USS Forrestal Fire Overview

A catastrophic fire that occurred on July 29, 1967, aboard the USS Forrestal while on Yankee Station off the coast of Vietnam.

The world's first supercarrier and the first Atlantic Fleet carrier on Yankee Station.

The location where the USS Forrestal was operating when the fire occurred, off the coast of Vietnam.

A stray electrical signal ignited the motor of a Zuni rocket carried by an F-4B Phantom II, causing the initial fire on the Forrestal.

A type of air-to-air missile carried by the F-4B Phantom II that ignited due to an electrical signal, leading to the Forrestal fire.

A type of fighter jet carrying a Zuni rocket that caused the Forrestal fire.

The fire crew responded immediately and began firefighting efforts within seconds of the initial fire.

The Forrestal fire claimed the lives of 134 Sailors and Airmen and injured or burned another 161.

The Forrestal fire was a major incident that occurred on the USS Forrestal, an aircraft carrier, in 1967. It started with a Zuni rocket malfunction and escalated into a series of fires and explosions that resulted in the destruction of 21 aircraft and damage to 40 others. The incident led to investigations and changes in safety protocols.

The cause of the Forrestal fire was a faulty Zuni rocket that ignited nearby fuel. This ignited a chain reaction of fires and explosions across the flight deck and below deck, demonstrating the dangers of mishandled weaponry and the need for strict safety measures.

The fires below deck on the Forrestal were particularly challenging to fight due to the confined spaces, lack of light, thick smoke, and toxic fumes. These conditions hampered rescue efforts and made it difficult to extinguish the flames.

Despite extensive damage and loss of life, the investigation concluded that no single individual was directly responsible for the Forrestal fire. This highlighted the importance of proactive safety measures rather than simply blaming individuals after a mishap.

The Forrestal fire emphasized the need for robust safety protocols and procedures, particularly on aircraft carriers where the presence of weaponry, fuel, and aircraft presents unique hazards. The incident led to changes in procedures and equipment to prevent future incidents.

After the Forrestal fire, the ship underwent extensive repairs and returned to active service. This highlighted the resilience of the US Navy and the importance of repairing and maintaining vessels despite significant damage.

The fire on the USS Forrestal also had a significant impact on naval safety protocols. It prompted the development of new safety standards and procedures across the US Navy, ensuring a greater focus on fire prevention and response on aircraft carriers.

A major fire that occurred on the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier in 1967, which resulted in significant casualties and had a lasting impact on Navy damage control practices.

Damage control is the set of procedures and techniques used to minimize damage to a ship or vessel during an emergency, such as fire or flooding.

The USS Forrestal fire led to a comprehensive review and improvement of the Navy's fire prevention and damage control training, equipping, and procedures.

An important source of information on the USS Forrestal fire, providing firsthand insights and historical context.

The official U.S. Navy photograph archive contains images of historic events, including the USS Forrestal, showing the ship's appearance and operations.

The National Naval Aviation Museum serves as a repository of artifacts and exhibits related to naval aviation, including a dedicated section on the USS Forrestal fire.

This thesis by Lieutenant Commander Henry Stewart, a student at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, explores the impact of the USS Forrestal fire.

A motivational film produced for the Navy, focused on fire prevention and damage control training, highlighting the importance of preparedness and skills.