1973 Navy Air Operation USS Midway Vietnam

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  • Опубліковано 13 кві 2023
  • Filmed aboard the USS Midway launch of fighter aircraft during air combat operation over the coast of Vietnam 1973. You will see the F-4 Phantom on the cat ready for launch with its "Full Throttle Cat Shot" and breathtaking afterburner. Ear protection was required equipment. Notice the "color coded vest" worn be all crew on the flight deck.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 113

  • @craigpennington1251
    @craigpennington1251 8 місяців тому +20

    I was out there somewhere in 73 also on the Kennedy doing the same thing. Wow! 51 years ago. Time goes by so fast.

  • @juggernaut3373
    @juggernaut3373 8 місяців тому +28

    Incredible footage! This is the type of stuff I remember watching in documentaries in the early 1980s. My dad flew F-8s, F-4s, and F-14s in the Navy. Between the films and him, it led me directly to my career as a Naval Aviator. Annapolis, Class of 1991. Flew the F-14D (for 9 years - best plane ever) and F/A-18F after the 'Cat phase out picked up speed. The F-4 is my absolute favorite and made me wish I had been born earlier so I could have flown that. I can smell the deck watching this - that unique perfume of fuel, metallic steam, lubricant, sea spray, wet cloth and sweat.

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  8 місяців тому +2

      Thats an incredible description of your adventures. Something movies are made from. In your case, it actually happened to you. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm waiting for a few more to be digitized. Coming soon.

    • @rogerramjet7567
      @rogerramjet7567 8 місяців тому +3

      I was on the Ranger CV61. VF 21. F-4s. 1970. Never forget working the flight deck. 👍👍

    • @steveowens913
      @steveowens913 7 місяців тому +2

      As long as the "Stack Gas from the carrier wasn't blown down to the flight deck!" YIKES!!

    • @steveowens913
      @steveowens913 7 місяців тому +2

      That totally reminds me of what William Defoe said in the movie "Flight of The Intruder " as soon as he stepped off of the "Cod" after it brought him aboard the aircraft carrier. "Wait, I just want to smell it, I've been away for awhile!"...By the way, A great movie! Gets to the reality of even the Navy pilots' attitudes about the Vietnam War. Lots of folks don't know that the Navy pilots could "turn in their wings." A great book is Over The Beach by Zalin Grant. Between just July & October 10, the Oriskany, on one cruise lost 40% of its aircraft. When being strapped into your pilot's seat, "Do you feel lucky?"...

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  12 днів тому +1

      @@rogerramjet7567 must have been real frightening at first. Something you don't want to get use to or you can die. Literally!!

  • @grumpyguy8651
    @grumpyguy8651 10 днів тому +1

    I Re-Commissioned the Midway in 1970 and made the '71 Westpac Cruise. We were still a CVA then. Last one in the fleet!

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  9 днів тому

      Thanks for the comment. Those were the days. Did you ride the Midway to Guam to offload all the helos/jets we transported there? I think it was Guam.

  • @hitorque2734
    @hitorque2734 8 місяців тому +12

    My logbook shows 16 green-ink hops in the F--4 at 1:15, Buno 152983, during the 72-73 cruise. The squadron was VF-151, call sign Switchbox. Our sister squadron, VF-161, got several MiG kills but we never got lucky. Closest I came was my wingie and I getting vectored off a day BARCAP station for a couple MiG-21's overland. Their controllers warned that we were coming and they bugged out for Phuc Yen. We couldn't catch 'em.

  • @bigal4304
    @bigal4304 6 місяців тому +6

    paint schemes back then where amazing

  • @steveowens913
    @steveowens913 10 місяців тому +27

    I really enjoyed the variety of aircraft that we had on the "boat" during the Vietnam War era. And I must admit, I wasn't really fearful of daytime flight ops on a carrier. Nights were very different!! We even had a 3rd class ordnance guy blown overboard at night on a very short Atlantic Ocean boat ride on the Independence. Fortunately, someone saw him go, and he was retrieved!! Picked up by a following destroyer!

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  10 місяців тому +3

      Glad it turned out good for guy😀 Thanks for your comment.

