EQNEEDF - Energy Quest National Energy Efficient Development Founder

Indian Ocean (Jan. 9, 2005) – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) underway in the Indian Ocean off the shore of Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is currently operating in the Indian Ocean off the waters of Indonesia and Thailand in support of Operation Unified Assistance, the humanitarian operation effort in the wake of the Tsunami that struck South East Asia.

http://www.strategypage.com/gallery/articles/military_photos_20051920.asp

USS Stennis Flyover -

Pacific Ocean (Oct. 27, 2004) - Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) fly in formation above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during a practice air and sea power demonstration. Stennis and embarked CVW-14 are returning from a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean. http://www.strategypage.com/gallery/articles/military_photos_200411518.asp

USS Stennis Returns -

(Nov. 01, 2004) - The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) returns to San Diego, Calif., from a five month deployment to the Northern and Western Pacific Ocean. The San Diego-based aircraft carrier, commanded by Capt. David Buss, is the center of the carrier strike group and is the flagship for Commander, Carrier Strike Group Seven (CSG-7), Rear Adm. Patrick Walsh.

http://www.strategypage.com/gallery/articles/military_photos_20041131.asp

Preparing for Night Launch

Atlantic Ocean (April 17, 2006) - An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the “Jolly Rogers” of Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Three (VFA-103), waits to unfold its wings as an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Pukin’ Dogs" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Three (VFA-143), ignites its afterburners while preparing to launch from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Eisenhower and embarked Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) are participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Benjamin D. Olvey http://www.strategypage.com/gallery/articles/military_photos_2006421000110.asp

F-18 launches from a carrier ,,(video)
http://www.strategypage.com/gallery/articles/f18catshot.asp

Night Launch Off the Kitty Hawk

03/20/05 - A catapult shooter gives the signal to launch an EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the "Gauntlets" of Electronic Attack Squadron One Three Six (VFA-136), off the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) on March 20, 2005. The Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group is currently participating in the joint exercises Reception, Staging, Onward movement, and Integration (RSO&I) and Foal Eagle, a complex multi-phase exercise conducted annually, tailored to train, test, and demonstrate United States and Republic of Korea force projection and deployment capabilities. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Bo Flannigan)

http://www.strategypage.com/gallery/articles/military_photos_200542422.asp

USS TRUMAN,,,


 

 

Atlantic Ocean (May 7, 2006) - The Enterprise Carrier Strike group (CSG) sails through the Atlantic Ocean in formation. Enterprise CSG which consists of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), guided missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47), guided missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), guided missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) and Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), are currently on a scheduled six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. Also pictured with the strike group is the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), which is currently on a surge deployment as part of the Global War on Terrorism Surface Strike Group (GWOTSSG) 06-2. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Rob Gaston

“On 18 November 1979, USS Midway (CV-41) arrived in the northern part of the Arabian Sea in connection with the continuing hostage crisis in Iran. Militant followers of the Ayatollah Khomeini, who had come to power following the overthrow of the Shah, seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on 4 November and held 63 U.S. citizens hostage. Spokesmen for the mob demanded that the United States return to Iran the deposed Shah who was in a New York hospital at the time” (Ref. 1-Kitty Hawk).

“On 19 November, the Iranians occupying the Teheran embassy free three American hostages: a woman and two black Marines. Ten more of the Americans are freed the following day” (Ref. 1- Constellation).

http://www.usscoralsea.net/images/cv43unrepbh1.jpg; U. S. Navy and Bruce Henion

Other Coral Sea Photos while on 79/80 Westpac http://www.usscoralsea.net/pages/picscv433.html#626061

Hawaii

“USS Coral Sea (CV-43) was ordered to enter Hawaii the morning of the 21st of November 1979, in order to take on needed supplies and provisions. The crew wasn’t allowed liberty. Coral Sea would depart within seven hours for “Westpac” to support National Security Policy off the coast of Korea. The men of the Coral Sea demonstrated their devotion to duty by rapidly loading fuel, food and other supplies as well as make needed repairs to the ship and exited Pearl Harbor in six and one half hours ready to carry out the policies of our government. I saw the leopard colonies for the first time in my life. I had always thought the disease was no longer a threat to civilization” (Ref. 2).
While in port the Admiral allowed me to print 250-copies of my 103-page book. I only had 6-hours to finish the Xeroxing. I stored Energy Quest books in the Print Shop, as there was limited space in the Operations Department Office.

“USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) cruise was extended two and a half months to support contingency operations in the North Arabian Sea during the Iranian hostage crisis. On 21 November, Kitty Hawk and her escort ships were directed to sail to the Indian Ocean to join USS Midway (CV-41) and her escort ships, which were operating in the northern Arabian Sea” (Ref. 1-Kitty Hawk).

“USS Coral Sea (CV-43) encountered high winds on 24 November 1979 and those of us whose birthday was the 24th, lost it due to crossing the International Date Line. By an international agreement you automatically loose a day when you cross the line heading west and you regain it when you head east” (Ref. 2).

“USS Coral Sea (CV-43) spent a couple of days operating off Guam, occasionally getting to see the main island” (Ref. 2).

“Jimmy Carter gives a press conference on the 24th day of Americans being held hostage in Iran November 28, 1979” (Ref. 12).

“In December 1979, the wife of the senior foreign officer being held hostage, Penelope Laingen, tied a yellow ribbon around a tree on the lawn of her Maryland home. Yellow ribbons sprouted all over the country, and the song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" was revived with a new meaning that helped unite the country against Khomeini” (Ref. 5 CNN Interactive).

“USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) arrived on station on 3 December 1979, and with USS Midway (CV-41) provided the U.S. with A-6 Intruder and A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft and F-4 Phantom and the modern F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft, which could respond to a variety of situations if called upon during the Iranian hostage crisis. This was the first time since World War II that the U.S. Navy had two carrier task forces in the Indian Ocean in response to a crisis situation” Ref. 1-Kitty Hawk).

“USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) arrived on station on 3 December 1979, and with USS Midway (CV-41) provided the U.S. with A-6 Intruder and A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft and F-4 Phantom and the modern F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft, which could respond to a variety of situations if called upon during the Iranian hostage crisis. This was the first time since World War II that the U.S. Navy had two carrier task forces in the Indian Ocean in response to a crisis situation” (Ref. 1-Kitty Hawk).

“In December 1979, the wife of the senior foreign officer being held hostage, Penelope Laingen, tied a yellow ribbon around a tree on the lawn of her Maryland home. Yellow ribbons sprouted all over the country, and the song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" was revived with a new meaning that helped unite the country against Khomeini” (Ref. 5 CNN Interactive).

On 8 December 1980 while steaming to Pusan, Korea, departing Hawaii several days earlier, we heard that John Lennon died at the age of 40, being shot down by Mark David Chapman assailant in New York.

Pusan, Korea 10 to 12 December 1979

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) arrived at Pusan, Korea, 10 December 1979. The crew was given liberty and we spent several days in Pusan, Korea. The ship was anchored and we went to shore aboard an Amphibious Landing Craft. Several months earlier, my uncle, Loyd Henion, had visited Soul Korea on official business. As the Economic Financial Planner and Manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation, he was there to assist the Korean Transportation Department with their interstate highway development. We only spent a couple of days in Pusan, Korea.

“On 14 December 1979, USS Independence (CV-62) with CVW-6 embarked arrived Norfolk, Virginia, ending her 14th Mediterranean Sea deployment operating with the Sixth Fleet, her first Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment during the Iranian Hostage Crisis operating with the 7th Fleet. Steaming home via her fourth transit through the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Suez Canal, traveling through the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic, Independence visited Genoa, Italy. Reclassified to CV-62 - "Multi-purpose Aircraft Carrier" 28 February 1973; made one Vietnam Combat cruise during the Vietnam Conflict/War and first deployment operating with the 7th Fleet, earning 1 battle stars for service in Vietnam, returning from the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam, via the straits of Malacca, Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea on her second Suez Canal transit steaming from the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, to and from the Mediterranean Sea 10 May 1965; ending her third Mediterranean Sea deployment operating with the Sixth Fleet in support of President John F. Kennedy's firm stand on Berlin during a reoccurrence of stress in a critical area, on her fourth deployment. Her 18th deployment ended (28 June 1979 to 14 December 1979), since her commission as a Forrestal Class Attack Aircraft Carrier at the Brooklyn Naval Shipyard, New York, 10 January 1959” (Ref. 1 Independence, 72 & 325).

Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) arrived at Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines 20 December 1979.

“On 22 December 1979, Captain Richard M Dunleavy, USN relieved Captain Stanley R. Arthur USN as USS Coral Sea (CV-43) CO to become the first Naval Flight Officer in history to command an aircraft carrier. Captain Arthur was assigned duty with Commander in Chief of the U. S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii. Commander Curtain, USN, the Operations Department Head and my boss while assigned to the Operations Department, would be frocked to Captain and assume duties as the XO.

“Jimmy Carter calls for sanctions against Iran to force the release of American hostages and reads from Longfellow's poem I heard the bells on Christmas day December 21, 1979” (Ref. 12).

“On 21 December 1979, the Defense Department announced a three-ship nuclear-powered carrier battle group from the Sixth Fleet would deploy to the Indian Ocean to relieve the Seventh Fleet carrier battle group led by USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)” (Ref. 1-Kitty Hawk & 72).

“The 6th Fleet carrier battle group consisted of the nuclear-powered USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and her nuclear-powered escort ships. However, on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1979, a massive Soviet airlift of 5,000 Russian airborne troops and equipment into the Afghanistan capital of Kabul was conducted. The U.S. protested the large influx of Soviet troops which the Soviet Union claimed were there at the request of the Afghanistan government” (Ref. 1-Kitty Hawk & 72).

“On 27 December 1979, a Soviet-backed coup installed a new president in Afghanistan. Two carrier task forces centering around USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and USS Midway (CV-41) continued contingency operations in the northern Arabian Sea” (Ref. 1-Kitty Hawk).

Two carrier task forces centering around USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and USS Midway (CV-41) continued contingency operations in the northern Arabian Sea” (Ref. 1-Kitty Hawk).

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) departed Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines 9 January 1980 and steamed for Pattaya Beach, Thailand.

“Jimmy Carter stands firm on embargo against the Russians 13 January 1980” (Ref. 12).

Pattaya Beach, Thailand

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) arrived Thailand 18 January 1980, having departed Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines 9 January 1980. Departing two days later on the 20th for Singapore. Pattaya Beach, Thailand was charming. We went to shore in small canoe type boats that would come alongside the carrier, requiring us to climb down ladders. The captain of theses canoes propelled and steered the boat by lifting the shaft from the water, placing the propeller back in the water to the starboard or port side of the stern. Speedboat Para sailing was really popular.

