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CHAPTER XXI, Appendix III to VII |
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USS Midway (CVA-41) underway on 20 June 1963, with F-3 Demon, F-4B Phantom II and F-8 Crusader jet fighters on her flight deck. The two Crusaders parked furthest forward are from Fighter Squadron 24 (VF-24). Photographed by PH1 J.D. Osborne. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97632). NS024123. NHC. |
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A Sailors tale of his Tour of duty in the U.S. Navy (August 1977 to February 1983) Operation Evening Light and Eagle Claw - 24 April 1980
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Operations Evening Light and Eagle Claw (24 April 1980) Iran and Air Arm History (1941 to 1980)
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U. S. AIRCRAFT CARRIER SHIP HISTORY (1920 to 2019)
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U. S. AIRCRAFT CARRIERS REDESIGNATED AND OR RECLASSIFIED (1953 to 2016)
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ENERGY QUEST AND U. S. AIRCRAFT CARRIER DEPLOYMENT HISTORY INVESTMENT CAPITAL REQUIRED TO PUBLISH 55 EIGHTH HUNNDRED PAGE BOOKS, EBOOKS & CD’s (48 Navy Books)
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USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) History Vol. I of III (27 December 1982 to 6 May 2003)
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USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) History Vol. III of III (14 January 2010 to 31 December 2012)
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USS Coral Sea CV-42 CVB-43 CVA-43 and CV-43 History and Those Aircraft Carriers Operating with Coral Sea During Her Tour of Service CONSTRUCTION to LAUNCHING and EARLY JET AIRCRAFT DEVELOPMENT (10 July 1944—2 April 1946) and a Tour of Duty in the U. S. Navy (August 1977 to February 1983)
ISBN: 9781434382917
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USS Midway (CVA-41) VIETNAM COMBAT CRUISE, AWARDS AND CASUALTY REPORTS - 7th “WestPac” Deployment (6 March to 23 November 1965) CHAPTER XXI Appendix III
Midway (CV-41) Air Wing: Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW)-2 (1 April and 30 September 1965) (1 October to 23 November 1965 not releassed)
USS MIDWAY (CV-41) 1965 AWARDS
06/03/65 to 23/11/65
“On 16 September 1965, the following awards were presented to deserving personnel attached to the USS MIDWAY” (Ref. AVIATION HISTORICAL SUMMARY OPNAV FORM 5750-2 (REV. 4-60) (11 April to 30 September 1965) of USS MIDWAY Command History for Calendar Year 1965):
Secretary of the Navy Commendation for Achievement
PEOPLES, Harold T., 866 13 34, RMC, USN on 16 September 1965 in recognition of his meritorious service in support of combat operations in Southeast Asia. Chief PEOPLES was responsible for the discovery and proposal of procedures which increased MIDWAY’s communication capabilities. His technical knowledge also led the way toward an improved design of special communication equipment. These procedures are expected to be of considerable value to the fleet.
Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”
BROCKER, Richard J., 697 33 99, AA, USNR on 16 September 1965 in recognition of his meritorious service in support of combat operations in Southeast Asia. Awarded for heroism in saving an F4B Phantom aircraft from severe damage on the flight deck of the USS MIDWAY (CVA-41), operating in the South China Sea off the coast of Viet Nam on 25 April 1965. BROCKER sustained severe personal injuries to himself, but in doing so saved a multi million dollar aircraft from extensive damage so that it was available for combat missions against the enemy.
JARVIS, Stephen R., 686 76 69, AN, USN on 16 September 1965 in recognition of his meritorious service in support of combat operations in Southeast Asia. Awarded for heroism in securing an aircraft which was streaming fuel and on fire during an emergency landing on the flight deck of the USS MIDWAY (CVA-41), operating in the South China Sea on 11 May 1965. JARVIS, who was completely soaked with fuel, remained under the aircraft wedging a chock firmly against the port tire, at great personal risk for his own safety. This act in securing the aircraft prevented extreme damage to the aircraft and minimized the hazard to the remainder of the flight deck crew.
USS MIDWAY (CV-41) Seventh “WestPac” deployment and First Vietnam Combat Cruise (6 March to 23 November 1965) (12 KIAs, 4 MIA’s and 1 POW)
USS Midway (CVA-41) AVIATION HISTORICAL SUMMARY OPNAV FORM 5750-2 (REV. 4-60) (11 April to 30 September 1965) of USS MIDWAY Command History for Calendar Year 1965). CHAPTER XXI Appendix IV
USS Midway (CVA-41) AVIATION HISTORICAL SUMMARY OPNAV FORM 5750-2 (REV. 4-60) (1 October 1964 to 31 March 1965) of USS MIDWAY Command History for Calendar Year 1964) – Chapter 20, Appendix III.
3/6/65 – 3/11/65 Enroute Hawaii 3/12/65 ISE Hawaiian Area 3/13/65 – 3/14/65 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 3/15/65 – 3/18/65 ORI 3/19/65 – 3/21/65 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 3/22/65 – 3/31/65 Enroute Philippine Islands
USS Midway (CVA-41) AVIATION HISTORICAL SUMMARY OPNAV FORM 5750-2 (REV. 4-60) (11 April to 30 September 1965) of USS MIDWAY Command History for Calendar Year 1965) – Chapter 21, Appendix IV
USS MIDWAY (CVA-41) PERIOD COVERED: 1 APRIL 65 – 30 SEPTEMBER 65
PART I – ALL UNITS
COMMANDING OFFICER: JAMES M. O’BRIEN
3. PERSONNEL ON BOARD
NAVAL: OFFICER AVIATORS 32 AIR PILOTS -0- OTHER 87 TOTAL 119 ENLISTED -0- -0- 2244 2244 CIVILIAN -0- -0- 2 2
4. MISSION OR FUNCTION – NO CHANGE
5. NEXT SENIOR OPERATIONAL COMMAND - Commander Carrier Division SEVEN
6. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: See Part II
7. PARTICIPATION IN SPECIAL EXERCISES, OPERATIONS, AND OPERATIONAL TESTS - See Enclosure (1)
8. OFFICIAL OR OTHER RECOGNITION OF ACCOMPLISHMENT - See Enclosure (2)
9. GENERAL RESUME OF ACTIVITY - See Enclosure (3)
PART II – SHIPS
1. Geographical Location - See attached page
2. Air Units on Board or Tended:
4/1/65 – 9/30/65 CVW-2 4/1/65 – 9/30/65 HC-1 Det Alfa 4/8/65 – 5/11/65 VAW-13/VAP-61/VQ-1 (Dets) 5/19/65 – 6/27/65 VAW-13/VAP-61/VQ-1 (Dets) 7/24/65 – 8/13/65 VAW-13/VAP-61/VQ-1 (Dets) 8/24/65 – 8/27/65 VAW-13/VAP-61/VQ-1 (Dets) 9/11/65 – 9/30/65 VAW-13/VAP-61/VQ-1 (Dets)
3. MILES STEAMED: 63,380
4. SHIP’S FULE CONSUMED: 20,336,199 gals NSFO AVIATION FULE CONSUMED: AVGAS: 1,287,500 gals. JP-5: 11,616,462 gals.
5. 6. CARRIER LANDINGS AND CATAPULT LAUNCHINGS:
Carrier Landings: Cumulative total - 138,523 (see attached page for even thousands)
Catapult launchings: During reporting period - 9,509 Cumulative total - 77,016 Total is from recommission 30 Sept 1957
PART III – WINGS AND GROUPS - NA
PART IV – SQUADRONS - NA
PART V – AIR STATIONS - NA PART VI – DOCUMENTARY MATERIAL APPENDED - NA
PART II, Item 1 (continued) - 1. Geographic Location
1 April 65 – 3 April 65 Transited from Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii to San Bernardino Strait, Philippines 3 April 65 Transited San Bernardino Strait 4 April 65 – 7 April 65 In-port Subic Bay, Philippines 8 April 65 – 9 April 65 Transit to Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin 10 April 65 – 14 April 65 Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin 15 April 65 -- Dixie Station, South China Sea 16 April 65 – 1 May 65 Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin
***** Following information from National Archives – Deck Log – Remarks Sheet – April 16, 1965
Steaming as a part of Task Force 77 from South Vietnam Op area to Yankee Team Op area in company with USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), USS Perkins (DD-877), USS John R. Craig (DD-885), USS Southerland (DD-747), USS Hoel (DDG-13), USS Cochrane (DDG-21) USS Rowan (DD-782) and USS Orleck (DD-886) in accordance with ComSeventhFlt quarterly Employment schedule. RADM W. F. Bringle, in Midway.
