CVA-60 (later CV-60) was named for the Battle of Saratoga, September and October 1777. It was a decisive American victory resulting in the surrender of an entire British army of 9,000 men invading New York from Canada during the American Revolutionary War. The Battle of Saratoga was actually two battles about 9 miles south of Saratoga, New York (NS020351a), namely the Battle of Freeman's Farm and the Battle of Bemis Heights, and is related with the earlier Battle of Bennington, about 15 miles east of Saratoga. The surrender of General John Burgoyne, who was surrounded by much larger American militia forces, took place after his retreat to Saratoga. The capture of an entire British army secured the northern American states from further attacks out of Canada and prevented New England from being isolated. A major result was that France entered the conflict on behalf of the Americans, thus dramatically improving the Americans' chances in the war. The Battle of Saratoga was the turning point in the Revolutionary War.

The first Battle at Saratoga, generally referred to by historians as Freeman's Farm, began with John Burgoyne's offensive (19 September)—the British lost two men for every one American casualty. In terms of ground gained, however, both sides fought to a draw. In the second Battle, otherwise known as Bemis Heights (7 October), British losses were four to one. The rebels' victory was overwhelming. After negotiations, Burgoyne officially surrendered on 17 October. He returned to England in disgrace and was never given another command. When news of the American victory reached Europe, France entered the war on the side of the patriots. Money and supplies flowed to the American cause, providing Washington's Continental Army with the support necessary to continue its fight against Great Britain. Britain's loss at Saratoga was disastrous because it showed the European powers that the rebels were capable of defeating the English on their own. More than any other event, it would prove decisive in determining the eventual outcome of the War and the victory of Patriots.

American warships that had previously borne the name:

1. A Continental Navy sloop-of-war.
2. A corvette.
3. A sloop-of-war.
4. A cruiser.
5. An aircraft carrier of World War II fame.

NS020351: Surrender of General Burgoyne, painting by John Trumbull (1822); photograph by the Architect of the Capitol.

The future USS Saratoga (CVA-60).

All Hands magazine, October 1957 issue, p.5.

Christening of Saratoga (CVA-60), Saturday, 8 October 1955, New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, New York. Official U.S. Navy photograph.

"(NY20)NEW YORK, Oct. 7[, 1955]–SUPERCARRIER SARATOGA READY TO GO—Here is a general view of crowd gathered for launching today of Navy's second super-carrier, the Saratoga, at the New York Naval Shipyard in Brooklyn. The Saratoga faces six more months of construction before she is ready to join the fleet. (AP Wirephoto)"

Aerial photo of the launching of the attack aircraft carrier Saratoga (CVA-60) at the New York Naval Shipyard, Saturday, 8 October 1955. Photo by Flying Camera, Inc. of Bronx, NY #A-1297.

"Christening of Saratoga (CVA 60) — Aircraft Carrier Attack — October 8, 1955 — New York Naval Shipyard — Brooklyn, New York"

Official U.S. Navy photo of Saratoga (CVA-60) being moved into position while under construction, 28 January 1956.

"(NY27)NEW YORK, April 14[, 1956]—THE SARATOGA JOINS THE NAVY—The bow of the mighty U.S.S. Saratoga projects into the East River during commissioning services at the New York Naval Shipyard in Brooklyn today. The new aircraft carrier is considered the biggest, hardest-hitting combat vessel ever built. In background is span of the Williamsburg Bridge and the island of Manhattan. (AP Wirephoto)(See Wire Story)(m71710m1)1956"

Aerial view of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at New York Navy Yard in May 1956.

National Naval Aviation Museum Photo, No. 2008.122.015. Eisenbarth Photograh Collection.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in the New York Naval Shipyard, May 1956. Note the Regulus I missile on the port forward catapult.

National Naval Aviation Museum Photo, No. 2008.122.015.

"NY(20)NEW YORK, June 2[, 1956]—NAVY'S PRIDE PREPARES FOR SEA TRIALS—The USS Saratoga, with mast folded on hinges to permit clearance, moves under its own power beneath Brooklyn Bridge on East River here today, preparatory to undergoing sea trials starting Monday. The nation's newest fighting ship, claimed by the Navy to be the largest ship afloat, will moor in Gravesend Bay before proceeding to open sea for builder's trials. The Saratoga is 1,039 feet long and her flight deck is 252 feet wide. (U.S. Navy Photo via AP Wirephoto)"

"[...][airc]raft carrier Saratoga, largest [...][po]werful in the world, passes [...][Manh]attan Bridge after being [...][t]he Brooklyn Navy Yard. This is one of the ships too wide to pass through the Panama Canal. Congress is considering plans by which the canal could be enlarged to permit passage of 'super' naval vessels." (15 July 1956)

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) photographed on 25 September 1956, with AD Skyraiders attack aircraft, F9F Cougars & F2H Banshees fighter aircraft on the flight deck. Note that her mast is more substantial than that on Forrestal. Photo USN (BfZ Collection).

Photo and partial text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

Port view of USS Saratoga, taken on the same day as NS0260as. The smokestack cap is still raked here. The director visible forward of the aft gun does not bear much similarity to Mk 56. Four of the Skyraiders and one Banshee still carry an overall Sea Blue scheme. Note the 5"/54 Mk 42 guns trained outboard. Photo USN (BfZ Collection).

Photo and text from Aircraft Carriers of the U.S. Navy, by Stefan Terzibaschitsch.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) underway during her shakedown cruise, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 4 embarked. Photo taken on the same day as the two photos above.

Official USN Photo.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) as built, 1956. From Our Navy magazine, 15 October 1956.

