CV-66 USS America Aircraft Carrier Model, Navy, Scale Model, Mahogany, Kitty Hawk Class. CV-66 USS America Aircraft Carrier Model. Sail again with the crew of the CV-66 USS America Aircraft Carrier in this handcrafted wooden Model. Each piece is carved from wood and handpainted to provide a piece you’ll love. US Veteran Owned Business. Background – The third America (CVA-66) was laid down on 1 January 1961 at Newport News, Va. By the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corp. Launched on 1 February 1964; sponsored by Mrs. McDonald, wife of Admiral David L. McDonald, the Chief of Naval Operations; and commissioned at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 23 January 1965, Capt. After fitting out there until 15 March 1965, America remained in Hampton Roads for operations off the Virginia capes until getting underway on 25 March. She conducted her first catapult launch on 5 April 1965, with Comdr. Austin, the carrier’s executive officer, piloting a Douglas A-4C Skyhawk. Proceeding thence to the Caribbean, the carrier conducted shakedown training and concluded it at Guantanamo Bay on 23 June. Entering the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for post-shakedown availability on 10 July, she remained there until 21 August. She next operated locally through late August and then proceeded to the operating areas off the Virginia capes and to Bermuda, arriving back at Norfolk on 9 September. On 25 September, Rear Admiral J. Cobb broke his flag as Commander, Carrier Division (CarDiv) 2. America sailed for her first Mediterranean deployment late in 1965. New Year’s Day, 1966, found her at Livorno, Italy. She sailed on 1 July for the United States. Early in the deployment, from 28 February to 10 March, America participated in a joint Franco-American exercise, “Fairgame IV, ” which simulated conventional warfare against a country attempting to invade a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Oragnization) ally. She arrived at NOB, Norfolk, on 10 July, remaining there for only a short time before shifting to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 15 July for availability. America operated locally in the Norfolk area from 29 August to 19 September, after which time she proceeded to Guantanamo Bay to carry out training. After Hurricane “Inez” swirled thrugh the region, her sailors spent an estimated 1,700 man-hours in helping the naval base at Guantanamo to recover and return to normal operations. The following month, America initiated into carrier service the Ling-Temco-Vought A-7A “Corsair II”, conducting its flight qualifications off the Virginia capes, while she also conducted automatic carrier landing system trials which demonstrated the feasability of “no hands” landings of McDonnell-Douglas F-4 “Phantom” and Vought F-8 “Crusader” aircraft. From 28 November to 15 December, America took port in “LANTFLEX 66, ” gaining experience in the areas of antiair, antisubmarine, and carrier strike operations. On 10 January 1967, America departed Norfolk for her second Mediterranean cruise and relieved Independence (CV-62) at Pollensa Bay on 22 January. While crossing the Atlantic, America conducted: carrier qualifications for her SH-3A crews, missile shoots in the mid-Atlantic, day and night air operations and various other exercises. Upon nearing Gibraltar, she received a visit from Soviet long-range reconnaissance aircraft, Tupelov TU-95 “Bears” on 18 January. Before anchoring at Athens, on 4 February, America participated with Italian control and reporting centers in an intercept-controller exercise. Shortly afterwards, America again met with Italian forces in an exercise involving raids upon an attack carrier by fast patrol boats. The beginning of March found America and her consorts, operating as Task Group (TG) 60.1, participating in the United States/United Kingdom Exercise “Poker Hand IV” with the British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. America and Hermes provided raid aircraft to test each other’s antiaircraft defenses. On 1 April, “Dawn Clear, ” a two-day NATO exercise, commenced with TG 60.1 units participating. During the first day, America provided raid aircraft against Greek and Turkish targets. The following day, the exercise continued as Greek aircraft flew raids against TG 60.1 surface units. America anchored at Valletta at 1000 on 5 April for a five-day visit. Weighing anchor on 10 April, the carrier departed Malta to sail for task group operations in the Ionian Sea. She conducted an open sea missile exercise with the guided missile destroyers Josephus Daniels (DLG-27) and Harry E. Other operational aspects of the at-sea period consisted of routine day/night flight operations and a major underway replenishment with other units of TG 60.1. The following days saw the threat of civil war in Greece commencing with the military coup that ended parlimentary rule in that country. Although King Constantine II held his throne, the possibility of violence in the streets of Athens loomed as a potential threat to the American citizens suddenly caught up in the turmoil. Under the command of Rear Admiral Dick H. Guinn, TF 65, with America as flagship, sailed eastward to standby for evacuation, should that step be necessary. Fortunately, violence never materialized in Greece, and the task force was not called upon to act. On 29 April, Rear Admiral Lawrence R. Geis relieved Rear Admiral Guinn as Commander, CarDiv 4, Commander, TF 60, Commander, TF 65, and Commander, TF 502 (NATO). With a new admiral on board, and the Greek political crisis behind her, America sailed into Taranto Harbor, Italy, on the first day of May for eight days of relaxation. During three days of general visiting in Taranto, America hosted 1,675 visitors who came aboard to tour the hangar and flight decks. America departed Taranto on 8 May for routine task group operations in the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas; she followed these with a port visit to Livorno. By 25 May, there was evidence that a crisis was brewing in the Middle East. The carrier task force, under the command of Rear Admiral Geis, prepared for any contingency. For the next week the officers and men of America listened to the nightly news report over WAMR-TV, the carrier’s closed circuit television station, and read every bit of news in the Daily Eagle. Headlines told of a worsening situation. First, Egypt moved troops into the Gaza Strip, demanding that the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Force be withdrawn. Then, Israel beefed up her forces and, in turn, each of the other Arab countries put her armed forces on alert. During this time, the carrier conducted normal training operations off the island of Crete and held two major underway replenishment operations. On 5 June, seven American newsmen from the wire services, the three major American television networks and several individual newspapers across the country flew on board. These seven were soon joined by others, 29 in all, including media representatives from England, Greece, and West Germany. Their presence was evident everywhere on board the carrier. They lined the signal bridge and the flight deck, their cameras recording the cycle of flight operations, refuelings, and the tempo of shipboard routine. At night, Robert Goralski of NBC News and Bill Gill of ABC News teamed up to present the WAMR “Gill-Goralski Report, ” a half-hour on the latest developments in the Mideast and around