CVB, CVA and CV Deployments
(7 November 1945 to 14 September 1991)
CHAPTER CXIII, Part 1 of 4
(7 November 1945 to 8 March 1973)
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Hull No. /
Fleet
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Foreign Water Fleet
Deployment
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Air Wing
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Tail
Code
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Depart
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Return
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Days at Sea Fleet D. No.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) –
CinCLant ComAirLant
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SoLant
Caribbean Sea
Lant
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CVBG-75
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7 Nov 1945
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13 Dec 1945
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South America
Training
1st Cruise
37-days
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Shakedown Cruise
Squadrons: VF-74, F4U-4; VBF-74, F6F-5N; VB-74, F4U-4 and VT-74, SB2C-4E, SB2C-5, SBW-4E and SB2C-4E.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) –
CinCLant ComAirLant
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SoLant
Caribean Sea
Lant
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CVBG-75
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3 Jan 1946
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28 Feb 1946
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Training
32-days
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Exercises in the area of the Virginia Capes and the Chesapeake Bay, becoming the flagship of Carrier Division ONE (CarDiv 1), U.S. Atlantic Fleet on 20 February 1946, conducted exercises in the area of the Virginia Capes and the Chesapeake Bay from 3 January to 28 February 1946 with un reported ports of call.
Squadrons: VF-74, F4U-4; VBF-74, F6F-5N; VB-74, F4U-4 and VT-74, SB2C-4E, SB2C-5, SBW-4E and SB2C-4E.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) – CinCLant Eighth Fleet ComAirLant
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1st NorLant
North Sea
Lant
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CVBG-74
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1 Mar 1946
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23 Mar 1946
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Arctic Circle Training
2nd Cruise
23-days
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Operation "FROSTBITE"
(coast of Labrador and Arctic Circle)
A cold weather cruise for testing equipment in the frigid region of the North Atlantic extending over an ocean area some 500 miles in diameter between- Greenland, Labrador and the Hudson Strait.
CarDiv 1, CVBG-74 and Coast Guard helicopter and crew, which signified the first use of a helicopter for plane guard duty embarked Midway.
Squadrons: VF-74 (*2), F4U-4, F6F-5N; VBF-74 (*3), F4U-4; VB-74 (*4), SB2C-4E, SB2C-5; VT-74 (*5), SBW-4E, SB2C-4E and NATC, F8F-1, FR-1 and HNS-1.
(*2) Redesignated VF-1B on 15 November 1946; (*3) Redesignated VF-2B on 15 November 1946; (*4) Redesignated VA-1B on 15 November 1946 and (*5) Redesignated VA-2B on 15 November 1946.
(*1) CVBG-74 redesignated CVBG-1 on 15 November 1946.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) –
CinCLant ComAirLant
Eighth Fleet
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SoLant
2nd Caribbean
Sea
Lant
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CVBG-74
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19 Apr 1946
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10 Jun 1946
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South America
Training
1st FWFD
53-days
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EIGHTH Fleet exercises in the Caribbean Sea in areas off Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and Culebra Island, Puerto Rico.
Port of calls included: Port of Spain, officially the City of Port of Spain (also stylized Port-of-Spain), is the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago and the country's second-largest city after San Fernando and the third largest municipality after Chaguanas and San Fernando.
Squadrons: VF-74 (*2), F4U-4, F6F-5N; VBF-74 (*3), F4U-4; VB-74 (*4), SB2C-4E, SB2C-5; VT-74 (*5), SBW-4E, SB2C-4E and NATC, F8F-1, FR-1 and HNS-1.
(*2) Redesignated VF-1B on 15 November 1946; (*3) Redesignated VF-2B on 15 November 1946; (*4) Redesignated VA-1B on 15 November 1946 and (*5) Redesignated VA-2B on 15 November 1946.
(*1) CVBG-74 redesignated CVBG-1 on 15 November 1946. Rear Admiral J.H. Cassady, USN, becoming the flagship of Carrier Division ONE (CarDiv 1), U. S. Atlantic Fleet on 20 February 1946, as flagship.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) –
Second Task Fleet
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WestLant
SoLant
3rd Caribbean
Sea
Lant
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CVBG-74
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After
4 Apr 1947
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1947
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South America
Training
3rd Cruise
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Training off the East coast and in the Caribbean in foreign waters, under operational control of ComAirLant.
Squadrons: VF-1B, F4U-4 & F6F-5N; VF-2B, F4U-4; VA-1B, SB2C-4E & SB2C-5; VA-2B, SBW-4E & SB2C-4E and NATC, F8F-1, FR-1 & HNS-1.
“Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine, U.S.N., Commander Carrier Division One exercises command of the admistration and operating functions of the ships and units of Carrier Division One, which consists of his flag ship USS Midway (CVB-41), the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) and the Air Groups and Aircraft Squadrons of each of these ships” (Ref. 1175A, 1175F, USS Midway (CV 41) WestPac Cruise Book 1987-89 & USS MIDWAY Command History for Calendar Year 1947).
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USS Midway (CVB-41) –
Second Task Fleet
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Lant
Narrows of Bermuda Island
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CVBG-1
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2 Sep 1947
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9 Sep 1947
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Training
8-days
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At 1554, 6 September 1947, screened by the destroyers USS Larson (DD-830), USS Hanson (DD-832) and USS Thomas (DD-833), for the launching area and accompanied by a host of scientific and military observers with tons of equipment embarked USS Midway (CVB-42) conducts Operation Sandy and successfully fires a captured German V-2 rocket from thee flight deck; the first time such weapon is fired from a ship at sea or moving platform.
Midway debarked her passengers on 7 September 1947 at Bermuda Island and returned to Norfolk, Va.
Squadrons: VF-1B, F4U-4 & F6F-5N; VF-2B, F4U-4; VA-1B, SB2C-4E & SB2C-5; VA-2B, SBW-4E & SB2C-4E and NATC, F8F-1, FR-1 & HNS-1.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) – Second Task Fleet & 6th
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Lant
1st Med
Lant
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CVBG-1 (*1)
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M
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29 Oct 1947
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11 Mar 1948
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Europe
2nd FWFD
135-days
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Steaming through the Atlantic to participate in Second Task Fleet maneuvers while enroute to Argentia, Newfoundland and then steamed from that port for her first tour of duty in the Mediterranean with the U. S. Sixth Fleet.