Postcard. Photo was likely taken in 1956, prior to removal of mainmast.

A great and very interesting aerial view of USS Saratoga in the second half of 1956, possibly during her shakedown cruise. "Canted" flight deck early markings are clearly visible. Note that Forrestal and Saratoga were built with a fore and a mainmast; Sara's mainmast was removed early in 1957. This was a period of change-over between aircraft paint schemes: both the "old," overall glossy sea blue, and the "new," light gull gray over glossy insignia white, schemes are represented; a few aircraft even appear to be in the "natural metal" finish experimented in 1952-1955.

Another nice photo of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) apparently taken at the time of her shakedown cruise (see above).

A3D Skywarrior from Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers" is hoisted to #3 elevator aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at Mayport, Florida. US Navy photo # 1004707, dated 12 November 1956.

Aerial view of the stern starboard quarter of USS Saratoga (CVA-60), with embarked Carrier Air Group (CVG) 4. Photo dated December 1956.

Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum photo, # CVA 60 698238-12-56.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), circa 1956.

Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum photo.

McDonnell F3H-2M Demon, BuNo 137060 (modex L202), Fighter Squadron (VF) 61 "Jolly Rogers," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7, being readied for launch aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60), circa early 1957 (note aircraft is still wearing the old "L" tail code).

A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior (BuNo 135432, modex EW-5) of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 3 "Sea Dragons" pictured moments before trapping aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 1957. BuNo 135432 was scrapped at the Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) Alameda in August 1968.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, No. 2008.122.022.

Aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 1957. The radar "dish" antenna on one of the ship's 5"/54 gun mounts was part of a GUNAR (GUN And Radar), a radar gunsight placed entirely on the gun mount. The antenna on the left is one of Saratoga's TED/AN/URR-13 ship-to-air communication units.

Crewmen spell out "Welcome Mr. President" on the flight deck of USS Saratoga (CVA-60), on or about 6 June 1957 (see below).

Guided-missile cruiser USS Boston (CAG-1) is steaming alongside Sara.

Courtesy of the Museu Marítim de Barcelona, photo # 28829F.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower (at left) visits USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 6 June 1957. Also present are (from left to right): Captain Evan P. Aurand, the President's Naval Aide (largely hidden behind Eisenhower); Secretary of the Navy Thomas S. Gates; Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, Chief of Naval Operations; and Admiral Jerauld Wright, Commander in Chief, Atlantic.

Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC) photo, # NH 55871.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower (left), with Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, visiting USS Saratoga (CVA-60) on 6 June 1957. Between and behind them is the Presidential Naval Aide, Captain Evan P. Aurand, USN.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 80-G-K-22608.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower (left) and CNO, Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 6 June 1957.

"Navy Planes Span Nation—Make Ocean to Ocean Carrier Hop"

"Four Navy pilots made the first carrier-to-carrier, ocean-to-ocean, overland flight in history June 6[, 1957], flying from the Bon Homme Richard off San Diego to the Saratoga off Florida."

"F8U-1 Crusader pilots were CAPT Robert G. Dosé, CO of VX-3, and LCDR Paul Miller Jr., squadron F8U-1 project officer. Flying A3D Skywarriors were LCDR John H. Miller and LCDR C. C. McBratnie."

"The A3Ds took off first and flew non-stop without refueling. They averaged 632 mph on the 2530-mile flight to the carrier."

"The F8U-1s were refueled in flight by AJ-2 tankers of VAH-11 operating temporarily out of NAS Dallas. They landed three hours and 28 minutes after take-off for an average speed of 730 miles per hour."

"President Eisenhower witnessed their landings on the Saratoga."

"The Crusaders and Skywarriors thus proved the Navy's ability to shift carrier planes from ocean to ocean without reliance on land bases or the Panama Canal, in their flight."

From Naval Aviation News, August 1957 issue, page 8.

NS0260bpa: CAPT Dosé's F8U-1 Crusader, BuNo 143706 (modex XC-1), with arresting hook retracted, clears the landing area and taxis forward aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60). Photo courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum.

NS0260bpb: F8U-1 Crusader, BuNo 141346 (XC-2), believed to be LCDR Miller's plane.

NS0260bpc & NS0260bpd & NS0260bpf: A3D-2 Skywarrior, BuNo 138929 (FG-9), Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 9 "Hoot Owls."

NS0260bpe: A3D-2 Skywarrior, BuNo 138957 (FG-1), VAH-9 "Hoot Owls."

See also NS023190.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower chatting with Navy pilots aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during a two-day visit to the ship off the Florida coast, 6–7 June 1957. The plane behind them is an F8U-1 Crusader fighter. (Note: regarding this aircraft, official caption reads "probably of Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32);" in fact, it is BuNo 143706, of Experimental and Devoloping Squadron (VX) 3.)

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 68558.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at her anchorage in Hampton Roads, Virginia, during the International Naval Review, 12 June 1957. Photographed by PH1 Castiglia, from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (# NH 97674).

At sea during NATO Exercise Strike Back, September 1957.

A U.S. Navy Douglas F4D-1 Skyray of Fighting Squadron VF-101 based aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) is about to be launched from HMS Ark Royal's steam catapult, during cross-deck operations in [the fall of] 1957. Note the FAA Westland Whirlwind plane guard helicopter hovers to port. USN photo.

Scanned from United States Navy and Marine Corps Fighters 1918–1962, compiled by Paul R. Matt and edited by Bruce Robertson.