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) Co, Captain Dunleavy announced to the crew he did not want anyone Para sail gliding. There’s always someone who pushes things to the limit. One sailor Para sailed all around the Carrier. The Captain ordered the Master-At-Arms “Shore Patrol” to arrest him when he came ashore. Captains Mast was convened and this guy was busted.

“USS Nimitz (CVN-65) and her escort ships joined USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and USS Midway (CV-41) and their escort ships on station in the Arabian Sea on 22 January 1980. The following day Kitty Hawk departed for Subic Bay, R.P., having spent 64 days in operations connected with the Iranian crisis. For their actions in the region, Kitty Hawk and CVW-15 sailors and officers were awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal” (Ref. 1- Kitty Hawk).

“On January 21, 1981, Jimmy Carter speaks bitterly on the behavior of the Iranians in an interview before boarding a plane for Germany to meet with the hostages” (Ref. 12).

“Jimmy Carter's State of the Union Address 23 January 1980, with an introduction by Tip O'Neill January 23, 1980. Reactions and discussion to President Carter's State of the Union Address, by Richard Valeriani, John Palmer, David Brinkley, Carole Simpson, Robert Byrd, and Ted Stevens. Broadcast on NBC TV” (Ref. 12).

“Reactions and discussion to President Carter's State of the Union Address, by Richard Valeriani, John Palmer, David Brinkley, Carole Simpson, Robert Byrd, and Ted Stevens January 23, 1980. Broadcast on NBC TV” (Ref. 12).

Singapore

Only five days out of Thailand, USS Coral Sea (CV43) pulled into Singapore Bay for a four-day rest and relaxation liberty on the 25th of January 1980, departing on the 29th, the crew quickly got underway with operations. I met real nice people at a Seventh Day Adventist Church and was ntroduced to Pigeon Plato Apartment Complexes. There werer pirated cassette tapes and records in the city street markets to be found and just about anything else money colud buy.

On January 30th, USS Coral Sea (CV43) was in the OPAREA just east of Singapore where the ship crossed deck with the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-43). This was a major cross decking for loading of weapons, all variety of needed supplies, and mail. Also on this same day, Coral Sea passed over the equator. The Shellback initiation was held off until the 2nd of February, due to the supplies from the cross decking on the flight deck. On January 31st, Coral Sea was heading through the Malacca Straits, and then on track to the Indian Ocean.

“Republican response to the State of the Union Address 1980. With John Tower, Bill Young, Jake Garn, William Clements, Rudy Boshwitz, William Roth, and William Brock January 30, 1980. Broadcast on CBS-TV” (Ref. 12).

Impervim Neptvini Rergis

On February 2, 1980 approximately 5° north of the equator, USS Coral Sea (CV-43) entered the IMPERVIM NEPTVINI REGIS. His Royal Highness boarded the Coral Sea to carry out the traditional initiation of the land-lubbing Pollywogs, those who have not crossed the equator, into his domain. We took a day off in order for veteran sailors to initiate those of us who had never before crossed the equator. The temperature outside was in the hundreds and on the flight deck 110 degrees.

Upon King Neptune’s arrival he was greeted by Captain, Richard Dunleavy, and given a royal welcome to the Coral Sea. In private conversation, the King was overheard saying to a Trusty Shellback (one who has already crossed the equator into the world of King Neptune), “My mission aboard Coral Sea is to make these, the lowest of my subjects, a part of my Royal Domain, but not to do any bodily harm to them.”

The initiation ceremonies were ordered to begin. With that, the Pollywogs were instructed to shift to the uniform of the day, which consisted of a reversed and inside out pair of pants and a T-shirt worn the same way.

The preparation to mold each division into a respective unit was as diversified as the imagination of the Shellback in charge. Upon assembly of the Pollywogs, the procession was taken up to the flight deck by division. Since my division consisted of three we joined the Operation Specialist Division (CIC Operators). Shellbacks used a few feet of fire hose in order to spank us every time we tried to get up off the hot deck. Lying on our stomachs on the elevator until the elevator reached the flight deck seemed like forever.

Once on the flight deck we were told to craw on our stomachs straddling the catapult steel runner while the Royal hose team sprayed water on us or Shellbacks dumped liquid slop on our heads.

We crawled a fair distance before we entered many obstacles. The first obstacle was the Royal Baby. We were told to kiss the Royal Babies big belly, a belly with grease on it. My beard was covered with grease as the Chief grabbed my head and really rubbed my face in his grease filled baby. Another obstacle was a mid evil torture device made out of wood. I was lucky enough to skip this obstacle but others were not. They would lock your head in a forward down position and your arms were stretched out and locked down. Shellbacks would then spank you with a few feet of fire hose and throw liquid slop on you.

During this initiation Shellbacks would constantly ask us “What are you”? If you didn’t say “Pollywog” Shellbacks would spank you with a few feet of fire hose and throw liquid slop on you.

As we crawled our way down the flight deck once we passed through the obstacles, our last obstacle was an eight feet metal container full of liquid slop. We were told to sit in this tank while to our surprise one of the Chief Shellbacks would dunk us in this liquid slop. When we came up for air, he would ask us “What are you”? I guess I was a little slow to catch on, so I shouted out “Pollywog” Chief. The Chief dunked me again. When I came up for air again, the Chief asked me “what are you”? Louder I answered “Pollywog” Chief. Once again the Chief dunked me and when I came up for air the Chief asked me “What are you”? I answered “A pissed off sailor” and then I pulled the Chief in the tank with me. The Chief couldn’t stop laughing and told me I was supposed to say Shellback. I felt like a bumbling edit but one thing for sure, I wasn’t about to be dunked again.

