The Life of the USS Saratoga

Donald Yates

Published by Teamyates Enterprises LLC

Copyright © 2024 Donald Yates All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

DOD Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Introduction

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

USS Saratoga Commanders

United States Aircraft Carriers

References

Other books by the Author

Dedication

I dedicate this book to the thousands of heroic officers and men who served proudly on the USS Saratoga. Their devotion and dedication to the defense of the United States will never be forgotten.

“Damn the torpedoes, Full speed ahead!”

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut

Introduction

USS Saratoga (CVN-60): The Fighting Lady of the Seas

Commissioned on April 14, 1956, the USS Saratoga (CVN-60) quickly earned a reputation as a formidable force in the United States Navy's arsenal. From its early days patrolling the world's oceans to its crucial role in supporting American military operations, the Saratoga left an indelible mark on naval history as the epitome of strength, resilience, and valor.

Setting Sail:

The Saratoga embarked on its maiden deployment in 1957, heralding the beginning of a storied career that would span over three decades. As one of the first supercarriers of its kind, the Saratoga represented the pinnacle of American naval engineering and technological innovation. Its massive size and formidable capabilities made it a force to be reckoned with on the high seas.

Highlights of Service:

Throughout its illustrious career, the Saratoga played a pivotal role in numerous conflicts and crises around the world. During the Cold War, it patrolled the waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, serving as a potent deterrent to potential adversaries. In 1962, the Saratoga played a key role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, standing ready to defend American interests and uphold the principles of freedom and democracy.

The Saratoga's versatility was on full display during the Vietnam War, where it provided crucial air support to ground forces and conducted airstrikes against enemy targets. Its skilled aviators and cutting-edge aircraft played a vital role in turning the tide of the conflict and securing victory for American forces.

Awards and Accolades:

The USS Saratoga earned numerous awards and accolades throughout its distinguished career. It received the Navy Unit Commendation for its outstanding performance during combat operations in Vietnam, recognizing the ship's exceptional contribution to the success of U.S. military efforts. Additionally, the Saratoga was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Navy Expeditionary Medal for its service in various theaters of operation.

Lowlights and Challenges:

Despite its many triumphs, the Saratoga also faced its fair share of challenges and setbacks. In 1960, the carrier suffered a tragic accident when a plane crashed into its flight deck during a landing attempt, resulting in the loss of several crew members and significant damage to the ship. The incident served as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in naval aviation and the need for constant vigilance and preparedness.

Throughout its service, the Saratoga underwent multiple overhauls and modernizations to ensure its continued effectiveness and operational readiness. These efforts were necessary to keep pace with advancements in naval technology and maintain the carrier's status as a premier asset in the U.S. Navy's fleet.

Farewell and Legacy:

After more than three decades of faithful service, the USS Saratoga was decommissioned on August 20, 1994, marking the end of an era in American naval history. Despite its retirement from active duty, the Saratoga's legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all those who served aboard her and in the annals of naval history. Its storied career, marked by valor, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to duty, serves as a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the American spirit.

In conclusion, the USS Saratoga (CVN-60) stands as a shining example of American naval excellence and ingenuity. From its early days patrolling the world's oceans to its crucial role in supporting American military operations, the Saratoga left an indelible mark on naval history as the epitome of strength, resilience, and valor. Though its service may have come to an end, the legacy of the Saratoga lives on as a testament to the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of all those who served aboard her.

1950s

A group of people in uniform Description automatically generatedOctober 8, 1955. A Navy band plays on the morning of the USS Saratoga’s launch. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

October 8, 1955. A view of the crowd on the of the USS Saratoga’s launch day. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

October 8, 1955. A view of the USS Saratoga’s super structure and the large crowd on the ship’s launch day. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

October 8, 1955. Navy officers chat during the USS Saratoga’s launch day ceremonies. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

October 8, 1955. A view of the USS Saratoga’s commemorative punch bowl. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

November 1, 1955. A small barge brings the USS Saratoga’s gun mount into position for installation. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

November 1, 1955. The USS Saratoga’s gun mounts being emplaced. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

August 10, 1956. USS Saratoga underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Official U.S. Navy photograph.