While handling lines, Abbey, Raymond L. 797 42 54, SA USN, received a mild laceration of the left thumb when a line recoiled. Treatment administered by the Medical Officer – back to duty.
While going down a ladder into the hangar Poinier, D. R., SA 390 71 44, USN received a laceration wound of 2” on his right leg. Treatment administered by the Medical Officer – back to duty.
Launched two condition I CAP (F-4’s) to intercept two aircraft reported as Russian Badgers 60 miles from Da Nang. USS Rowan (DD-782) reported for duty and assumed tactical command of the screen.
April 23, 1965 – steaming off the coast of Vietnam in Yankee Team operating area as a part of the Task Group 77.6 in Station Oscar of a 7VIC Disposition in company with USS John R. Craig (DD-885) and USS Perkins (DD-877). SOPA is ComCar Div-7, RADM W. F. Bringle, embarked in USS Midway. OTC is Commanding Officer in USS Midway. Screen Commander is Commanding Officer in USS Perkins.
While bending over to pick up a frame, Smith, Robert W., SK3, 353 63 63, USN, received a one half inch laceration on back of scalp when he rose up. Treatment administered by Medical Officer. – back to duty.
Sighted Russian merchant – name believed to be Polask Sighted Polish merchant – from Polskie Linie of Gdynia, Poland
***** 2 May 65 – 3 May 65 Dixie Station, South China Sea 4 May 65 – 5 May 65 Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin 6 May 65 Dixie Station, South China Sea 7 May 65 – 10 May 65 Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin 10 May 65 – 12 May 65 Transit from Gulf of Tonkin to Subic Bay, P.I. 12 May 65 – 18 May 65 In-port Subic Bay, P.I. 19 May 65 – 21 May 65 Transit to Yankee Team Station to Yokosuka, Japan 21 May 65 – 28 June 65 Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin
Following information from National Archives – Deck Log – Remarks Sheet – June 2, 1965
Steaming alongside USS Pollux (AKS-4) while conducting underway replenishment in Yankee Team OP off the coast of Vietnam as part of Task Group 77.6 in Station Oscar in company with USS Southerland (DD-743) in Sector Oscar, USS Perkins (DD-877) in Sector Papa, and USS Craig (DD-885) in Section quebec of a Sector Patrol screen. SOPA is CTF77, ComCarDiv-7, RADM W. F. Bringle in USS Midway.
Special court martial, CDR G. C. Lemmon, USN, senior member appointed by CO, USS Midway, met in the case of Monk, Larry A., 597 29 75, AA, USN.
June 17, 1965 – steaming as a part of Task Group 77.6 in the Yankee Team OP off the coast of Vietnam, in Station Oscar of a 7VIC Disposition, in company with USS Reeves (DLG-24) in Picket Station 19, the USS Prichett (DD-561) in Destroyer Rescue Station 1M, and the USS Collett (DD-730) in Destroyer Station 2M.
While Bartell, J. S., CS3, 391 18 12, USN, was working in the Bake Shop he cut his thumb on a rusty can. Treatment administered by Medical Officer – returned to duty.
While working on the Mess Deck, Boutwell, J. S. 391 18 12, CS3, USN, cut his finger. Treatment administered by Medical Officer – returned to duty.
While attempting to open a box, Bearley, C. M. 795 64 24, SA, USN, sustained a ½” wound in a finger when the wire binding snapped. Treatment administered by Medical Officer – returned to duty. While climbing off of the wing of an A1H aircraft, Ray, Jimmie D. AORAN 69 82 71, USN received laceration to his right elbow when he struck it on a knee cover. Treatment administered by Medical Officer – returned to duty.
While taking a meter reading, Luce, Charles Ray, FR 699 77 00, USN received salt depletion with muscular crams when he developed cramps in abdomen and passed out. Treatment administered by Medical Officer. To Sick Bay for observation.
June 20, 1965 – steaming as a part of Task Group 77.6 in the Yankee Team Op area off the coast of Vietnam in Station Oscar of a 7V1C disposition. In company are the USS Reeves (DLG-24) in Picket Station 19, the USS Collett (DD-730) in Station 1 and the USS Prichett (DD-561) in Station 2.
While going down a ladder, Denby, Billy R. 334 55 10, EM1, snagged his finger on an unknown object, receiving a cut. Treatment administered by Wade, J. W., HN – returned to duty.
While walking past a locker, Pepper, G. M., 390 43 93, FN, USN, received a 2 ½ inch wound laceration on right side of his head when he caught his head on edge of a locker. Treatment administered by Medical Officer – returned to duty.
**** 28 June 65 – 2 July 65 Transit from Yankee Team Station to Yokosuka, Japan 2 July 65 – 16 July 65 In-port Yokosuka, Japan 17 July 65 – 23 July 65 Transit from Yokosuka, Japan to Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin
Following information from National Archives – Deck Log – Remarks Sheet – July 18, 1965
Steaming as a part of Task Group 77.6 enroute from US Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan to the Point Yankee OP in the South China Sea. In company are the USS Reeves (DLG-24) in Station 1 and the USS Collett (DD-730) in Station 2 of a three Charlie two screen.
While working on the forecastle, Barton, W. L., 913 20 68 SA, USN 1st Div., received a 1” wound laceration on his right ankle when he cut his ankle on a piece of metal. Treatment administered by Medical Officer – returned to duty.
While opening a box with a knife, Thompson, Stanley W., SA 693 71 93, USN, received a one inch laceration of his third finger when the knife closed on his finger. Treatment administered by Medical Officer – returned to duty.
****** 23 July 65 – 13 Aug 65 Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin 14 Aug 65 – 22 Aug 65 Dixie Station, South China Sea 23 Aug 65 – 25 Aug 65 Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin 25 Aug 65 – 27 Aug 65 Transit from Yankee Team Station to Subic Bay, P.I. 27 Aug 65 – 2 Sep 65 In-port Subic Bay, P.I. 3 Sep 65 – 5 Sep 65 Transit from Subic Bay, P.I. to Hong Kong, B.C.C. 5 Sep 65 – 9 Sep 65 In-port Hong Kong, B.C.C. 10 Sep 65 – 11 Sep 65 Transit from Hong Kong, B.C.C. to Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin 11 Sep 65 – 30 Sep 65 Yankee Team Station, Gulf of Tonkin 30 September 1965 (1800) Proceeded to Dixie Station, South China Sea.
NOTE:
20, 22, 29 Sep 1965 MIDWAY steamed considerably north of normal Yankee Team Station on Special Operations
29 Sep 65 (1100-1330) MIDWAY was north of 18’ N in Gulf of Tonkin.
PART II, Item 5 (continued)
LANDINGS DATE SQUADRON ACFT PILOT
129,000 14 April 65 VFP-63 RF8-A LT. WILSON 130,000 28 April 65 VA-22 A4C LT. MIEFERT 131,000 22 May 65 VAH-8 A3B LCDR. JOHNSON 132,000 8 June 65 VA-22 A4C CDR. SCHORZ 133,000 24 June 65 VA-22 A4C LT. SPELLMAN 134,000 27 July 65 VA-22 A4C LCDR. LACY 135,000 7 Aug 65 VAH-8 A3B CDR. NEIGER 136,000 18 Aug 65 VA-23 A4E LTJG. MORAN 137,000 13 Sep 65 VA-23 A4E LCDR. STEWART 138,000 24 Sep 65 VA-25 A1H LTJG. DOREMUS
7. On 18 July, USS MIDWAY and Carrier Air Wing TWO participated in a “CHECKERTAIL” Okinawa Air Defense Exercise. A message was passed from the Fifty-First Fighter Interceptor Wing and the Air Defense Control Center expressing appreciation for valuable training achieved during the exercise.