the world. America’s presence was soon noted, and the carrier soon attracted other, less welcome, visitors. Shortly afternoon on 7 June, Vice Admiral William I. I request you clear our formation without delay and discontinue your interference and unsafe practices. On the morning of 5 June, while America was refueling from the oiler Truckee (AO-147), with the CarDiv 4 band and the “rock’n’ roll” combo of Truckee (AO-147) playing against one another, the word came that the Israelis and the Arabs were at war. That afternoon the bosun’s pipe called the crew to a general quarters drill, and the excitement of the moment was evident as all hands rushed to their battle stations. On 7 June, the destroyer Lloyd Thomas (DD-761), in company with America, obtained a sonar contact, which was classified as a “possible” submarine. Rear Admiral Geis immediately dispatched Lloyd Thomas and the guided missile destroyer Sampson (DDG-10) to investigate the contact. Sampson obtained contact quickly and coordinated with Lloyd Thomas in tracking the possible submarine. America launched one of her antisubmarine helicopters, a Sikorsky SH-3A “Sea King” of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 9, and gained sonar contact. At midnight, the contact was reclassified as a “probable” submarine. At that time, no known or friendly submarines were reported to be in the area of the contact. The destroyers maintained good sonar contact through the night. At 0530 on 8 June, a Lockheed SP-2H Neptune antisubmarine patrol plane of Patrol Squadron (VP) 7, coordinating with the destroyers and helicopters, obtained a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) confirmation over the contact. The MAD equipment allows an ASW aircraft to confirm that a contact detected in the sea by other means is actually a very large metal object. Rear Admiral Geis announced the “probable” submarine’s presence at noon. The newsmen, still embarked, dashed off stories to their home offices. Other events, however, would soon overshadow the story about a’probable’ sub lurking near an American carrier task force. She had been in position to assist in communications between United States diplomatic posts in the Mideast and to aid in the evacuation of American dependents from the area if necessary. However, the first word that reached America and the Department of Defense in Washington gave no indication as to the identity of the attackers. America’s flight deck came alive. In a matter of minutes, F-4B “Phantom” interceptors were in the air to ward off any possible attack against task force units. Four Douglas A-4 “Skyhawk” attack bombers were loaded and launched together with fighter cover. As the planes sped towards Liberty’s position, however, word was received from Tel Aviv that the attackers had been Israeli and that the attack had been made in error. The planes outbound from America were recalled with their ordnance still in the racks. The attack on Liberty had cost the lives of 34 men, with 75 wounded, 15 seriously. Admiral Martin dispatched two destroyers, Davis (DD-937) and Massey (DD-778), with Lt. Flynn, MC, USN, one of America’s junior medical officers, and two corpsmen from the carrier on board. At 1030, two helicopters from America réndézvouséd with Liberty and began transferring the more seriously wounded to the carrier. An hour later, about 350 miles east of Souda Bay, Crete, America réndézvouséd with Liberty. The carrier’s crew lined every topside vantage point, silent, watching the helicopters bring 50 wounded and nine dead from Liberty to America. As Liberty drew alongside, listing, her sides perforated with rockets and cannon shell, nearly 2,000 of the carrier’s crew were on the flight deck and, spontaneously moved by the sight, gave the battered Liberty and her brave crew a tremendous cheer. America’s medical team worked around the clock removing shrapnel, and treating various wounds and burns. Doctors Gordon, Flynn and Lt. Griffith, MC, worked for more than 12 hours in the operating room, while other doctors, Lt. Federico made continuous rounds in the wards to aid and comfort the wounded. Their jobs were not finished that day; for the next week and more, the Liberty’s wounded required constant attention. Since the fighting had started between the Israelis and the Arabs, a weary quiet had settled oyer the carrier’s flight deck. However, as the Israeli forces moved to speedy victory in the “Six-Day War, ” the Arabs charged that 6th Fleet aircraft were providing air cover for Israeli ground forces. As witnessed and reported by the newsmen on board, these charges were completely false. The 6th Fleet, as with all other American forces, had remained neutral. On Wednesday morning, 7 June, Admiral Martin issued a statement to the press: It would have been impossible for any aircraft from the 6th Fleet to have flown the support missions alleged by various Middle Eastern spokesmen. No aircraft of the 6th Fleet have been within a hundred miles of the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, specifically Israel and the UAR. Furthermore, no 6th Fleet aircraft has entered the territorial airspace of any Middle Eastern or North African nation during the current period of tension. The admiral gave members of the press copies of both America’s and Saratoga’s flight plans for the days in question and a rundown of the task force’s position at all times during the conflict. He pointed out that a check of the carriers’ ordnance inventory would refute the charges, that both the number of pilots and aircraft embarked had changed only with the return of personnel and planes from the Paris Air Show. America conducted a memorial service on 10 June, on the carrier’s flight deck. The oft-repeated words of the Navy Hymn, of those in peril on the sea, echoed across the wind-swept deck, possessing poignant meaning for those who were aware of Liberty’s travail. The crew took time out for an 11-bout boxing smoker in the hangar bay. With a running commentary by the Gill-Goralski team, nearly 2,000 crew members crowded around the ring while others watched the action over closed circuit television. America continued on station for several more days, but the tension seemed to have gone. The newsmen left, the uninvited Soviet guests called no more, and regular flight operations resumed. During the crisis, the presence of America and the 6th Fleet had demonstrated once again the power, mobility, and flexibility of sea power. Two squadrons of CVW-6 participated in the 27th Paris Air Show held at the French capital’s Le Bourget Airport from 25 May to 5 June. A Fighter Squadron (VF) 33 F-4B “Phantom” and an Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 122 Grumman E-2A “Hawkeye” were on display at the airfield throughout the show. America next hosted, commencing on 14 June, 49 midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) units across the country. In late July, the second group of 41 “middies” arrived for their six-week cruise. America transited the Dardanelles on 21 June and arrived at Istanbul, where Rear Admiral Geis laid a wreath at the foot of the grave of the Unknown Soldier as a tribute to the Turkish war dead. Three days later, however, a group of angry demonstrators burned the wreath. Then, approximately 600 students, with 1,500 spectators and sympathizers, participated in an anti-American/6th Fleet protest march, culminating in speeches in the area of the fleet landing. Liberty for the crew was canceled for