A U.S. Navy Douglas F4D-1 Skyray from Fighter Squadron (VF) 101 "Grim Reapers" aboard the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (R09). VF-101 was assigned to Carrier Air Group (CVG) 7 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during the NATO exercise Strikeback in the North Atlantic, 3 September–22 October 1957. Photographer PM Nick Williams, U.S. Navy.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, No. 1996.253.7326.003.

British Fairey Gannet lands aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) (1957?). US Navy photo # 1016914.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3 aboard, very late 1957 or very early 1958.

Four planes of U.S. Navy Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3 in 1958: a Vought F8U-1 Crusader of Fighter Squadron (VF) 32 "Swordsmen" (left), a Grumman F9F-8P Cougar of Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 62 Det.43 "Fighting Photos" (above), a Douglas A4D-1 Skyhawk of Attack Squadron (VA) 34 "Blue Blasters" (below), and a McDonnell F3H-2N Demon of VF-31 "Tomcatters" (right). CVG-3 was deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) to the Mediterranean Sea from 1 February to 1 October 1958. CVG-3 (after 1963 Carrier Air Wing, CVW, 3) deployed aboard Super Sara from 1958 to 1980.

NS026083: National Naval Aviation Museum (# 2008.122.055).

NS026083a: Naval Aviation News, December 1958 issue.

Two Grumman F9F-8P Cougar aircraft (BuNos 144416 and 144417) of Light Photographic Squadron VFP-62 Det. 43 "Fighting Photos" flying over Malta in 1958. VFP-62 Det. 43 was assigned to Carrier Air Group Three (CVG-3) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 1 February to 1 October 1958. Notice RAF Hal Far airbase below the Cougars. U.S. Navy photo by Marion Swinford, USN.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), with embarked Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3, probably in March or May 1958.

Photos by L. Balt, Barcelona, Spain.

Parked on deck are, mostly, A4D-1 Skyhawks of Attack Squadron (VA) 34 "Blue Blasters" (NS0260ce) and A3D-2 Skywarriors of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 9 "Hoot Owls" (NS0260cea).

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) underway, circa 1958.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 2008.122.027.

A3D-2 Skywarrior, BuNo 138906, modex AC-6, Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 9 "Hoot Owls," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3, aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60), circa 1958.

A port quarter view of the attack aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at anchor, circa 1958, location unknown. Note what appear to be Douglas A3D Skywarriors parked on the aft flight deck. Photo courtesy Ian S. Pearsall, Esq.

Jane's Fighting Ships, 1961–1962 edition.

USS Pompon (SSR-267) and USS Thornback (SS-418) moored along the starboard side of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) for replenishment. Berth Alfa, Rhodes, Greece, 17–19 August 1958. This was Sara's first Mediterranean deployment, with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3 embarked.

Official US Navy photo, # USN 1038277.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3, probably in September–October 1958 in the Mediterranean Sea.

Note, on the lower right corner, A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142700, Attack Squadron (VA) 72 "Hawks," CVG-7, aboard USS Randolph (CVA-15).

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at sea on 17 February 1958, as four Douglas AD4-1 Skyhawk aircraft from Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) fly past in formation. These planes are Bureau #s 139928, 139968, 139970 and 142152.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1034275).

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# CVA-60-4186(L)) of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in May 1958, during her first Mediterranean cruise. She is in Piraeus Harbor and her crew is "manning the rail" for a visit of the King and Queen of Greece.

"(NY21–June 19[, 1958])ROYAL SHOWING FOR U.S. NAVY—Crown Prince Constantine, right, with binoculars, and other members of Greek royal family stand on deck of USS Saratoga to watch demonstration by the aircraft carrier's planes in eastern Mediterranean Monday [16 June 1958]. The planes display their fire power as they throw up huge geyser of water in the warship's wake. (AP Wirephoto)(pr514451on)1958"

A Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior, BuNo 138955, of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 9 "Hoot Owls" pictured after its nose wheel collapsed during recovery aboard the carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60), circa 1959. Note the open canopy. As a high altitude strategic bomber the A3D (A-3 under the 1962 designation system) was not equipped with ejection seats and the crew was expected to jump off with parachutes in case of an emergency. U.S. Navy National Museum of Naval Aviation photo No. 2008.122.031.

BuNo 138955 was redesignated A-3B in 1962 and converted to a KA-3B in June 1967.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) underway with Carrier Air Group (CAG) 3, 13 November 1959.

View on the forecastle, looking aft, of USS Des Moines (CA-134) while operating as flagship of the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, during the later 1950s. Her 8"/55 guns are trained out to starboard, while men work on a 3"/50 twin in the foreground. USS Saratoga (CVA-60) is in the distance.

Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC) photo, # NH 45506.

A U.S. Navy Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk (BuNo 144900) of VA-34 "Blue Blasters," armed with a Mk-7 nuclear weapon, prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60). VA-34 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) aboard Saratoga, and equipped with A4D-2's between 1959 and 1962 (A4D-2 was redesignated A-4B after September 1962).

(See also NS0238aif.)

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) at anchor, late 1950s–early 1960s.

Official photo of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) underway in the early 1960s.

