Welcome to the USS Independence CV-62 Guestbook Forum

I was attached to HS-5. From 1976-1978. I was a plane Captain, LSE, made one med cruise and than we (HS-5) went over to the IKE and plankowner. My first day on the ship, big fuel fire on starboard side outside of the ship, had no area to muster or report to. What a cluster f—- that day. Then to top that off, we get into some bad storms crossing the Atlantic Ocean and cold not out run it. Damaged planes, catwalks, sailors. They even tied 5 of together with a long rope and spaced apart. Told to go check the tie downs on planes and don’t get swiped overboard cause nobody is coming after you guys. One hell of a cruise for ADAN first time out to sea. Wouldn’t change a thing, great guys I worked for and with. The officers were outstanding and I did get to fly off the ship when we returned home to pier 12. To Jacksonville Naval Air Station.

With VAH-1 out of NAS Sanford, Florida made 2 med cruises in 1962 then 1963 thru 1964! Appears same time as Paul McClelland and also aboard when Kennedy was shot! Was transferred to Heavy 3 in Sanford till discharged in Feb. 1965! Experience of life time!

Served on board The Indy from 1966-1968.
V-1 Division Repair 8 Crash and Salvage.
Joined her on Med Cruise in 1966.
Lot of fond memories.

Served with HS-5 aboard the USS Independence from 1976 until late 1978 when we cross decked to the USS Eisenhower. At some point while on the Indy, we went through a hurricane. Does anyone know which Hurricane that was.?

My father Michael Russell served on the Independence from 1974-78 and 80-82. Would like to know if anybody on here knew him then. lots of good memories in Norfolk..