most of the afternoon; however, by early evening the situation had quieted down enough so that liberty could be resumed. All was peaceful for the remainder of the visit. America departed Istanbul on 26 June for five days of operations in the Aegean Sea. On 1 July, the carrier steamed into the port of Thessaloniki, Greece for her first visit to that port. Engen hosted the Prefect of Thessaloniki, the Mayor of Thessaloniki, the American Consul and approximately 75 Greek Army officers and civilians. On 8 July, Rear Admiral Daniel V. He also departed by COD, on 9 July. On 16 July, America anchored at Athens for her second visit to that port of the 1967 cruise, before she proceeded thence to Valletta on 29 July. On 7 August, America anchored in the Bay of Naples. After visits to Genoa and Valencia, the carrier sailed into Pollensa Bay and commenced the turnover of her 6th Fleet materials to her relief, the attack carrier Franklin D. America moored at Pier 12, Naval Station, Norfolk, on 20 September and entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 6 October. She remained there, undergoing a restricted availability, into early January 1968. After a four-day ammunition onload at anchorage X-ray in Hampton Bay and a brief stay at Pier 12, NOB, Norfolk, America departed for a month-long cruise to the Caribbean for the naval technical proficiency inspection (NTPI), refresher training with the Fleet Training Group, Guantanamo Bay, and type training in the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range (AFWR) before she could proceed to the Jacksonville Operating area for carrier qualifications. America departed Norfolk on 16 January. On 1 February, America departed the Guantanamo area, bound for the AFWR. The next day, 2 February, representatives from the AFWR came on board to brief America representatives and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6 pilots on forthcoming operations. The training consisted of invaluable and highly successful excercises in environmental tracking, antimissile defense, airborne jamming against radars, emergency aircraft recovery, and simulated PT boat attacks. With this phase of her combat training completed, America departed the AFWR on 9 February for carrier qualifications in the Jacksonville operating area, and held them from the 12th through the 15th. On the 17th, America moored at berths 23 and 24 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard to prepare for final type training, prior to her upcoming WestPac deployment. On 7 March, America again put to sea, back to the AFWR for further type training and Exercise Rugby Match. On 10 March, America flew off the first of eight simulated air strikes. America’s planes flew photographic reconnaissance sorties over Vieques, and “found” simulated targets on film. On 13 and 14 March, the weapons department also flexed their muscles by firing two Terrier missiles. America and Commander, CarDiv 2 as commander, Task Group (TG) 26.1, participated from the 18th to the 20th. As the “Blue” Force attack carrier, America and her air wing pilots provided close air support (CAS), photo reconnaissance and combat air patrol (CAP) sorties for Task Force (TF) 22, the “Blue” amphibious landing force, during a landing on the island of Vieques. Prior to America’s main participation during this period, CVW-6 flew an aerial mining mission in the amphibious operating area on the 15th. D-day was 19 March. On return from their missions as CAS and CAP, several aircraft tested the antiaircraft defenses of the task force by flying raids against America. America moored at Pier 12 NOB, Norfolk, at 1315, 23 March. Two days later, on the 25th, she put to sea again for a dependents’ cruise. Then, on the dark, rainy afternoon of 10 April, America stood out of Hampton Roads, bound for “Yankee Station, ” a half-a-world away. En route, she conducted one last major training exercise. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was the next stop enroute to southeast Asia, America’s first to that city and continent. Now with her course set almost due east, America sailed through waters she had never travelled before. Across the southern Atlantic, around the Cape of Good Hope, past Madagascar and out into the broad expanse of the Indian Ocean towards the Sunda Strait and Subic Bay, Philippine Islands. At 1000, 30 May, she arrived at “Yankee Station, ” and at 0630 the next morning the first aircraft since commissioning to leave her deck in anger was launched against the enemy. During four line periods, consisting of 112 days on “Yankee Station, ” America’s aircraft pounded at roads and waterways, trucks and waterborne logistics craft (WBLCS), hammered at petroleum storage areas and truck parks and destroyed bridges and cave storage areas in the attempt to impede the flow of men and war materials to the south. On 10 July 1968, Lt. America and her embarked air wing, CVW-6, would later be awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for their work during that time. Between line periods, America visited Hong Kong, Yokosuka and Subic Bay. With America’s mission on “Yankee Station” nearing completion, she launched the last of her attack aircraft at 1030 on 29 October. The next day, she set sail for Subic Bay and the offload of various “Yankee Station” assets. On 9 November, a flight deck “cookout” was sponsored by the supply department as the entire crew enjoyed char-broiled steaks and basked in the equatorial sun. After mooring at 1330 on 16 December at Pier 12, Norfolk, her “round-the-world” cruise completed, post-deployment and holiday leave began, continuing through the first day of the year 1969. Shortly thereafter, on 8 January 1969, she headed for the Jacksonville operating area where she served as the platform for carrier qualifications. On 24 January, America arrived at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard to begin a nine-month overhaul. Upon completion of the overhaul, the carrier conducted post-repair trials and operated locally off the Virginia capes. During one period of local operations, between 21 and 23 November 1969, America took part in carrier suitability tests for the Lockheed U-2R reconnaissance plane. On 5 January 1970, the carrier departed the Norfolk area to commence a nine week cruise in the Guantanamo Bay operating area. From 15 to 21 February, America participated in Operation “SPRINGBOARD 70, ” the annual series of training exercises conducted in the Caribbean. The program was established to take advantage of good weather and the extensive modern training facilities, including targets of all kinds, which are available in order to achieve maximum training during the period. This exercise included submarine operations, air operations, and participation by the Marine Corps. At the completion of this testing and training, America departed the Guantanamo area to arrive at the Jacksonville area on 1 March in order to conduct carrier qualification landings with the various squadrons stationed in and around the Jacksonville/Cecil Field area. America arrived at NOB, Norfolk, on 8 March, and remained there for approximately one month making last minute preparations for an eight-month deployment. On 10 April 1970, with CVW-9 on board, America left Norfolk, and pauséd briefly in the Caribbean Sea for an operational readiness inspection before proceeding on a voyage that took her across the equator to Rio de Janeiro, round the Cape of Good Hope, across the Indian Ocean, into