleod7757]

the only time I wanted to be on a flight deck in the Navy is when there were no flight ops USS Oriskany cva 34 go Navy beat Army 17-14

[@deuce38]

Was there a LT. Max Carey in one of the A-7 squadrons?

[@JerryHenry-hm8fr]

Hey..Where are the VA-52 A-6 Intruders? Just askin. They were on board for this cruise.

[@shaywilliams8076]

304 hell ya 👍

[@johnschultz5602]

T-bars used in the catapult launch sequences courtesy of Aviation Storekeeper par excellence Joseph Hopkins / S-6 Division USS Kitty Hawk, 70-71 cruise

[@airailimages]

Thanks for adding details, and thanks for watching.

[@jerrydillard2430]

Served on 68, I think. VA37. Seat mechanic.

[@richardhutsell4791]

Did you edit out VA-52?

[@airailimages]

Not at all. Used the film we had available.

[@richardhutsell4791]

@@airailimages I’m just another old guy reliving past glories. I appreciate your reply and nice work on the video. Thanks

[@airailimages]

And thank you for watching. Old guys welcome here!

[@shaywilliams8076]

Hook it wooo he hooked it

[@shaywilliams8076]

Oh man those things are pimp

[@davephipps1719]

No A-6 footage?

[@airailimages]

Not in this package. Not sure, but I wonder if Kitty Hawk used only A-7s, and if this helped keep logistics easier for servicing only one type of attack aircraft. Thanks for watching.

[@vondumozze738]

@@airailimages We definitely had A6s aboard .

[@acemeth]

AQ3 Air Missile Div😎

[@arkyump]

I was on her at that time, H Division.

[@airailimages]

Good to hear from veterans who find our historic videos! Thanks.

[@cindahaddock6376]

What you don’t show is the real flight deck operations like A2 with its port strut in the port catwalk and the RA5C taking off CAT#1 and dropping its center line fuel tanks on the flight deck while it’s in after burners GENERAL QUARTERS GENERAL QUARTERS. and then five crew on flight deck being blowed overboard I was in charge of waist catapults during this cruise

[@user-mz2yh6qz7y]

What on earth were they using the skywarrior for, doesn't the vigilante perform the same role but better?

[@herbarnold7896]

That was an EKA-3B of VAQ-133, which provided airborne tanking and electronic warfare services. The RA-5C was almost exclusively used for photographic (and some electronic) reconnaissance.

[@user-mz2yh6qz7y]

@@herbarnold7896 Ah ok. Thanks ftm

[@enricomandragona163]

Good to see the Muscle car era jets I served with on CV-59!! However the music ida rather hear is the Engine's!! Not the stupid soundtrack!

[@airailimages]

Hey, appreciate your comments. The video file was received silent; we learned a long time ago that no matter what music we use, some will like it and some will not. Hope you will stick around and watch more from Airailimages.

[@terrelmchenry9524]

3MMR,,,JOHN F. KENNEDY CV-67...I DON'T WANT HER CUT UP...

[@dgio5052]

ABE for life 😂😂! Kitty Hawk 93-95

[@rocksnot952]

Back in the days when you could still have a beard.

[@jimmieyoung925]

Must be me growing in the Air Force but. Why was a guy wearing his wedding ring on the flight deck

[@airailimages]

Even as an Air Force civilian, I remember "ring check" in command post before the crew boarded a C-141.

[@88mike42]

Nothing like working on the "Roof." AFTS VA-65, VF-101. Note the arming wires on the A-7 at 11:20.