April 14, 1956. CPT Robert J. Stroh, the first commander of the USS Saratoga. Official U.S. Navy photo. Photographer unknown.

1956. USS Saratoga Dental Department personnel provide oral care to a crewmember. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1956. Crewmen clean the hangar deck floor of the USS Saratoga. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1956. An aircraft being prepared for takeoff on the flight deck of the USS Saratoga. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1958. USS Saratoga Engineering Department crewman monitor settings in a control room. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1958. Crewman aboard the USS Saratoga take a break.  Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1958. USS Saratoga crewmen conduct a burial at sea service. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1958.  An A3D (in air), F3H, and  F4D are seen on the USS Saratoga flight deck.  Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1958.  A USS Saratoga aircraft being prepared for takeoff.  Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1958. The USS Saratoga underway near  Gibraltar. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

December 1958. The USS Saratoga crew enjoys Christmas in England. Official U.S. Navy Photographer. Photographer unknown.

1958. The USS Saratoga underway in the Mediterranean Sea. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1958. USS Saratoga crewmen enjoy shore leave while on their Mediterranean Sea cruise. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1960s

February 13, 1960. The USS Saratoga underway in Pollensa Bay, Majorca, Spain. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

February 13, 1960. Vice Admiral George Anderson inspects the USS Saratoga. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

February 13, 1960. An unknown officer speaks to a group of USS Saratoga personnel. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

1967. A pilot and his support crew pose with an aircraft.  Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

April 12, 1969. The USS Saratoga crew puts on a firepower demonstration for NATO ministers. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot. 

April 12, 1969. The USS Saratoga crew puts on a firepower demonstration for NATO ministers. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot. 

April 12, 1969. The USS Saratoga crew puts on a firepower demonstration for NATO ministers. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot.

April 12, 1969. A group of USS Saratoga aircraft put on a firepower demonstration for NATO ministers. Official U.S. Navy video screenshot. 

1970s

1970. A look at some of the ordnance on the USS Saratoga. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1970. An ordnance mate uses a special cart to move large bombs. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1971. A crewman with the USS Saratoga Navigation Department looks through a navigational sextant. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1971. USS Saratoga mess specialists at work during the breakfast meal. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1971. A pilot does his pre-flight checks. Official U.S. Navy photo. Photographer unknown.

1971. USS Saratoga crewmen conduct an emergency rescue drill. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1972. An aircraft seemingly hovers above a group of USS Saratoga deck crewmen. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1972. USS Saratoga technicians test an electronic device.  Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1972. A small boat, likely used for VIPs, is lowered from the USS Saratoga to the water. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1972. Ordnance mates handle an aircraft's payload.  Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1972. Flight deck personnel prepare a catapult for service. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1972. A look at the flight hanger deck of the USS Saratoga. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1974. An Engineering Department crewman monitors generator performance. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1975. A liberty boat prepares to launch from the the USS Saratoga. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1976. An A Division USS Saratoga crewman repairs a metal device. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1976. A USS Saratoga officer inspects an M-14 rifle. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1976. USS Saratoga ordnance men secure bombs to a cart. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.-edited.

1977. An officer for the USS Saratoga's Navigation Department verifies the ship's position. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1977. A view of the USS Saratoga's operations center. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1977. A USS Saratoga chaplain leads a worship session. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1979. A USS Saratoga aircraft technician services a jet engine. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1979. USS Saratoga aviation specialists appear to be beating a piece of equipment to shape. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1979. A downward view of an open hatch. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1979. Crew members gathered for a group photo. Official U.S. Navy Photo. Photographer unknown.

1980s

October 22, 1982. An aerial stern view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) underway. Photo by PH3 Kenneth J. Berkeihiser.

October 22, 1982. A port quarter view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) underway. Photo by PH3 Kenneth J. Berkeihiser.

November 15, 1985. A bow view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60) underway. Photo by PH1 W.A. Shayka.

November 15, 1985. An elevated stern view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60) underway. Photo by PH1 P.D. Goodrich.