During the initiation Shellbacks would ask us “what are you”? If we didn’t answer “Pollywog” Shellbacks would spank us with a few feet of fire hose and throw liquid slop on us, so I thought we were suppose to say “Pollywog” to the end.

At the end of the ceremony I had to shave my beard. The Navy had announced that Petty Officer Second Class and above were allowed to have a beard so it was time to shave anyway but the grease didn’t do much for a beard.

We were all given a certificate and became Shellbacks. Since the days of John Paul, Jones, the Father of the U. S. Navy, the same questions have been asked, and in most cases the same answer has been ascertained. Times change, but the sailor is the same. A special few cross that geographic line and enter the realm of King Neptune and become as well as their predecessors, “SHELLBACKS”.

“USS Coral Sea (CV-43) with CVW-14 Air Wing and COMCARGROUP THREE embarked, was in the North Arabian Sea on Gonzo Station 4 February 1980, having been established following the November 1979 takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran” (Ref. 1- Constellation & 72).

“On 4 February 1980, USS Coral Sea (CV-43) cross-decked with USS Midway (CV-41), transferring supplies and crossing the two E-2B aircraft. A turn over brief was also conducted between both ship’s officers (Ref. 2-USS Coral Sea “Welcome Aboard Brochure/March 1980-Vol 8; No. 2).

“After leaving Singapore, USS Coral Sea (CV-43) was at sea for 8-days at the time she relieved USS Midway (CVW-41) in the northern part of the Arabian Sea on 5 February 1980 in connection with the continuing hostage crisis in Iran” (Ref. 2-USS Coral Sea “Welcome Aboard Brochure/March 1980-Vol 8; No. 2).

“On 20 February 1980, USS Midway (CV-41) with Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) embarked arrived Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan), ending her 19th deployment, as the U. S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet, her fourth Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea deployment ended. Arriving in the northern part of the Arabian Sea in connection with the continuing hostage crisis in Iran on 18 November 1979, joined 21 November 1979 by USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and both carriers, along with their escort ships, were joined by the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and her escorts on 22 January 1980, continuing operations until relieved by USS Coral Sea (CV-43) on 5 February 1980. Reclassified to CV-41 30 June 1975; made nine “Westpacs” and one while forward deployed; made three Vietnam Combat cruises operating with the 7th Fleet during the Vietnam Conflict/War; ending her eighth “Westpac” deployment operating with the Pacific Fleet and tour of duty with the 7th Fleet, on her third South China Sea deployment, her third Vietnam combat cruise in the Far . Her 21st deployment since her second recommission 31 January 1970 ended, following completion of a four-year conversion-modernization at the San Francisco Bay Naval Shipyard, having arrived 11 February 1966. Her 27th deployment since her first recommission upon completion of a overall (SCB-110) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton Washington (August 1955 to 30 September 1957) ended; decommissioning in August 1955 when she arrived at Bremerton Washington upon completion of her World Cruise, on her 11th deployment (27 December 1954 to 14 July 1955), the first operation of ships of her class in the western Pacific, joining the 7th Fleet 6 February 1955 conducting operations in the Western Pacific and in waters off Taiwan, remaining with the 7th Fleet until 28 June 1955, sailing via the Cape of Good Hope for Taiwan upon departure from Norfolk, Va., operating with the United States Atlantic Command under the direction of the 2nd Fleet from 7 November 1945 to 6 February 1955, during which time and prior to her transfer to the Pacific Fleet from the Atlantic Fleet Command, Midway made one Northern and one Western deployment (2nd Fleet), seven Mediterranean Sea deployments operating with the 6th Fleet, one Southern Atlantic and Caribbean Sea Shakedown cruise operating with the Atlantic Fleet under the direction of the 8th Fleet (7 November 1945 to 2 January 1946), on her first deployment; reclassified CVA-41 on 1 October 1952. Her 39th deployment ended (30 September 1979 to 20 February 1980), 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 World War II” (Ref. 1- Midway & 72).

“USS Midway (CV-41) with Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) embarked conducted Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan) February to May 1980” (Ref. 72).

USS Midway (CV-41) with CVW-5 (Feb to May 1980)