"Modern Aircraft Demands Bigger Carriers — Impressive difference in the size of the old USS Essex (CVS 9) and the new Saratoga (CVA 60) is seen as they steam into Mayport, Fla., last February [Essex and Saratoga returned from the Mediterranean Sea on 26 February 1960]. The Essex began her eighteen year history as a striking arm of the Pacific Fleet after commissioning in 1942. Now, the combat-experienced Essex, like several others of her class, is outmoded as a striking force ship by the demands of modern aircraft and the necessities of fleet operations. The converted Essex is now a part of the important anti-submarine warfare forces. The modernized Essex has many features of the new Forrestal class carriers, such as angle decks, steam catapults [sic] and the landing mirror system. However, these features do not compensate for the Saratoga's size advantage. The Navy attributes the Saratoga's size advantage, and increased aviation features with the fifty-percent-fewer accident ratio over the Essex. She carries twice as much jet aircraft fuel, three to four times the number of bombs and can deliver them on target at three to four times as fast as the Essex. The Saratoga carries more aircraft and her heavier launching and arresting gear, longer flight deck and stronger decks allow her more ease in handling the stresses created by modern jets. The weight of combat aircraft has jumped to six times that of the 1940 models and landing and take-off speeds are faster. The Saratoga's ability to sustain greater speeds for a longer period give her greater tactical elusiveness. Her stability increases the all-weather capability of her air squadrons." (Quoted from the back of the photo.)

Official US Navy photograph (#USN 1048532) released by the Department of Defense, Washington, D.C., August 26, 1960.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) and West German freighter and ore carrier M/V Bernd Leonhardt collided 33 miles off the outer banks of North Carolina just after midnight on 25 May 1960. View of the damaged port catwalk of Saratoga. The port wing of Bernd Leonhardt's bridge was demolished.

Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum photo, # CVA 60 47X01-5-60 TH.

BuNo 146697, the 4th production North American A3J-1 Vigilante, conducted the type's initial carrier suitability tests aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during the week of July 25, 1960. Piloted by NATC's CDR Carl Cruse, LCDR Ed Decker and LT Dick Wright, the Vigilante made 14 successful launches and arrested landings.

Official US Navy photo.

Aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 28 September 1960. F8U-1E Crusader, BuNo 145435, modex AC209, Fighter Squadron (VF) 32 "Swordsmen," Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3. North Atlantic Ocean, near the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Sea.

"1547 Recovered F8U-1[E], BuNo 145435 on emergency landing with barracade [sic] rigged. Nose wheel collapsed on previous bolter landing. Damage to aircraft appears to be light. No injuries to pilot." (Saratoga deck log.)

Destroyer in the background appears to be USS Mitscher (DL-2).

NATO cruise in the North Atlantic, November 1960. USS Saratoga (CVA-60) can be seen on the right. It is hard to identify the other ships in the photo, but the distinctive lines of USS Northampton (CLC-1) are easily seen in the left middle distance.

NATO cruise in the North Atlantic, November 1960. USS Saratoga (CVA-60) conducting an UNREP operation.

USS Independence (CVA-62), USS Saratoga (CVA-60), and USS Intrepid (CVA-11) (listed from bottom to top) underway, 17 November 1960, with crewmen paraded on deck in a spellout commemorating the 50th birthday of Naval Aviation.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 97716.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), with Carrier Air Group (CVG) 3, probably in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, circa 1962.

Photos by Harvey K. Glasspoole, ADRC.

Caption reads: "Photograph from the United States Navy that shows the USS Saratoga (CVA-60) as it heads toward the Straits of Gibraltar. Dated 12.6.1962." However, location and date are incompatible with Saratoga's itinerary, no matter if the date is taken to mean "12th June" or "December 6": Sara returned from a Mediterranean deployment on 12 May 1962; in December she was operating in the Caribbean.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, 1962.

Source: LIFE magazine Archives, John Dominis Photographer, shared by Peter DeForest.

Two U.S. Navy North American A-5A Vigilantes, BuNo 149286 (modex AG-601) and 149292 (AG-609), of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH) 1 "Smokin' Tigers," being readied and launching from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) during operation Long Horn, circa 1964. VAH-1 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 aboard USS Independence (CVA-62).

BuNo 149286 was sent to NMIMT at Socorro, NM, for explosive tests in 1978.

BuNo 149292 crashed near NAS Sanford, FL, on 8 September 1964, while evacuating from Hurricane Dora.

NS0260ca: National Naval Aviation Museum photo # 1996.253.6289.

NS0260caa: National Naval Aviation Museum photo # 1996.253.6288. Note the Kaman UH-2A Seasprite plane guard helicopter in the background.

F-4B Phantom II, BuNo 150626, modex AC-108, Fighter Squadron (VF) 31 "Tomcatters," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, USS Saratoga (CVA-60), in flight, circa 1964–1965.

(This aircraft was shot down over Laos on 28 October 1965. LCDR Austin M. Lindsey and LT Robert W. Cooper, Jr., ejected and were rescued.)

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) departs Mayport, FL, for the Mediterranean, 28 November 1964, with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 aboard. Carrier in the background is USS Shangri-La (CVA-38).

Photo from the Saratoga 1964–1965 Cruise Book.

Photos taken during the Mediterranean Cruise, 28 November 1964–12 July 1965.

Launching the Grumman C-1A Trader COD aircraft (VR-24, "World's Biggest Little Airline," Squadron) in the Mediterranean, 28 November 1964–12 July 1965.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) with her crew manning the rail on the flight deck, as she arrives in Barcelona, Spain, 12 February 1965. Photographed by PH1 M.J. Stump.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1110849).

U.S. Sixth Fleet ships at anchor in Augusta Bay, Sicily, on 17 March 1965. The large carrier, at right, is USS Saratoga (CVA-60). Other U.S. Navy ships visible include one Essex-class attack aircraft carrier (USS Shangri-La, CVA-38), two guided missile light cruisers (CLG), two guided-missile frigates (DLG), six destroyers (DD), two oilers (AO) and other auxiliaries. There are also several merchant ships present.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1111048).

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) underway, circa 1967(?).

USS Elokomin (AO-55) conducting an underway replenishment with USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in 1967, location unknown.