the Pacific Ocean and finally to Subic Bay in the Philippines. On 26 May, America began its first day of special operations in the Gulf of Tonkin, when Comdr. Backman, commanding officer of VA-165, and his bombardier/navigator, Lt. On the same day, the Navy’s newest light attack aircraft, the A-7E Corsair II received its first taste of combat. Dave Lichterman, of VA-146, was catapulted from the deck in the first A-7E ever to be launched in combat. He and his flight leader, Comdr. Stephens, the squadron’s commanding officer, subsequently delivered their ordnance with devastating accuracy using the A-7E’s digital weapons computer. Shortly after 1300, Comdr. Livingston, skipper of the “Argonauts” of VA-147, and Lt. Tom Gravely rolled in on an enemy supply route to deliver the first bombs in combat in an A-7E, reportedly “all on target”. For five line periods, consisting of 100 days on “Yankee Station, ” America’s aircraft pounded at roads and waterways, trucks and waterborne logistic craft (WBLC), hammered at petroleum storage areas and truck parks in an attempt to impede the flow of men and war materials to the south. On 20 August, at Manila, Vice Admiral Frederic A. Bardshar, Commander, Attack Carrier Striking Force, 7th Fleet, hosted the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand E. Marcos, on board America. President Marcos was given a 21-gun salute as he and Mrs. Accompanied by American Ambassador and Mrs. Byiade, they were greeted by Vice Admiral Bardshar and America’s commanding officer, Capt. Following their arrival, the visiting party dined with Vice Admiral Bardshar and Capt. On 17 September, America completed her fourth line period and headed for special operations off the coast of Korea and, subsequently, the Sea of Japan. On 23 September the carrier entered the Tsushima Straits, remained in the Sea of Japan for approximately five days and exited on 27 September through the Tsugaru Strait. During this period, America and CVW-9 engaged in three exercises: “Blue Sky, ” with elements of the Chinese Air Force, from Taiwan; “Commando Tiger, ” conducted in the Sea of Japan, involving air units of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force (ROKAF); and, after exiting the Tsugara Straits, “Autumn Flower, ” air defense exercises with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and the United States Fifth Air Force. On 7 November, America completed her fifth line period and departed for her last visit to Subic Bay. She had accomplished this without a single combat loss and only one major landing accident with, fortunately, no fatalities. Considering sustained combat operations in prevailing immoderate weather and highly successful 7th Fleet exercises without one day’s loss in operations due to any material casualty, America left the Pacific Ocean justifiably proud of her accomplishments. On the long trip home, America welcomed approximately 500 more “pollywogs” into the realm of Neptunis Rex. The day before the carrier arrived at Sydney, Australia, for a three day rest and recreation visit, United States ambassador to Australia and his wife, the Honorable and Mrs. With so much to be thankful for, America celebrated two Thanksgivings. At exactly 2329 on November 26, America crossed the International Date Line. Moments later it became Thanksgiving Day again. On both days, crewmembers feasted on turkey, beef, lobster tails, Virginia ham, and roast duckling. After rounding Cape Horn on 5 December 1970, America headed north, stopped briefly at Rio de Janeiro for fuel, and arrived at Pier 12, NOB Norfolk, on 21 December. She departed the yard, on schedule, on 22 March. She then carried out exercises in Puerto Rican waters, with United States Navy as well as Royal Navy warships, including HMS Ark Royal R. 09, HMS Cleopatra F. 28, and HMS Bacchante F. After a return to Norfolk, America stood out of Hampton Roads on 6 July 1971 for the Mediterranean. America then entered the Mediterranean for the third time since her commissioning. Following a port call at Naples, America proceeded on a course toward Palma, Mallorca. While enroute, she participated in “PHIBLEX 2-71, ” in which she covered a mock amphibious landing at Capoteulada, Sicily. After a port visit at Palma, Mallorca, America participated from 16 to 27 August in “National Week X, ” one of the largest exercises conducted in the Mediterranean. At the termination of the exercise, America proceeded to Corfu, Greece, her next liberty port. She then visited Athens shortly thereafter. Proceeding thence to Thessaloniki, Greece, for a port visit, America then participated in “National Week XI, ” in the central Mediterranean. The carrier subsequently visited Naples before she steamed into the western Mediterranean to participate in exercises with British, Dutch, Italian and French forces in Exercise “He D’Or, ” completing her part in the evolutions by 19 November. America then conducted port visits to Cannes and Barcelona before proceeding to Rota. There, on 9 December, she was relieved on station by John F. Arriving back at Norfolk on 16 December, America moored at Pier 12, NOB, Norfolk, for post-deployment standdown before unloading ammunition in preparation for availability at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. After the two-month overhaul, the carrier conducted sea trials. Soon thereafter, America embarked on a program of training, accelerated due to the fact that the date of her deployment had been advanced one month, and participated in Exercise Exotic Dancer V. On 2 June 1972, three days before America was to sail, Admiral Elmo R. Sailing on 5 June, America crossed the equator on 12 June and held the usual initiation of “pollywogs” into the realm of Neptune. Escorted by Davis (DD-937) and Dewey (DD-937), and accompanied by the fleet oiler Waccamaw (AO-109), America proceeded toward southeast Asia, and rounded Cape Horn on 21 June. Joining the 7th Fleet later in June, America relieved the attack carrier Coral Sea (CVA-43) on station, and commenced combat operations on 12 July. The repair work was delayed for two weeks while needed parts were rushed to Subic Bay. America stood out on 9 August to return to the line, and soon resumed carrying out strike operations against communist targets in North Vietnam. On 6 October, bombs from her planes dropped the Thanh Hoa Bridge, a major objective since the bombing of the North had begun years before. Completing her line period and stopping over briefly at Subic Bay, America steamed to Singapore, departing that port on 20 October to resume operations on Yankee Station. Less than a month later, a fire broke out on board America, at 1410 on 19 November 1972, in the number two catapult spaces. Clean-up and repair work ensued, and despite not having the services of one of her catapults, America remained on the line and continued to meet her commitments. After an extended line period of 43 days, America reached Subic Bay on 2 December, where the number two catapult was repaired, and departed the Philippines on 8 December to return to Yankee Station. A week before Christmas, America learned that the breakdown of peace talks in Paris had led to a resumption of bombing of targets in North Vietnam. America swung into action, and the pace proved hectic until the Christmas ceasefire. “Christmas away from home is never good, ” America’s historian wrote, but the men of America made the best of it with homemade decorations. ” There were services to celebrate