“On 25 February 1980, USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) with CVW-15 embarked arrived San Diego, Ca., ending her 12th “Westpac” deployment operating with the Pacific Fleet and tour of duty with the 7th Fleet, which included Vietnamese search and assistance operations ordered by then-Commander-in-Chief, President Jimmy Carter, to aid Vietnamese refugees who were attempting to escape the Socialist Republic of Vietnam via small boats, followed with new orders for Kitty Hawk and her escort ships to operate south of the Korean peninsula in response to the assassination of South Korean President Park Chung Hee on 26 October 1979, followed by a two-and-a-half month deployment extension to support contingency operations in the North Arabian Sea during the Iranian hostage crisis, on her first Indian Ocean deployment to join USS Midway (CV-41) and her escort ships which were operating in the northern Arabian Sea, her first Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment, arriving in the northern part of the Arabian Sea in connection with the continuing hostage crisis in Iran, arriving on station 3 December, and the two carrier forces provided the U.S. with A-6 Intruder and A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft and F-4 Phantom and the modern F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft, which could respond to a variety of situations if called upon during the Iranian hostage crisis, becoming the first time since World War II that the U.S. Navy had two carrier task forces in the Indian Ocean in response to a crisis situation, while two weeks later, on 21 December 1979, the Defense Department announced a three-ship nuclear-powered carrier battle group from the Sixth Fleet would deploy to the Indian Ocean to relieve the Seventh Fleet carrier battle group led by Kitty Hawk, when on 27 December 1979, a Soviet-backed coup installed a new president in Afghanistan, while both carriers continued contingency operations in the northern Arabian Sea until 23 January 1980, when Kitty Hawk and her battle group were relieved by USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and her escort ships, having joined Kitty Hawk and USS Midway (CV-41) and their escort ships on station in the Arabian Sea on 22 January 1980, departing for Subic Bay, R.P., on the 23rd, by the time she made it to port, had spent 64 days in operations connected with the Iranian crisis, and for the actions of Kitty Hawk and CVW-15 sailors and officers, they were awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal; reclassified a CV-3 “Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier” on 29 April 1973; made six Vietnam Combat cruises during the Vietnam Conflict/War operating with the 7th Fleet; awarded a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Service Commendation, four Navy Unit Commendations, a Battle Efficiency "E" and many other unit awards. Her 14th deployment ended (30 May 1979 to 25 February 1980), since her commission 29 April 1961” (Ref. 1-Kitty Hawk & 72).

“USS Constellation (CV-64) (Connie) with CVW-9 embarked departed San Diego, Calif. 26 February 1980, on her 12th “Westpac” deployment operating with the Pacific Fleet and tour of duty with the 7th Fleet in the far east, on her second Indian Ocean and first Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment (2nd voyage). Prior to her deployment completed a relatively short eight-month turnaround cycle, commencing upon return from her 11th “Westpac” deployment. Ending her 11th “Westpac” deployment operating with the Pacific Fleet and tour of duty with the 7th Fleet in the far east, on her 9th South China Sea South deployment, her first Indian Ocean deploymenmt and first Gulf of Aden via the Arabian Sea deployment. Reclassified to CV-56 1 July 1975; made seven Vietnam Combat cruises during the Vietnam Conflict/War, received a Presidential Unit Citation from President Nixon in 1973; making two deployments operating with the United States Atlantic Command under the direction of the 2nd Fleet, ending her second deployment after a two-month trip and home port transfer steaming in the Western/Southern Atlantic via Mayport, Fla., where she embarked some squadrons from CVG-5 steaming in the Eastern and Southern Pacific around Cape Horn to her new home port of San Diego, Calif., operating with the Pacific Fleet. She will under go her 14th deployment since she was commissioned 27 October 1961” (Ref. 1- Constellation & 72).

USS Constellation (CV-64) with CVW-9 (26 Feb to 15 Oct 1980)

Iran History & Air Arm - Iran hostage crisis Continues (February to 31 March 1980)

“Demands announced in February 1980 were the return of the shah to Iran for trial, the return of the shah's wealth to the Iranian people, an admission of guilt by the United States for its past actions in Iran, plus an apology and a promise not to interfere in Iran's affairs in the future.

These were clearly unacceptable demands, especially the first one, as the shah had left the United States in December 1978 to take up residence in Panama. In response to the demands, diplomatic ties with Iran were severed followed by Carter threatening new sanctions against Iran unless some progress was forthcoming” (Ref. 4).

“Several hundred people gathered in front of the Iranian embassy in Washington D.C. shouting "Go Home" and "Let our people go!" Their rage, their very presence seemed to be saying, "We've had enough!" The D.C. police had roped off the sidewalk, ironically providing the Iranian building the very protection the embassy in Iran lacked. Sales of Iranian flags went up across the nation and Americans burned them in protest. Meanwhile, throughout the United States, Iranian students demonstrated in support of their country, denouncing the White House and demanding the shah's immediate extradition. These demonstrations prompted a violent backlash across the nation as anger and frustration had risen as the days passed and the hostages were not released. The crisis instilled a new sense of patriotism as Americans supported the President. Iranian-Americas faced problems that hadn't been seen since Japanese-Americans had been interned during World War II: some were booted out of their jobs; others had their property vandalized; and their children were taunted in school. While the nation poised for action, the administration worked to soothe public passion, fearful the demonstrators might precipitate a riot, which would have been highly publicized in Iran, and might have caused Americans to be harmed in retaliation. News from Iran had already indicated Khomeini's intent to have the hostages tried as spies” (Ref. 4).

“The public was more supportive of Carter than it had been a few months earlier, but was becoming more impatient with each passing week because of the apparent impotence in dealing with international crises. Citizens of all ages who normally paid little attention to foreign affairs sat transfixed in front of their television sets, breathlessly following each new twist and turn of events -- even when not much was happening, which was usually the case. Television quickly domesticated the foreign scenes and characters by bringing them into the intimacy of our living rooms.

“President Carter repeatedly met with the families of the hostages; he confessed to reporters that virtually his every waking moment was spent worrying about the fate of the captives” (Ref. 4).

“During the first few months of the siege, about one-third of the three network s weeknight newscast time was devoted to the hostage story. ABC even created a regular thirty-minute nightly program The Crisis in Iran: America Held Hostage, which premiered on Day 5 of the crisis and promised to broadcast as long as the crisis lasted” (Ref. 4).