    • @frankaxiak1959
      @frankaxiak1959 9 місяців тому +3

      Thank you Surface Navy! Black shoes in action.

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  9 місяців тому +3

      @@frankaxiak1959 yep!

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  9 місяців тому +3

      @@frankaxiak1959 haven't heard that phrase in awhile.

    • @frankaxiak1959
      @frankaxiak1959 9 місяців тому +3

      @@RandyBridgesRealtor I am retired Surface Warfare Officer who served two tours on DDGs and did plenty of plane guard. Go Navy!

  • @sdvol9077
    @sdvol9077 5 місяців тому +2

    I live across from The Midway , great view everyday! They’re getting ready to convert the “Midway Pier” to a nice park - dropping the old warehouse

  • @milesdee1806
    @milesdee1806 8 місяців тому +8

    Great vid. I was on one of the "cans" there in '72 & '73. The USS Henderson DD 785 aka the Hendy Maru. We did shore battery support along with plane guarding for the carriers during launch and recovery. Proud member of the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club!!!

    • @user-ig1xo3om2x
      @user-ig1xo3om2x 8 місяців тому +1

      Thank you for your service sir.

    • @milesdee1806
      @milesdee1806 8 місяців тому

      👍@@user-ig1xo3om2x

    • @robertbrink2240
      @robertbrink2240 8 місяців тому +1

      You probably escorted the Ranger during that time I was aircrew on the C-1A. I loved watching you guys during the unreps in your foulweather gear. I was impressed. You guys were the true Navy. Thanks for being there and ready to rescue any of us who landed in the drink. Another proud member of the gulf of tonkin club!

    • @milesdee1806
      @milesdee1806 8 місяців тому

      @@robertbrink2240 Thank you for the compliment........yes, I believe we "guarded" the Ranger at times along with the Oriskany, and the Saratoga (Sorry Sara) as her crew dubbed her and lastly the Enterprise (she was a nuclear speed demon across the water). As you enjoyed watching us bob and weave we enjoyed watching you guys fly off and return. One of my favorite memories was when one of the carriers, I forget which one, was landing it's airwing for the last time on that particular Westpac. Those F4 pilots were allowed to put on a sort of airshow before they caught the hook and headed home. Some of those guys came over the top with victory rolls while some dipped down low over the water between the carrier and us cans. That was truly a delight to see. Their joy had to be immeasurable to have survived the bombing runs on the North and to be heading home. One of my most favorite books was Steven Coonts' Flight of the Intruder. Your guys piloting skills were simply unreal...........thank you too sir for all your bravery!

    • @user-vc1oz9rv6v
      @user-vc1oz9rv6v 5 місяців тому +1

      Me soooo haawny
      Me luuuuv you loooong time

  • @raybates3119
    @raybates3119 7 місяців тому +2

    The A-6 was a tough old bird but the F-4 was always my favorite!

  • @joevaccaro6655
    @joevaccaro6655 5 місяців тому +4

    A truly remarkable carrier ⚓️ 🇺🇸

    • @chuenmanlau8434
      @chuenmanlau8434 4 місяці тому +1

      But after wwii america never won a war.

  • @PlaneSpottingbyCharlyBaby
    @PlaneSpottingbyCharlyBaby 11 місяців тому +5

    This material is gold!!!

  • @michaelmappin4425
    @michaelmappin4425 7 місяців тому +4

    Great footage. If I could only have one day of my career holding a smart phone.

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  7 місяців тому

      It would be well worth it.....

    • @steveowens913
      @steveowens913 12 днів тому

      Maybe, but maybe not! We both know if there's a place to be totally aware of your surroundings, the flight deck during flight ops IS that place!!

    • @michaelmappin4425
      @michaelmappin4425 12 днів тому

      @steveowens913 We have photographers up there all the time. Also, all the yellowshirts worked for me, so I have no doubt I'd be safe.

  • @brianmahaney1361
    @brianmahaney1361 6 місяців тому +2

    Was there then on the Saratoga CVA-60 G-DIV ROOF RAT IYAOYAS!!