the season, “and carolers were noted strolling through the passageways. At 0800 on 28 January 1973, the Vietnam War-at least that stage of it-was at an end. The carrier arrived at Mayport, Fla. On 24 March 1973, America arrived back at NOB, Norfolk, mooring at Pier 12 and bringing to a close her sixth major deployment since commissioning. She immediately began preparations for a 30-day standdown and the restricted availability to follow at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. She entered the yard on 11 May, and emerged after that period of repairs and alterations on 10 August. Baker, landed on board. Cake-cuttings on the hangar deck and in the wardroom celebrated the occasion. On 29 October, America cleared Hampton Roads for Jacksonville and a period of carrier qualifications. She was conducting routine training operations on 1 November 1973 when she went to the assistance of the crippled sailing schooner Harry W. Adams of Nova Scotia. The 147-foot schooner, her engine disabled and without power for her pumps, was taking on water. America stood by until the late afternoon, when the Coast Guard cutter Port Roberts arrived to assist Harry W. Adams into port at Jacksonville. After concluding her operations in the Jacksonville area, America paid a port call at Ft. From 4 to 8 November. Relieving Independence at Rota, Spain, on 11 January, she became the flagship for Rear Admiral Frederick C. Turner, Commander, TF 60. America commenced operations in the western Mediterranean that day and, over the next few weeks; divided her time between at-sea periods and port visits to Toulon, Barcelona, and Valencia. From 15 to 19 February, the carrier participated in Exercise “National Week XVI, ” and upon the conclusion of that evolution anchored in Souda Bay, Crete. She proceeded thence for a port call at Athens. The carrier then operated north of Crete on exercises in early April, after which time she put into Athens on 9 April. America then participated in NATO exercise, “Dawn Patrol, ” in which units of the navies of the United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, Holland, France, Italy, and West Germany participated. Upon the conclusion of “Dawn Patrol, ” the carrier paid another visit to Athens, proceeding thence on 19 May for a four-day period of exercises, after which time she steamed to Istanbul, arriving there on 23 May. America then participated in Exercise “Flaming Lance, ” off the coast of Sardinia, during which time Leahy (DLG-16) controlled over 1,000 intercepts by America’s aircraft. Making her last port call at Athens for the deployment, the carrier steamed to Souda Bay on 1 July, loading minesweeping equipment that had been uséd in Operation Nimbus Star,’ the clearance of the Suez Canal. America then proceeded to Corfu, and began the transit out of the eastern Mediterranean on 6 July, arriving at Palma, Mallorca, three days later. America anchored off Rota on 15 July, for what was scheduled to have been an off-load of the equipment of Commander, TF 60, staff. Clashes between Greek and Turkish forces on Cyprus, however, prompted the Joint Chiefs of Staff to order America to remain at Rota until the arrival of her relief, Independence, on 28 July. As soon as that attack carrier entered the 6th Fleet operating area, America commenced her homeward voyage, ultimately reaching Pier 12, NOB Norfolk, on 3 August. A little over a month later, America sailed for the North Sea, to participate in a NATO exercise, “Northern Merger, ” departing Norfolk on 6 September. America joined with HMS Ark Royal in providing air support for a NATO task force and for an amphibious landing. Throughout the exercise, Soviet surface units, as well as “Bear” and “Badger” aircraft, conducted surveillance missions over and near the NATO force. Upon the conclusion of “Northern Merger, ” America steamed to Portsmouth, England, arriving there on 29 September to commence a five-day port visit. The carrier proceeded thence back to the United States, reaching Pier 12, NOB, Norfolk on 12 October, to commence preparations for a major overhaul at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Entering the yard on 27 November 1974, America was reclassified to an aircraft carrier (CV-66) on 30 June 1975. America departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 16 October 1975 for local operations off the Virginia capes and, after a few weeks alongside her familiar berth, Pier 12, NOB, Norfolk, departed Hampton Roads for Cuban waters and refresher training. While steaming north of Cuba and preparing for the operational readiness inspection that concludes refresher training, America picked up distress calls, immediately deploying helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to search for a disabled motorized sailboat, Ruggentino. One of the carrier’s helicopters located a boat in distress and guided a tug to the scene and the tug soon took the disabled craft in tow. That boat, however, proved to be named Content, so America and her aircraft resumed the search for Ruggentino. America Sailors soon had the boat pumped out and headed for port. She ultimately sailed for the Mediterranean on 15 April 1976 with CVW-6 and Commander, Carrier Group (CarGru) 4, Rear Admiral James B. Soon after her arrival in the turnover port of Rota, America participated in a NATO exercise, “Open Gate, ” before entering the Mediterranean. For the next three months, the carrier maintained a high state of readiness. The assassination of the United States ambassador to Lebanon, Francis E. Meloy, and Economic Counsellor Robert O. Waring, as they were on their way to visit Lebanese President Elias Sarkis on 13 June 1976 prompted the evacuation of Americans from that nation a week later, on the 20th. Following the successful evacuation, the carrier proceeded westward for a few days of liberty in Italian ports, celebrating the country’s bicentennial Independence Day, 4 July 1976, at Taranto. On 27 July, as more Americans were evacuated from Lebanon on board Portland (LSD-37), the carrier provided support. Relieved of her responsibilities in the eastern Mediterranean on 2 August, America reached Naples soon thereafter, and remained in port for two weeks. Upon the termination of “National Week XXI, ” America proceeded to Palma de Mallorca, whence she proceeded to participate in “Poop Deck 3-76″ with Spanish Air Force units and United States Air Force units based in Spain. Then, following visits to the Spanish ports of Barcelona and Malaga, America took part in the final exercise of her Mediterranean cruise, Exercise Display Determination. Upon conclusion of “Display Determination, ” the carrier proceeded to Rota, where she was relieved by Franklin D. America ultimately reached Norfolk on 25 October 1976. On 5 November, the carrier proceeded up the Elizabeth River to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where she remained into February 1977. America then operated locally out of Norfolk into the spring of 1977 until sailing for the Mayport, Fla. Operating area on 3 May. America sailed from Hampton Roads on 10 June 1977 for a five-week South Atlantic deployment as a unit of TG 20.4. Ricketts (DLG-5), DuPont (DD-94l), and Neosho (AO-U3). Following her return to Norfolk, America operated locally before she sailed to conduct operations in the Caribbean. Thence returning to Norfolk on 27 August, America sailed for the Mediterranean on 29 September, with CVW-6 embarked, and reached Rota on 9 