January 28, 1986. An E-2C Hawkeye aircraft is launched from the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH1 William A. Shayka.

January 28, 1986. An E-2C Hawkeye aircraft prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH1 William A. Shayka.

March 20, 1986. Lieutenant William Evan briefs pilots aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH1 William Dodge.

March 20, 1986. An aviation electronics technician inspects a helicopter aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH1 William Dodge.

March 20, 1986. Aviation maintenance administration crew members on duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH1 William Dodge.

March 20, 1986. A journalist gathers information during an interview aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH1 William Dodge.

March 20, 1986. A crew member aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60) repairs a jet engine. Photo by PH1 William Dodge.

March 22, 1986. Crash and salvage crewmen standby during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH1 William Shayka.

March 22, 1986. An F-14 Tomcat aircraft prepares to land aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH1 William Shayka.

March 22, 1986. The island of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH1 William Shayka.

March 22, 1986. A mess management specialist aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60) slices rolls . Photo by PH1 William Dodge.

March 22, 1986. Pilots attend a preflight briefing aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH1 William Dodge.

March 24, 1986. An F-14A Tomcat aircraft is launched from the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Photo by PH3 Thurston.

October 1, 1987. A stern view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) steaming ahead of the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63). Photo by PH1 Terry Cosgrove.

1990s

February 19, 1990. The aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) is docked near the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD-1). Photo by James E. Westfall.

February 19, 1990. Sailors manning the rail of the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD-1) face the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). Photo by James E. Westfall.

December 1, 1990. A crewman updates an aircraft status board in the carrier air traffic control center during flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). The SARATOGA is deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield. Photo by CW02 Ed Bailey.

December 1, 1990. A stern view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) underway during Operation Desert Shield. Photo by CW02 Ed Bailey.

February 1, 1991. An AIM-54C Phoenix missile and two chaff and flare dispensers sit on skids beside a Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Photo by SRA Putman.

February 1, 1991. A crew member raises the national ensign aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Photo by PH2 Bruce Davis.

February 1, 1991. The fast combat support ship USS SEATTLE (AOE-3) departs from the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) following underway replenishment operations between the two vessels. The SEATTLE and SARATOGA are operating in the area in support of Operation Desert Storm. Photo by PH3 Terry Simmons.

February 1, 1991. A crewman watches flight deck activities from the superstructure of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Photo by PH2 Bruce Davis.

February 1, 1991. An F/A-18 Hornet pilot describes his last mission to flight deck crew members aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Storm. Photo by PH2 Bruce Davis.

March 28, 1991. A sailor and his wife are reunited aboard his ship as the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) arrives in the background. The KENNEDY and seven ships of its battle group and the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) battle group are returning to Norfolk following their deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Photo by PH1 Michael D.P. Flynn.

May 12, 1992. A sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) relaxes as the sun sets during Operation Desert Shield. Photo by TECH. SGT. Rose Reynolds.

May 13, 1992. A sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) looks toward the passing aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Operation Desert Shield. Photo by TECH. SGT. Rose S. Reynolds.

July 29, 1992. The navigation watch on the bridge of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) verifies the ship's position. Photo by PH3 Bruce W. Moore.

July 29, 1992. Signalmen on the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) communicate with the fast combat support ship USS DETROIT (AOE-4). Photo by PHAN Todd J. Coss.

July 29, 1992. An overhead view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) underway. Photo by PH3 Bruce W. Moore.

July 29, 1992. A lookout on the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) scans the horizon with binoculars. Photo by PH3 Bruce W. Moore.

July 29, 1992. A C-2A Greyhound aircraft approaches the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). Photo by PH3 Bruce W. Moore.

August 1, 1992. An Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35) A-6E Intruder aircraft lands on the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). Photo by Angelo Romano.

August 1, 1992. The running lights mark the path of an aircraft landing at night on the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). Photo by Angelo Romano.

August 1, 1992. CAPT. J. M. Drager, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60). Photo by PH1 Bruce W. Moore.

August 1, 1992. An aerial bow on view of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway. Photo by CW02 Ed Bailey.

