The USS Forrestal, once a formidable force in the Cold War’s naval arms race, now stands as a towering testament to the evolution of sea-based warfare.

This iconic supercarrier, part of the U.S. Navy’s Forrestal-class, revolutionized naval combat with its mammoth size and technological prowess.

During its prime, the USS Forrestal was a true behemoth of the seas.

Built in the 1950s, it dwarfed its predecessors with a full load displacement of approximately 80,000 tons.

The Forrestal-class carriers were born out of a pressing need for a new kind of warship, one that could carry larger, more powerful jet aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

The USS Forrestal, in particular, stood out with several distinctive features.

Initially designated as a “Large Aircraft Carrier” with hull number CVB-59, the contract for this vessel was granted to Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., located in Newport News, Virginia, on July 12, 1951. The ship’s construction commenced on July 14, 1952.

It was later reclassified as an “Attack Aircraft Carrier” (CVA-59) on October 1, 1952. The vessel was launched on December 11, 1954, and officially commissioned on October 1, 1955.

The Forrestal carriers, in contrast to their predecessors, were approximately 25% larger in size. While the previous Midway-class vessels could accommodate 65-75 airframes, the Forrestal carriers could house up to 100 aircraft.

These modern supercarriers were longer by 100 feet and wider by nearly 20 feet compared to the Midway class, enhancing their stability at sea under varying weather conditions.

Upon their inception, the Forrestal ships boasted the largest hangar and flight decks, anticipating the growing size of aircraft, particularly as the military explored the deployment of compact nuclear weapons following the aftermath of World War II.

In addition to its size and design innovations, the USS Forrestal was also a trailblazer in its use of technology. It was equipped with steam catapults, which allowed it to launch faster jet aircraft.

Between January 1983 and May 1985, it underwent modernization at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard as part of the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).

In September 1992, the Forrestal arrived in Philadelphia for a comprehensive 14-month overhaul in preparation for its training carrier duties.

However, a decision was made in early 1993 to decommission the Forrestal, leaving the Navy without a dedicated training carrier. It was ultimately decommissioned and removed from the Navy List on September 11, 1993.

Relevant articles:
– Photos: How Forrestal-Class Aircraft Carriers Made the U.S Navy so Powerful, The National Interest
– Forrestal class Aircraft Carrier US Navy, Seaforces
– Forrestal (CVA, United States Navy (.mil)
– Aircraft Carrier Photo Index: USS FORRESTAL (CVA, Navsource