  • @charlesmoore1358
    @charlesmoore1358 10 місяців тому +3

    I just missed that I joined the Navy in 1 March 73. USS JFK Tomcats 1974 med cruise 😢

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  10 місяців тому

      It was an interesting time for sure..

    • @steveowens913
      @steveowens913 8 місяців тому

      My squadron converted to the Tomcats in '81. By then I was long gone, finished with college with 2 great kids. But I still love the fighter jets. Watched the Blue Angels here in South Atlanta 3 shows at the beginning of November last year. And I got the "Need for Speed, " buying 6 Corvettes since '95, currently with an "antique " and a C6Z06. Plus a 600 hp M5. But no tickets, no fast driving on public roads!!

  • @TheTruthcometh
    @TheTruthcometh 6 місяців тому +2

    Love the Midway...Go VA-93 The Ravens!

  • @blackrocks8413
    @blackrocks8413 8 місяців тому +2

    hat tip to the 73 guys who put in the long hours at flight ops, day and night. From an '83-er on cv-59 and cv-67 with VA-85. Sierra Hotel

  • @johnburkholder9461
    @johnburkholder9461 9 місяців тому +5

    A-7 driver 75-78 with the Champs

  • @JohnSaylock-ec4cd
    @JohnSaylock-ec4cd 4 місяці тому +1

    I don't know if it counts that in 89 VQ-1 put us aboard for a month. I was on the flight deck all that time.. very fast deck that's for sure.

  • @JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe
    @JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe 12 днів тому +1

    Was it the film or was this task force just leaving port? Pretty day all is correct and gleaming in the sun. Thanks!

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  12 днів тому

      This was my personal footage taken during flight operations off the coast of Vietnam in 1973. I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.

  • @rogermurray5582
    @rogermurray5582 7 місяців тому +1

    U.S.S.MIDWAY Now Museum California Famous Fall of Saigon Vietnam 🇻🇳 1974

  • @jkaposi
    @jkaposi Рік тому +3

    Great footage.

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  Рік тому +2

      Glad you enjoyed it

    • @jkaposi
      @jkaposi Рік тому +1

      @@RandyBridgesRealtor Shame its only 3 minutes. Nearly got aboard Midway during her 1987 visit to Sydney Oz....well we actually got aboard, but only lasted not even as long as this video goes before the Jarheads frogmarched us back down the gangway to the ferry.

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  11 місяців тому +2

      @@jkaposi more to come.

    • @jkaposi
      @jkaposi 11 місяців тому +1

      @@RandyBridgesRealtor I can't wait.

  • @allgood6760
    @allgood6760 9 місяців тому +2

    Awesome ✈️👍

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  8 місяців тому +1

      I have to agree with you. It was a great time to view this in real time... Thanks for the like.

  • @wfdix1
    @wfdix1 5 місяців тому

    I wasn’t aboard the Tip of the Sword until 1977. We didn’t have music like this. The FOD walk down would have looked much better.

  • @kolddk
    @kolddk 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank f... for the mute option!!!

  • @jrranch9712
    @jrranch9712 7 місяців тому +3

    F8 Crusader
    Bad ass

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  5 місяців тому

      I quess... I have always been a fan of the F-4 myself. ✈

  • @alessandrobartoloni2871
    @alessandrobartoloni2871 8 місяців тому +2

    assolutamente notevole!

  • @cameronturner7475
    @cameronturner7475 5 місяців тому

    My dad was the FDO on the Midway in 76/77. I got to go out on her for a family day once.

  • @user-nx5pm9cp8d
    @user-nx5pm9cp8d 6 місяців тому +1

    VF-151, 78 to 80, off Iran, Gonzo

  • @thinkforyourself4046
    @thinkforyourself4046 10 місяців тому +5

    Nice to see the f4 phantom and prowlers/ intruders

  • @shanan1124
    @shanan1124 8 місяців тому +3

    What camera did you use?

  • @erikzornes4183
    @erikzornes4183 7 місяців тому

    How did it end

  • @tonymanero5544
    @tonymanero5544 10 місяців тому +5

    Really appreciate the footage, but the parade music is distracting. Thanks much.