A “BLUE SKY” Air Defense Exercise was conducted in conjunction with the Nationalist Chinese Air Force on Taiwan on 19 July. LTGEN Mao Ying-Tsu CAF, Commanding General Combat Air Command passed congratulations and appreciation to all participants for services rendered the government of the Republic of China in this highly successful exercise. On 21 July, MIDWAY provided assistance to the USS FRANK KNOX which was aground on Pratas Reef. The MIDWAY’s First Lieutenant, Ship’s Warrant Boatswain, and a leading second class Boatswain’s Mate were transferred by helo to the destroyer in distress to provide technical assistance in the salvage operation. The MIDWAY’s helicopters were then utilized to evacuate 155 officers and men from the FRANK KNOX to the USS MIDWAY. A considerable amount of shoring material and de-watering equipment was transferred to the FRANK KNOX to keep the ship afloat and aid in the salvage effort.
On 26 August, MIDWAY conducted “CROSS DECK” operations with HMS ARK ROYAL. Representative aircraft from both ships conducted touch-and-go landings on the other carrier and a minor AAWEX was conducted by each ship. An exchange of officers provided much useful exchange of information and goodwill.
During February 1965, an AN/SSC-2 (XN-1) shipboard Satellite Communications System was installed aboard MIDWAY. The major components of the system were the antenna installed on the 011 level and the control van installed just above the navigation bridge on the 07 level. MIDWAY was one of two naval ships having a satellite installation, the other ship being the USS CANBERRA. The USNS KINGSPORT, operating under MSTS is a third ship which has operated the system. The system was tested extensively during the period of this report. Results were excellent. While on Yankee Team Station, MIDWAY was able to pass operational traffic direct to Naval Communications Station San Francisco via Syncom III communications satellite and Camp Roberts, California, the Army’s west coast satellite terminal. In anticipation of MIDWAY’s return to EASTPAC, the Chief of Naval Operations has directed that the entire system be removed from the ship at Subic Bay in October. The system will find a new home aboard the USS PINE ISLAND.
8. The Air Department aboard MIDWAY won the coveted Ship’s Excellence Aware (“E”) in recognition of being judged as best Air Department in the Pacific Fleet for the 1964-1965 training cycle.
On 22 May, the port catapult water break, weighing approximately 7200 lbs was transferred to the USS HASSAYAMPA (AO-145) by double burton rig for transfer to the Ships Repair Facility Subic Bay for repairs. Upon completion of repairs the water break was returned to the ship via the USS VESUVIUS (AE-15) on 26 May. The transfer at sea of this vital part enabled the ship to remain at sea and meet its operational commitments.
On 21 August, while alongside the USS PYRO (AE-24), the MIDWAY twice surpassed the old ammunition transfer record for ships in WESTPAC. During the morning UNREP a new record of 176 Tons/hr was established. During the afternoon UNREP 162 tons/hr were transferred which also exceeded the previous record of 141 tons/hr. On 16 September, the following awards were presented to deserving personnel attached to the USS MIDWAY:
Secretary of the Navy Commendation for Achievement
PEOPLES, Harold T., 866 13 34, RMC, USN on 16 September 1965 in recognition of his meritorious service in support of combat operations in Southeast Asia. Chief PEOPLES was responsible for the discovery and proposal of procedures which increased MIDWAY’s communication capabilities. His technical knowledge also led the way toward an improved design of special communication equipment. These procedures are expected to be of considerable value to the fleet.
Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”
BROCKER, Richard J., 697 33 99, AA, USNR on 16 September 1965 in recognition of his meritorious service in support of combat operations in Southeast Asia. Awarded for heroism in saving an F4B Phantom aircraft from severe damage on the flight deck of the USS MIDWAY (CVA-41), operating in the South China Sea off the coast of Viet Nam on 25 April 1965. BROCKER sustained severe personal injuries to himself, but in doing so saved a multi million dollar aircraft from extensive damage so that it was available for combat missions against the enemy.
JARVIS, Stephen R., 686 76 69, AN, USN on 16 September 1965 in recognition of his meritorious service in support of combat operations in Southeast Asia. Awarded for heroism in securing an aircraft which was streaming fuel and on fire during an emergency landing on the flight deck of the USS MIDWAY (CVA-41), operating in the South China Sea on 11 May 1965. JARVIS, who was completely soaked with fuel, remained under the aircraft wedging a chock firmly against the port tire, at great personal risk for his own safety. This act in securing the aircraft prevented extreme damage to the aircraft and minimized the hazard to the remainder of the flight deck crew.
On 19 September, the MIDWAY transferred one starter unit and four 300 gal drop tanks of JP-5 to the USS GALVESTON (CLG-3) by burton rig to support one of the helicopters from the USS MIDWAY helo detachment which was on temporary duty with the GALVESTON. This transfer of material was significant in that the helo successfully rescued a downed Navy pilot from enemy territory the next day.
9. On 1 April, MIDWAY was in transit from Pearl Harbor to Subic Bay. A southern route was followed and on 3 April the ship transited the picturesque San Bernardino Strait. A busy three day in-port period from 4 April through 7 April was spent in Subic Bay completing the final preparations for assuming the commitments of Yankee Team Station in the Gulf of Tonkin. MIDWAY assumed its place on the line at Yankee Team Station on 10 May and immediately commenced heavy flight operations against communist forces in North Viet Nam and Laos. Missions consisted of both major pre-briefed strikes and armed reconnaissance restricted to military targets of opportunity within pre-briefed guide lines. Missions were flown during daylight and darkness.
During the period from 1 April through 30 September, MIDWAY spent a total of 145 days at sea versus 38 days in port. Of the at sea time 114 days were spent on Yankee Station and 13 days on Dixie Station. A general summary of inflicted damage to enemy installations in North Viet Nam follows:
72 highways and railroad bridges destroyed or heavily damaged. 23 PT/Swatow patrol boats reported sunk, destroyed, or heavily damaged. 5 Army supply depots destroyed or heavily damaged. 25 railroad cars destroyed. 4 locomotives destroyed. 2 railroad yard complexes heavily damage. 7 radar sites heavily damaged and rendered inoperative. 2 naval bases 60% destroyed. 27 construction vehicles destroyed or severely damaged. 9 barracks complexes 90% destroyed. 24 ferries destroyed or severely damaged. 10 ferry storage areas and site facilities destroyed. 13 causeways destroyed or severely damaged. 75 trucks destroyed plus numerous unknown damaged. 28 loaded barges destroyed or heavily damaged. 19 major warehouses destroyed or heavily damaged. 21 sampans destroyed. 3 dams destroyed or heavily damaged. 3 POL storage areas destroyed. 2 thermal power plants 80% destroyed. 3 airfields cratered and support buildings destroyed or heavily damaged. 3 MIG-17 aircraft destroyed in flight.
In addition to the above, major destructive or neutralizing damage was inflicted on numerous AA positions, over 300 pieces of military rolling stock, numerous roadways, highway segments, minor bridges, and general lines of communications. In addition, numerous missions were flown in South Viet Nam under the direction of forward air controller. Extensive damage was inflicted on Viet Cong structures, tunnels, supplies and personnel.
USS Midway (CVA-41) 7th “WestPac” Deployment VIP VISITS AND SPECIAL EVENTS (1 April to 30 September 1965) CHAPTER XXI Appendix V
The major events and visits which took place aboard the USS MIDWAY during the period 1 April through 30 September are summarized below in chronological order:
20 April 1965 – VIP visit including Brigadier Generals CAO VAN VIENT, RVN Air Force (Commanding General III Corps); BUI HUU NHON, RVN Air Force; William E. Depuy, USA; John E. Crowley, USA: and Sub-Brigadier General NGUYEN DUC THANG, RVN Air Force.
29 April 1965 – VIP visit including Brigadier General LE NGUYEN KHANG, RVN Marine Corps (Commanding Officer, RVNMC).
28 May 1965 – Rear Admiral BRINGLE relieved Rear Admiral OUTLAW as CTF 77.
31 May 1965 – MIDWAY in eye as Typhoon Babe formed in the Gulf of Tonkin
6 June 1965 – Lt. Paul ILG returned to MIDWAY. He was shot down on 3 June and was rescued on 5 June after successfully evading capture.
8 June 1965 – VIP visit including Major General KHAN NGOC TAM, Army RVN (Commanding Officer Regional Forces/Popular Forces); Commander TRAN VAN CHON, RVN Navy (Commander Regional Forces/River Patrol); and Sub-Brigadier General DU QUOC DONG, Army RVN (Airborne Brigade Commander.)