June 23, 1993. A stern view of the replenishment oiler USS KALAMAZOO (AOR-6) conducting an underway replenishment with the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). Photo by PHAN Werling.

July 28, 1993. A bow view of the destroyer USS CONOLLY (DD-979) coming alongside the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) for an underway replenishment. Photo by PH2 Al Renkel.

August 13, 1993. A bow view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) underway. Photo by PH2 Al Renkel.

August 13, 1993. A port bow view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) underway. Photo by PH2 Al Renkel.

June 24, 1994. A large crowd of friends and families of the crewmembers of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) wait anxiously on the pier for the ship to arrive from her final cruise, a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. Photo by PH1 Russell H. Phillips.

August 20, 1994. Ranks of enlisted crew members of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) file off the ship for the last time at the end of the decommissioning ceremony. The SARATOGA was first commissioned at the old New York Naval Shipyard on 14 April 1956 as an attack aircraft carrier (CVA-60) of the Forrestal class. Photo by OS2 John Bouvia.

August 20, 1994. The crewmembers of the USS Saratoga and all Americans will never forget the USS Saratoga and their accomplishments. Photo by PH3 Terry Simmons.

USS Saratoga Commanders

Name
From
To

CPT Robert Joseph Stroh
4/14/1956
12/1/1956

CPT Robert Brevard Moore
12/1/1956
12/19/1957

CPT Alfred Richard ("Dick") Matter
12/19/1957
10/16/1958

CPT John Joseph Hyland, Jr.
10/16/1958
11/2/1959

CPT Allan Foster Fleming
11/2/1959
11/9/1960

CPT Roger William Mehle
11/9/1960
11/9/1961

CPT Valdemar Greene Lambert
11/9/1961
11/3/1962

CPT Frederick Thomas Moore, Jr.
11/3/1962
9/28/1963

CPT John Edwin Lacouture
9/28/1963
10/2/1964

CPT Jack Milton James
10/2/1964
9/2/1965

CPT Harold Fred Lang
9/2/1965
10/7/1966

CPT Joseph Merit Tully, Jr.
10/7/1966
9/7/1967

CPT John Henry Dick
9/7/1967
4/4/1969

CPT Warren Harold O'Neil
4/4/1969
8/8/1970

CPT Dewitt Leroy Freeman
8/8/1970
8/7/1971

CPT James Richard Sanderson
8/7/1971
2/16/1973

CPT Louis Covington Page, Jr.
2/16/1973
9/12/1974

CPT Robert Francis Dunn
9/12/1974
9/11/1976

CPT Charles Bryan Hunter

9/11/1976
2/4/1978

CPT Edward Holmes Martin
2/4/1978
7/14/1979

CPT James Henry ("Jim") Flatley III
7/14/1979
10/1/1981

CPT Leonard Gordon Perry
10/1/1981
11/11/1983

CPT John Kenneth Ready
11/11/1983
3/26/1985

CPT Jerry Lee Unruh
3/26/1985
8/7/1986

CPT David Eugene Frost
8/7/1986
3/5/1988

CPT James Timothy Matheny
3/5/1988
4/26/1990

CPT Joseph Scott Mobley
4/26/1990
4/18/1991

CPT James Michael Drager
4/18/1991
12/4/1992

CPT Donald Alan Weiss
12/4/1992
2/20/1994

CPT William Henry Kennedy
2/20/1994
8/20/1994

United States Aircraft Carriers

Hull no., Name, Class, Commissioned, Decommissioned, Status

CV-1, Langley, Langley (lead ship), 3/20/1922, 2/27/1942, Sunk in WW2

CV-2, Lexington, Lexington (lead ship), 12/14/1927, 5/8/1942, Sunk in WW2

CV-3, Saratoga, Lexington, 11/16/1927, 7/26/1946, Sunk as target

