Watch a 1967 Aircraft Carrier Flight Operations on USS Intrepid (CVS-11)

In May 1967, the USS Intrepid, a World War II-era aircraft carrier, was actively operating at sea. Originally commissioned in 1943, Intrepid had been modernized and was now serving as an anti-submarine carrier (CVS-11). During this period, it was preparing for a shift from operations in the Mediterranean to the Pacific in support of the Vietnam War.

Naval Traditions and Aircraft Operations

Onboard, naval traditions were still in place. A group of sailors known as side boys lined the deck, a custom that dated back to the days when they physically assisted important visitors onto the ship. In this instance, the side boys were there to welcome Vice Admiral William Martin, commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. He arrived on the deck in a Grumman C-1 Trader, a twin-engine aircraft designed for carrier onboard delivery.

The deck was filled with a variety of aircraft, reflecting the diversity of planes used by the U.S. Navy at the time. Among them were A-4 Skyhawks, compact attack jets used for bombing missions, and A-1 Skyraiders, which had been in service since World War II and were still used for close air support. The E-1B Tracer, with its large radar dome, was also present, playing a key role in early airborne warning operations. Meanwhile, the F-8 Crusader, a carrier-based fighter jet known for its speed and firepower, could be seen among the aircraft preparing for takeoff and landing.

Aircraft Operations and USS Intrepid’s History

Also visible on the deck was a UH-2 helicopter, which served multiple roles, including search and rescue and transport. With all these aircraft, the flight deck was a busy and highly coordinated environment, managed by crews responsible for ensuring safe takeoffs and landings.

USS Intrepid, one of the Essex-class carriers, had a long and distinguished history. It fought in the Pacific during World War II as CV-11 before being reclassified as CVA-11 in 1952 and later as CVS-11 in 1962. After decades of service, it was decommissioned in 1974. Today, Intrepid serves as a museum in New York City, preserving its legacy for future generations.

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