15 June 1965 – VIP visit including the following members of the House of Representatives: Otis G. Pike (D-NY), William G. Bray (R-IND), Richard W. Chamberlain (R-MICH), and Richard W. Ichord (D-MO)
16-17 June 1965 – SECNAV visit including Paul H. Nitze (SECNAV), and VADM J. B. Colwell (Deputy CNO).
17 June 1965 – SECNAV announced that two VF-21 aircraft splashed two MIGs over North Viet Nam. These were the first confirmed MIG kills over North Viet Nam. Crewmen responsible were CDR Lou PAGE, LT John Smith, LT J. E. D. BATSON, LCDR Bob DOREMUS.
19 June 1965 – VIP visit, Chinese Nationalists, including MGEN LI YUNG SHAO, Director of Logistics Directorate, Chinese Air Force.
20 June 1965 – LT Clint JOHNSON and LTJG Charles HARTMAN of VA-25, flying prop driven “Skyraiders” downed a Communist MIG-17 jet over North Viet Nam.
23 June 1965 – Rear Admiral BRINGLE decorated with the Legion of Merit. 6 Silver Stars and 2 Distinguished Flying Cross Medals awarded pilots who were involved in MIG kills.
27 June 1965 – Rear Admiral WHITE relieved Rear Admiral BRINGLE as CTF-77 and Commander Carrier Division SEVEN.
21 July 1965 – MIDWAY’s helos rescue 155 officers and men from the USS FRANK KNOW
23 July 1965 – Rear Admiral REEDY relieved Rear Admiral WHITE as CTF-77.
28 July 1965 – LTJG Grant TOWNSEND rescued after being shot down over North Viet Nam.
12 August 1965 – LTJG Don BROWN shot down over North Viet Nam by SAM missile. This was MIDWAY’s first SAM loss.
18 August 1965 – VIP visit including Ambassador U. Alexis Johnson; Mr. BUI DIEM, the special assistant to Prime Minister KY plus the ambassadors from Korea, United Kingdom, Japan, and Belgium and the Charge D’Affaires from New Zealand, Netherlands, Australia, China, and Malaysia.
19 August 1965 – VIP visit including General W. C. Westmoreland.
21 August 1965 – USS MIDWAY and USS PYRO set UNREP record of 176 tons per hour.
26 August 1965 – “Cross Deck” operations conducted with HMS Ark Royal.
13 September 1965 – VIP visit including CNO Admiral D. L. MC DONALD.
20 September 1965 – HC-! Det Alfa makes first Navy combat rescue in North Viet Nam. Involved were LCDR Wes Wetzel, pilot; LTJG Kent Vandervelde, co-pilot, and crewman Charles Bowman, ADJ1.
28 September 1965 – 12000th landing made since Captain O’BRIEN assumed command.
Letter written by James M. O’Brien, Captain, USN, Command Officer of USS Midway (CVA-41) 7th “WestPac” Deployment dated 1 August 1965 CHAPTER XXI Appendix VI
Dear Midway Family and Friends:
This is my second letter informing you of our activities in the Western Pacific, and our operations off this troubled land of Viet Nam. Much has happened since my letter of May 12. MIDWAY has been an active ship, and the men in every department have been working very hard to make our mission out here a continuing success.
Our second at-sea period began on May 19. After a week’s rest and much needed repairs at Subic Bay, Philippines, MIDWAY got underway to resume air strikes against Communist military targets in North Viet Nam. Thus began our longest at-sea period of the cruise since we were not scheduled to enter port again until July 2. You may wonder what it is like to cruise up and down and around in the South China Sea for days and days on end without the comforts and conveniences of home or without outside diversion. At times, in a passing thought, one can visualize the days mounting. But, in general, I think everyone will agree that there is so much work to keep them busy that time seems to slip by rather quickly.
We all experience some anxious moments a week after leaving Subic, though the occurrence was not extraordinary in the context of our current operations. Following a strike one morning on a military target in North Viet Nam, one of our Skyhawk jets radioed that he was coming in with a broken nose landing gear. The crew rushed to their emergency stations, ready for any eventuality. After the damage was assessed, it was decided to land the Skyhawk into the barricade, which is a nylon net stretched across the flight deck. The flight deck crew expeditiously rigged the barricade and the pilot expertly flew the approach and was stopped by the net with little damage to the aircraft and no injuries to himself.
Seconds later, while the crew was still at emergency stations, another aircraft returning from a strike radioed of trouble. The Air Wing Commander, Commander Robert E. Moore, had been wounded and was approaching the ship without a radio. Flak had pierced his aircraft over the target area, wounding him in the leg and knocking out his radio.
Commander Moore made a safe landing, stepped down from his aircraft, spurned the use of a stretcher which a hospitalman had ready, and insisted on walking to sick bay for treatment.
He was flying again soon with the undaunted spirit, typical of the personnel aboard who are carrying the brunt of the war effort here in Southeast Asia.
I am thankful that I have a crew who can act quickly and professionally in any emergency that might arise, whether it be an emergency landing, a fire aboard, General Quarters, or a man overboard. Our safety record is excellent only because each man aboard has strived to make it so.
But there are times when we all have to buckle down to the hazards of nature and the sea. Such was the case on May 31 when the ship became engulfed within the eye of Typhoon “Babe”. This is the first really rough weather we have experience since our WestPac tour began. It was the beginning of the typhoon season in the Western Pacific, a time when cyclonic storms are born sporadically and sweep slowly with great force across the sea. Typhoon “Babe” was such a force.
The storm was discovered by MIDWAY at 3:30 a.m. We were then in the eye of what was to become Typhoon “Babe”. When we first learned of the approaching storm, MIDWAY men raced against the winds to move aircraft below decks and tie them down, and to tie down those remaining on the flight deck. In every department aboard, men secured anything moveable which could cause damage or injury. Three hours later winds up to 100 knot velocities ripped across the flight deck as the ship pitched and rolled through the rough seas and driving rain.
Fortunately, there were no personnel injuries or damage to material. All of us came through the ordeal more experienced and with a greater respect for Mother Nature. Other than this typhoon, the seas during our time out here have been smooth to choppy. But when and if storms do come, we are capable and equipped either to safely ride them out or to change our course and move out of their way and let them pass.
Nature works against us in other ways. In the operating area the weather is extremely humid and warm, particularly below decks. The flight deck crew must content with the hot sun, but get some relief from the breeze that sweeps across the flight deck. The men who work below decks escape the beating sun but swelter in 90 plus degrees (shops and office spaces) to 130 degrees (boiler and engine rooms) heat. The thick steel ship is a veritable greenhouse with little air-conditioning. Some find relief with vents, fans, or an occasional trip topside.
But our real enemies are the Communists. This is so easy to see out here off Viet Nam. The truth of this is vividly, though sorrowfully, impressed upon us when our pilots do not return from their missions. One was Commander Doyle M. Lynn who was the skipper of Fighter Squadron 111. He was killed on May 27 when his Crusader was shot down by enemy ground fire while leading a strike on Vinh railroad yard in North Viet Nam.
CDR Lynn’s gallantry and sacrifice is of even greater significance (if this can indeed be possible) because of the magnanimous decision which he had made three weeks before. When the former skipper, CDR James LaHaye, of his squadron was killed in action in early May, CDR Lynn voluntarily postponed his retirement to serve his country as the new Commanding Officer of VF-111.
There are other who have sacrificed their lives in the defense of freedom and in the service of their country. During June, six of our men were killed in action over Viet Nam, one is still missing in action, and another was shot down but later rescued. Two were not pilots but were air crewmen of one of our aircraft --- William H. Amspacher, Jr., and Thomas L. Plants, both aviation electronic technicians third class.
High tribute and praise was paid these brave men and to the crew of MIDWAY by Secretary of the Navy Paul H. Nitze who visited the ship while on a tour of Navy and Marine Corps units in Southeast Asia. We were honored to have the Secretary aboard. He observed aircraft operations and talked with many of our men while touring the ship. He was very impressed with the ship and crew and aircraft.