CV-4, Ranger, Ranger (lead ship), 6/4/1934, 10/18/1946, Scrapped in 1947

CV-5, Yorktown, Yorktown (lead ship), 9/30/1937, 6/7/1942, Sunk in WW2

CV-6, Enterprise, Yorktown, 5/12/1938, 2/17/1947, Scrapped in 1960

CV-7, Wasp, Wasp (lead ship), 4/25/1940, 9/15/1942, Sunk in WW2

CV-8, Hornet, Yorktown, 10/20/1941, 10/27/1942, Sunk in WW2

CV-9, Essex, Essex (lead ship), 12/31/1942, 6/20/1969, Scrapped in 1975

CV-10, Yorktown, Essex, 4/15/1943, 6/27/1970, Now a museum in Mount Pleasant, SC

CV-11, Intrepid, Essex, 8/16/1943, 3/15/1974, Now museum in New York, NY

CV-12, Hornet, Essex, 11/29/1943, 5/26/1970, Now a museum in Alameda, CA

CV-13, Franklin, Essex, 1/31/1944, 2/17/1947, Scrapped in 1966

CV-14, Ticonderoga, Essex (extended bow), 5/8/1944, 9/1/1973, Scrapped in 1975

CV-15, Randolph, Essex (extended bow), 10/9/1944, 2/13/1969, Scrapped in 1975

CV-16, Lexington, Essex, 2/17/1943, 11/8/1991, Now a museum in Corpus Christi, TX

CV-17, Bunker Hill, Essex, 5/25/1943, 7/9/1947, Scrapped in 1973

CV-18, Wasp, Essex, 11/24/1943, 7/1/1972, Scrapped in 1973

CV-19, Hancock, Essex (extended bow), 4/15/1944, 1/30/1976, Scrapped in 1976

CV-20, Bennington, Essex, 8/6/1944, 1/15/1970, Scrapped in 1994

CV-21, Boxer, Essex (extended bow), 4/16/1945, 12/1/1969, Scrapped in 1971

CVL-22, Independence, Independence (lead ship), 1/14/1943, 8/28/1946, Sunk for training in 1951

CVL-23, Princeton, Independence, 2/25/1943, 10/24/1944, Sunk in WW2

CVL-24, Belleau Wood, Independence, 3/31/1943, 1/13/1947, Scrapped in 1960

CVL-25, Cowpens, Independence, 5/28/1943, 1/13/1947, Scrapped in 1960

CVL-26, Monterey, Independence, 6/17/1943, 1/16/1956, Scrapped in 1971

CVL-27, Langley, Independence, 8/31/1943, 2/11/1947, Scrapped in 1964

CVL-28, Cabot, Independence, 7/24/1943, 1/21/1955, Scrapped in 2002

CVL-29, Bataan, Independence, 11/17/1943, 4/9/1954, Scrapped in 1961

CVL-30, San Jacinto, Independence, 12/15/1943, 3/1/1947, Scrapped in 1972

CV-31, Bon Homme Richard, Essex, 11/26/1944, 7/2/1971, Scrapped in 1992

CV-32, Leyte, Essex (extended bow), 4/11/1946, 5/15/1959, Scrapped in 1970

CV-33, Kearsarge, Essex (extended bow), 5/2/1946, 1/15/1970, Scrapped in 1974

CV-34, Oriskany, Essex (extended bow), 9/25/1950, 9/20/1979, Scuttled as artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico in 2006

CV-35, Reprisal, Essex (extended bow), —, —, Cancelled during construction. Scrapped in 1949

CV-36, Antietam, Essex (extended bow), 1/28/1945, 5/8/1963, Scrapped in 1974

CV-37, Princeton, Essex (extended bow), 11/18/1945, 1/30/1970, Scrapped in 1971

CV-38, Shangri-La, Essex (extended bow), 9/15/1944, 7/30/1971, Scrapped in 1988

CV-39, Lake Champlain, Essex (extended bow), 7/3/1945, 5/2/1966, Scrapped in 1972

CV-40, Tarawa, Essex (extended bow), 12/8/1945, 5/13/1960, Scrapped in 1968

CVB-41, Midway, Midway (lead ship), 9/10/1945, 4/11/1992, Now a museum in San Diego, CA

CVB-42, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Midway, 10/27/1945, 10/1/1977, Scrapped in 1978

CVB-43, Coral Sea, Midway, 10/1/1947, 4/26/1990, Scrapped in 2000

CV-44, No name assigned, Midway, —, —, Cancelled before construction began.

