USS Forrestal Memorial (CVA/CV/AVT-59)
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   On July 29, 1967 the United States Navy suffered a devastating tragedy onboard the USS Forrestal while conducting flight operations in the Tonkin Gulf (Yankee Station) off the coast of Vietnam. There was a fire and multiple explosions that resulted in the loss of 134 of the finest sailors who ever walked the decks of a naval vessel. As you look around we hope you will understand our determination and the importance of  honoring these men we lost and those who are still alive today. 


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Our heavenly Father, we see this day as one minute and yet a lifetime for all of us. We thank you for the courage of those who gave their lives in saving their shipmates today. We humbly ask You to grant them peace and to their loved ones the consolation and strength to bear their loss.  Help us to renew the faith we have in You.  We thank You for our own lives. May we remember You as You have remembered us today. From our hearts we turn to You now, knowing that You have been at our side in every minute of this day. Heavenly Father, help us to rebuild and reman our ship, so that our brothers who died today may not have made a fruitless sacrifice.

Offered by Captain John K. Beling, Commanding Officer, USS Forrestal, July 29, 1967 

Mission Statement

   The USS Forrestal Memorial Organization is located in Longview, Texas near the East Texas Regional Airport. We are creating this memorial to honor all the men who served and died aboard the USS Forrestal on July 29, 1967, additionally honoring all our servicemen who fought in Vietnam. Initially, we will be displaying a Navy A4 Skyhawk at VFW Post# 4002 here in Longview, Texas. This A4 will be displayed in the VA-46 "The Clansmen" paint scheme, which was one of the squadron's aboard the Forrestal in July of 1967. It is also in our plans to display a Navy F4 Phantom next to the A4 as we move into "phase 2" of this memorial by the year 2010. By having this memorial, it is our hope that we will be able to educate the public by making them aware of the many sacrifices that were made that day in 1967 and throughout the Vietnam War. This is a part of our American history that needs to be honored and respected by all Americans. Through our relentless efforts and your support we will pay tribute to our Veterans with this memorial that everyone will be proud of.

Longview, Texas - 32.52N 94.79W (Elev. 397 ft)

Please take a second to sign our guest book at the bottom of this page. We appreciate it.
Also, please don't forget to visit our "Links" page. There, you will find more information related to the Navy and the USS Forrestal.
Please have your audio speakers turned on as well.

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For more brief information on the history of the USS Forrestal and her porposed fate, please visit the "USS Forrestal Specifications" page of this website.