October. Departing that port on 14 October, the carrier proceeded to the Tyrrhenian Sea, where she operated until 26 October. Following a port call at Brindisi, Italy, America began operations in the Ionian Sea on 7 November, and anchored at Souda Bay, Crete, two days later. She operated locally in these waters until 12 November, when she sailed for Kithira Island, Greece, anchoring there on the 19th. Weighing anchor the following morning, America sailed for the Adriatic Sea, bound for Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia. Visiting this seaport from 22 to 26 November, the carrier transited the Adriatic for a port call at Trieste, staying there from 28 November to 3 December. Returning to operate in the waters of Souda Bay for more exercises, America subsequently departed Crete on 12 December for Palma de Mallorca, where she spent Christmas. Departing Palma two days later, America proceeded through the Ligurian Sea to her next port of call, Genoa, which she reached on 30 December. She remained there until 8 January 1978, when she sailed to carry out antisubmarine exerises in the Tyrrhenian Sea, upon the conclusion of which she anchored in Golfo di Palma, Sicily. At Rota, she was relieved byForrestal (CV-59), and sailed for Norfolk, arriving home on 25 April 1978. Following post-deployment standdown, America conducted carrier qualifications off the Virginia capes, and then entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for an availability. Upon the conclusion of that period of repairs and alterations, the carrier conducted post-availability sea trials on 19 and 20 September 1978, and conducted carrier qualifications with CVW-6 between 12 and 20 October. Tragedy marred the last day of operations, when a Grumman S-3 “Viking” antisubmarine aircraft went over the side upon landing; hung by the safety nets momentarily, the aircraft plunged into the sea soon thereafter. Although the pilots, Lt. Renshaw ejected clear of the plane, they were not recovered. America subsequently conducted refresher training out of Guantanamo Bay early in November, before she called at Ft. Lauderdale on 10 November to commence a four-day stay. Returning to Norfolk soon thereafter, the carrier remained in the Norfolk area, alternating periods of time inport alongside Pier 12 with type training and exercises off the Virginia capes. Thomas, in the Virgin Islands, from 24 to 29 January. America then resumed type training in the waters of the Caribbean and West Indies, concluding those evolutions on 12 February to return to Norfolk. After bringing CVW-11 on board off the Virginia capes on 8 and 9 March, America spent the next two days moored at Pier 12, making final preparations for her departure for the Mediterranean. The carrier sailed on 13 March. Two days later, on the 15th, America conducted a “BEAREX” with a Lockheed P-3 “Orion” from Bermuda simulating a Russian “Bear” reconnaissance aircraft. Such practice proved timely, for the following day, A-7and Grumman F-14 “Tomcat” aircraft from America intercepted a pair of the long-range Tupelov TU-95 “Bear-D” Planes that were en route to Cuba from their bases in the Soviet Union. The “Bears” never came within visual range of the carrier’s battle group. Reaching Rota on 24 March, America relieved Saratoga (CV-60), and commenced operations in the western Mediterranean on 29 March. Moving into the Adriatic, the carrier stopped at Split, Yugoslavia, before moving north to Venice and Trieste. In the eastern Mediterranean, America called at Alexandria, Egypt, at Souda Bay, Crete. Returning west, she visited Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona in Spain, Marseilles on the coast of France, Genoa in northern Italy, and Valencia in Spain before heading for Rota. She completed turnover proceedings at Rota on 10 and 11 September 1979, and got underway immediately to commence the homeward voyage. Highlighting this period were numerous multilateral and unilateral exercises, as in previous Mediterranean deployments. During one phase of “National Week XXVII, ” America and her consorts took part in an open sea exercise that took them into the waters of the Gulf of Sidra (Sirte), claimed by Libya as territorial waters since 11 October 1973. Departing Augusta Bay, Sicily, on 26 July, the task group arrived in its exercise area on the 28th. Ultimately departing Rota on 12 September 1979 to conduct a “blue water” turnover with Nimitz (CVN-68), America encountered her second pair of “Bears”. Reaching Norfolk on 22 September, America stood down after her 6th Fleet deployment. The carrier departed Norfolk again on 15 October for Mayport, and conducted local operations off the coast of Florida before moving into the Gulf of Mexico to conduct carrier qualifications. Returning north upon completion of those evolutions, America put to sea on 30 October for more carrier qualifications; these, however, involved the first arrested carrier landings of the new McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. Entering the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 6 November 1979, America underwent repairs and alterations for much of 1980, commencing her post-repair trials on 23 September 1980. Among the work performed during the availability was the installation of the NATO “Sea Sparrow” missile and close-in weapon systems such as the multi-barreled “Phalanx” machine gun. She spent the remainder of the year 1980, undergoing upkeep at NOB, Norfolk. America operated locally in the Virginia capes area into January 1981 and, during these operations on 14 January 1981, brought on board a Grumman C-1A “Trader” COD aircraft piloted by Ens. Robinson became the first black female naval aviator to be carrier qualified. On 29 January 1981, as America was returning to NOB, Norfolk, she received a message from a Greek motor vessel, Aikaterini, in distress. Returning to Pier 12, NOB, Norfolk on 2 February, America proceeded thence for carrier qualifications off the Virginia capes, and thence to the Caribbean for type training. Returning to Norfolk on 19 March, America, in company with her consorts, California (CGN-36) and Preble (DLG-46), subsequently sailed for the Mediterranean on 14 April 1981, destined, ultimately, for the Indian Ocean. Originally scheduled to have commenced her transit of the Suez Canal on 5 May, the tense situation in Lebanon prompted a 24-hour “hold” on the evolution. Given the go-ahead soon thereafter, America made the 104.5 mile transit on 6 May, in ten hours, the first United States Navy carrier to steam through the Suez Canal since Intrepid (CVA-11) had made the passage shortly before the Arab-Israeli “Six-Day War” of 1967. It was also the first “super-carrier” to transit the canal since it had been modified to permit passage of super-tankers. America operated in the Indian Ocean, on “Gonzo” Station, for the first time between 12 May and 3 June, after which time she visited Singapore. On 18 June, the carrier departed that port for her second stint on Gonzo Station. This deployment was to last 35 days. The Greek merchantman Irenes Sincerity was reportedly afire. Upon completion of her second northern Arabian Sea line period on 4 August, America shaped a course for Australian waters, conducting a “Weapons Week” exercise in the vicinity of Diego Garcia. California sped to the island and located an individual stranded on Pierre Island; he had been on a treasure-hunting expedition bound from Sri Lanka to Mauritius. The cruiser took the man