“By March 1980, ABC executives responded to the early success of this news special at eleven-thirty P.M. by creating a regular news program, Nightline, which focused on major news events, including the hostage crisis. On Day 74, CBS anchor Walter Chronkite concluded his nightly news broadcast by announcing the number of days the hostages had been held captive, and maintained that practice until the end of the crisis” (Ref. 4).

US Boycotts Moscow Olympics – 21 March 1980
As if there wasn’t enough to worry about, tensions between the two super powers of the world resulted in the U.S. announcing it would boycott Moscow Olympics, March 21, 1980. “Citing the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, President Carter tells a group of American athletes that the U.S. won't be sending a team to the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. Later in the month, President Carter orders the U.S. secretary of commerce to ban all exports to the Soviet Union "of any goods or technology" related to the games, further encouraging other nations to join a U.S.-led boycott” (Ref. 5-CNN Interactive).

Iran History & Air Arm

Pre-revolution

IIAF -Imperial Iranian Air Force (mid '20s-feb79)

IIAA - Imperial Iranian Army Aviation, IIAA (-feb79)

IIN - Imperial Iranian Navy (-feb79)

“By 1979, up to 160 to 300 F-16A/Bs, seven Boeing E-3A AWACS aircraft and other assets were on order, negotiations for 75 more F-14As were due to start, and the IIAF was also to build the most comprehensive training installations outside the USA, very similar to those used for the Red Flag exercises. Training began with a fast pace, in the US, and young Iranian officers started undergoing F-16 flying and AWACS control courses” (Ref. 21).

“Under the Shas rule the USA supplied a large number of combat aircraft during the late 1960s and through 1970s. The IIAF took delivery from the USA up to 104 Northrop F-5A/Bs Freedom Fighters, and then continued with purchases of 32 McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom’s (first examples were delivered in March of 1971), 177 to 208/9 to 223 to 225 F-4E Phantom fighter-bomber’s (plus eight F-4Es borrowed from the USA and subsequently returned), 140 to 165 to 185 F-5E fighters, at least 20 RF-4Es (only 16 of which were delivered officially), and 79 to 80 Grumman F-14As, as well as a large fleet of Boeing 707-3J9C tankers, Lockheed C-130E/H Hercules transports, and a number of Boeing 747-2J9C strategic transports” (Ref. 16, 19, 21, 22 & 27).

“Despite having only 450 combat aircraft, bases and facilities built in Iran could easily accommodate and support as many as 3,000 fighter and support aircraft” (Ref. 21).

“The Imperial Iranian Air Force was the largest overseas operators of the F-4 Phantom before the Revolution” (Ref. 20).

“Numbering some 40,000 officers and men in 1973, the air force had grown to 100,000 in 1979 and was expected to grow further by 1980. Air force headquarter was located at Doshan-Tappeh, near Tehran, and major bases were spread throughout the western half of the country. The principal base, Mehrabad AFB (occupying the southern section of Tehran International Airport) was the largest air base in the Middle East. In mid-1970s the IIAF airbase structure was consist of a number of Tactical Air Bases which were numbered”: (Ref. 22).

The Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) bases: (As of Late 1979) - (Ref. 19)

1st Tactical Air Base, Tehran (Mehrabad)
11Th. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
12Th. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
13Th. Combat Instructor School (CIS) F-4E
11Th. Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron RF-4E + RF-5 + RT-33
11Th. Tactical Transport Squadron (T.T.SQ.) C-130
12Th. Tactical Transport Squadron (T.T.SQ.) C-130
707 Squadron B-707 Tanker / Transport
747 Squadron B-747 Tanker / Transport
F-27 Squadron
F-27 Friendship Transport (was in Doshan Tappeh)
11Th. Search and Rescue SquadronSupport Squadron F-33 & L-20
2nd Tactical Air Base, Tabriz
21st. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-5E
22nd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-5E
23rd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-5E
21st. Counter Insurgency Squadron O–2A
21st. Search and Rescue SquadronSupport Squadron F-33
3rd Tactical Air Base, Hamadan (Shahrokhi)
31st. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
32nd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
33rd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
34Th. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
31Th. Search and Rescue SquadronSupport Squadron F-33
4th Tactical Air Base, Dezfull (Vahdati)
41st. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-5E
42nd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-5E
43rd. Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (T.F.T.SQ.) F-5E
41Th. Search and Rescue SquadronSupport Squadron F-33 & L-20
5th Tactical Air Base, Agha Jari (Omidieh)
51st. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-5E
52nd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-5E
53 rd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-5E
51st. Search and Rescue SquadronSupport Squadron F-33
6th Tactical Air Base, Bushehr
61st. Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (T.F.T.SQ.) F-4E
62nd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
63rd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) 32 F-4D
6st. Search and Rescue SquadronSupport Squadron F-33
7th Tactical Air Base, Shiraz
71st. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
72nd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-14
73rd. Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (T.F.T.SQ.) F-14
71st. Tactical Transport Squadron (T.T.SQ.) C-130
72nd. Tactical Transport Squadron (T.T.SQ.) C-130
71st. Search and Rescue SquadronSupport Squadron F-33
8th Tactical Air Base, Isfahan ( Khatami )
81st. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-14
82nd. Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (T.F.T.SQ.) F-14
81st. Search and Rescue SquadronSupport Squadron F-33
9th Tactical Air Base, Bandar Abbas
91st. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
92nd. Tactical Squadron (T.SQ.) P-3F Orion
91st. Search and Rescue SquadronSupport Squadron F-33
10th Tactical Air Base, Chabahar
101st. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-5E
102nd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
103 rd. Tactical Fighter Squadron (T.F.SQ.) F-4E
101st. Search and Rescue SquadronSupport Squadron F-33

Other Air Bases

Tehran: Doshan Tapeh Air Base - (Air force headquarters and the IIAF`s training facility).
Tehran: Galeh Morghi Air Base
Tehran: Ghasreh Firuzeh Air Base - (Air force Depot)
Mashhad: Air Base” (Ref. 22).