Steamed from Argentia, Newfoundland and then steamed from that port for her first tour of duty in the Mediterranean with the U. S. Sixth Fleet, arriving at Gibraltar on 17 November 1947. On 18 February 1948, a Midway liberty launch capsized in heavy waves while attempting to return to the Midway off Gulf D'Hyeres, France, killing eight. Midway put into her log on several occasions, the take-off from her huge armor-plated flight deck of the Navy’s P2V Neptune Plane (Patrol), thus giving the United States a most potent weapons carrier–a bomber operating from a mobile airfield. This cruise was hall-marked when Commander F. L. Ashworth flew a P2V-3 from Midway off the coast of Norfolk, Va. to the Panama Canal, then over Corpus Christi, Texas, and on to San Diego, California. CDR Ashworkth completed this 4,800 mile non-stop in 25 hours and 40 minutes. Midway departed Gibraltar on 2 March 1948. Flagship of Carrier-Division ONE her operations in the Mediterranean included:
Ports of call include: Argentia, Newfoundland; Gibraltar, a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean; Bone, Algeria, capital of Annaba prov., extreme NE Algeria, a port on the Mediterranean Sea; Marsaxlokk Harbor, Malta Area, a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, 80 km (50 mi) south of Sicily, 284 km (176 mi) east of Tunisia and 333 km (207 mi) north of Libya (Gibraltar lies 1,755 km (1,091 mi) to the west and Alexandria 1,508 km (937 mi) to the east); Genoa (/ˈdʒɛnoʊ.ə/ JEN-oh-ə; Italian: Genova [ˈdʒɛːnova]; Ligurian: Zêna [ˈzeːna]; English, historically, and Latin: Genua) is the capital of the Italian region of Liguria and the sixth-largest city in Italy, the Province of Genoa, stretching along the Italian Riviera; Naples, Italy, the capital of Campania and the third-largest municipality in Italy; Cannes, a city located in the French Riviera, France (Paris, France and Monte Carlo) (Gulf D'Hyeres) / Hyères (French pronunciation: [jɛːʁ]), Provençal Occitan: Ieras in classical norm, or Iero in Mistralian norm) is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. The old town lies 4 km (2.5 mi) from the sea clustered around the Castle of Saint Bernard, which is set on a hill. Between the old town and the sea lies the pine-covered hill of Costebelle, which overlooks the peninsula of Giens; Rome (Latin and Italian: Roma [ˈroːma]) is the capital city and a special comune of Italy (named Comune di Roma Capitale). Rome also serves as the capital of the Lazio region, it is also the country's most populated comune. It is the centre of the Metropolitan City of Rome, Rome is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, within Lazio (Latium), along the shores of the Tiber; Augusta, Sicily, a town and comune in the province of Syracuse, located on the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy). The city is one of the main harbours in Italy; a second time at Malta, an island strategically located about halfway between Europe and Africa, and Gibraltar and Alexabdria; Taranto, Italy, a coastal city in Apulia, Southern Italy, the capital of the Province of Taranto and is an important commercial port as well as the main Italian naval base; Augusta, Sicily, a town and comune in the province of Syracuse, located on the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy). The city is one of the main harbours in Italy and Gibraltar.
Squadrons: VF-1B (*2), F4U-4; VF-2B (*3), F4U-4; VA-1B (*4)(*5), AD-1 and VA-2B (*6), AD-1. CVBG-1 redesignated CVG-2 on 1 September 1948; (*2) Redesignated VF-21 on 1 September 1948; (*3) Redesignated VF-22 on 1 September 1948; (*4) Redesignated VA-24 on 1 September 1948; (*5) Redesignated VF-24 on 1 December 1949 and (*6) Redesignated VA-25 on 1 September 1948.
(*1) CVBG-1 redesignated CVG-2 on 1 September 1948. Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine, U.S.N., Commander Carrier Division One and Commander, Carrier Air Group One (CVBG-1) embarked Midway, operating with the Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet (CinCLant) (and after 1 December 1947, under a reorganization act of the Armed Forces approved by Congress, the unified U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet) was established with headquarters co-located to those of U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Admiral William H.P. Blandy, USN, Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, became the first Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command, a title that remained dual-hatted (and would later become triple-hatted), operational control extending to the Second Task Fleet and ComAirLant to the Mediterranean Sea.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) – Second Task Fleet
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Lant
4th Caribbean Sea
Lant
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CVBG-6
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C
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8 Oct 1948
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23 Nov 1948
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South America
Training
4th Cruise
47-days
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Ports of call not reported.
Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine, U.S.N., Commander Carrier Division One and Commander, Carrier Air Group Six (CVBG-6) embarked Midway.
Squadrons: VF-61, F8F-2 / 2N/2P; VF-62 (*1), F8F-2 / 2N/2P; VF-63 (*2), F8F-2, VA-64 (*3) (*4) (*5), AD-1 and VA-65, AD-1. (*1) VF-62 redesignated VA-106 on Jul.1, 1955; (*2) VF-63 edesignated VA-63 on Mar.1956; (*3) VA-64 redesignated VC-24 on Apr.8, 1949; (*4) VC-24 redesignated VS-24 on Apr.20, 1950 and (*5) VS-24 disestablished on Jun.1, 1956.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) conducted exercises off the Virginia Capes with un reported ports of call from 24 November 1948 to 3 January 1949.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) – Second Task Fleet & 6th
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Lant
2nd Med
Lant
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CVG-17
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R
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4 Jan 1949
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5 Mar 1949
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Europe
3rd FWFD
61-days
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Ports of call not reported.
Two Marine fighter squadrons aboard, P2V-3 Neptunes launched from Midway off the coast of Norfolk, began a non stop flight to the Panama Canal, then over Corpus Christi, Texas and on to San Diego, California.
Squadrons: VF-171, FH-1; VF-172, F4U-4; VF-173, F8F-2; HedRon II Det., F4U-5P; VA-65, AD-1; VMF-225, F4U-4; VMF-461 (*1), F4U-4; VC-4 Det., F6F-5N; VC-12; Det., TBM-3W and HU-2 Det., *HO3S-1. (*1) VMF-461 deactivated on Feb.28, 1950; *Most likely. The FH-1 Phantom was the first carrier-based jet aircraft. The FH-1 was the navy’s first airplane to fly 500 mph. The Phantom was the first U.S. jet fighter in operational service with both the navy and Marine Corps. First Flight was 21 July 1946.
Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine, U.S.N., Commander Carrier Division One and Commander, Carrier Air Group Seventeen (CVBG-17) embarked Midway.
Operating with the 6th Fleet, steaming through the Atlantic, operating with the U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet), operational control extending to the Second Task Fleet and ComAirLant to the Mediterranean Sea.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) – Second Task Fleet
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WestLant
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CVG-8
(*1)
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E
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6 Mar 1949
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30 Oct 1949
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Training
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Operations from 6 March to 30 October 1949 that included a cruise to the Panama Canal; Carrier Qualification landings for Air Group Eight off Jacksonville, Florida, and fleet maneuvers while based at Guantanamo Bay and off New York.
Ports of call not reported.
Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine, U.S.N., Commander Carrier Division One and Commander, Carrier Air Group Eight (CVBG-8) embarked Midway.
(*1) CVG-8 disestablished on Nov.29, 1949; (*2) disestablished on Jan.17, 1950; (*3) disestablished on Nov.29, 1949; (*4) disestablished on Nov.29, 1949 and (*5) disestablished on Nov.29, 1949.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) – Second Task Fleet
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2nd NoLant
North Sea
Davis Straits
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CVG-4
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F
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31 Oct 1949
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22 Nov 1949
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Arctic Circle
Training
5th Cruise
23-days
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Cold Weather Maneuvers, plowing through heavy seas, up the Davis Straits, to cross the Arctic Circle, admitting herself into the select “Royal Order of Blue Notes.
