"Oriskany" - First & Last Thoughts - Seagull's Memories

I was stationed at Naval Schools Command, Treasure Island. That's a small flat island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It was my first duty station. I was maintaining electronic test equipment for an Electronic Technician "A" school on the island. I just received my new orders. Sea Duty aboard the USS Oriskany CVA 34. I had never heard of Her so, I started asking others on the island if they knew anything about this ship. The "CVA" told me that she was an attack carrier of some kind but no one I talked to had ever heard of this "Oriskany" thing. 

The orders also stated that before reporting aboard I would spend a few weeks in a "C" school learning something called NTDS (Naval Tactical Data) SRC-16 radio transmitter - receiver system (one of the Navy's first communications networks) at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, somewhere close to San Francisco. 

When I got to Mare Island and started the school, I also started asking around if anyone knew anything about this "Oriskany" ship. I found one old instructor that knew about her. He broke out into a huge laugh when I mentioned I was going to the Oriskany. He asked me who I pissed off. He said she was the OLDEST THING AFLOAT! Her SRC-16 system was serial number XN1 #1. That meant it was experimental model number 1 and was nothing like the machine I learned in school. Well, at least I now knew something about this thing called "Oriskany."

On the 17th of April 1973, I stood at the head of a pier in Alameda California. On my port side stood the USS Enterprise. Pride of the Navy, Queen of the sea. She was all decked out to start her sea tour tomorrow. Today she stood tall sleek and shinny. A necklace of aircraft around her island, She looked like an Ensign standing inspection, not a scratch or bruise on her skin, wrinkle in her uniform, and not a hair out of place. So beautiful and "sexy" - A sailor's "dream boat".  I could almost feel her tugging at me, whispering a beautiful sea chantey in my ear, trying to lure me away from my destination on the opposite side of the pier. 

On the starboard side, stood the Old Bitch of the Sea - Oriskany.  Just back from her sea tour yesterday. There she stood, Her uniform of grey: dirty, torn, wrinkled and tattered. Her skin scratched, bruised, covered in soot, salt and seagull crap. As I walked up her after-brow I could smell her sweat. Sweat from hundreds of miles in scorching sun and rough stormy seas, sweat from dozens of weeks at Yankee Station with flight ops sometimes going 24 hours a day. She was old, ugly and decrepit and she smelled of death.

At the head of her brow I stopped, turned and saluted her ensign. As I turned a 180, grabbed my packet of papers to hand to the Brow Watch, I thought: What the hell am I doing here? Did I piss off God? Why couldn't I be ridding that sleek young thing across the pier? The world knew her name and who's girl she was. Why am I, not even 20 years old yet, why do I have to ride this lonely Old Bitch of the Sea that no one knew, and from the looks of her, no one cared about?

On 14 June 1976, I stepped out on her flight deck for the last time. Slated for decommissioning instead of being cleaned up primed and painted, she was being stripped of all of her equipment. As I looked around I saw Her uniform of grey, still dirty, torn, wrinkled, tattered and Her skin scratched, bruised, covered in soot, salt and seagull crap from Her last Westpac. She was older and probably a bit uglier, but she wasn't the old bitch of the sea that I thought she would be. Once you got to know her she became a Fighting Lady. "The Mighty 'O' "is what we called her. A bitch to her enemy, but a Mighty Fighting Lady to her crew. She was the last of her kind, the last Essex Class Carrier, the last of the mighty fighting ships that took back the Pacific from the Japanese. From Alaska in the north to all the little islands that dot her south, the Essex Class Carriers fought and won the Pacific war. No, Oriskany wasn't the old bitch of the sea, She was the proud mother of the modern carrier, the first "SUPER CARRIER." Without the Essex Class Carriers like Oriskany, we would not have the sassy, sleek and sexy carriers of today. 

As I walked down her after-brow for the last time, I walked slowly so that I could savor her sweet sweat from missions to Korea and Vietnam, all the flight-ops involved in those wars along with the storms and typhoons we weathered. Along with her sweat is the always welcoming aroma of Subic bay with just a hint of Olongapo bar-maid perfume mixed with the breeze off shit-river. 

...Sorry, I just couldn't help a little Westpac reminiscing.   

