[stuartcr]

I was on the Kennedy in the early 70's. We lost a Phoenix missile, numerous F-14s, helicopters, and other planes, ran into the Belknap, lost an anchor w/chain, lost rudder numerous times during UNREP, and usually 4-6 sailors each cruise.

[cva66snipe]

I was on the Kennedy in the early 70's. We lost a Phoenix missile, numerous F-14s, helicopters, and other planes, ran into the Belknap, lost an anchor w/chain, lost rudder numerous times during UNREP, and usually 4-6 sailors each cruise.

That's the harsh reality of life on a carrier. We lost about 5 A-6's our self on one cruise. The departed were taken to the aft walk in cooler till their remains were flown off. We even had a squid ran over by F-14's doing respots.

[meatloaf]

Seems like another lifetime. I was on the Byrd in the early seventies and we escorted the Kennedy. At that time our boilers were fired with the same fuel the Kennedy used. I remember late night refuelings so the Soviets couldn't interfere or observe.

We never had an unplanned breakaway. Still just pulling the lines and the hoses over at night during heavy seas and inclement weather wasn't exactly a fun time.

My hat's off to the Kennedy.