I joined one of the two F-4B squadrons involved in that accident shortly after the fact. We then deployed on two more cruises on Forrestal. My friends who were aboard in July, 1967 were particularly sensitive to ‘fire on the flight deck’ and ‘fire on the hangar deck’ alarms. It was contageous.
I often paused at the memorial plaque between Hangar Bays 1 & 2 and thought about the guys whose names were inscribed thereon.
Thanks for the tribute to them.
After the fires we were in rout to the Philippines for 3 or 4 days and I had to pass by the falling dead to eat at the chow hall and many of them were in hanger bay 1 and 2. Thanks for your comment. Blessing always to you.