ETN3 Harbit - Proud to say "I served on the USS Oriskany CVA 34" 

       

 

As I grow older I realize the magic of "belonging" to some place or time. I was on the USS Oriskany CVA-34 for an incredibly short time considering the length of my life at the present moment (73 years) and I remember the day I came aboard and the day I saluted her ensign for the last time. I did not realize it but I was taking a part of her with me and leaving some of myself behind. I now realize that I will never truly leave her, nor will she ever leave me. She is in my makeup today. The things she taught me I have used through out my life. Of all my education, the 4 years aboard her was by far my greatest learning experience. 

She was decommissioned on 30 September 1976. The old girl was slowly torn apart but she did not whimper or cry, she realized she had stood her watch and it was her time to be relieved.

 

She did not die because she lives with in the 10's of thousand of sailors that have crossed her deck during her watch and to me she will always be "the Grand Old Lady ...... the Mighty 'O'. The last Essex Class ship made. The last Great Warrior of WWII. 

ETN3 Harbit OE division, May 1972 - July 1976.

The Pilot's Gloves

 

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗷𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲?

When you think of a pilot, the image that often comes to mind is someone clad in a crisp uniform, complete with a pair of gloves. It’s not just about looking the part; those gloves are a fundamental piece of a pilot’s attire, especially when flying a jet plane. You might wonder if it’s for warmth, but the reasons are much more practical and rooted in safety and efficiency.

 

The gloves worn by pilots are typically made from a fire-resistant material like Nomex. This isn’t just any fabric; it’s designed to withstand extreme temperatures that can occur during a fire in the cockpit. Imagine being in such a high-stress situation; these gloves could literally be a lifesaver, providing the pilot with precious time to manage the emergency and keep everyone on board safe.

 

But there’s more to these gloves than just fire resistance. They also offer pilots better grip and control over the aircraft’s controls. Controls in a jet plane can be quite sensitive, and maintaining a firm grip is crucial, particularly during complex maneuvers or when reacting to unexpected situations. The gloves help ensure that the pilot’s hands don’t slip, which could be disastrous at high speeds or in turbulent weather.

 

Also the tradition of wearing gloves goes back to the early days of aviation. Back then, pilots needed to protect their hands from the heavy and stiff controls of cable-controlled aircraft. This practice has been passed down through generations and has become a symbol of professionalism and readiness in the cockpit.

 

So, while the gloves may provide some warmth, their primary purpose is to protect and enhance the pilot’s ability to operate the aircraft safely and effectively. It’s a blend of tradition and practicality that underscores the meticulous nature of aviation and the continuous emphasis on safety.

 

Every time a pilot puts on those gloves, they’re not just preparing to fly; they’re gearing up to ensure the well-being of everyone on board. Isn’t it fascinating how every detail in aviation has a purpose? It’s like a well-orchestrated symphony where every note matters.

US Aircraft Carrier Catptains

 

𝐃𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬?

𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒚 𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒔.

This is because an aircraft carrier is a complex and powerful warship that requires a high level of expertise and experience to operate and command.

An aircraft carrier captain must be able to oversee the flight operations, the nuclear propulsion, the weapons systems, the crew management, and the strategic planning of the ship. The captain must have a background in naval aviation, as well as in nuclear engineering and surface warfare.

To become an aircraft carrier captain, one must first join the Navy as an officer and complete flight training to become a naval aviator. Then, one must serve as a pilot in a carrier-based aircraft squadron for several years, gaining experience and skills in flying and landing on an aircraft carrier. After that, one must complete the Navy Nuclear Power training program, which teaches the principles and procedures of operating a nuclear-powered ship.

Next, one must serve as a commanding officer of a smaller ship or a carrier air wing commander, demonstrating leadership and management abilities. Finally, one must be selected by a board of senior officers for promotion to the rank of captain and assignment to an aircraft carrier command.

The path to becoming an aircraft carrier captain is long and challenging, but also rewarding and prestigious. An aircraft carrier captain is responsible for one of the most powerful and versatile weapons in the world, as well as for thousands of sailors and aviators under his or her command. An aircraft carrier captain must have exceptional skills, knowledge, and judgment to lead and succeed in this demanding and important role.