Squadrons: VF-41, F4U-4; VF-42, F4U-4; VF-43, F4U-4; VA-4, AD-1; VA-45, AD-1; VC-62 Det., F4U-5P; VC-12 Det., TBM-3W; HU-2 Det., HO3S-1.
Commander, Carrier Air Group Four, skippered by Commander R. H. Burns, assuming command on 18 October 1949 embarked Midway.
Operating with the U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet), operational control extending to the Second Task Fleet and ComAirLant.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) – Second Task Fleet, 2nd & 6th
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Lant
3rd Med
Lant
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CVG-4 (*1)
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F
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6 Jan 1950
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23 May 1950
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Europe
4th FWFD
138-days
Reserve Cruise
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Midway serves as a mobile strategic influence – a perpetuator of American prestige and a potent factor in maintaining American policies in this troublesome area, the Mediterranean, the “Sea of Destiny.” Twelve Neptunes were converted to the nuclear-capable P2V-3C configuration for operations on Midway. On 6 January 1950, the Navy declared that composite squadron VC-5 was capable of launching an atomic strike from the Midway-class ships employing the modified Neptunes. (These aircraft were soon joined by the nuclear-capable AJ-1 Savage attack aircraft.).
Ports of call include: Gibraltar, a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean; Augusta, a town and comune in the province of Syracuse, located on the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy) and is one of the main harbours in Italy twice in a row; Naples the capital of Campania and the third-largest municipality in Italy; Sfax, a city in Tunisia, located 270 km (170 mi) southeast of Tunis, founded in AD 849 on the ruins of Taparura and Thaenae, is the capital of the Sfax Governorate; Famagusta, a city on the east coast of Cyprus and is the de facto capital of Gazimağusa District of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized by Turkey; Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey; Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece; Suda Bay, a bay and natural harbour near the town of Souda on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete; Livorno or Leghorn, a port city on the Tyrrhenian Sea on the western coast of Tuscany, Italy and is the capital of the Province of Livorno; Malta Area, a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, 80 km (50 mi) south of Sicily, 284 km (176 mi) east of Tunisia and 333 km (207 mi) north of Libya. Gibraltar lies 1,755 km (1,091 mi) to the west and Alexandria 1,508 km (937 mi) to the east on 6 April 1950; Palermo, a city in Insular Italy, the capital of both the autonomous region of Sicily and the Province of Palermo; Naples, Italy a second time; Cannes, a city located in the French Riviera, France (Paris, France and Monte Carlo); Oran, a major city on the northwestern Mediterranean coast of Algeria, and the second largest city of the country and Lisbon, the capital city and largest city of Portugal and is the westernmost large city located in Europe, as well as its westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic coast. It lies in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River.
Squadrons: VF-41 (*2), F4U-4; VF-42 (*3), F4U-4; VF-43 (*4), F4U-4; VA-44 (*5), AD-1; VA-45 (*6), AD-1; VC-4 Det. 5, F4U-5N; VC-62 Det. 5, F4U-5P; VC-12 Det. 5, TBM-3W and HU-2 Det., HO3S-1. CVG-4 deestablished on 8 June 1950. (*2) Deestablished on 8 June 1950; (*2) Deestablished on 8 June 1950; (*3) Deestablished on 8 June 1950; (*4) Deestablished on 8 June 1950; (*5) Deestablished on 8 June 1950 and (*6) Deestablished on 8 June 1950. Second Task Fleet was redesignated U.S. Second Fleet in February 1950.
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Rear Admiral J. J. “Jocko” Clark, U.S.N., Commander, Carrier Division Four and Commander R. H. Burns, Commander, Carrier Air Group Four (CVG-4) embarked Midway.
Operating with the 6th Fleet, steaming through the Atlantic, operating with the U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet), operational control extending to the Second Task Fleet and ComAirLant to the Mediterranean Sea.
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“Rear Admiral Clark, Commander Carrier Division FOUR, shifted his flag to USS Midway (CVB-41) on 15 June 1950 and Midway became the flagship of Rear Admiral W.L. Rees, USN, Commander Carrier Division TWO” (Ref. USS MIDWAY Command History for Calendar Year 1950).
“USS Midway (CVB-41) engaged in two four-day cruises between 19 to 27 June 1950 for demonstration and evaluation of aircraft. Observers aboard included Vice Admiral F.B. Stump, USN, Commander Air, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Honorable John F. Floberg, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air; and Admiral W.M. Fechteler, USN, Commander-In-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet” (Ref. USS MIDWAY Command History for Calendar Year 1950).
“Upon return from her second demonstration cruise 27 June 1950, Rear Admiral Reos shifted his flag to USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) and USS Midway (CVB-41) continued operations off the Virginia Capes, engaged in Carrier Qualification landing” (Ref. USS MIDWAY Command History for Calendar Year 1950).
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USS Midway (CVB-41) – 2nd & 6th
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Lant
4th Med
Lant
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CVG-7
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L
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10 Jul 1950
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10 Nov 1950
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Europe
5th FWFD
124-days
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Ports of call include: Gibraltar, a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean and Phaleron Bay, a bay of the Aegean Sea on the coast of Attica, Greece.
Commander, Carrier Air Group Seven (CVG-7) embarked Midway. Squadrons: VF-71, F9F-2; VF-72 (*1), F8F-1B; VA-75, AD-4; VMF-211, F4U-4; VC-4 Det. 5, F4U-5N; VC-62 Det. 5, F4U-5P; VC-12 Det. 5; AD-3W and HU-2 Det., HO3S-1. (*1) Redesignated VA-72 on 3 January 1956. This consisted of two aircraft types, F9F-2 Panthers and F8F-1B Bearcats.
Midway arrived at Gibraltar on 20 July 1950, steaming to Phaleron Bay, Greece, where she had brief service as flagship of Rear Admiral T. M. Stokes, USN, Commander Cruiser Division FOUR, then became flagship of Rear Admiral W. G. Switzer, USN, Commander, Carrier Division Six (COMCARDIV SIX).
Operating with the 6th Fleet, steaming through the Atlantic, operating with the U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet), operational control extending to the U.S. Second Fleet and ComAirLant to the Mediterranean Sea.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) steamed for Guantanamo Bay where she engaged in day and night Carrier Qualification landings; gunnery exercises, and simulated aerial bombardment gunnery exercises off the coast of North Carolina from 22 May to 10 July 1951.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) conducted operations off the east coast of the United States with the U. S. Second Fleet in the Virginia Capes and the coast of South Carolina before going into the yards for a fresh coat of paint. An F9F-2 aircraft assigned to the Naval Air Test Center crashes into Midway ramp while attempting to land aboard while operating in the western Atlantic on 23 July 1951. Fortunately, on impact the cockpit section separated from the plane's fuselage and rolled forward on the flight deck saving the pilot, CDR George C. Duncan, from the fire. He only suffered minor injuries.
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On the heals of USS Midway (CVB-41) paint job came “LANTFLEX 52,” a stimulated attack on the east coast of the United States by a fast carrier task force.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) participatd in Atlantic Fleet exercises along the eastern seaboard to the area off Viques Island, Puerto Rico from 22 October to 15 November 1951, than resumed operations in the area of the Virginia Capes.