By coincidence, it was during Mr. Nitze’s visit that MIDWAY’s Fighter Squadron 21, flying the Phantom II Jets, made headlines throughout the world when their pilots downed two attacking Communist MIGs over North Viet Nam. Secretary Nitze made the initial announcement of the confirmed MIG kills while aboard MIDWAY and congratulated the entire crew for their part in this historic event.
Three days later, on June 20, pilots of Attack Squadron 25 shot down another MIG over North Viet Nam. Flying prop-driven Skyraiders, the pilots were attacked by two MIGs and engaged them in a rousing five minute dogfight before downing one and chasing the other away.
The pilots who downed the Russian-built MIG were later flown to Saigon for briefings with newsmen of international news gathering agencies. This was followed by a meeting with the top U. S. military commander in Viet Nam, General Westmoreland. Decorations were presented by South Viet Nam’s Premier Ky.
I don’t suppose there was single man aboard who did not, in some way, openly or within his own mind and heart, rejoice at having shown the enemy a measure of our determination and strength. I consider each man aboard instrumental, directly or indirectly, in helping to bring down these Communist aircraft.
On June 23, Commander U. S. Seventh Fleet, Vice Admiral Paul P. Blackburn, flew aboard MIDWAY to present Silver Star medals and/or Distinguished Flying Crosses to the aviators and flight officers who shot down the MIGs.
All other men aboard are also wearing a new medal. The President has authorized each man participating in the Vietnamese conflict to wear the Viet Nam Service medal which was created in July.
June 28 was a eventful day for all of us. First, Admiral Bringle was relieved by Rear Admiral Marshall W. White as Commander Carrier Division Seven. Then, later that day MIDWAY departed the operating area and set course for Yokosuka, Japan. For the first time since we left Subic Bay on May 19, we had a chance to relax from the hectic day to day schedule. On one occasion some 2,000 gathered in the hangar bays to watch a boxing smoker. Our talented pugilists fought 17 very lively bouts and judging from the loud spectator reaction, every round packed excitement.
One the following evening, we assembled again in the hangar bay for MIDWAY’s second talent show of the year. Again there was standing room only.
At 11:30 a.m. July 2, MIDWAY docked at Yokosuka after 44 days at sea. It was a well earned two week rest for the men. Yokosuka is considered one of the finest liberty ports in WestPac. Most of us old timers have been there before, but it’s always a pleasure to return. It’s a rate experience for those men visiting for the first time. There were several different tours available which many of the men took. One of the favorites was the trip to Kamakura where the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu) is located. This giant Buddha was molded in 1252 and is Japan’s greatest tourist attraction. Japan also abounds with ornate and colorful oriental temples and shines on which many a roll of film were expended. Many of the men took overnight tours to Tokyo, the world’s largest city. The bright multi-colored lights of the Ginza (down town area) by night, the Tokyo Tower, world’s tallest structure, and the Imperial Palace were just a few of the sights that we saw.
Yokosuka, with its hundreds of small shops, and the huge Navy Exchange, is a shopper’s paradise. I imagine that every man aboard bought at least one gift, and many of them several.
Prior to the ship’s departure from Yokosuka on July 17, I was contacted by the Fleet Activities Provost Marshal’s Office and informed that the conduct of MIDWAY Navy men ashore in Japan was outstanding. Specific reference was made to the fact that despite the great number of men on liberty and shore leave from MIDWAY, reports of misconduct and other infractions were at a minimum. I consider this outstanding in view of our rigorous operating schedule and infrequent ports of call. All of us are as proud of this reputation as we are of our fine combat record.
And so on July 17 we departed Yokosuka. Enroute to Viet Nam waters we participated in rescue/salvage operations with the destroyer USS Frank Knox which was aground on Pratas Reef. Helicopters flew food, water, supplies and material to the stricken destroyer and transported 155 men from the KNOX to MIDWAY. We are once again off Viet Name with the same old spirit, determination and energy. All of us have confidence in our ability to handle any situation that might develop. We not only believe in ourselves but we believe in our country and what our country stands for.
When we return home every man aboard can say with pride that he has served his country honorably and courageously at a crucial time in our nations history.
Sincerely,
James M. O’Brien Captain, U. S. Navy Commanding Officer
Seventh “WestPac” deployment, operating with the Pacific Fleet, conducting 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 in the Far East Summary (6 March to 23 November 1965) CHAPTER XXI Appendix VII
“On 23 November 1965, USS Midway (CVA-41) with Rear Admiral Reedy relieving Rear Admiral White as CTF-77 on 23 July 1965; Rear Admiral Marshall W. White, USN, relieving Rear Admiral Bringle (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 and Commander, Robert E. Moore, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) embarked arrived Naval Air Station, Alameda, California, with Captain James M. O’Brien, as Commanding Officer, USNA '43 and Captain Robert E, Gallatin, as Executive Officer, ending her seventh “WestPac” deployment, operating with the Pacific Fleet, conducting 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 in the Far East. USS Reeves (CG-24) and USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7) joined up with Midway as part of her task force en route Hawaii from 6 to 11 March 1965, pulling into port at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 13 March 1965, conducted ISE Hawaiian Area on 12 March 1965. Midway made a port of call at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 13 to 14 March 1965, then Commander Fleet Air Hawaii conducted an ORI from 15 to 18 March 1965 fron USS Midway and Carrier Air Wing Two in accordance with COMFAIRHAWAII letter serial 31/024 of 15 February 1965, during the period 15 to 18 March 1965. This included a NORM. Midway made a port of call at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 19 to 21 March 1965, departing on the morning of the 22nd Midway was in transit following a southern route from Pearl Harbor to Subic Bay on 1 April 1965 and on 3 April the ship transited the picturesque San Bernardino Strait, en route Philippine Islands from 22 March to 3 April 1965. Midway made a port of call at Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines from 4 to 7 April 1965, completing the final preparations for assuming the commitments of “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin and “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta, both in the South China Sea, departing for Special Operations on the morning on the 8th, Midway transited to “Yankee Team Station” from Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, for her first line period in the Gulf of Tonkin and “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta, both in the South China Sea from 8 to 9 April 1965.Midway aircraft were prepared for combat operations, and from mid-April flew strikes against military and logistics installations in North and South Vietnam, underway “Yankee Team Station,” on her first line period in the Gulf of Tonkin from 10 to 14 April 1965 (Y-5-days), shifting to “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta, both in the South China Sea on 15 April 1965 (D-1-day) and back to “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin on 16 April 1965, steaming as a part of Task Force 77 from South Vietnam Op area “Dixie Station” to Yankee Team Op area in company, both areas in the in the South China Sea with USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), USS Perkins (DD-877), USS John R. Craig (DD-885), USS Southerland (DD-747), USS Hoel (DDG-13), USS Cochrane (DDG-21) USS Rowan (DD-782) and USS Orleck (DD-886) in accordance with ComSeventhFlt quarterly Employment schedule on 16 April 1965. OTC is Commanding Officer in Midway. Screen Commander is Commanding Officer in Perkins. VIP visit to Midway included Brigadier Generals Caol Van Vient, RVN Air Force (Commanding General III Corps); Bui Huu Nhon, RVN Air Force; William E. Depuy, USA; John E. Crowley, USA: and Sub-Brigadier General Nguyen Duc Thang, RVN Air Force on 20 April 1965. Midway launched two condition I CAP (F-4’s) to intercept two aircraft reported as Russian Badgers 60 miles from Da Nang on on 20 April 1965. USS Rowan (DD-782) reported for duty and assumed tactical command of the screen. Midway was steaming off the coast of Vietnam in “Yankee Team Station” as a part of the Task Group 77.6 in Station Oscar of a 7VIC Disposition in