NS026084: CVA-60-1690-B-5-67 Mediterranean Sea (May 10, 1967). The XC-142A, tiltwing experimental aircraft revves up, preparing for take off, aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60). Official Navy Photo by PH2 F.W. Bailey USS Saratoga (CVA-60) Public Affairs Office.

NS026084a: CVA-60-1693-A-5-67 Mediterranean Sea (May 10, 1967). The XC-142A departing from USS Saratoga (CVA-60) en route to Rota, Spain. From Rota it will complete its last leg of the trip to the Paris Air Show. Official Navy Photo by PH1 C.F. Witherow USS Saratoga (CVA-60) Public Affairs Office.

The XC-142A is a tiltwing, experimental aircraft designed to investigate the operational suitability of vertical/short takeoff and landing transports.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) deployed from NS Mayport, Florida on May 2, 1967 for a Mediterranean Cruise. She was transporting the XC-142A to the Med.

Sara embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 consisting of the following squadrons: VF-31 "Tomcatters," F-4B Phantom II; VF-103 "Sluggers," F-4B Phantom II; VA-176 "Thunderbolts," A-1H Skyraider; VA-216 "Black Diamonds," A-4B Skyhawk; VAW-121 "Griffins" E-1B Tracer; VAH-10 "Vikings" KA-3B Skywarrior; RVAH-9 "Hoot Owls," RA-5C Vigilante; and HC-2 "Fleet Angels," UH-2A Sea Sprite.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, 26 July 1967, during her 8th Mediterranean cruise (2 May–6 December 1967).

Photos by Marius Bar, Toulon, France.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60), date and location unknown (may be circa late 1967–early 1968 at Philadelphia?).

President Richard M. Nixon (left), with Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, witness air and sea power demonstrations from the flight deck of USS Saratoga (CVA-60), in the Atlantic Ocean, May 1969. Photographed by PH3 Philip J. Fraga.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# K-72713).

North American RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance aircraft (Bureau # 146696) lands on board USS Saratoga (CVA-60). This photograph was received by the Naval Photographic DMA in May 1969.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# USN 1140473).

Entertainer Bob Hope on stage with Miss World, during a Christmas show for servicemen held on board USS Saratoga (CVA-60), off Gaeta, Italy, 22 December 1969.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph (# K-80498).

RA-5C Vigilante, Reconnaissance Attack Squadron (RVAH) 9 "Hoot Owls," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 1970–1971.

A Grumman A-6B Intruder (BuNo 149957, modex AC510) of attack squadron VA-75 "Sunday Punchers" on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in the summer of 1971. VA-75 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) during a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, 3 June–31 October 1971. The first ten A-6B defense suppression aircraft (BuNos 149949, 149957, and 151588–151595) were obtained by stripping off most of the attack systems of existing A-6A's, and substituting them with specialized equipment that could detect radars from surface-to-air missiles. They were equipped with the AGM-78 Standard anti-radiation missile, visible on the left inboard pylon of AC510.

BuNo 149957 was later brought up to the A-6E standard and subsequently, its service life completed, was sunk as an artificial reef.

USN photo by Randy Bender, ATR2, USN.

"JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 10[, 1972]—CARRIER SARATOGA LOADING FOR REPORTED TRIP TO VIETNAM—Loading operations went around the clock Monday as the aircraft carrier Saratoga was readied for what is reportedly a trip to reinforce Navy units already off Vietnam. Navy officials allowed pictures but refused to give information or let any Navy personnel talk about the surprise movement from Mayport Naval Station near Jacksonville. (AP WIREPHOTO)(m21705tu)."

Night cat shot, USS Saratoga (CVA-60), Vietnam cruise, 11 April 1972–13 February 1973.

A tired flight deck hand, USS Saratoga (CVA-60), Vietnam cruise, 11 April 1972–13 February 1973.

C-1A Trader, BuNo 136751, "Rooster Rocket," USS Saratoga (CVA-60) COD aircraft during the carrier's Vietnam cruise. Note very distinctive markings on port and starboard engines.

NS0260bv: From Saratoga Cruise Book, 1972–1973.

NS0260bva: This photo was taken in January 1973. John recalls: "We were told that something special was coming up the bomb elevator. I was ready but not for this."

USS Ashtabula (AO-51) conducting an underway replenishment with USS Sarsfield (DD-837) and USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in the South China 1972年5月17日.

USS Saratoga (CVA-60) refueling from USS Ashtabula (AO-51) in the South China Sea, 9 June 1972. Photographed from USS Mispillion (AO-105).

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 was embarked aboard Saratoga for their only Vietnam cruise, 11 April 1972–13 February 1973.

Photos by Bruce A. Hevner.

USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) in company with USS Saratoga (CVA-60), right, and USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), center background, at NavSta Mayport, 20 February 1973. U.S. Navy photo by PH1 Deverman.

BuNo 145607 was delivered to the Navy as an F8U-1P, redesignated RF-8A under the 1962 designation system, and upgraded to RF-8G standard. It flew over Cuba in 1962–1963, with Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 62 "Fighting Photos", and over Vietnam with VFP-63 "Eyes of the Fleet". It was attached to VFP-206 "Hawkeyes," with Carrier Air Wing Reserve (CVWR) 20 for some 13 years, 1974–1987. Loaned to Rockwell Corp. to support the Advanced Technology Wing program, and as of 2021, it is part of the collections of the Castle Air Museum, Atwater, CA.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) is steaming below, date and location unknown.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway in the Atlantic, off Jacksonville, Florida, 16 October 1975. Photographed by PH1 Donald D. Deverman.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 97675.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) seen from astern, while underway off Jacksonville, Florida, on 16 October 1975. Photographed by PH1 Donald D. Deverman.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History & Heritage Command (NH&HC), # NH 97676.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, circa 1975 (maybe at about the same time as the photos above?)

