The USS Forrestal, the U.S. Navy's first supercarrier and part of the Forrestal-class, played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, particularly at Yankee Station in 1967.
Alternatives to the supercarrier concept existed within naval thought, suggesting diversified roles and platforms might have prevailed in its absence. Ultimately, the Forrestal and subsequent supercarriers became central to U.S. naval dominance, shaping global military and diplomatic landscapes significantly.
The 1967 fire aboard the nation’s first supercarrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59) resonates through history. It set the stage for future damage-control operations throughout the U.S. Navy. The incident destroyed 21 aircraft, injured 161, and killed 134 sailors.