company with USS John R. Craig (DD-885) and USS Perkins (DD-877) on 23 April 1965. SOTC is Commanding Officer in Midway. Screen Commander is Commanding Officer in USS Perkins. VIP visit to Midway included Brigadier General Le Nguyen Khang, RVN Marine Corps (Commanding Officer, RVNMC) on 29 April 1965. Midway was steaming off the coast of Vietnam in “Yankee Team Station” as a part of the Task Group 77.6 from 16 April to 1 May 1965 (Y-16-days). Midway was on “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta in the South China Sea from 2 to 3 May 1965 (D-2-days); “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea from 4 to 5 May 1965 (Y-2-days) and “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta on 6 May 1965 (D-1-days), shifting to “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, both in the South China Sea on the 7th, immediately commencing heavy flight operations against communist forces in North Viet Nam and Laos. Missions consisted of both major pre-briefed strikes and armed reconnaissance restricted to military targets of opportunity within pre-briefed guide lines. Missions were flown during daylight and Darkness. Midway was on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea from 7 to 10 May 1965 (Y-4-days); transited from the Gulf of Tonkin to Subic Bay, P.I. from 10 to 12 May 1965. Midway arrived Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines on 12 May 1965, steaming as a part of Task Force 77 from South Vietnam Op area “Yankee Team Station” or “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta OP area in company, both areas in the in the South China Sea with Coral Sea, USS Perkins (DD-877), USS John R. Craig (DD-885), USS Southerland (DD-747), USS Hoel (DDG-13), USS Cochrane (DDG-21) USS Rowan (DD-782) and USS Orleck (DD-886) in accordance with ComSeventhFlt quarterly Employment schedule on 16 April 1965. OTC is Commanding Officer in Midway. Screen Commander is Commanding Officer in Perkins. Line periods commencing shortly after port of calls with the exception of travaling from one port to the other, conducting either transit or exercises en route other than “Yankee Team Station” or “Dixie Station.” Midway made a port of call at Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines from 12 to 18 May 1965, departing for Special Operations to conduct combat missions on her second line period on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea on the 19th, transited to “Yankee Team Station” to Yokosuka, Japan from 19 to 21 May 1965 (Y-3-days), commencing Special Operations, conducting combat missions on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea. EQNEEDF Note: transited to “Yankee Team Station” to Yokosuka, Japan from 19 to 21 May 1965 is being counnted as line days while no record of port call was given until after line period days from 21 May to 28 June 1965 on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin (Y-39-days) – Port of call at Yokosuka, Japan from 28 June to 2 July 1965; sugesting 111 line periods from 14 April to 30 September 1965, rather than 114 days. On 22 May 1965, the port catapult water break, weighing approximately 7200 lbs was transferred to the USS Hassayampa (AO-145) by double burton rig for transfer to the Ships Repair Facility Subic Bay for repairs. Upon completion of repairs the water break was returned to the ship via the USS Vesuvius (AE-15) on 26 May 1965. The transfer at sea of this vital part enabled the ship to remain at sea and meet its operational commitments. In 1961, then Captain Bringle became the first skipper of the carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). On April 1964 Rear William Floyd Bringle, USN, Commander, broke his flag aboard the same carrier as Commander, Carrier Division Seven. Rear Admiral William Floyd Bringle, USN, Commander, relieved Rear Admiral Ooutlaw as CTF 77 on 28 May 1965 when he broke his Flag aboard Midway. Before leaving Midway as reported in biography, RADM Bringle received the Legion of Merit climaxing his work as CTF 77. He went on to be Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, CINCPACFLT. Midway in eye as Typhoon Babe formed in the Gulf of Tonkin on 31 May 1965. Commander Kops became Executive Officer of Midway in June 1965, relieving Captain Robert E, Gallatin, serving as Executive Officer from May 1964 to May 1965. On 2 June 1965, RADM W. F. Bringle, ComCar Div-7 (SOPA is CTF-77) was embarked Midway steaming alongside USS Pollux (AKS-4) while conducting underway replenishment in ‘Yankee Team” OP off the coast of Vietnam as part of Task Group 77.6 in Station Oscar in company with USS Southerland (DD-743) in Sector Oscar, USS Perkins (DD-877) in Sector Papa, and USS Craig (DD-885) in Section quebec of a Sector Patrol screen. Lt. Paul ILG returned to Midway on 6 June 1965. He was shot down on 3 June and was rescued on 5 June after successfully evading capture. VIP visit to Midway included Major General KHAN NGOC TAM, Army RVN (Commanding Officer Regional Forces/Popular Forces); Commander TRAN VAN CHON, RVN Navy (Commander Regional Forces/River Patrol); and Sub-Brigadier General DU QUOC DONG, Army RVN (Airborne Brigade Commander.) on 8 June 1965. The following members of the House of Representatives: Otis G. Pike (D-NY), William G. Bray (R-IND), Richard W. Chamberlain (R-MICH), and Richard W. Ichord (D-MO) on 15 June 1965. SECNAV visit to Midway included Paul H. Nitze (SECNAV), and VADM J. B. Colwell (Deputy CNO) from 16 to 17 June 1965. On 17 June 1965, Secretary of the Navy Paul Nitze was aboard Midway as part of a tour of the war zone, while Midway was steaming alongside as a part of Task Group 77.6 in the “Yankee Team Station”, in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea OP off the coast of Vietnam, in Station Oscar of a 7VIC Disposition, in company with USS Reeves (DLG-24) in Picket Station 19, the USS Prichett (DD-561) in Destroyer Rescue Station 1M, and the USS Collett (DD-730) in Destroyer Station 2M. On the same day, to the delight of the ship’s crew, the Secretary of the Navy had the opportunity to announce over the public address system that two F-4B Phantom IIs from Midway had tangled with four MiG-17s south of Hanoi and two of the North Vietnamese aircraft went down in flames, scoring the first MiG kills of the war, while escorting a strike on the barracks at Gen Phu, North Vietnam, Cmdr. Louis C. Page and Lt. Jack E.D. Batson, flying F-4B Phantoms of VF-21, attached to Attack Carrier Wing 2, deployed aboard Midway, after intercepting four MiG-17s, each shot down one, scoring the first U.S. victories over MiGs in Vietnam. VIP visit to Midway included Chinese Nationalists, including MGEN LI YUNG SHAO, Director of Logistics Directorate, Chinese Air Forceo on 19 June 1965. Midway was steaming as a part of Task Group 77.6 in the “Yankee Team” Op area off the coast of Vietnam in Station Oscar of a 7V1C disposition, in company with USS Reeves (DLG-24) in Picket Station 19, USS Collett (DD-730) in Station 1 and USS Prichett (DD-561) in Station 2, during which time, another MiG-17 was brought down by the 20mm gunfire of two propeller-driven A-1H Skyraiders from Midway on 20 June 1965, Pilot skill and the Skyraider’s outstanding maneuverability led to this unusual victory. On 23 June 1965, Commander U. S. Seventh Fleet, Vice Admiral Paul P. Blackburn, flew aboard Midway to present Silver Star medals and/or Distinguished Flying Crosses to the aviators and flight officers who shot down the MIGs. All other men aboard are also wearing a new medal. The President has authorized each man participating in the Vietnamese conflict to wear the Viet Nam Service medal which was created in July. The men that made Midway famous…are to be decorated for downing three MIG-17’s in awards ceremony held aboard on 23 June 1965. Rear Admiral BRINGLE decorated with the Legion of Merit. 