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, # 1996.488.063.037.

At 1358 on Monday, 15 December 1975, while conducting an UNREP in the Atlantic, off Florida, USS Mississinewa (AO-144) collided with USS Saratoga (CV-60). There were no personnel casualties nor injuries reported.

(Author of photo is unknown.)

Aft view of the island of USS Saratoga (CV-60), the day after the collision.

USS Saratoga (CV-60), Genoa, Italy, 1976.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) and escorts steaming towards the fleet anchorage near Gaeta, Italy, 16 March 1976.

US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 1996.488.063.053. Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) and escorts, as seen from USS Independence (CV-62), maybe on the same occasion as the photo above.

A Lockheed S-3A Viking of Anti-submarine Squadron (VS) 22 "Checkmates," from USS Saratoga (CV-60), displays its retractable "sting," which carries Magnetic Anomaly Detection (MAD) gear. This has to be extended to avoid interference from the aircraft.

USN photo, circa 1976–1977.

Underway at high speed, sometime in 1977, getting ready for flight operations. Like Forrestal, she had been fitted with two Sea Sparrow launchers and the appropriate SPS-58 radar.

Sara deployed to the Mediterranean, July 11-December 23, 1977 with Carrier Air Wing Three. CVW-3 included F-4J Phantoms, A-7E Corsairs, A-6E and KA-6D Intruders, EA-6B Prowlers, S-3A Vikings, E-2C Hawkeyes and SH-3H Sea Kings.

(Thanks to Robert Hurst, who provided additional info).

Mayport, Florida, probably on 4 April 1978, from the flight deck of Forrestal (CV-59), as FID departed for the Mediterranean.

Clubleaf 205, a McDonnell F-4J Phantom II (BuNo 155764, modex AC-205), from Fighter Squadron (VF) 103 "Sluggers," about to touchdown at her Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, home, July 1978. VF-103 was at the time assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60).

This aircraft is currently preserved at the MAPS Air Museum, North Canton, OH.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo, No. 1996.253.7278.017.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) on the Delaware River, 30 September 1980, heading toward the Philadelphia Navy Yard for an overhaul (1980–1982).

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, George D. McDowell Collection, photo # P564053B.

Starboard side view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) off Philadelphia Navy Yard, 30 September 1980. The ship would be overhauled at the Yard, 1980–1982.

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, George D. McDowell Collection, photo # P564054B.

Aerial port quarter view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, October 22, 1982, conducting post-modernization trials. Saratoga underwent the most extensive industrial overhaul ever performed on any Navy ship, the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard (October 1, 1980-February 2, 1983). Several problems were soon found, including improper welding of boiler tubes, and she was inoperative for several months. Newly nicknamed "Super Sara," she deployed again in April 1984.

US Navy photo by PH3 Kenneth J. Berkeihiser (DVIC id: DN-SC-83-04010).

A bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway during operations with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, April 15, 1984. Photo by PH1 Goodrich (DVIC id: DNST8408942).

Starboard bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway in the Med, April 15, 1984. Official US Navy Photograph (#DN-SN-84-08947) from the DAVA Still Media Depository, Washington DC.

USS Saratoga (CV-60), Mayport, Florida, 12 December 1984.

Underway with her Battle Group, mid-1980s.

Underway, circa the mid-1980s

Underway, circa the mid-1980s

USS Saratoga (CV-60), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, underway in the mid-1980s, location unknown.

A-7E Corsair II (modex AA302), VA-83 "Rampagers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, circa 1984–1986.

E-2C Hawkeye (BuNo 161548, modex AA602), VAW-125 "Tigertails," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, circa 1984–1986.

An F-14A Tomcat of Fighter Squadron Seventy-Four (VF-74) ["Be-Devilers"] engages the second (of four) arrester wires on board the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60), scoring an "OK, Two". The approach was fractionally low, since ideally, the pilot should have engaged the third wire. US DoD Photo[, mid-1980s].

Text and photo from Carriers: The Men and The Machines, by David Miller and Lindsay Peacock.

A photo of USS Saratoga (CV-60) taken in April 1985 by an F-14 TARPS pod.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) at anchor, Toulon, France, second half of 1985. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 deployed with Super Sara.

Photo by Marius Bar, Toulon, France.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway with three F-14 fighters on her bow and waist catapults during operations in the Mediterranean Sea, 15 September 1985.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center (photo # NH 97677-KN).

Mediterranean Sea, October 21, 1985 — An elevated port bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60), the fast combat support ship Seattle (AOE-3) and the frigate Garcia (FF-1040) participating in an underway replenishment.

A high angle port bow view of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, 15 November 1985.

US Navy photo by PH1 P.D. Goodrich, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 330-CFD-DN-SC-86-03496.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway in the Red Sea, 15 November 1985.

US Navy photo by PH1 P.D. Goodrich, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # DN-SC-86-03498.

An aerial port bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) tied up at pier, Diego Garcia, 12 December 1985. This was the first time an aircraft carrier visited the island.

US Navy photo by PH1 P. D. Goodrich, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # DN-SC-86-03501.

An aerial port bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60), the guided missile destroyer USS Scott (DDG-995), and the fleet oiler USS Monongahela (AO‑178), tied up at pier, Diego Garcia, 12 December 1985. This was the first time an aircraft carrier visited the island.

US Navy photo by PH1 P. D. Goodrich, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # DN-SC-86-03500.

