USS Forrestal Fire Overview

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Questions and Answers

What kind of aircraft were involved in the firefighting effort on the USS Forrestal?

Heavily-armed and fueled aircraft (correct)

Transport and supply aircraft

Only reconnaissance aircraft

Unarmed and unfueled aircraft

When did the fire on the USS Forrestal get controlled?

Within twenty-four hours

Within the first hour

Within two hours

Within one hour (correct)

How many aircraft were destroyed during the incident on the USS Forrestal?

Twenty-one (correct)

Forty

Seventeen

Twenty-two

What was the recommendation made by the investigation report regarding crew members?

To take no disciplinary or administrative action Signup and view all the answers

Where did the USS Forrestal receive emergency repairs after the incident?

Subic Bay, The Philippines Signup and view all the answers

What significant event did the USS Forrestal NOT participate in after the incident?

Vietnam cruise Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did firefighters face when combating the fire below deck?

Presence of toxic fumes and confined spaces Signup and view all the answers

What did the investigation report cite as a contributing factor to the fire on the USS Forrestal?

Errors of safety checks on the Zuni rocket Signup and view all the answers

What event triggered the catastrophic fire aboard USS Forrestal?

A stray electrical signal igniting a Zuni rocket Signup and view all the answers

How many Sailors and Airmen were killed in the USS Forrestal fire?

50 Signup and view all the answers

What was the location of the USS Forrestal during the fire incident?

Yankee Station off Vietnam Signup and view all the answers

Which aircraft was involved in the triggering of the fire?

F-4 Phantom II Signup and view all the answers

How quickly did the firefighting team respond to the initial outbreak of the fire?

Fifty-four seconds Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the explosions during the fire?

Debris was hurled nearly 1,000 feet away Signup and view all the answers

How many crew members were seriously injured or burned in the incident?

161 Signup and view all the answers

What type of bombs specifically caused havoc during the fire?

Korean War–vintage bombs Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the 1967 fire on the USS Forrestal?

Enhanced training for damage control readiness Signup and view all the answers

Who authored a blog post discussing the USS Forrestal tragedy?

Chief Damage Controlman Teddy Yates Signup and view all the answers

What type of educational material was created as a result of the USS Forrestal fire?

A motivational film for Navy personnel Signup and view all the answers

What does the National Naval Aviation Museum include in its collection related to the Forrestal fire?

Historical imagery from the event Signup and view all the answers

What was the USS Forrestal’s designation?

CV-59 Signup and view all the answers

When did the USS Forrestal fire occur?

July 29, 1967 Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the memorial video released on the 45th anniversary of the fire?

To commemorate those who served on the USS Forrestal Signup and view all the answers

What broader implication did the USS Forrestal fire have for the U.S. Navy?

Changes in training protocols for firefighting Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) Fire

On July 29, 1967, the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) experienced a catastrophic fire during flight operations over Vietnam.
The fire was caused by eight high-order explosions of vintage Korean War bombs, and numerous smaller weapons.
The fire claimed 134 sailors and airmen, and seriously injured or burned another 161.
Fifty of the dead were found in their sleeping quarters.
The ship was only five days into its deployment to Yankee Station.
The fire happened just before the ship's second scheduled strike of the day.
An investigation determined a stray electrical signal ignited a Zuni rocket, which struck and ignited a bomb on an F-4B Phantom II. A bomb on an A-4E Skyhawk fell to the deck and ignited.
The explosions tore holes in the flight deck and caused fuel, water, and foam to cascade into compartments.
The fire quickly spread below deck, causing significant damage in the enclosed spaces, poor visibility, thick smoke, and toxic fumes.
Twenty-one aircraft and another 40 were damaged, out of a total of 73 on board.
The fire raged for hours, with below-deck fires persisting until 4 a.m. the following morning.
The ship was repaired at Subic Bay and Portsmouth, Virginia, and returned to service.

Lessons Learned

The incident highlighted the urgent need for improved damage control procedures and safety checks.
The accident led to new protocols to improve safety.
Modifications made to safety standards for aircraft and weaponry, and improvements to procedures.
No disciplinary action was taken against any personnel on board.

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Description

Explore the catastrophic fire aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in 1967, which resulted in tragic losses during flight operations. This quiz delves into the causes, events, and the aftermath of one of the deadliest naval disasters. Test your knowledge on the details surrounding this significant maritime incident.