The Navy Years – Yankee Station

On April 2, 1970 I left San Diego aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) with the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 (Pacific Fleet Angels). Our mission was sea and air rescue of downed pilots or personnel lost at sea. During flight operations our helicopters flew guard around the carrier.

We had a few days in Hawaii and I had a chance to visit a friend who had moved there. While hiking in a rain forest I slipped on a mossy rock and fell into a pool. I was fine but my camera and film were ruined which explains the lack of photos of Hawaii.

After Hawaii we headed to Subic Bay in the Philippines for supplies and R&R. I was able to replace my broken camera with a Nikkomat SLR which served me well during my Navy service.

After Subic we headed toward the Gulf of Tonkin known as Yankee Station the point off the coast of Vietnam used to launch air strikes during the Vietnam War.

I had permission to photograph flight operations and i spent a fair amount of time watching fighters catch the arresting gear and come screeching to a halt. I wore ear protection but the noise level was unbelievable.

If the pilot missed all the cables he would hit the afterburner and take off for another try.  That noise actually caused me physical pain, but I stayed for the photo.

After each landing the crewmen would run out to inspect the cable for broken strands. If the cable snaps it can cause significant damage and injury .

After the fighter is safely on the deck crewman races over to free the cable from the tail hook. It was dangerous working on the flight deck.