Notes:

There was always one Squadron of F-5 or F-4 in Mashhad.Each of 11 F–5 E Squadron had over 18 Aircraft (could form 15 SQ) Each of 12 F-4 E Squadron had over 15 Aircraft (Could form 16 SQ)Each of 4 F–14 Squadron had 20 Aircraft (Could form 7 SQ.)

**** Each and every Air Base had a Search and Rescue Squadron Plus a support squadron equipped with F-33 Bonanza Aircraft” (Ref. 19). http://www.iiaf.net/history/tactair.html

Post-revolution

IRIAF - Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (feb79 - current)

IRIAA - Islamic Republic of Iran Army Aviation (feb79 - current)

IRINA - Islamic Republic of Iranian Navy Aviation (feb79- current)

IRGCAF - Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Air Force (Pasdaran-e Inqilab)

IRGCN - Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy” (Ref. 22). http://iiarmy.topcities.com/army/Air/air.html

IIAF F-4 Phantom serial Numbers:

67-14869/14876 McDonnell F- 4D-35-MC Phantom; 67-14877/14884 McDonnell F- 4D-36-MC Phantom; 68-6904/6911 McDonnell F- 4D-37-MC Phantom; 68-6912/6919 McDonnell F- 4D-38-MC Phantom; 69-7711/7726 McDonnell F- 4E-46-MC Phantom; 69-7727/7742 McDonnell F- 4E-47-MC Phantom; 71-1094/1101 McDonnell F- 4E-51-MC Phantom; 71-1102/1115 McDonnell F- 4E-52-MC Phantom; 71-1116/1129 McDonnell F- 4E-53-MC Phantom; 71-1130/1142 McDonnell F- 4E-54-MC Phantom; 71-1143/1152 McDonnell F- 4E-55-MC Phantom; 71-1153/1166 McDonnell F- 4E-56-MC Phantom; 72-0266/0269 McDonnell RF- 4E-48-MC Phantom; 73-1519/1534 McDonnell F- 4E-57-MC Phantom; 73-1535/1549 McDonnell F- 4E-58-MC Phantom; 73-1550/1554 McDonnell F- 4E-59-MC Phantom; 74-1725/1728 McDonnell RF- 4E-61-MC Phantom; and 74-1729/1736 McDonnell RF- 4E-62-MC Phantom’s” (Ref. 19). http://www.iiaf.net/aircraft/jetfighters/F4/f4.html

Specification for Mc Donnell Douglas F-4 PHANTOM II

Type: multi-role fighter

Performance: combat radius 786 miles; top speed 1585 mph; ceiling 62000 feet

Power plant: two General Electric J79-GE-17A turbojets rated at 11810 lbs thrust each dry; 17900 with afterburner

Armament: one M61 20mm cannon w/ 640 rds, maximum ordnance 16000 lbs, including bombs, missiles, AIM-7Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Maverick and AAMs” (Ref. 19).

Because of the Iranian revolution in 1979, the U. S. canceled orders by the Iran government on 160 F-16s; 75-0222/0257 McDonnell F- 4E-63-MC Phantom’s; 78-0751/0754 McDonnell RF- 4E Phantom’s; 78-0788 McDonnell RF- 4E Phantoms’ and 8-0854/0864 McDonnell RF- 4E” (Ref. 19).

IIAF had about 500 combat aircraft in: (Ref. 22)
10 fighter bomber squadrons
10 fighter-ground attack squadrons
4 fighter squadrons
1 reconnaissance squadron
1 air tanker squadron
4 medium transoprt squadrons
4 light transoprt squadrons
3 SAM battalions
80 Grumman F-14A (Tomcat) Fighter
32 McDonnel Douglas F-4D (Phantom II) Fighter/Bomber
177 McDonnel Douglas F-4E (Phantom II) Fighter/Bomber
16 McDonnel Douglas RF-4E (Phantom II) Reconnaissance
12 Northrop F-5A (Tiger) Fighter
141 Northrop F-5E (Tiger II) Fighter
28 Northrop F-5B/F (Tiger II) Trainer
5 Northrop RF-5F (Tiger II) Reconnaissance
10 Beech F-33A (Bonaza) Trainer
39 Beech F-33C (Bonaza) Trainer
25 Lockheed T-33A (Shooting Star) Trainer
6 Lockheed P-3F (Orion) Maritime Patrol
15 Lockheed C-130E (Hercules) Cargo/Transport
49 Lockheed C-130H (Hercules) Cargo/Transport
15 Boeing 707-320C Tanker/Cargo/Transport
6 Boeing 747 Tanker/Cargo/Transport
13 Fokker F-27-400M (Troopship) Cargo/Transport
5 Fokker F-27-600 (Friendship) Cargo/Transport
4 Fokker F-28 V.I.P/Transport
3 Rockwell Aero Commander 690A Utility Aircraft
4 Dassault Falcon 20 V.I.P/Utility Aircraft
2 Cessna 310 Utility Aircraft
12 Cessna 337 Utility Aircraft
2 Lockheed JetStar Cargo/Transport
Helicopters:
10 Kaman HH-43F (Huskie)
45 Agusta-Bell AB-205
68 Agusta-Bell AB-206A (JetRanger)
5 Agusta-Bell AB-212
39 Bell 214C
4 Agusta-Boeing Vertol CH-47C (Chinook)
16 Super Frelon
2 Agusta-Sikorsky AS-61A4
Missiles:
AIM-54A Phoenix - (AAM) – 424
AIM-9L Sidewinder - (AAM) - 1666
AIM-7E Sparrow - (AAM) - 948
AGM-65A Maverick - (ASM) - 2500 OR 216
Condor (ASM) – X
AS 12 (ASM) – X
On Order:
160 F-16A (Light fighter/strike)
7 E-3A AWACS (Airborne warning and control ships)
160 F-16A (Light f7 E-3A AWACS (Airborne warning and control ships)
AIM-9L Sidewinder (AAM)” (Ref. 22).