6 Silver Stars and 2 Distinguished Flying Cross Medals awarded pilots who were involved in MIG kills. Commander Page (VF-21, Silver Star), Lieutenant Vatson (VF-21, Silver Star), Lieutenant Greathouse (VA-25, Distinguish Flying Cross), Lieutenant Johnson (VA-25, Silver Star), LTJG Hartman (VA-25, Distingush Flying Cross. Rear Admiral Marshall W. White, USN, relieved Rear Admiral Bringle (22 March to 28 June 1965), COMCARDIV SEVEN and Commander, Attack Carrier Striking Force Seventh Fleet (CTF 77) on 28 June 1965. Before leaving Midway as reported in biography, RADM Bringle received the Legion of Merit climaxing his work as CTF 77. He went on to be Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, CINCPACFLT. Midway was on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea from 21 May to 28 June 1965 (Y-39-days), then, later that day Midway departed the operating area and set course for Yokosuka, Japan, transitiing from “Yankee Team Station” to Yokosuka, Japan from 28 June to 2 July 1965, arriving Yokosula, Japan, made a port of call from 2 to 16 July 1965. For the first time since the crew left Subic Bay on May 19, they had a chance to relax from the hectic day to day schedule. On one occasion some 2,000 gathered in the hangar bays to watch a boxing smoker. Talented pugilists fought 17 very lively bouts and judging from the loud spectator reaction, every round packed excitement. Midway departed on the morning of the 17th to conduct Special Operations on her third line period on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea, particpinng in “Checkertail” Okinawa Air Defense Exercise; a “Blue Sky” Air Defense Exercise conducted in conjunction with the Nationalist Chinese Air Force on Taiwan and providing assistance to the USS Frank Knox (DD-742) which was ground on Pratas Reef. Midway was steaming as a part of Task Group 77.6 en route from US Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan to the “Yankee Team Station” (Point Yankee OP), in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea on 18 July 1965, in company are the USS Reeves (DLG-24) in Station 1 and the USS Collett (DD-730) in Station 2 of a three Charlie two screen, participating in a “Checkertail” Okinawa Air Defense Exercise on 18 July 1965. A message was passed from the Fifty-First Fighter Interceptor Wing and the Air Defense Control Center expressing appreciation for valuable training achieved during the exercise. Prior to arriving at “Yankee Team Station” (Point Yankee OP), in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea, Midway and Carrier Air Wing TWO participated in a “Blue Sky” Air Defense Exercise conducted in conjunction with the Nationalist Chinese Air Force on Taiwan on 19 July 1965. LTGEN Mao Ying-Tsu CAF, Commanding General Combat Air Command passed congratulations and appreciation to all participants for services rendered the government of the Republic of China in this highly successful exercise. Prior to arriving at “Yankee Team Station” (Point Yankee OP), in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea, Midway and Carrier Air Wing TWO, provided assistance to the USS Frank Knox (DD-742) which was ground on Pratas Reef on 21 July 1965. The Midway’s First Lieutenant, Ship’s Warrant Boatswain, and a leading second class Boatswain’s Mate were transferred by helo to the destroyer in distress to provide technical assistance in the salvage operation. The Midway’s helicopters were then utilized to evacuate 155 officers and men from the Frank Knox to the USS Midway. A considerable amount of shoring material and de-watering equipment was transferred to the Frank Knox to keep the ship afloat and aid in the salvage effort Midway and Carrier Air Wing TWO embarked transited to “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea from 17 to 23 July 1965. Rear Admiral Reedy relieved Rear Admiral White as CTF-77 on 23 July 1965. Midway participated in a “Checkertail” Okinawa Air Defense Exercise on 18 July 1965 and in a “Blue Sky” Air Defense Exercise conducted in conjunction with the Nationalist Chinese Air Force on Taiwan on 19 July 1965. Midway and Carrier Air Wing TWO provided assistance to the USS Frank Knox (DD-742) which was ground on Pratas Reef. LTJG Grant Townsend was rescued and returned to Midway after being shot down over North Viet Nam on 28 July 1965. LTJG Don Brown shot down over North Viet Nam by SAM missile. This was Midway’s first SAM loss on 12 August 1965. Midway was on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin from 23 July to 13 August 1965 (Y-22-days) and headed to “Dixie Station”, both in the South China Sea on 14 August 1965. VIP visit to Midway included Ambassador U. Alexis Johnson; Mr. BUI DIEM, the special assistant to Prime Minister KY plus the ambassadors from Korea, United Kingdom, Japan, and Belgium and the Charge D’Affaires from New Zealand, Netherlands, Australia, China, and Malaysia on 18 August 1965 and VIP visit to Midway included General W. C. Westmoreland on 19 August 1965. Midway and USS Pyro (AE–24) set UNREP record of 176 tons per hour on 21 August 1965. On 21 August 1965, while alongside the USS Pyro (AE-24), Midway twice surpassed the old ammunition transfer record for ships in “WestPac.” During the morning UNREP a new record of 176 Tons/hr was established. During the afternoon UNREP 162 tons/hr were transferred which also exceeded the previous record of 141 tons/hr. Midway conducted Special Operations on “Dixie Station” in the South China Sea from 14 to 22 August 1965 (D-9-days), shifting from “Dixie Station” to “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, both in the South China Sea on 23 August 1965, conducting Special Operations on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea from 23 to 25 August 1965 (Y-3-days). Midway pulled in for a port of call at Subic Bay, P.I. on 27 August 1965, transiting from “Yankee Team Station” to Subic Bay, P.I. from 25 to 27 August 1965, conducting “Cross Deck” operations with HMS Ark Royal. Representative aircraft from both ships conducted touch-and-go landings on the other carrier and a minor AAWEX was conducted by each ship on 26 August 1965. An exchange of officers provided much useful exchange of information and goodwill. Midway arrived Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines on 27 August 1965, ending her third line period on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin and “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta, both in the South China Sea. “Yankee Team Station” from 23 July to 13 August 1965 (Y-22-days); “Dixie Station” from 14 to 22 August 1965 (D-9-days) and “Yankee Team Station” from 23 to 25 August 1965 (Y-3-days). Totals: (Y-25-days) + (D-9-days). Midway made a port of call at Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines from 27 August to 2 September 1965, departing for Hongkong, B.C.C., transiting from Subic Bay, P.I. to Hong Kong, B.C.C. from 3 to 5 September 1965, made a port of call at Hongkong, B.C.C. from 5 to 9 September 1965, departing on the morning of the 10th to conduct Special Operations on her fourth line period on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea, transitnng from Hong Kong, B.C.C. to “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, South China Sea from 10 to 11 September 1965. VIP visit to Midway included CNO Admiral D. L. McDonald on 13 September 1965. On 16 September 1965, Midway was awarded the Secretary of the Navy Commendation for Achievement. On 19 September 1965, Midway transferred one starter unit and four 300 gal drop tanks of JP-5 to the USS Galveston (CLG-3) by burton rig to support one of the helicopters from Midway helo detachment which was on temporary duty with the Galveston. This transfer of material was significant in that the helo successfully rescued a downed Navy pilot from enemy territory the next day. Midway steamed considerably north of normal “Yankee Team Station” on Special Operations on 20 September 1965. HC-! Det Alfa makes first Navy combat rescue in North Viet Nam. Involved were LCDR Wes Wetzel, pilot; LTJG Kent Vandervelde, co-pilot, and crewman Charles Bowman, ADJ1 on 20 September 1965. Midway steamed considerably north of normal “Yankee Team Station” on Special Operations on 22 September 1965. The 120,000th landing made aboad Midway since Captain O’Brien assumed command on 28 September 1965. Midway steamed considerably north of normal “Yankee Team Station” on Special Operations on 20, 22 & 29 September 1965, north of 18’ N in the Gulf of Tonkin at between 1100-1330 hours on the 29 September 1965, conducting Special Operations on her fourth line period on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin from 11 to 30 September 1965 (Y-20-days) and than proceeded to “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta, both in the South China Sea at 1800 hours, 30 September 1965 (D-1-days). During the period from 1 April through 30 September, Midway spent a total of 145 days at sea versus 38 days in port. Of the at sea time 114 days were spent on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin and 13 days on “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta, both in the South China Sea. A general summary of inflicted damage to enemy installations in North Viet Nam follows:
72 highways and railroad bridges destroyed or heavily damaged. 23 PT/Swatow patrol boats reported sunk, destroyed, or heavily damaged. 5 Army supply depots destroyed or heavily damaged. 25 railroad cars destroyed / 4 locomotives destroyed. 2 railroad yard complexes heavily damage. 7 radar sites heavily damaged and rendered inoperative. 2 naval bases 60% destroyed. 27 construction vehicles destroyed or severely damaged. 9 barracks complexes 90% destroyed. 24 ferries destroyed or severely damaged. 10 ferry storage areas and site facilities destroyed. 13 causeways destroyed or severely damaged. 75 trucks destroyed plus numerous unknown damaged. 28 loaded barges destroyed or heavily damaged. 19 major warehouses destroyed or heavily damaged. 21 sampans destroyed. 3 dams destroyed or heavily damaged. 3 POL storage areas destroyed. 2 thermal power plants 80% destroyed. 3 airfields cratered and support buildings destroyed or heavily damaged. 3 MIG-17 aircraft destroyed in flight.
