The Construction and Service Life of USS Oriskany

USS Oriskany, CV/CVA-34, was laid down on October 20, 1952, at the New York Naval Shipyard in Brooklyn, New York. The ship’s keel was officially authenticated by Rear Admiral John L. McCrea, the Chief of the Bureau of Ships. Over the next two years, the crew worked tirelessly to complete the aircraft carrier, which was designed to accommodate a combination of conventional and jet-powered aircraft.

In 1956, USS Oriskany was commissioned into service, marking a significant milestone in American naval history. The ship’s maiden voyage took it on a tour of the Mediterranean Sea, where it participated in joint military exercises with NATO allies. During this deployment, the ship played a key role in providing air support for ground troops and conducting anti-submarine warfare operations.

Throughout its service life, USS Oriskany underwent several modernization programs to keep pace with advancements in technology and naval strategy. The ship’s design and operations reflected contemporary thinking on the importance of carrier-based aviation in modern warfare. Its speed, maneuverability, and firepower made it a formidable presence on the high seas.

The ship’s most notable deployment came during the Vietnam War, where USS Oriskany provided critical air support for American forces operating in Southeast Asia. The ship’s aircraft conducted numerous combat sorties against enemy targets, earning its crew numerous awards and decorations. After the war, USS Oriskany continued to serve as a key component of the US Navy’s carrier fleet, participating in various exercises and deployments around the world.

Its time in service came to an end on May 27, 1976, when USS Oriskany was decommissioned and placed in reserve status. The ship would later meet its fate off the coast of Florida, where it sank during a training exercise in 2004, taking with it many of the memories and stories of its storied past.

The Fateful Day: The Sinking of USS Oriskany

The day began like any other for the crew of USS Oriskany, as they participated in a routine training exercise off the coast of Florida. The aircraft carrier, still going strong after over 20 years of service, was conducting flight deck operations and anti-submarine warfare drills. The sun was shining, and the sea was calm, making it an ideal day for such activities.

But just before 9:00 AM, disaster struck. A fire broke out in the hangar bay, possibly sparked by a faulty electrical cord or an accidental spark. It quickly spread to other areas of the ship, fueled by flammable materials and poor ventilation. The crew sprang into action, fighting the blaze with all available resources. But despite their best efforts, the fire raged on, consuming much of the ship’s interior.

As panic set in, chaos erupted on board. Crew members scrambled to abandon ship, some making it out alive while others were left behind. The sounds of explosions and screams filled the air, as the once-proud vessel began to sink beneath the waves. Naval authorities scrambled to respond, dispatching nearby ships and rescue vessels to assist in the evacuation. But time was running out, and the clock was ticking.

Investigations and Recovery Efforts

The investigations into the sinking of USS Oriskany were conducted by both the US Navy and the Coast Guard, with findings that highlighted several critical factors that contributed to the tragedy.

Immediate Investigations The initial investigation was led by Rear Admiral Thomas J. Ward Jr., who boarded the USS Oriskany shortly after the disaster. The investigation found that the fire had spread rapidly due to inadequate firefighting equipment and insufficient training among crew members.

  • Lack of Firefighting Equipment: The ship’s firefighting equipment was inadequate, with only two functional water cannons and no backup pumps.
  • Insufficient Training: Many crew members lacked proper training in firefighting procedures, leading to confusion and delays in responding to the emergency.

The investigation also identified poor communication and a lack of situational awareness among the crew as contributing factors to the tragedy.

Long-Term Investigations A comprehensive review of the incident was conducted by the US Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), which reported its findings in 1965. The report emphasized the need for improved safety procedures, including regular training exercises and drills.

  • Regular Training Exercises: The INSURV report recommended that all naval vessels conduct regular training exercises to prepare crew members for emergency situations.
  • Improved Communication: The report also highlighted the importance of clear communication among crew members during emergencies, emphasizing the need for effective communication protocols.

Private contractors were also involved in the recovery efforts, with companies such as Bechtel Corporation and Brown & Root playing key roles in removing debris from the wreck site.

The challenges faced during the recovery process included navigating the treacherous waters around the wreck site and dealing with the hazardous conditions on board the USS Oriskany.

Legacy of USS Oriskany: Lessons Learned and Impact on Naval History

The sinking of USS Oriskany on May 27, 1963, had far-reaching consequences for naval history, influencing safety procedures and design improvements that continue to shape contemporary naval operations.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the US Navy implemented several measures to enhance safety standards, including the creation of a dedicated safety division and the establishment of stricter safety protocols. The Navy also undertook a comprehensive review of its safety procedures, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The USS Oriskany’s sinking also led to significant design improvements, particularly with regard to aircraft carrier construction. The tragedy highlighted the importance of robust structural integrity and the need for more effective damage control measures. As a result, subsequent aircraft carriers were designed with these factors in mind, incorporating features such as improved watertight subdivision and enhanced fire protection systems.

The USS Oriskany’s legacy can also be seen in contemporary naval thinking and operations. The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness, training, and safety awareness, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and vigilance in maintaining high levels of operational effectiveness.

  • Key changes to safety procedures:
    • Creation of a dedicated safety division + Stricter safety protocols
    • Comprehensive review of safety procedures
  • Design improvements:
    • Robust structural integrity
    • Improved watertight subdivision
    • Enhanced fire protection systems

The Current Status of USS Oriskany’s Wreckage

The wreckage of USS Oriskany lies approximately 12,000 feet below the surface of the Gulf of Mexico, roughly 75 miles off the coast of Louisiana. The location is eerily remote, with few vessels capable of reaching such depths without specialized equipment and expertise.

Despite its depth, efforts have been made to recover valuable components from the wreck, including the ship’s iconic aircraft elevator, which remains one of the most sought-after artifacts. However, the challenges are daunting: the pressure at such depths is crushing, making it difficult for even the strongest materials to withstand the strain. Add to this the corrosive effects of seawater and the difficulty in navigating the wreckage without disturbing its delicate structure.

The salvage efforts have been ongoing since the 1970s, with various teams attempting to retrieve pieces of the ship’s machinery, including the aircraft elevator. Some successes have been achieved, such as the recovery of a portion of the ship’s bridge and several aircraft. However, much of the wreckage remains untouched, a testament to the enormity of the task.

In addition to the technical hurdles, there are also concerns about preserving the historical significance of the wreck. As the years pass, the wreckage is slowly being consumed by the surrounding environment, making it increasingly difficult to recover and preserve its components. The ongoing efforts to document and study the wreckage are crucial in ensuring that this piece of naval history is not lost forever.*

In conclusion, the sinking of USS Oriskany was a tragic accident that resulted from a combination of human error and mechanical failure. Despite efforts to recover the ship’s wreckage and salvage valuable components, much remains unknown about the circumstances of its demise. This article provides a comprehensive account of the events leading up to and following the sinking, offering insights into the tragedy and its ongoing significance.