CV-45, Valley Forge, Essex (extended bow), 11/3/1946, 1/15/1970, Scrapped in 1971

CV-46, Iwo Jima, Essex (extended bow), —, —, Cancelled during construction. Scrapped in 1949

CV-47, Philippine Sea, Essex (extended bow), 5/11/1946, 12/28/1958, Scrapped in 1971

CVL-48, Saipan, Saipan (lead ship), 7/14/1946, 1/14/1970, Scrapped in 1976

CVL-49, Wright, Saipan, 2/9/1947, 3/15/1956, Scrapped in 1980

CV-50 – CV-55, No names assigned, Essex, These hulls were all cancelled before construction began.

CVB-56, CVB-57, No names assigned, Midway, These hulls were all cancelled before construction began., ,

CVA-58, United States, United States (lead ship), —, —, Cancelled during construction/scrapped

CV-59, Forrestal, Forrestal (lead ship), 10/1/1955, 9/30/1993, Scrapped in 2015

CV-60, Saratoga, Forrestal, 4/14/1956, 8/20/1994, Scrapped in 2019

CV-61, Ranger, Forrestal, 8/10/1957, 7/10/1993, Scrapped in 2017

CV-62, Independence, Forrestal, 1/10/1959, 9/30/1998, Scrapped in 2019

CV-63, Kitty Hawk, Kitty Hawk (lead ship), 4/29/1961, 5/12/2009, Undergoing scrapping

CV-64, Constellation, Kitty Hawk, 10/27/1961, 8/7/2003, Scrapped in 2017

CVN-65, Enterprise, Enterprise (lead ship), 11/25/1961, 2/3/2017, Struck, to be scrapped

CV-66, America, Kitty Hawk, 1/23/1965, 8/9/1996, Sunk as target ship.

CV-67, John F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy (lead ship), 9/7/1968, 3/23/2007, Sold for scrap in 2021

CVN-68, Nimitz, Nimitz (lead ship), 5/3/1975, —, At Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton, WA

CVN-69, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Nimitz, 10/18/1977, —, At Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA

CVN-70, Carl Vinson, Nimitz, 3/13/1982, —, At NAS North Island, San Diego, CA

CVN-71, Theodore Roosevelt, Nimitz, 10/25/1986, —, At NAS North Island, San Diego, CA

CVN-72, Abraham Lincoln, Nimitz, 11/11/1989, —, At NAS North Island, San Diego, CA

CVN-73, George Washington, Nimitz, 7/4/1992, —, At NAS North Island, San Diego, CA

CVN-74, John C. Stennis, Nimitz, 12/9/1995, —, At Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA

CVN-75, Harry S. Truman, Nimitz, 7/25/1998, —, At Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA

CVN-76, Ronald Reagan, Nimitz, 7/12/2003, —, At Yokosuka Naval Base, Yokosuka, Japan

CVN-77, George H.W. Bush, Nimitz, 1/10/2009, —, At Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA

CVN-78, Gerald R. Ford, Gerald R. Ford (lead ship), 7/22/2017, —, At Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, VA

CVN-79, John F. Kennedy, Gerald R. Ford, c. 2025, —, Fitting out

CVN-80, Enterprise, Gerald R. Ford, c. 2028, —, Under construction

CVN-81, Doris Miller, Gerald R. Ford, c. 2032, —, Under construction

CVN-82, TBA, Gerald R. Ford, c. 2034, —, Ordered

References

Famous Navy Quotations. Naval History and Heritage Command.

https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/famous-navy-quotations.html

National Archive and Records Administration (NARA). Washington, DC. https://catalog.archives.gov/

Navysource.org. USS Saratoga Commanding Officers

https://www.navsource.org/archives/02/60co.htm

Navysite.org. Cruise books.

https://www.navysite.de/cvn/cv60.htm

USS. Saratoga (2024, January 25). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Saratoga_(CV-60)

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