"All gave some...Some gave all"Once the fires were extinguished, the extent of the devastation was apparent. Most tragic was the loss to the crew, 134 had lost their lives, while an additional 64 were injured. This disaster remains the single worst loss of life on a navy vessel since the USS Franklin (CV-13) was bombed in WWII while operating in the Pacific. The ship proceeded to Cubi Point in the Philippines for temporary repairs. In only eight days enough repairs were made that she could start the long trip back to Norfolk, Virginia (her homeport) for permanent repairs. On her way home Forrestal was capable of operating aircraft if needed. Forrestal would spend seven months in the yards being repaired, she was re-built from the hanger up and forward to aircraft elevator number four. This accounts for about 1/5 the ships length and 5 decks. On April 8, 1968 Forrestal was once again ready to take her place in the fleet, she was never to return to the waters of Vietnam. With over a dozen major detonations from 1,000 and 500 lb. bombs, missiles, and fuel tanks; no ship has ever survived the pounding Forrestal underwent that day, before or since. She and her crew proved the toughness and dangers associated with the operation of super-carriers, this is one of her greatest legacies. The USS Forrestal would go on to serve the United States for another 26 years during the height of the Cold War and see it through to its demise. She and her crew were always ready to go into battle again, the call never came. The ship and crew served in war for 4 1/2 days, but served to ensure peace for almost four decades. Forrestal had truly served her purpose as 'First in Defense'. List of those who lost their lives onboard USS Forrestal - 29 July 1967(As listed on panel 24E on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (the wall) in Washington, D.C.)If any family member of a crew member listed below would like a pencil etching of their loved ones name (directly from the wall), please send an email requesting it along with a return postal address and it will be fulfilled as soon as possible (usually within 2 weeks). We would like to thank our shipmate Mark Repass for fulfilling these requests on behalf of the association. |