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USS Midway (CVB-41) – 2nd & 6th
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Lant
5th Med
Lant
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CVG-6
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C
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9 Jan 1952
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5 May 1952
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Europe
6th FWFD
118-days
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Operation Grand Slam, supporting NATO's operation, a multi-national English, French, Italian and U. S. exercise, with other units of the SIXTH Fleet and ships of the Italian, English, and French Navy.
Ports of call include: Genoe or Genoa pron, the capital of Liguria and the sixth largest city in Italy and Gibraltar, a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean.
Commander, Carrier Air Group Six (CVG-6) embarked Midway. Squadrons: VF-21, F9F-2; VF-61, F9F-2; VF-41, F4U-4; VA-25, AD-4; VMF-225 (*1), F4U-4, VC-12 Det., AD-4W; VC-33 Det., AD-4N; VC-62 Det., F2H-2P; HU-2 Det. and HO3S-1, HUP-1. (*1) VMF-225 redesignated VMA-225 on Jun.15, 1952.
Operating with the 6th Fleet, steaming through the Atlantic, operating with the U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet), operational control extending to the U.S. Second Fleet and ComAirLant to the Mediterranean Sea.
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From 26 to 29 May 1952, the feasibility of the angled deck concept was demonstrated in tests conducted on a simulated angled deck aboard USS Midway (CVB-41) by Naval Air Test Center pilots and Atlantic Fleet pilots in both jet and prop Aircraft.
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During July and to 25 August 1952, USS Midway (CVB-41) operated off the east coast taking two Midshipman cruises to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, conducting local test exercises for the Bureau of Aeronautics and made two cruises to Halifax, Nova Scotia, returning to Norfolk from her last cruise, 1 August 1952.
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USS Midway (CVB/A-41) – 2nd
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3rd NorLant
North Sea
Lant
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CVG-6
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C
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26 Aug 1952
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8 Oct 1952
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Arctic Circle
Training
7th FWFD
37-days
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Operation Main Brace,” an eighth nation NATO maneuver in the northeastern Atlantic, off Norway and Denmark, steaming in formation with the carriers USS Frankland D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), USS Wasp (CVA-18), and battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64).
Ports of call include: Greenock, a town and administrative centre in the Inverclyde council area in Scotland, United Kingdom, and a former burgh within the historic county of Renfrewshire, located in the west central Lowlands of Scotland; Cherbourg, a city and commune, situated on the Cotentin peninsula in the Manche department of Lower Normandy in north-western France and Plymouth, a city and unitary authority area on the south coast of Devon, England, about 190 miles (310 km) south-west of London. It is situated between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound; redesignated CVA-41 on 1 October 1952.
Squadrons: VF-21, F9F-2; VF-61, F9F-2; VF-41, F4U-4; VF-42, F4U-4; VA-25, AD-4; VC-8, AJ-1 (A-2A); VC-12 Det., AD-4W; VC-33 Det., AD-4N; VC-62 Det., F2H-2P and HU-2 Det., HUP-1.
Commander Carrier Division Four, Rear Admral Stuart H. Ingersoll, U.S.N., relieving Rear Admiral A, K. Doyle, USN, Commander of a Task Force and Commander, Carrier Air Group Six (CVG-6) embarked Midway.
Operating with the U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet), operational control extending to the U.S. Fleet and ComAirLant, participating in North Sea maneuvers with NATO forces.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 2nd & 6th
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Lant
6th Med
Aegean Sea
Med
Lant
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CVG-6
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C
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1 Dec 1952
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19 May 1953
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Europe
8th FWFD
170-days
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“Operation Rendexvous,” a simulated exercise designed to maintain the high standard of readiness and battle efficiency of the NATO Defense Forces.
Ports of call include: Gibraltar, a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea; Golfe Juan, France; Cannes, a city located in the French Riviera, France (Paris, France and Monte Carlo); Marseilles, the second largest city in France, after Paris, located on the southeast coast of France, France's largest city on the Mediterranean coast, largest commercial port and Marseille is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, as well as the capital of the Bouches-du-Rhône department; Barclona, the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain and Malaga, a city and a municipality, capital of the Province of Málaga, in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Spain; Algiers, the capital and largest city of Algeria; Gibraltar, B.C.C. a second time; Augusta, Sicily, a town and comune in the province of Syracuse, located on the eastern coast of Sicily (Italy). The city is one of the main harbours in Italy; Taranto, a coastal city in Apulia, Southern Italy, the capital of the Province of Taranto and is an important commercial port as well as the main Italian naval base; Naples, the capital of Campania and the third-largest municipality in Italy; Genoa or Genoa pron, the capital of Liguria and the sixth largest city in Italy; Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey is a Eurasian country, located mostly on the Anatolia in Western Asia and on East Thrace in Southeastern Europe; La Spezia, at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia in the Liguria region of northern Italy, is the capital city of the province of La Spezia and is located between Genoa and Pisa on the Ligurian Sea and is one of the main Italian military and commercial harbours and hosts the arsenal of the Italian Navy; Rhodes, an island in Greece, located in the eastern Aegean Sea and is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in terms of both land area and population; Thessaloniki, also known as Thessalonica and Salonika, is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia as well as the capital of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace; Golfe Juan, France a second time; Palma, the major city and port on the island of Majorca (Mallorca) and capital city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain; Naples, Italy a second time; Athens Fly-Over; and Oran, a major city on the northwestern Mediterranean coast of Algeria, and the second largest city of the country and Lisbon, Portuga.
Redesignated CVA-41 on 1 October 1952.
Squadrons: VF-21 (*1), F9F-2; VF-61 (*2), F9F-2; VF-41, F4U-4; VF-42 (*3), F4U-4; VA-25, AD-4; VC-4 Det. 5, F2H-2 & F3D-2 (F-10B); VC-5 Det., AJ-2; VC-12 Det., AD-4W; VC-33 Det., AD-4N; VC-62 Det, F2H-2P and HU-2 Det., HUP-1. (*1) Redesignated VA-42 on 1 November 1953; (*3) VF-42 redesignated VA-42 on Nov.1, 1953.
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Rear Admral Stuart H. Ingersoll, U.S.N., Commander Carrier Division Four and Commander E. J. Kroeger, Commander, Carrier Air Group Six (CVG-6) embarked Midway. Operating with the 6th Fleet, extending operations into the Aegean Sea, steaming through the Atlantic, operating with the U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet), operational control extending to the U.S. Second Fleet and ComAirLant to the Mediterranean Sea.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) engaged in exercises in the Virginia Capes area and conducted two cruises for air operations off Mayport, Florida from 5 August to 26 December 1954.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 2nd & 6th
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Lant
7th Med
Gulf of Syracuse
Ionian Sea
Lant
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CVG-6
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C
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4 Jan 1954
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4 Aug 1954
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Europe
9th FWFD
213-days
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Port of calls included: Gibraltar in January 1954; a second visit to Gibraltar followed the Queen’s celebrated visit with the Duke of Edinburgh sailing in on their royal yacht by a few days; third visit to Gibraltar; Algiers, Algeria; Augusta, Sicily, Italy; Syracuse, located in the southeast corner of the island of Sicily, right by the Gulf of Syracuse next to the Ionian Sea; Taranto, Italy, a coastal city in Apulia, Southern Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Taranto and is an important commercial port as well as the main Italian naval base (Toormina, a comune and small town on the east coast of the island of Sicily, Italy, in the Province of Messina, about midway between Messina and Catania); Thessaloniki, also known as Thessalonica and Salonika, is the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region of Central Macedonia as well as the capital of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace; Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece; Cannes, French Riviera, France; Cannes, located in the French Riviera, France, a second time in early July (1st ?) and left the day after Bastille Day (ten days); Marseilles, France; Barcelona, Spain; Genoa, Italy; Livorno, Italy; Palermo, Sicily, Italy; Naples, Italy and Tangier, Morocco.