In addition to the above, major destructive or neutralizing damage was inflicted on numerous AA positions, over 300 pieces of military rolling stock, numerous roadways, highway segments, minor bridges, and general lines of communications. In addition, numerous missions were flown in South Viet Nam under the direction of forward air controller. Extensive damage was inflicted on Viet Cong structures, tunnels, supplies and personnel. Midway proceeded to “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta in the South China Sea at 1800 hours, 30 September 1965. History of from 1 October to 23 November 1965 not released and or Aviation Summary report as of 3 March 2019, so total line periods not able to number. Midway arrived Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines on 12 October 1965, ending Special Operations on her fourth line period on “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin from 11 to 30 September 1965 (Y-20-days) and than proceeded to “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta, both in the South China Sea at 1800 hours, 30 September 1965 (D-1-days). Totals continue until arriving Subic Bay, making a port of call at Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines, mooring at Leyte Pier, NAS Cubi Point from 12 to 16 October 1965, departing for Special Operations to conduct combat missions on her fifth line period in either “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta, or “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, both in the South China Sea, transitng from Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines to “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta in the South China Sea from 16 to 17 October 1965. Midway was underway, about to conduct flight operations on 27 October 1965. Note the enclosed bow. In October 1965, "572 [BuNo 135297] was flown by CDR C. W. 'Bill' Stoddard, Executive Officer of VA-25 'Fist of the Fleet,' flying an A-1H Skyraider, NE572 'Paper Tiger II' from Carrier Air Wing Two aboard Midway carried a special bomb to the North Vietnamese in commemoration of the 6-millionth pound of ordnance dropped." "This bomb was unique because of the type... it was a toilet!" His wingman in 577 was LCDR Robin Bacon, who had a wing station mounted movie camera (the only one remaining in the fleet from WWII)." "The flight was a Dixie Station strike (off South Vietnam) going to the Delta. When they arrived in the target area and CDR Stoddard was reading the ordnance list to the FAC, he ended with 'and one code name Sani-flush.'" "The FAC couldn't believe it and joined up to see it. It was dropped in a dive with LCDR Bacon flying tight wing position to film the drop. When it came off, it turned hole to the wind and almost struck his airplane." "It made a great ready room movie. The FAC said that it whistled all the way down. The toilet was a damaged toilet, which was going to be thrown overboard." "One of our plane captains rescued it and the ordnance crew made a rack, tailfins and nose fuse for it. The squadron flight deck checkers maintained a position to block the view of the Captain and Air Boss while the aircraft was taxiing onto the catapult. Just as it was being shot off we got a 1MC message from the bridge, 'What the hell was on 572's right wing?'" Whether known or not to those involved, a somewhat similar "special weapons test" had occurred 13 years earlier, during the Korean War — in August 1952 another Skyraider, assigned to VA-195 "Dambusters," off USS Princeton (CV-37) dropped a kitchen sink attached to a 2,000 pound bomb on a target near Pyongyang. Midway arrived Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines on 4 November 1965, ending her fifth line period, conducting Special Operations in either “Dixie Station” off the Mekong Delta, or “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, both in the South China Sea from 17 October to 3 November 1965, transiting from Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines to “Dixe Station” from 16 to 17 October 1965 and “Yankee Team Station” in the Gulf of Tonkin, both in the South China Sea. Midway made a port of call at Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines from 4 to 10 November 1965, departing for home at Naval Air Station, Alameda, California. During February 1965, an AN/SSC-2 (XN-1) shipboard Satellite Communications System was installed aboard Midway. The major components of the system were the antenna installed on the 011 level and the control van installed just above the navigation bridge on the 07 level. Midway was one of two naval ships having a satellite installation, the other ship being the USS Canberra (CA-70/CAG-2). The USNS Kingsport (T-AG-164) operating under MSTS is a third ship which has operated the system. The system was tested extensively during the period of this report. Results were excellent. While on Yankee Team Station, Midway was able to pass operational traffic direct to Naval Communications Station San Francisco via Syncom III communications satellite and Camp Roberts, California, the Army’s west coast satellite terminal. In anticipation o Midway’s return to EASTPAC, the Chief of Naval Operations has directed that the entire system be removed from the ship at Subic Bay in October. The system will find a new home aboard the USS Pine Island (AV-12). In 1965, operating with Task Force 77 in the Gulf of Tonkin, Midway planes flew 11,900 combat sorties against enemy forces in North and South Vietnam. Midway and her Air Wing, CVW-2, were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. Midway also won the Battle Efficiency “E,” marking her as the outstanding carrier in the Pacific Fleet. From March 6, 1965, when the ship departed her homeport of Alameda, California, until November 23, 1965, when she returned from the cruise, Midway, had steamed 80,000 miles, and operated at sea for 211 of 262 days in the cruise. Her longest at-sea period was from 19 May to 2 July 1965, operating off Vietnam. No Midway command history reports submitted for October through November 1965. 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. USS Reeves (CG-24) and USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7) joined up with Midway as part of her task force. Her sixth deployment since her first recommission upon completion of SCB-110 (August 1955 to 30 September 1957), decommissioning in August 1955 upon arrival from her World Cruise and first “WestPac” deployment, operating with the U.S. Atlantic Command (USLANTCOM) (Atlantic Fleet), operational control extending to the 2nd Fleet and Pacific Fleet and tour of duty with the 7th Fleet, on her first South China Sea deployment, for 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; redesignated CVA-41 on 1 October 1952. Her 16th Foreign Water Fleet Deployment (FWFD) since her commission 10 September 1945, having the destination of being the lead ship of her class, and the first to be commissioned after the end of lead ship of her class, and the first to be commissioned after the end of World War II (6 March to 23 November 1965)” (Ref. 1-Midway, 72, 84A, 405, 1179-Q, 1179-R, 1179-R1, 1179-S, 1179S1, 1179S2, 1179-T, 1179T1, 1179-U, 1179T1, 1179-V, 1179-X, 1179-Y, 1179-Z, 1179-Z1, 1179-Z2,1179-Z3, 1180A, 1180B, Midway underway, about to conduct flight operations on 27 October 1965. Note the enclosed bow. US Navy photo by R. W. Lewis [# 1176316]. NS024132. USN; Three VPAF MiG-17's were shot down by Midway/CVW-2 aircraft during this deployment; NS024194. Photo from Angelo Romano's NAVA Collection; During the Korean War — in August 1952 another Skyraider, assigned to VA-195 "Dambusters," off USS Princeton (CV-37) dropped a kitchen sink attached to a 2,000 pound bomb on a target near Pyongyang. "The USS Midway (CVA-41)/VA-25's Toilet Bomb." NS024195; "The USS Midway (CVA-41)/VA-25's Toilet Bomb." NS024195a. Photos and account courtesy of Troy Prince, MidwaySailor.com. Source for "Dambusters" 1952 "incident": Skyraider: The Douglas A-1 Flying Dump Truck, by CAPT Rosario Rausa & Lieutenannt Clinton B. Johnson was one of the two VA-25 A-1 Skyraider pilots credited with shooting down a MiG-17 on June 20, 1965 [see NS024126]." NS024195b. http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/024195.jpg http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/024195a.jpg http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/024195b.jpg https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/cv41-65/145.htm https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/cv41-65/147.htm https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/cv41-65/146.htm https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/cv41-65/150.htm
Seventh “WestPac” deployment and 1965 Senior Command and Staff - USS Midway (CVA 41) WestPac Cruise Book 1965 – Chapter 21, Appendix I
USS Midway (CVA-41) 1965 Vietnam Combat Cruise 1965 North Vietnam Sortie statistics and BDA – (bomb damage assessment) for North Vietnam Operations (6 March to 23 November 1965) – Chapter 21, Appendix II
USS Midway (CVA-41) VIETNAM COMBAT CRUISE, AWARDS AND CASUALTY REPORTS - 7th WestPac” Deployment (6 March to 23 November 1965) – Chapter 21, Appendix III
USS Midway (CVA-41) AVIATION HISTORICAL SUMMARY OPNAV FORM 5750-2 (REV. 4-60) (11 April to 30 September 1965) of USS MIDWAY Command History for Calendar Year 1965) – Chapter 21, Appendix IV
USS Midway (CVA-41) 7th “WestPac” Deployment VIP VISITS AND SPECIAL (1 April to 30 September 1965) – Chapter 21, Appendix V
Letter written by James M. O’Brien, Captain, USN, Command Officer of USS Midway (CVA-41) 7th “WestPac” Deployment dated 1 August 1965 – Chapter 21, Appendix VI
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