An aerial port bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60), the guided missile destroyer USS Scott (DDG-995), and the fleet oiler USS Monongahela (AO‑178), tied up at pier, Diego Garcia, 12 December 1985. This was the first time an aircraft carrier visited the island.

US Navy photo by PH1 P. D. Goodrich, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # DN-SC-86-03502.

A scene from the catwalk as the twin turboprops of a Grumman E-2C Hawkeye from Airborne Early Warning squadron (VAW) 125 "Tigertails" develop full power immediately prior to a catapult launch from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) in the Mediterranean, 28 January 1986. U.S. Navy photo by PH1 William A. Shayka (available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-SC-86-03634).

Partial text from Carriers: The Men and The Machines, by David Miller and Lindsay Peacock.

Underway, circa the mid-1980s

CDR Steven Lohr states: "I was onboard the ship at that time (in fact, I'm one of the dots on the flightdeck in the photo). The photo was taken in either February or March 1986 when we were northbound in the Suez Canal, enroute to FON ops off Libya."

"That may be the USS Seattle in the background, although I don't recall for sure if she deployed with us to the IO."

A plane director guides a Grumman F-14A-105-GR Tomcat aircraft (BuNo 160897) from Fighter Squadron (VF) 74 "Be-Devilers" into position over a catapult on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60), 22 March 1986. VF-74 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 aboard Saratoga for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 26 August 1985 to 16 April 1986. U.S. Navy photo by PH1 William Shayka, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (# DN-SC-87-00540).

Damage Control Diagram, prepared by New York Naval Shipyard for Bureau of Ships, March 1956; corrected to suit SLEP 1982 (Philadelphia); corrected to suit SRA of 1986 (Norfolk).

A series of seven photos of USS Saratoga (CV-60) as she appeared while in Mayport, FL, spring(?) 1986.

Turnover in the Mediterranean, 17 June 1987. Clockwise from top center: USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, en route to Philadelphia; guided missile frigate USS Hawes (FFG-53); USS Saratoga (CV-60) with CVW-17, newly arrived in the Med from Mayport; guided missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG-39); frigate USS W.S. Sims (FF-1059); destroyer USS Comte de Grasse (DD-974); guided missile cruiser USS Josephus Daniels (CG-27); destroyer USS Conolly (DD-979); frigate USS Truett (FF-1095); and guided missile destroyer USS William V. Pratt (DDG-44). Replenishment oiler USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6) is steaming in the center of the formation.

U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Thomas Hensley.

A great official US Navy photograph of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway with Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) aboard, circa 1990–1991.

Top to bottom: USS Biddle (CG-34), USS Saratoga (CV-60), USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and USS San Jacinto (CG-56). This photo was taken during Operation Desert Shield, October 1990, in the Red Sea, by one of the JFK's photomates.

An aerial view of, from left, the guided missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56), the aircraft carriers USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), and USS Saratoga (CV-60), and the guided missile cruiser USS Biddle (CG-34) underway in the Red Sea, 24 October 1990. After a month and a half on station in support of Operation Desert Shield, JFK and her battle group were being relieved by Sara and her battle group.

Official photograph, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-SC-91-04746.

An aerial view of, from upper left, the guided missile cruiser USS Biddle (CG-34), the aircraft carriers USS Saratoga (CV-60) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), and the guided missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56), underway in the Red Sea, 24 October 1990. After a month and a half on station in support of Operation Desert Shield, JFK and her battle group were being relieved by Sara and her battle group.

Official photograph, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-SC-91-04750.

A Grumman F-14B Tomcat from Fighter Squadron (VF) 74 "Be-Devilers" (BuNo 161434, modex AA102) rolls down the No. 2 catapult aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60) as it is launched during Operation Desert Storm, 1 February 1991. Photo taken by SRA Chris A. Putnam.

Official photograph, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), id. DN-ST-91-07670.

Four U.S. Navy Grumman F-14B Tomcats flying in formation as they wait their turn for refueling during Operation Desert Storm on 26 February 1991. The two aircraft in the foreground are from Fighter Squadron (VF) 103 "Sluggers" (BuNo 161440, modex AA-207; and 163215, AA-204) while the two in the background are from VF-74 "Be-Devilers" (BuNo 162925, modex AA-100; the second one cannot be identified). Both squadrons were operating from USS Saratoga (CV-60) as part of the Battle Force Red Sea.

US Navy photograph by LCDR Dave Parsons, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), id. DN-ST-91-07670.

USS Saratoga (CV-60), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17. Palma de Mallorca, Spain, mid-June 1992.

Aerial photograph of USS Forrestal (AVT-59) moored alongside ex-USS Iowa (BB-61) [(1) in annotated photo], with USS Saratoga (CV-60) [(2)] and many other ships at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Philadelphia, PA, in 1993.

USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6) conducting an underway replenishment with the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-60), 23 June 1993, in the Atlantic Ocean.

NS09210613: US Navy photo by PHAN Werling. Photo available from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id: DN-SC-93-06141.

NS0260bz: US Navy photo by PHAN Werling. Photo available from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id: DN-SC-93-06125.

NS0260bza: US Navy photo by PHAN Werling. Photo available from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id: DN-SC-93-06126.

NS0260bzb: US Navy photo by PHAN Werling. Photo available from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id: DN-SC-93-06127.

NS0260bzc: US Navy photo by PHAN Werling. Photo available from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id: DN-SC-93-06128.

A port bow view of USS Saratoga (CV-60) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, August 13, 1993, with Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17). US Navy photo by PH2 Al Renkel (Photo available from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id: DN-SC-93-06135).