Squadrons: VF-31, F2H-3 (F-2C); VF-33, F9F-6 (F-9F); VF-73, F9F-6 (F-9F); VF-34 (*1), F2H-2; VA-25, AD-6 (A-1H); VC-12 Det. 35, AD-4W; VC-33 Det. 35, AD-4N; VC-62 Det. 35, F2H-2P and HU-2 Det., HUP-2 (UH-25B).
Rear Admiral A. K. Morehouse, Commander and Captain Paul P. Blackburn, Jr., as Chief of Staff of Carrier Division Four and Commander, Carrier Air Group Six (CVG-6) embarked Midway.
Operating with the 6th Fleet, steaming through the Atlantic, operating with the U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet), operational control extending to the U.S. Second Fleet and ComAirLant to the Mediterranean Sea.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 2nd & 6th
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SoLant
1st Cape of Good Hope
1st IO
1st SCS
1st WestPac
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CVG-1
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T
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27 Dec 1954
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14 Jul 1955
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West Coast Transfer
10th FWFD
200-days
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Norfolk, Va transfer to Puget Sound Naval Ship yard on her 1st World Cruise, joining Task Force 77, patrolling the Formosan Straits on 6 February 1955 to participate in the Tachens evacuation, during which time her aircraft flew cover for the Nationalist evacuation of the Tachen islands off the coast of China during the Quemoy-Matsu crisis, receiving the China Service Medal for services in that operation. This was the first operation of ships of her class in the western Pacific.
Ports of call included: Capetown, the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape; Colombo has many canals and the Northern and North-Eastern border of the city of Colombo is formed by the Kelani River, which meets the sea in a part of the city known as the Modera (mōdara in Sinhala) which means river delta and is the largest city and the commercial, industrial and cultural capital of Sri Lanka, located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte suburb or the parliament capital of Sri Lanka and is also the administrative capital of Western Province, Sri Lanka and the district capital of Colombo District; Ceylon, an island country in the northern Indian Ocean off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent in South Asia, has maritime borders with India to the northwest and the Maldives to the southwest; Singaporee, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian island city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator (An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait to its south); British Malaya loosely described a set of states on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Singapore that were brought under British control between the 18th and the 20th centuries; Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is one of the sixteen cities (along with the municipality of Pateros) that comprise the national capital region called Metro Manila, located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay and is bordered by the cities of Navotas and Caloocan to the north; Quezon City to the northeast; San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati to the southeast, and Pasay to the south; Yokosuka, Japan, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, covering an area of 100.7 km² and is the 11th most populous city in Greater Tokyo, 12th in the Kantō region and Pearlarb
Harbor, Hawaii.
Squadrons: VF-101, F2H-2; VF-12 (*1), F2H-2; VF-174, F9F-6 (F-9F); VA-15, AD-6 (A-1H); VC-4 Det. 35, F2H-4 (F-2D); VC-12 Det. 35 (*2), AD-4W; VC-33 Det. 35 (*3), AD-5N (A-1G); VC-62 Det. 35 (*4), F2H-2P and HU-2 Det., HUP-2 (UH-25B). (*1) VF-12 redesignated VA-12 on Aug.1, 1955; (*2) VC-12 redesignated VAW-12 on Jul.2, 1956; (*3) VC-33 redesignated VA(AW)-33 on Jul.2, 1956 and (*4) VC-62 redesignated VFP-62 on Jul.2, 1956.
Commander, Carrier Division Three embarked Midway.
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Operating with the U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet), operational control extending to the 2nd Fleet and ComAirLant, sailing via her first Cape of Good Hope, on her first voyage in the Indian Ocean, for Taiwan from Norfolk, Va., joining the 7th Fleet for operations joining Task Force 77, patrolling the Formosan Straits, on her first South China Sea, to become the first of her class to enter the Pacific, on her first “WestPac” and home port transfer to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton Washington for SCB-110 modernization that included new innovations such as an enclosed bow and an angled flight deck.
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After off-loading aircraft and debarking personnel and equipment of Air Group ONE, USS Midway (CVA-41) departed Naval Air Station, Alameda, California on 22 July 1955 to off load ammunition at Bangor, Washington, than shifted to Tacoma, Washington on 26 July 1955 and moored at the U.S. Naval Station, Seattle, on 29 July 1955.
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“The Midway (CVA-41), former CVB, the 35th aircraft carrier of the United States Navy by Hull No. and in order of commission, the 35th, commissioning on 10 September 1945, conducted a five month SCB-110 modernization that included new innovations such as an enclosed bow and an angled flight deck to be installed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton Washington from August 1955 to 30 September 1957, decommissing and recommissiong from August 1955 to 30 September 1957, with Captain Francis Edward Nuessle, USNA ’32, relieving Captain Richard Spalding Rogers, USNA ‘37, assumed command during a change of command ceremony aboard Midway on 7 September 1955, relieving Captain Reynold Delos Hogle, USNA ‘29, 14th Commanding Officer, serving from October 1, 1954 - September 7, 1955, relieving Captain Francis E. Nuessle, as Commanding Officer on 30 September 1957 and Commander Lester B. Libbey, Jr., Executive Officer beginning in August 1955. The largest and most modern ship on the Pacific Coast. Total cost of conversion raw well over fifty-five million dollars. Installations an island structure, two steam catapults on the bow and a third shorter steam cat in the new angled flight deck. The purpose of the third catapult was to allow ready deck launches while keeping the landing area clear for recoveries in an “alert” situation. Additional improvements included the installation of a hurricane (enclosed) bow, moving elevator number three to the starboard deck edge aft of the island, and enlarging number one elevator to accommodate longer aircraft. On recommissioning in September 1957, Midway’s load displacement had grown from 55,000 to 62,000 tons. An increased fuel capacity, and latest electronic equipment ensured Midway to be one of thee most effective fighting aerodromes afloat” (Ref. 1176A, 1176G, 1176I & 1081N).
Redesignated CVA-41 on 1 October 1952.