    • @steveowens913
      @steveowens913 10 місяців тому +1

      Didn't exactly finish, lots of high ranking pilots who were long term P.O.W.'s in the Vietnam War, lost their marriages...

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  10 місяців тому

      To me I had to add Navy music, it would have been boring to me. Glad you liked it.

    • @enricomandragona163
      @enricomandragona163 9 місяців тому

      I agree if rather here the action

  • @user-hd6kx9dy1g
    @user-hd6kx9dy1g 8 місяців тому +2

    お グラマン イントルーダーだね。懐かしいね。

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  12 днів тому

      Correct. C1-A COD. Basically, the Admiral's private plane. Most importantly, served as the "the ships mail plane"

  • @derekpierkowski7641
    @derekpierkowski7641 7 місяців тому +1

    👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @scottritner1260
    @scottritner1260 7 місяців тому +1

    Was the plane guard hello from HC2?

  • @terrelmchenry9524
    @terrelmchenry9524 9 місяців тому +1

    3MMR JFK CV-67...

  • @GoogleMail-cp6xp
    @GoogleMail-cp6xp 5 місяців тому +1

    Party music 🎉🎉🎉

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  5 місяців тому

      I tried to find Naval Aviation music with no luck. Thanks for your comments.

  • @user-lc1um4ux3o
    @user-lc1um4ux3o 4 місяці тому

    Чего у американцев не отнять - отличное оснащение и условия для военных, чтобы убивать

  • @AJdet-2
    @AJdet-2 10 місяців тому +2

    VA-56 CHUMPS
    71-73

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  8 місяців тому +1

      Same time frame I was onboard. I was COD crew 6 months.

    • @AJdet-2
      @AJdet-2 8 місяців тому +1

      @@RandyBridgesRealtor
      I could have met you, in fact probably did. I shuttled on a Cod half a dozen times at least. I was usually part of the advanced det when we pulled into port.
      I was flown to atsugi Nas the first part of October 1973. That was one of my last shuttles. Small world. Or should I say small web

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  8 місяців тому

      Here I am facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10225371607271182&set=pb.1653942532.-2207520000&type=3@@AJdet-2

  • @grummanfanschneid
    @grummanfanschneid 9 місяців тому +1

    Shame - no one mentioned Grumman Aerospace yet “Baby” the proud son of a Grumman Airframe engineer recently deceased..

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  9 місяців тому +1

      Sorry to here that but I think you are posting on the wrong video...

    • @grummanfanschneid
      @grummanfanschneid 9 місяців тому

      Where did most of your aircraft come from my friend????

  • @enricomandragona163
    @enricomandragona163 9 місяців тому +2

    Can the parade music 🎵🎶

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  8 місяців тому

      It would be very boring without navy music in the background in my opinion.. Did you enjoy it?

    • @enricomandragona163
      @enricomandragona163 8 місяців тому +2

      @@RandyBridgesRealtor no I didn't!! Apparently your not a Phantom pilot or someone that worked on them or around them!! The music is the sound of the J-79's in full burner!!

    • @michaelmappin4425
      @michaelmappin4425 7 місяців тому +1

      Back in those days, cameras with sound were not something most sailors were able to afford. There would be silence without Souza.

    • @enricomandragona163
      @enricomandragona163 7 місяців тому +1

      @@michaelmappin4425 apparently you doubed in the ridiculous music a better choice would be better

    • @michaelmappin4425
      @michaelmappin4425 7 місяців тому +1

      @@enricomandragona163 I like National Emblem.

  • @angloaust1575
    @angloaust1575 13 днів тому

    20 years before it was korea
    Russian pilots flew migs
    Against sabres!

  • @alfred.g7521
    @alfred.g7521 7 місяців тому

    Best viewed with the sound turned off

    • @RandyBridgesRealtor
      @RandyBridgesRealtor  5 місяців тому +1

      I can appreciate that. To me, it adds to the emotions of the event. Glad you liked the video part though.

  • @user-kr5pn7oj8b
    @user-kr5pn7oj8b 5 місяців тому

    Doch ich kann nicht klagen.