Redacted booklet of General Plans, selected record drawing prepared by M. Rosenblatt & Son for New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, N.Y., 24 June 1957; corrected up to 3 September 1993, Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

F-14B Tomcat, VF-103 "Sluggers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, in flight over USS Saratoga (CV-60), probably in 1993–94.

Official U.S. Navy photo.

USS Saratoga (CV-60) conducts flight operations while underway in the Atlantic, 25 July 1993. An F-14B Tomcat is approaching for a landing.

U.S. Navy photograph by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Al Renkel (# DN-SC-93-06131).

USS Saratoga (CV-60), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, last visit to Mallorca, Spain, 3–9 May 1994.

Florida, August 1994, just prior to decommissioning.

Florida, August 1994, just prior to decommissioning.

Florida, August 1994, just prior to decommissioning.

Shabonee (YTB-833) underway in the harbor at Naval Station Mayport, 20 August 1994. USS Saratoga (CV-60), in the background, was decommissioned on that day.

US Navy photo from the collections of the US Navy Memorial.

Mayport, Florida, circa late 1994. Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), struck from the Navy list and being stripped.

Ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59, left) and ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60, right), Newport, R.I., date unknown.

Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), and ex-USS Forrestal (CV-59), Newport, R.I., date unknown.

Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), Newport, R.I., date unknown (1999–2001).

Ex-USS Saratoga moored at Newport, RI, August 2003.

Ex-Saratoga (top) and ex-Forrestal at Newport, RI, sometime in 2002-2005.

Image courtesy of Google Earth.

Ex-Saratoga and ex-Forrestal (moored to the far side of the pier) at Newport, RI, June 10, 2005.

Ex-Forrestal (left) and ex-Saratoga, Newport, RI, November 2005.

The islands of the decommissioned Forrestal (ex-CV 59) and Saratoga (ex-CV 60). October 15, 2006.

Pier view at the US Naval Complex Newport, RI, looking at the ex-USS Forrestal (AVT-59, left) and the ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60, right). Photo taken while at the Forrestal Veterans Day Ceremony held on November 11, 2006.

Ex-USS Saratoga moored at the US Naval Complex Newport, RI, USA. Photo taken while at the Forrestal Veterans Day Ceremony held on November 11, 2006.

Ex-USS Saratoga, Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, 7 September 2011. Ex-Saratoga was at the time under the operational control of the Naval Sea Systems Command, Navy Inactive Ships Maintenance Office (INACTSHIPMAINTO).

Note open lighter YC-1410, outboard.

Ex-USS Saratoga, Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, 16 September 2011. Ex-Saratoga was at the time under the operational control of the Naval Sea Systems Command, Navy Inactive Ships Maintenance Office (INACTSHIPMAINTO).

Ex-USS Saratoga, Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, 4 April 2013.

Ex-USS Saratoga at Coddington Docks, circa 2013. Ex-Forrestal (AVT-59) was gone.

Google Maps photo.

Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60) under tow off the coast of North Carolina, 25 August 2014, en route to Brownsville, Texas, for dismantling. The aircraft carrier was decommissioned in 1994. The photographer, LCDR Scott Moak, was, at the time, one of the last active duty Saratoga sailors still serving. U.S. Navy photo by LDCR Scott "Smoke" Moak (# 140825-N-BG563-004).

Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60) being scrapped, 11 July 2015.

Ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60) being scrapped in Brownsville, Texas, 21 January 2016.

Three former aircraft carriers being dismantled at Brownsville, Texas. Left to right: ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), ex-USS Ranger (CV-61), and ex-USS Constellation (CV-64). Google Earth image dated 21 January 2016.

Three former aircraft carriers being dismantled at Brownsville, Texas. Top left, partly visible, ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60); center, ex-USS Ranger (CV-61); center right, ex-USS Constellation (CV-64). Taken approximately at the same time as the photos above.

Three former aircraft carriers being dismantled at Brownsville, Texas. Left to right, and top to bottom: ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), ex-USS Ranger (CV‑61), and ex-USS Constellation (CV-64). Google Earth image dated 29 January 2017.

William comments:

"No significant progress on ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60) on north side of channel. Work appears to have stopped some months ago."

Jeff Suhs (25 April 2017) notes: "The scrapping of the U.S.S. Saratoga has ceased indefinitely. The company which was awarded the recycling project by the Navy, ESCO Marine, filed bankruptcy in March 2015. No further scrapping has been done on the Saratoga since then and none is scheduled to continue until ESCO Marine reorganizes post-bankruptcy, or new investors purchase the company's assets."

Ron Reeves (23 May 2017) adds: "ESCO is in receivership, the court owns the vessel pending litigation in the bankruptcy trial, so no work being done to finish her off."

"The entire flight deck of ex-USS Ranger (CV-61) has been removed, left (west) south side of the shipping channel."

"Scrapping of ex-USS Constellation (CV-64) appears just about complete. Less than 1/2 of the hull appears to remain and the hulk is being winched in to the south shore in the demolition slip as it is scrapped from fore to aft. It should be completely gone by the next Google Earth photo and I expect that the CV-61 hulk will be moved to the slip trench to complete the scrapping."

USS Saratoga (CVA/CV-60) Veterans pose with the ship's nameplate, Naval Station Mayport, Florida. Photo published on 18 January 2019. USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is in the background.

For more information about this ship, see:

• Commanding Officers of USS Saratoga (CVA-60 / CV-60)
• Memorabilia
• Deployments & Air Wings:
  • 1964–1965, Carrier Air Wing 3
• Collection of Harold Hannah
• Postal Covers related to the ship