“After recommissioning on 30 December 1957, the majority of USS Midway (CVA-41) first months was spent at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for necessary fitting out and post conversion alterations. The daily routine was far from glamorous, and upon first glance tiny Bremerton offered little to the restless sailor in his free time. But in reality, it proved to be a most enjoyable period for Midway’s new life. Basketball and softball leagues were formed, fishing and boating were available to all, skiing unequalled in the Northwest was only an hours ride away. The “Ys,” USOs, and officers clubs in Bremerton and Seattle offered many fine dances and parties to USS Midway (CVA-41) personnel, and probably most important, families were together for months at a time. The Puget Sound Area won many converts during the “MID’S” stay, and more than a few sorry to see the firtopped country-side fall behind us” (Ref. 1176G & 1176H).
“After Sea Trials in January 1958, USS Midway (CVA-41) set sail for her new homeport of Naval Air Station, Alameda, California. Midway departed Naval Air Station, Alameda, California in early February 1958, for six weeks of Underway Training, instructions, and practice designed to bring the crew to its peak of battle efficiency” (Ref. 1176A & 1176G).
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 1st & 7th
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2nd WestPac
2nd SCS
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CVG-2
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M
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16 Aug 1958
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12 Mar 1959
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Western Pacific
11th FWFD
209-days
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Patrolled off Formosa with units of Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN, engaged in fleet tactics and maneuvers off the Philippines, Okinawa, and the coast of Honshu.
Ports of call included: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Leyte Pier, NAS Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay and is a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the United States Navy located in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines; Nakagusuku Bay, Buckner Bay a bay on the southern coast of Okinawa Island in Japan; Buckner Bay a second time; Yokosuka, Japan, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, covering an area of 100.7 km² and is the 11th most populous city in Greater Tokyo, 12th in the Kantō region; Nakagusuku Bay a second time; Yokosuka, Japan, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, covering an area of 100.7 km² and is the 11th most populous city in Greater Tokyo, 12th in the Kantō region; Nakagusuku Bay a third time; Yokosuka, Japan a second time; Nakagusuku Bay a fourth time; Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea; Manila, Republic of Philippines, the capital city of the Philippines, is one of the sixteen cities (along with the municipality of Pateros) that comprise the national capital region called Metro Manila, located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay and is bordered by the cities of Navotas and Caloocan to the north; Quezon City to the northeast; San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east and Makati to the southeast, and Pasay to the south; Yokosuka, Japan a third time; and Yokosuka, Japan a fourth time.
Squadrons: VF-211 (*1), F8U-1 (F-8A); VF-64 (*2), F3H-2 (F-3B); VA-63 (*3), FJ-4B (AF-1E); VAH-8, A3D-2 (A-3B); VA-65 (*4), AD-5 (A-1E & AD-5 (A-1E; VAW-11 Det. A, AD-5W (EA-1E); VA (AW)-35 Det. A (*5), AD-5N (A-1G); VFP-61 Det. A (*6), F8U-1P (RF-8A) and HU-1 Det. A, HUP-2 (UH-25B). (*1) VF-211 redesignated VF-24 on Mar.9, 1959; (*2) VF-64 redesignated VF-21 on Jul.1, 1959; (*3) VA-63 redesignated VA-22 on Jul.1, 1959; (*4) VA-65 redesignated VA-25 on Jul.1, 1959; (*5) VA(AW)-35 redesignated VA-122 on Jun. 9, 1959 and (*6) VFP-61 redesignated VCP-63 on Jul. 1, 1959.
Rear Admiral Ralph Sperry Clarke, Commander, and Chief of Staff Captain William Ryan, Carrier Division Five, becoming Task Forcee Seventy-Seven and Commander John R. Bowen II, Commander, Carrier Air Group Two (CVG-2) embarked Midway.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 1st & 7th
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3rd WestPac
3rd SCS
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CVG-2
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M
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15 Aug 1959
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25 Mar 1960
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Western Pacific
12th FWFD
224-days
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The Seventh Fleet forces stage demonstration of U.S. Naval firepower
(15 to 19 November 1959).
Ports of call included: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Guam; Leyte Pier, NAS Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay and is a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the United States Navy located in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines; Nakagusuku Bay, Buckner Bay, a bay on the southern coast of Okinawa Island in Japan, at 26°13′N 127°52′E; Yokosuka, Japan, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, covering an area of 100.7 km² and is the 11th most populous city in Greater Tokyo, 12th in the Kantō region;; Kantō region; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a second time; Yokosuka, Japan a second time; Kobe, Japan, the fifth-largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture on the southern side of the main island of Honshū, approximately 30 km (19 mi) west of Osaka; Yokosuka, Japan a third time; Sasebo, a city in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan and Hong Kong, situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea.
Squadrons: VF-24, F8U-1 (F-8A); VF-21, F3H-2 (F-3B); VA-22, FJ-4B (AF-1E); VA-23, FJ-4B (AF-1E); VA-25, AD-7 (A-1J); VAH-8, A3D-2 (A-3B); VAW-11 Det. A, WF-2 (E-1B); VCP-63 Det. A, F8U-1P (RF-8A) and HU-1 Det. A, HUP-2 (UH-25B).
Rear Admiral A. Heyward, Jr. relieved Rear Admiral J. Welsh, as Commander and Chief of Staff J. Blackburn, Carrier Division Five and Commander E. B. Holley, Jr., Commander, Carrier Air Group Two (CVG-2) embarked Midway.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 1st & 7th
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4th WestPac
4th SCS
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CVG-2
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M
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15 Feb 1961
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28 Sep 1961
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Western Pacific
13th FWFD
226-days
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Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) and Nuclear Operational Readiness Maneuver (NORM) and the 7th Fleet, on her fourth South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam, conducting Operation Handclasp missions in Hong Kong, that will involve delivering 2,000 lbs. of clothing, books and medical supplies and will conduct Exercise Checkertail, Exercise Big Shot and Exercise Checkertail.
Ports of calls include: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii four times; Apea Harbor, Hguam; Honkkong, B.C.C.; Leyte Pier, NAS Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay and is a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the United States Navy located in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines; Yokosuka, Japan, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, covering an area of 100.7 km² and is the 11th most populous city in Greater Tokyo, 12th in the Kantō region; Kobe, Japan, the fifth-largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture on the southern side of the main island of Honshū, approximately 30 km (19 mi) west of Osaka; Iwakuni, a city located in Yamaguchi, Japan; Sasebo, a city in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan; Yokosula, Japan a second time; Sasebo, Japan a second time; Yokosula, Japan a third time and Hongkong, B.C.C., situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea. Over 2,300 people visited and toured the ship while it was in “WestPac”. Most visitors were members of special local groups such as city officials, college professors and students, school children, Chamber of Commerce member of the Nippon Kyokai on 22 August. See Midway’s Cruise Summary for a comprehensive summary report of operations and problems encountered while deployed to “WestPac” under operational control of COMSEVENTHFLT. A copy is appended herewith since the reporting period encompassed 80% of the deployment.
Squadrons: VF-24, F8U-1 (F-8A); VF-21, F3H-2 (F-3B); VA-22, A4D-2 (A-4B); VA-23, VA-22, A4D-2 (A-4B); VA-25, AD-7 (A-1J); VAH-8, A3D-2 (A-3B); VAW-11 Det. A, WF-2 (E-1B); VCP-63 Det. A, F8U-1P (RF-8A) and HU-1 Det. A, HUP-2 (UH-25B). (*1) VMA-311 deployed aboard CVA-41 from 27 Mar. 1961 from Apr. 1961. Embarked at Subic Bay and (*2) VCP-63 redesignated VFP-63 on Jul.1, 1961.