“Both of the orders of 160 to 300 F-16A/Bs and seven Boeing E-3A AWACS aircraft were cancelled after the Islamic revolution in 1979. The sale of the Boeing AWACS to Iran created considerable controversy, because Iran was the first foreign customer for this system, and NATO countries had been unwilling to buy it, because the cost was so high” (Ref. 22).

“Unfortunately, one immediate effect of the cancellation of the Iranian order was that the individual unit cost of the F-16 was driven sharply upward. However, many of the F-16s intended for Iran were eventually sold to Israel” (Ref. 18).

Based on Letters of Intent to Purchase, had the revolution not occurred, 177 to 208/9 to 223 to 225 F-4E Phantom fighter-bomber’s, depending on which source (223 operational Phantom’s of the IIAF could have been, with and additional 306 on order, 529 assorted Phantom’s and 160 F-16’s, totaling 689 jets” (Ref. 16, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 27).

“Following the Islamic revolution, massive numbers of contracts with Western arms suppliers were cancelled by the new government, including an order for 400 AIM-54A Phoenix missiles” (Ref. 28).

Iran History & Air Arm

“As the U. S. Of America prepared to enter the fifth month of the crisis in Iran, President Carter's frustration level grew from the inactivity in the release of the hostages. On April 7, he announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Iran, the implementation of a complete economic embargo against Iran, an inventory of financial claims against Iran to be paid from Iranian assets in the United States, and told Iran's diplomats to leave the country within twenty-four hours.

“The US broke diplomatic relations with Iran on 8 April 1980” (Ref. 11).

“President Carter ordered the Pentagon to prepare a contingency plan for military action to rescue the hostages. The greatest problem was the inaccessibility of the American embassy compound - located more than 600 miles from the nearest operating aircraft carriers and deep within the heavily populated urban center of Tehran” (Ref. 4).

“Carter also gave the approval for a military attempt to rescue the hostages. The fact that a small plane had successfully penetrated Iranian airspace and had examined a potential rescue staging site without being detected, convinced Carter that such a mission was feasible” (Ref. 4).

“The newly certified US Army Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Airborne) was put on full alert and plans were being drawn up for a rescue” (Ref. 11).

“USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) with CVW-7 embarked departed Norfolk, Virginia 15 April 1980, on her first Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment operating with the 7th Fleet, steaming through the Southern Atlantic to the bottom of South Africa and through the Mazambique Channel to the Arabian Gulf operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet to the Indian Ocean. Prior to her deployment not reported history from 14 July 1979 to 14 April 1980, with the exception of an F-14 of VF-142 crashing into the sea while attempting to land aboard the Dwight D. Eisenhower on 6 March 1980; made her first deployment on her Mediterranean Sea deployment operating with the 6th Fleet. She will under go her second deployment since her commission 18 October 1977” (Ref. 72 & 383).

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) with CVW-7 (15 Apr to 22 Dec 1980)

“USS South Carolina (CGN 37) joined USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) as part of her task force” (Ref. 84A).

“On 18 April 1980, USS Constellation (CV-64) and her battle group departed Subic Bay, the Republic of the Philippines, to relieve USS Coral Sea (CV-43), steaming westward to the Arabian Sea, where Gonzo Station had been established following the November 1979 takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran” (Ref. 1- Constellation & 72).

Iran hostage crisis Continues

“As the Iranian hostage crisis drags into its second year, 52 Americans are still held captive by the new regime in Tehran, with no resolution in sight. President Carter's threats and sanctions fail to bring them home, and in April 1980 the administration calls on the military” (Ref. 386).

President Carter, Joint Chiefs and Commanders in the field were convinced the hostages could be rescued without going to war with Iran.

“USS Coral Sea (CV-43) with CVW-14 Air Wing and COMCARGROUP THREE embarked, was on "GONZO" Station in the North Arabian Sea and at sea 87 continuous days (29 January to 24 April 1980), when Operation Evening Light in support of the top-secret mission Operation Eagle Claw began at about dawn on 24 April 1980, in connection with the Iranian crisis, operating along side USS Nimitz (CVN 68), with her air wing, while the Nimitz launched eight helicopters sailing in the Arabian Sea off the southeast Coast of Iran for there 600-mle flight to Desert One, the attempt to rescue 52 US Embassy American diplomats held hostage in Tehra,n Iran” (Ref. 4 & 72).