to Diego Garcia. Departing the Diego Garcia operating area on 15 August, America conducted a unique burial-at-sea on the 18th, when the remains of the late Lt. Musselman were consigned to the ocean. America anchored at Fremantle on 25 August, and remained there for six days, sailing for “Gonzo Station” on the 31st. On 23 September, a fire broke out in a steam trunk line that carries steam from the main engineering spaces to the flight deck catapult system, at about 1745. Soon after America’s, fire party arrived on the scene to isolate the fire, smoke began filling the areas adjacent to the crew berthing areas, so Capt. Ordered general quarters sounded. The carrier resumed normal flight operations the next morning at sunrise, and remained on station until relieved by Coral Sea (CV-43) on 16 October. On 21 October 1981, America commenced the northbound transit of the Suez Canal. This transit, unlike the comparatively light-hearted one of 6 May, proved more tense. As a result of the unsettled conditions in Egypt following the 6 October 1981 assassination of President Anwar Sadat, the Egyptian government accorded America’s passage through the Suez Canal the utmost security considerations. The Egyptian Navy provided a patrol vessel to escort the carrier, while an Egyptian Air Force helicopter conducted reconnaissance flight over both banks of the waterway. Egyptian Army units patroled the adjacent canal roads. Additionally, liaison officers on board the carrier maintained constant touch with the security forces by radio. Making the passage of the canal without incident, America continued on across the Mediterranean, reaching Palma de Mallorca on 25 October. After a three-day port call, the carrier conducted exercises with Spanish forces, and subsequently sailed for home on 1 November, departing the Mediterranean the following day. She arrived at Norfolk on 12 November. Following a short standdown, America conducted carrier qualifications in the Virginia capes operating area, before she moored at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 14 December. Emerging from the naval shipyard on 20 April 1982, America operated locally off the Virginia capes. Following further carrier qualifications off the Virginia capes, the carrier then steamed south to conduct type training in the West Indies, interspersing these evolutions with a port visit to St. Returning to Norfolk on 8 July, America operated locally between 22 and 24 July, before she sailed on 22 August, with CVW-1 embarked, to participate in joint NATO exercises “United Effort” and Northern Wedding 82. America visited Edinburgh, Scotland, from 15 to 21 September, and proceeded thence to Portsmouth, England, arriving there on the 23d. Sailing for the Mediterranean on the 26th, the carrier operated briefly with the 6th Fleet, participating in exercise “Display Determination” between 30 September and 8 October. She then sailed for the United States, and, following her operational readiness evaluation in the Caribbean operating areas, reached Mayport to disembark CVW-1. America departed Norfolk on 8 December, proceeded to the Virginia capes operating area and embarked CVW-1, and set out across the Atlantic. Visiting Palma de Mallorca on 22 December, America remained there through the Christmas holiday, weighing anchor on 28 December to sail for the Lebanese coast, where she was to take up duty in support of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force in strife-torn Lebanon. Relieving Nimitz on station on 2 January 1983, America spent the next 18 days off Lebanon, before Nimitz took over on 20 January. Steaming thence to Pireaus, Greece, America, along with Dale (CG-19) and Savannah (AOR-4), anchored there on 23 January for a five-day port visit to Athens. Underway on 29 January, the carrier transited the Sea of Crete en route to an overnight anchorage at Port Said. Transiting the Suez Canal on 31 January, America reached the Red Sea the same day and reported for duty with the 7th Fleet on 4 February. On 9 February, the carrier and her accompanying battle group conducted exercise Beacon Flash 83-3. ” Subsequently, on 28 February, America and her consorts conducted a “Weapons Week exercise in the vicinity of Diego Garcia. Following those evolutions, the carrier visited Colombo, Sri Lanka, anchoring on 7 March. Weighing anchor on 12 March, America resumed operations in the Indian Ocean soon thereafter, culminating in “Beacon Flash 83-4, ” and a subsequent port visit to Masirah Island, Oman. Steaming thence to Mombasa, Kenya, and a five-day port visit, America departed that port for a week of intense flight operations, followed by participation in “Beacon Flash 83-5″ on 19 April. Returning to anchor at Masirah Island again three days later, the carrier and her battle group operated in the northern Arabian Sea, en route to the Suez Canal. Transiting that waterway on 4 May, America headed for Souda Bay, reaching an anchorage there on 7 May. Five days later, the carrier got underway for Malaga, Spain, reaching her destination on 14 May for a nine-day port visit. America then entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 8 July. She then operated locally off the Virginia capes with CVW-1 embarked, before she proceeded thence to Mayport, and, ultimately, to Puerto Rican waters for refresher training. She then conducted carrier qualifications for both east and west coast squadrons en route to her home port, reaching Norfolk on 14 December 1983. The carrier operated locally from Norfolk into February 1984, alternating periods of upkeep in port with carrier qualifications and exercises. She then conducted two periods of type training (6 to 20 February and 25 March to 8 April), interspersing these with an in-port period at Ft. Lauderdale from 21 to 24 February and then calling at St. Thomas upon conclusion of the second period of training. Returning to Norfolk on 22 March, America spent the next month preparing for her next deployment, and got underway to participate in exercise “Ocean Venture” on 24 April. Visiting Caracas, Venezuela, upon conclusion of that evolution, America departed on 9 May for the Mediterranean. Reaching Malaga, Spain, on 21 May, the carrier commenced her transit of the Mediterranean on 29 May and reached Port Said on 3 June. Transiting the Suez Canal on the following day, she passed through the Red Sea and joined the 7th Fleet on 8 June, relieving Kitty Hawk (CV-63). Returning to the 6th Fleet on 29 August, America transited the Suez Canal on 2 September, bound for Naples. The carrier visited Monaco from 13 to 22 September before she participated in one phase of NATO exercise, Display Determination. Ultimately reaching Augusta Bay on 27 October, she was relieved by Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on that date, sailing soon thereafter for the United States. Arriving at Norfolk on 14 November, America conducted carrier qualifications in the Virginia capes operating areas from 29 November to 17 December before returning to port on the 18th. Emerging from the yard on 13 May for sea trials off the Virginia capes, America remained at Norfolk until 28 May, when she sailed to conduct refresher training. Then, following a port call at Port Everglades, Fla. (13 to 17 June), America conducted carrier qualifications before returning to Norfolk on 25 June. America sailed on 24 August to participate in “Ocean Safari, ” a six-week NATO exercise which ultimately took her to Norwegian waters. She