Rearl Admiral Frank B. Miller (assumed command in 1960), Commander and Captain French Wampler (assumed command in 1960), as Chief of Staff, Carrier Division Three and Commander R. J. Selmer, Commander, Carrier Air Grup Two (CVG-2) embarked Midway.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 1st & 7th
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5th WestPac
5th SCS
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CVG-2
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M
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6 April 1962
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20 Oct 1962
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Western Pacific
14th FWFD
198-days
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Operating with the Pacific Fleet, conducting Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) and Nuclear Operational Readiness Maneuver (NORM) and the 7th Fleet, participating in Operation Picture Window II, as directed in CINCPACFLT Secret message 230033Z July 1962 info to CON.
Ports of calls include: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; WESTPAC Operations – the following ports were visited (1 May to 30 September 1962): Yokosuka, Japan, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, covering an area of 100.7 km² and is the 11th most populous city in Greater Tokyo, 12th in the Kantō region. Over 3500 Japanese civilians and military personnel and nearly 1000 Chinese from Hong Kong visited Midway during the cruise; Leyte Pier, NAS Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay and is a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the United States Navy located in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines; Nakagusuku Bay, Buckner Bay, a bay on the southern coast of Okinawa Island in Japan, at 26°13′N 127°52′E.; Hong Kong, B.C.C., situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea; After visiting Hong Kong, Subic Bay, P.I. and Okinawa, Midway operated out of the Japanese ports of Yokosuka, Sasebo, a city in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan; Sasebo; Iwakuni, Japan and Beppu, Japan, a city in Ōita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan, at the west end of Beppu Bay. During all inport periods guided tours of the ship were conducted and nearly 5,000 civilian and military personnel visited Midway while she was in the Far East.
Squadrons: VF-24, F8U-1 (F-8A); VF-21, F3H-2N (F-3C); VA-22, A4D-2N (A-4C); VA-23, A4D-2 (A-4B); VA-25, AD-6 (A-1H), AD-7 (A-1J); VAH-8, A3D-2 (A-3B); VAW-11 Det. A, WF-2 (E-1B); VCP-63 Det. A, F8U-1P (RF-8A) and HU-1 Det. A, HUP-2 (UH-25B).
RADM Paul Masterson, COMCARDIV ONE assuming CTF 77 on 24 August 1962, relieving RADM D. F. Smith, Jr., COMCARDIV THREE and CTG 77.7. RADM Smith, remained aboard Midway for the remainder of the cruise RADM D. F. Smith, Jr. relieved RADM P. P. Blackburn, COMCARDIV THREE and CTF 77.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 1st & 7th
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6th WestPac
6th SCS
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CVG-2
CVW-2
(*1)
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M NE
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8 Nov 1963
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26 May 1964
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Western Pacific
15th FWFD
201-days
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Commander Fleet Air Hawaii conducted an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) for USS Midway (CVA-41) and Carrier Air Wing TWO in accordance with COMFAIRHAWAII OPERATION ORDER 313/63 during the period 13 to 21 November 1963 which included a Nuclear Operational Readiness Maneuver (NORM) and participated in “Blue Sky 4-63”, an air defense exercise against the National Chinese Air Force on Taiwan.
Ports of calls include: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Sasebo, a city in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, Beppu, Japan, a city in Ōita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan, at the west end of Beppu Bay and Iwakuni, a city located in Yamaguchi, Japan; Yokosuka, Japan, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, covering an area of 100.7 km² and is the 11th most populous city in Greater Tokyo, 12th in the Kantō region three consective visits; Hong Kong, B.C.C., situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea; Leyte Pier, NAS Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay and is a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the United States Navy located in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines.
Squadrons: VF-21, F-4B; VA-22, A-4C; VA-23, A-4E; VF-24, F-8C; VA-25, A-1H & A-1J; VAH-8, A-3B; VAW-11 Det. A; E-1B; VFP-63 Det. A, RF-8A (F8U-1P) and HU-1 Det. A, UH-2A. CVG-2 (M) redesignated CVW-2 on 20 December 1963. CVG-2 was also redesignated its tail code from M to NE – (M – Sep. 1, 1948 to Dec. 20, 1963).
Commander, Carrier Air Grup Two.
USS Robison (DDG-12) and USS Parsons (DDG-33) joined up with Midway as part of her task force.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 1st & 7th
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7th WestPac
7th SCS
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CVW-2
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NE
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6 Mar 1965
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23 Nov 1965
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Vietnam War
16th FWFD
263-days
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1st Vietnam Combat Cruise
Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) and Nuclear Operational Readiness Maneuver (NORM) and the 7th Fleet, on her seventh South China Sea, on her first Vietnam Combat Cruise on “Yankee Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin and “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta, both in the South China Sea in the Far East.
Ports of calls include: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii a second time; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay and is a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the United States Navy located in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a second time; Yokosula, Japan; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a third time; Hongkong, B.C.C. , situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a fourth time and Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a fifth time.
Squadrons: VF-21, F-4B; VA-22, A-4C; VA-23, A-4E; VF-111, F-8D; VA-25, A-1H; VAH-8, A-3B; VFP-63 Det. A, RF-8A (F8U-1P); VAW-11 Det. A; E-1B; VAW-13 Det., EA-1F; HU-1 Det. / HC-1, UH-2A; *VAP-61 Det., RA-3B / A3D-2P (RA-3B) and *VQ-1 Det., A-3 (EA-3B). *Not embarked for the entire deployment and HU-1 Det. A. (1) redesignated HC-1 Det D on 1 July 1965. Commander, Robert E. Moore, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) embarked.
Rear Admiral Reedy relieving Rear Admiral White as CTF-77 on 23 July 1965 embarked; Rear Admiral Marshall W. White, USN, relieving Rear William Floyd Bringle, USN, Commander (22 March to 28 June 1965) on 28 June 1965, as Commander, COMCARDIV SEVEN and Commander, Attack Carrier Striking Force Seventh Fleet (CTF 77) and Captain Pierre N. Charbonnet, Chief of Staff, Carrier Division Seven embarked.
