Posted on 07/18/2017 1:51:49 AM PDT by Revski
This memorial of the USS Forrestal,CVA 59; it will be 50 years ago this July 29-Th; has actual pictures and the voice of Captain John K. Beling at the time of the fires. I'm Aman (Ski) out of NAS Sandford Florida Squardron RAHV-11 (Heavy 11). The Hymn played is, Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Savior, with mandolin and verse sung was covered by me, o7jimmy – (Revski).
Remember watching that in Boot Camp in 1982.
Operated almost entirely out of Mayport Naval Station along with the Saratoga, Jacksonville, FL. I will never forget when the Sara came back home after the first Gulf War. The full cadre of airwings flew low in formation along the St. Johns River right through downtown and from there headed out to Cecil Field. The next day she steamed in to port, missing the first casualty of the war, hometown pilot Scott Speicher..
The next day’s newspaper had the front page full fold photo of someone who had managed to get to the farthest point on the jetties waving an American Flag with the Sara being tugged in.
Thanks for posting it. Prayers for all those young men cut down in the prime of their lives, and their families who loved them.
Amen and thanks so much.
I heard they got a training film in boot camp and I believe it will only do good things. Thanks for commenting.
Your comment brings tears and I am thankful for the American Vets that gave there all. Blessing always in Jesus Name.
Yep. I’m from Jax and remember it well.
Ski,
From one Checkertail to another, that was my plane for the next launch that had its nose burned off and pushed over the side.
Hooter1
God bless you my Shipmate and RVAH ll brother. I was cube cleaning at the time of the fire and general quarters station was on the Forrestal’s fo’c’sle were the wounded were taken. I was an airman E-3 and the men called me, Ski because of my last name, Krajewski.
My friend and shipmate was a Checkertail, named, Robert W. Pitcher.
I remember "Spike" Scott Speicher when he was training at NAS Lemoore just before the Gulf War. Working for Hughes Aricraft Co. had him in the flight simulator and weapons trainer for a few weeks. Remember when word got out in the Hornet community that he was shot down the first night. He was not even supposed to be on the first sortie that night and was the ready alert, but convinced the Ex O to let him take part in the first attack of the war. He was a nice guy.
My son’s church is where his memorial was held and there is a memorial monument near the front of the church still today. I was living in the Cecil area then. I remember one of my racing friends lived next door to his home.
How long before someone repeats the discounted claim that it was all McCain’s fault?
Stayed near St. Petersburg at the Ravines resort and golf club for a few months when working on the F/A-18 flight simulators at Cecil Field. Was in early fall and boy was it humid compared to California. I recall discussions at the time and questions as to if AWCS knew the Mig-25 was tracking Scott’s squadron that night and saw it come within missile range and take the shot which struck Scott’s aircraft. Also recall it was believed he bailed out and they knew he was alive. The Cockpit canopy had been jettisoned and was not with the aircraft remains when located after the war ended. There is also speculation the Mig-25 was being flown by a Russian pilot.
Video shows the airstart cart blowing hot gas on the F-4 zunni rocket which launched and hit his A-4. Absolutely not John's fault, but he was not an exemplary pilot by any means. The 2 to 3 other aircraft he crashed or destroyed were on his own watch, and if he was not an admiral's son he would have lost his wings. Doubt he ever even had a session at the green table. Nonetheless, I do not appreciate those who question his valor.
I’m don’t think that story will ever go away until the end of time I guess.
Thanks for commenting and I still feel emotions when reading about the sacrifices our veterans make.
As I recall, they finally did find his remains near where the aircraft crashed.
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