spent the remainder of the year 1985 alternating periods of upkeep at NOB, Norfolk, with local operations in the Virginia capes operating area. As the new year, 1986, began, tensions in the Mediterranean basin would result in America’s sailing to deploy with the 6th Fleet one month earlier than planned. On 7 January 1986, President Ronald Reagan ordered all American citizens out of Libya, and broke off all remaining ties between the two nations. At the same time, the President directed the dispatch of a second carrier battle group to the Mediterranean, and directed the Joint Chiefs of Staff to look into military operations against Libya, a country strongly suspected of fomenting terrorist activity. Operations near Libya began at the end of January. America, with CVW-1 embarked, and her accompanying battle group departed Norfolk on 10 March 1986, and arrived in the Mediterranean in time to participate in the third phase of “Attain Document, ” a freedom of navigation (FON) exercise in the Gulf of Sidra. Late on 23 March, American planes flew south of latitude 30- 30′-the “Line of Death” proclaimed by Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi. On 24 March, Ticonderoga (CG-47), accompanied by two destroyers. Scott DDG-995 and Caron (DD-970), moved south of the “Line, ” covered by fighter aircraft, at 0600. A Libyan missile installation near Surt (Sirte) launched two Soviet-made SA-5 “Gammon” surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) at 0752, toward F-14A “Tomcats” of America’s VF-102. Later that afternoon, the installation at Surt (Sirte) fired additional SAMs at American planes, but, like the first pair, went wide of their mark. About 1430, a Libyan missile-equipped Combattante II G-type patrol craft, sortied from Misratah, Libya, and approached Ticonderoga and her consorts. Two Grumman A-6E “Intruders” from America’s Attack Squadron (VA) 34 fired “Harpoon” missiles at the craft and sank her in the first use of the “Harpoon” in combat. Shortly thereafter, when American radars detected the Libyan installation at Sirte activating its target acquisition radars, two A-7E “Corsairs” from Saratoga’s VA-81 put the site out of action with “HARMs” (high-speed anti-radiation missiles). One hour after the first patrol boat had sortied, a Soviet-built Nanuchka-type patrol craft began heading out into the Gulf of Sidra. The following day, 25 March, at 0200, another Nanuchka-11-type patrol boat entered International waters and came under attack from “Intruders” from VA-85 and Coral Sea’s VA-55; the latter utilized “Rockeyes” in the attack, the former then sank the craft with a Harpoon. The same squadrons then attacked and damaged a second Nanuchka-II, forcing her to put into Benghazi. “Attain Document III” came to a close at 0900 on 27 March, three days ahead of schedule and after 48 hours of largely unchallenged use of the Gulf of Sidra by the United States Navy. Thence steaming to Augusta Bay, Sicily, America relieved Saratoga on station, and subsequently visited Livorno, Italy, from 4 to 8 April 1986. In the meantime, intelligence information, however, in the wake of the strikes designed to let Col. Qaddafi know that the United States had not only the desire but the capability to respond effectively to terrorism, indicated that Qaddafi intended to retaliate. Such retaliation occurred soon thereafter. On 5 April 1986, two days after a bomb exploded on board a Trans World Airways (TWA) flight en route to Athens, from Rome, killing four American citizens, a bomb exploded in the La Belle Discoteque in West Berlin, killing two American servicemen and a Turkish civilian. Another 222 people were wounded in the bombing, 78 Americans among them. Qaddafi threatened to escalate the violence against Americans, civilian and military, throughout the world. Repeated efforts by the United States to persuade the Libyan leader to forsake terrorism as an instrument of policy, including an attempt to persuade other western nations to isolate Libya peacefully failed. Rumors of retaliation by the United States were soon followed by Gaddafi’s threat to take all foreigners in Libya hostage, to use them as a shield to protect his military installations. In light of that threat, and of the failure of means to gain peaceful sanctions against Libya, and citing “incontrovertible evidence” of Libyan complicity in the recent terrorist acts, President Reagan directed that attacks on terrorist-related targets in Libya be carried out. Operation “Eldorado Canyon” commenced early on the afternoon of 14 April 1986, as tanker aircraft took off from bases in England to support the Air Force North American F-111F and EF-111 planes that soon followed them into the air and began the long 3,000-mile trip 19 the target. Later that afternoon, between 1745 and 1820, America launched six “Intruders” (strike aircraft) from VA-34 and six A-7E “Corsair Us” (strike support); Coral Sea launched her strike/strike support aircraft, eight A-6Es from VA-55 and six F/A-18 “Hornets” between 1750 and 1820. Both carriers launched additional aircraft to support the strike to provide a combat air patrol (CAP) and other functions. “In a spectacular feat of mission planning and execution, ” the Navy and Air Force planes, based 3,000 miles apart, reached their targets on time at 1900. The “Hornets” from Coral Sea and “Corsair Us” from America launched air-to-surface “Shrike” missiles and “HARMs” against Libyan SAM sites at Benghazi and Tripoli. Moments later, VA-34’s “Intruders, ” roaring in at low-level in the blackness, dropped their Mk. 82 bombs with near surgical precision on the Benghazi military barracks, reckoned to be an alternate command and control facility for terrorist activities and a billeting area for Qaddafi’s elite Jamahiriyah Guard, as well as a warehouse for components for MiG aircraft. VA-34’s attack heavily damaged the warehouse, destroying four crated MiGs and damaging a fifth. Following that counter-terrorist strike, America visited Naples between 28 April and 4 May, and then participated in NATO Exercise, “Distant Hammer” with units of the Italian and Turkish Air Forces, and visited Cannes upon conclusion of the evolution. During June, the carrier operated with Coral Sea and the newly arrived Enterprise (CVN-65), and took part in a “Poop Deck” exercise with Spanish and United States Air Force units off the coast of Spain, arriving at Palma de Mallorca soon thereafter. Participating in a NATO exercise, “Tridente, ” in late June, America visited Naples beore she participated in a “National Week” exercise. Subsequently visiting Catania and operating in the central and western Mediterranean, the carrier wound up the month of July at Benidorm, Spain, before returning to sea for further operations at sea in that region. Visiting Naples between 11 and 17 August, America spent the rest of her deployment in operations in the western and central Mediterranean before John F. Kennedy relieved her at Rota between 28 and 31 August. America arrived back at Norfolk on 10 September 1986, and after local operations, interspersed with in-port upkeep, entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 20 November 1986 for an overhaul which lasted until 11 February 1988. She spent the remainder of that year operating along the east coast and in the Caribbean. America received five battle stars for her service in the Vietnam War. Sorry, our items are NOT available for pick-up. 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