USS Reeves (CG-24) and USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7) joined up with Midway as part of her task force.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – Pacific Fleet
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CVW-16
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AH
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1970
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1971
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Pre-Deployment – Ref. 1180C
“The Midway (CV-41), former CVB-41, the 35th aircraft carrier of the United States Navy by Hull No. and in order of commission, the 35th, commissioning on 10 September 1945, completed SCB-101 and recommissioned a second time on 31 January 1970 at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco Bay. Midway was at once one of the oldest and newest carriers in the fleet accomplishing, the most extensive modernization ever completed on a naval vessel from 11 February 1966 to 31 January 1970, decommissioning on 15 February 1966. Her increased capabilities included the enlargement of her flight deck from 2.82 acres to 4.02 acres plus the addition of three new deck-edge elevators and the new catapults on the bow and three arresting gear engines and one barricade were installed and re-arranged to accommodate a change of 12 degrees to the angle deck. The smaller waist catapult was removed since it was ineffective in launching the now heavier aircraft. Modern electronic systems were installed, central chilled water air conditioning system replaced hundreds of individual units, and Midway became the first ship to have the aviation fueling system completely converted from aviation gas to JP-5. Midway also sorted the largest, most complex avionics shop in the fleet, the computerized Naval Tactical Data System and many improvements to habitability. The year 1970 was one of transition, training and preparation for Midway and her 2500 man crew. There was much to be learned and much to improve upon to home man and machine into an effective fighting unit, capable of assuming her place as an integral part of the Pacific Fleet. The effort having encountered delays and massive cost overruns. In addition, the modifications significantly reduced the ship’s sea-keeping capabilities and ability to conduct air operations in rough seas. Additional modifications partially corrected these problems. Midway’s cost overruns and delays caused cancellation of a similar modernization for USS Coral Sea (CV-43)” (Ref. 1180A, 1180B, 1081N & 1083).
Squadrons: VF-161, F-4B; VF-151, F-4B; VA-93, A-7B; VA-56, A-7B; VA-115, A-6A / KA-6D; VFP-63 Det. 3, RF-8G; VAW-, E-2B and HC-1 Det. 8, SH-3G.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 3rd & 7th
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8th WestPac
8th SCS
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CVW-5
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NF
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16 Apr 1971
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6 Nov 1971
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Vietnam War
17th FWFD
205-days
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2nd Vietnam Combat Cruise
Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE); Yankee Station” responsibility again on 30 June 1971, on “Yankee Station”, conducting Combat Missions, Special Operations, Single Carrier Operations and Air Operatins on four line period in the South China Sea in the Gulf of Tonkin on “Yankee Station”, conducting Exercise “Autumn Flower;” with the Japanese Defense Force and with Okinawa, Exercise “Commando Mirage” en route “Yankee Station”in the Far East.
Ports of calls include: Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, a bay forming part of Luzon Sea on the west coast of the island of Luzon in Zambales, Philippines, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay and is a major ship-repair, supply, and rest and recreation facility of the United “ States Navy located in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines; Yokosuka, Japan, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, covering an area of 100.7 km² and is the 11th most populous city in Greater Tokyo, 12th in the Kantō region; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a second time; Hongkong, B. C. C., situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a third time; Yokosuka, Japan a second time and Sasebo, a city in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.
Squadrons: VF-161, F-4B; VF-151, F-4B; VA-93, A-7B; VA-56, A-7B; VA-115, A-6A / KA-6D, VFP-63 Det. 3, RF-8G; VAW-115, E-2B; VAQ-130 Det. 2, EKA-3B; HC-1 Det. 8, SH-3G; *HC-7 Det. 110, HH-3A and **C1A Det., HH-3A. *These squadron detachments were not aboard the carrier for the entire deployment. ** Midway C1A Detachment, known as “Easy Way Airlines” was conceived, born and in full carrier operation in less than two weeks. During Midway’s conversion, all aviation fuel tanks were converted for jet fuel only and it was planned that only the turbojet powered C2A COD aircraft would be utilized. While en route to the Western Pacific word was received that all CVA’s would be required to carry one C1A aircraft for logistics, mail and cargo flights. Midway accepted her own C1A on 12 May 1971. The original “Cod Squad” crews conducted field quals at NAS Cubi Point on 14 to 15 May 1970 (The original “Cod Squad” crews – Ref. 1080N). Initial carrier quals on 16 to 17 May 1970. Midway flew the first scheduled logistics flight on 18 May 1970. Commander Captain R. B. Rutherford, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) embarked.
Rear Admiral J. L. Butts, Jr., Commander Carrier Division ONE, arriving aboard to assume duties of Carrier Division Commander on 15 April 1971 and at 0001 16 April activated CTG 17.3, with Captain F. T. Hemer as Chief of Staff Carrier Division One embarked.
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USS Midway (CVA-41) – 3rd & 7th
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9th WestPac 9th SCS
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CVW-5
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NF
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10 Apr 1972
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8 Mar 1973
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Vietnam War
18th FWFD
333-days
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3rd Vietnam Combat Cruise
Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE); conducting combat sorties against communist forces in North Vietnam, South Vietnam and Cambodia, returning to the war zone seven weeks earlier than her scheduled deployment date, on “Yankee Station” responsibility again on 30 June 1971, on “Yankee Station,” conducting Combat Missions, Special Operations, Single Carrier Operations and Air Operatins on nine line periods sin the South China Sea in the Gulf of Tonkin, during which time, the ship and air wing participated in Operation Pocket Money, the mining campaign against principal North Vietnamese ports, developed to cut that flow of supplies and Operation Linebacker I, an outgrowth of Operation Freedom Train and President Richard M. Nixon's mining declaration, which also stated that the U.S. would make a maximum effort to interdict the flow of supplies in North Vietnam. On this first day of Linebacker I, the Navy shifted its attacks from targets in southern North Vietnam to the coastal region embracing Haiphong north to the Chinese border. In all, 173 attack sorties were flown in this region this day, although another 62 were directed into South Vietnam in continuing support of allied forces there. Meritorious Unit Commendation was awarded Midway on 15 April 1972.
Ports of calls include: Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a second time; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a third time; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a fourth time; Hongkong, B. C. C., situated on China's south coast and, enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a fifth time; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a sixth time; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a seventh time; Singapore, is a Southeast Asian island city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator (An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait to its south); Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines a eight time; Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, mooring at Leyte Pier, NAS Cubi Point a ninth time and Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, mooring at Leyte Pier, NAS Cubi Point a tenth time.
Squadrons: VF-161, F-4B; VF-151, F-4B; VA-93, A-7B; VA-56, A-7B; VA-115, A-6A / KA-6D, VFP-63 Det. 3, RF-8G; VAW-115, E-2B; VAQ-130 Det. 2, EKA-3B; HC-1 Det. 8, SH-3G and HC-7 Det. 110, HH-3A. *These squadron detachments were not aboard the carrier for the entire deployment.
Rear Admiral W. R. Flanagan, relieving Rear Admiral J. L. Butts, Commander and Captain K. L. Shugart, as Chief of Staff, Carrier Division One and Captain C. E. Myers, Commander, Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) embarked Midway. USS Worden (CG-18) and USS Towers (DDG-9) joined up with Midway as part of her task force.
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“Carrier Division 5 became Carrier Group 5 on 30 June 1973“ (Ref. [7] of 1093).
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CVB, CVA and CV Deployments
(7 November 1945 to 14 September 1991)
CHAPTER CXIII, Part 2 of 4
(9 March 1973 to 23 May 1978)
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CVB, CVA and CV Deployments
(7 November 1945 to 14 September 1991)
CHAPTER CXIII, Part 3 of 4
(13 June 1978 to 11 December 1985)
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CVB, CVA and CV Deployments
(7 November 1945 to 14 September 1991)
CHAPTER CXIII, Part 4 of 4
(15 November 1985 to 14 September 1991)
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