USS Longbeach CGN9

 

I was on the USS Longbeach from July 76 to July 79

The nuclear powered guided missile cruiser USS Long Beach (CGN-9) under construction at the Fore River Shipyard at Quincy, Massachusetts on 2 July 1959.

Longbeach was notable for being the last cruiser of the USN to use a traditional cruiser style hull based on those used during World War II. Following cruisers would be built on Frigate or Destroyer hulls.

An artist's impression of USS Long Beach (CGN-9) in her AEGIS cruiser configuration.

The United States Navy hoped to refit all of its nuclear cruisers and convert them into AEGIS equipped warships. USS Long Beach would have received a radical new appearance, losing her entire superstructure for a newer, more compact type.

Her weaponry was never sorted out as several different proposals were considered. She would have likely carried a heavy battery of harpoon anti-ship missiles. Proposals show either Mark 26 missile launchers (As seen in the photo) or potentially VLS for the anti-air missiles. For guns, the refitted Long Beach was depicted in both single and doubled ended configurations. More than likely two 5"/54 guns would have been carried, but a few proposals saw as many as two 8"/55 Mark 71 guns being carried.

Unfortunately, budget cuts in the early 1990s as well as a shift away from nuclear powered cruisers saw the proposals canned with Long Beach being decommissioned soon after.

USS North Carolina

 

The USS North Carolina (BB 55) was commissioned April 9, 1941. During her shakedown period she steamed into and out of New York Harbor so many times she earned the nickname "The Show Boat". She more than earned that nickname during her service in World War 2. The North Carolina participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific Theater carrying out 9 shore bombardments, sinking an enemy troop ship, shooting down 24 enemy aircraft and survived being torpedoed. Earning 15 battle stars, USS North Carolina was the most decorated American battleship of the war. The ship survives today as a museum in Wilmington, North Carolina.

 

North Carolina was the first battleship built by the USA in almost 20 years. First in Class and the first “fast battleship”. As such there were lots of adjustments to be made before it was fully operational. The more powerful drive caused lots of vibrations. That’s why she was in and out of port so much. The extra shake down resulted in the rear rangefinder being reinforced with extra braces.

 

The "Other" USS North Carolina 

USS North Carolina SSN-777 Virginia class attack submarine US Navy

 

North Carolina SSN-777 Virginia class attack submarine is the fourth ship of the Navy to carry the name North Carolina. The original was USS North Carolina (1820-1836), the second (ACR 12) (1908 - 1921), and the third (BB 55) (1940 - 1947). North Carolina received 12 battle stars for World War II service.

North Carolina (SSN 777) was built by General Dynamics Electric Boat Division in Groton, Conn., and Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., and joined the fleet in December 2006.

As the Navy's next-generation attack submarine, the Virginia class provides the U.S. Navy with the capabilities it requires to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. North Carolina has improved stealthiness, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and Special Warfare enhancements which enable it to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.

Virginia class submarines are able to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; special forces delivery and support; and mine delivery and minefield mapping. With enhanced communications connectivity, the submarine also will provide important battle group and joint task force support, with full integration into carrier battle group operations.

North Carolina's keel was laid May 22, 2004. The first major milestone for the submarine North Carolina was the keel authentication ceremony held at the shipyard on May 22, 2004. The submarine's sponsor, Mrs. Linda Bowman, wife of Admiral Frank "Skip" Bowman USN (Ret), the former Director, Naval Reactors, inscribed her initials on a section of the pressure hull that were, subsequently, duplicated in weld by a shipyard worker, who, uniquely, resides in North Carolina. The pressure hull welding completed in September 2006, with work on the interior of the submarine continuing.

In October 2006, the ship's Commanding Officer, Cdr. Mark E. Davis reported aboard.

On May 5, 2007, the submarine was lowered into the water for the first time and moved to complete her construction.

On December 12, 2007, North Carolina got underway for her first builder's sea trials. The successful trials led to her second builders trials just before Christmas. Following the third and final round of builder's sea trials in February, Northrop Grumman delivered the submarine to the Navy on February 21, 2008.

The ship was brought to life during her commissioning ceremony at the Port of Wilmington in North Carolina on May 3, 2008. More than 6,500 guests, including submarine veterans and battleship North Carolina alumni attended the ceremony welcoming the submarine as the 4th vessel named after the "Tarheel State."