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USS Saratoga CV-60(V)

Built at a cost of over $209 million in 1955, the Saratoga was the sixth US Naval ship named after the Revolutionary War's Battle of Saratoga. She was meant to be the last aircraft carrier designed as an axial-deck ship, but during construction she was changed to an angled deck ship. The Saratoga was the first Naval carrier to use high-pressure boilers, but during her career, they were the cause of numerous difficulties. She received a battle star for her service during the Vietnam War.

Famous Guests

President Dwight D. Eisenhower watched operations for two days, including a landing on deck of the Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). President Richard Nixon, his Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Secretaries of State and Defense came aboard the night that Gamal Abdul Nasser, President of the United Arab Republic died, for a high level intelligence briefing.

Notable Events

For her first mission, Saratoga took part in joint maneuvers of NATO countries termed Operation Strikeback. She successfully handled her missions with few interruptions until 1961, when a devastating fire broke out in a machinery room, claiming seven lives. It was suspected that the cause was a ruptured fuel oil line.

The Saratoga was reclassified to be a "Multi-purpose Aircraft Carrier" (CV-60) in 1972, but shortly after, lost four aircraft and three pilots. Although she thereafter flew over 1000 missions against North Vietnam, she lost an F-4 to enemy fire. A momentous occasion occurred when a pilot of an A-7 Corsair on a bombing mission had his plane shot out from under him. Falling into enemy territory at night, he was rescued by helicopters from a group of enemy soldiers and returned to the Saratoga. In 1980, the Saratoga displayed military exercises for visits by the Chief of Naval Operations and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. Shortly after, she made naval aviation history when her commanding officer completed his 1,500th carrier-arrested landing. Another noteworthy event occurred later that year, when the vessel underwent the most extensive industrial overhaul ever performed on any Navy ship at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. She became the first US Navy vessel to have a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). As a recipient of this extensive update that was expected to allow 28 months of maintenance free service, she earned the nickname of "Super Sara".

The Saratoga's 1985 deployment in the Mediterranean found her in the midst of the Achille Lauro's hijack by the Palestinian Liberation Front. President Ronald Reagan ordered seven F-14 Tomcats to be launched from her decks, and, by surrounding the highjackers' escape plane upon its landing, were able to take custody without any shots being fired. However, shortly after her involvement in Operation Desert Storm, the Saratoga unfortunately suffered another tragedy: in a ferry boat accident off the coast of Israel, 21 crewmembers lost their lives. She made the news in other ways as well, setting a record with approximately 11,000 aircraft launch and recovery cycles and was the first carrier vessel to complete six full transits of the Suez Canal. Plus, the first American aircraft lost over Iraq, an F-18, was launched from her deck. The Saratoga was also the home base for Navigator-Bombardier LT Jeffrey Zaun, the American beaten by Iraqi security forces and eventually returned to her. Probably the saddest event involving the USS Saratoga involved a misunderstanding of what was to be a simulated attack on nearby opposition forces in 1992. This resulted in two Sea Sparrow missiles striking the Turkish vessel Muavenet. The vessel's bridge was destroyed; five men were killed and most of the ship's officers were injured. The Saratoga's captain and seven of its officers were recommended for disciplinary procedures. In 1994, Saratoga was decommissioned and sent to Newport, Rhode Island, and since then, has been stripped for parts which have been supplied to her sister carriers.

Other Publicity

The USS Saratoga was mentioned in the novels "Red Storm Rising", "World War Z" and "WingMan: The Lucifier Crusade". She was also noted in the movie "Captain Ron", and was the model for a toy aircraft carrier.

Like all sea-going vessels of her time, the USS Saratoga attempted to provide its sailors with the optimum in safety and protection during times of peace as well as war. Yet, the incidence of its fatal fire showed that it was impossible to prevent catastrophe, especially in such small spaces requiring extensive power, heat and fuel. It is known that asbestos was heavily employed to minimize such risk on vessels, since a fire at sea was to be prevented at all cost. However, if any fibers entered the ship's air circulation, many sailors were placed in danger.

If you were exposed to asbestos while serving on the USS Saratoga CV-60(V), or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Asbestos.com offers a free packet with more information. Enter your contact information in the form in the right column and we'll send a copy immediately.

Aircraft Carriers Index

USS America USS Antietam CV 36 K USS Antietam CV 36 USS Badoeng Strait CVE 116 USS Bairoko CVE 115 USS Bairoko CVE 115 USS Belleau wood CVL 24 USS Bennington CV 20 USS Bon Homme Richard CVa USS Boxer CV USS Bunker CV USS Cabot CVL 28 USS Constellation CV USS Coral Sea CV USS Corregidor CVE 58 USS Sable ix USS San jacinto CVL USS Saratoga CV USS Saratoga CV3 USS Shangri La

USS Cowpens CVL 25 USS Enterprise CV 6 USS Enterprise CVN USS Essex CV 9 USS Forrestal CV USS Franklin CV 13 USS Hancock CV 19 USS Hornet CV 12 USS Hornet CV 8 USS Independence C1 USS Independence CVL 22 USS Intrepid CV 11 USS Kearsage CV 33 USS Kearsage CV USS Kitty Hawk USS Sicily CVe USS Sitkoh bay USS Tarawa CV USS Ticonderoga CV USS Valley forge CV

USS Lake Champlain CV 39 USS Langley CV 1 USS Langley CVL 27 USS Lexington CV 16 USS Lexington CV 2 USS Leyte CV 32 USS Midway CV USS Oriskany CV USS Phillipine Sea CV USS Point cruz CVE USS Princeton CV USS Princeton CVL USS Randolph CV USS Ranger CV USS Rendova USS Wasp CV 18 USS Wasp CV 7 USS Wolverine IX 64 USS Yorktown CV 10 USS Yorktown CV 5

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