Welcome to the USS Forrestal Shipmates Community
Greetings to everyone; this website is dedicated to USS Forrestal Shipmates – everyone who served in USS Forrestal during her 38 years of service. This website’s purpose is to pay tribute to the memory of USS Forrestal and her crewmembers. This is where members of the USS Forrestal Association, Inc. can search for shipmates and get information about future reunions. This Association is dedicated to USS Forrestal and its service in the history of U.S. naval forces, as well as the remembrance of its spirit through members’ fellowship and interactions.
History of USS Forrestal and Its Shipmates
USS Forrestal (CVA-59) was the lead ship of her class and the first supercarrier of the United States Navy and the world. Commissioned in 1955, she was named after James V. Forrestal, the first U.S. Secretary of Defense. The ship was a significant advancement in naval aviation, with her angled flight deck and steam catapults representing a leap forward in aircraft carrier design.
USS Forrestal was crucial throughout her service in numerous military operations and peacetime missions. It participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and various NATO exercises. The ship's crew, known as Forrestal Shipmates, demonstrated unparalleled bravery and dedication during her decades of service.
The USS Forrestal Shipmates community celebrates USS Forrestal's rich history and its crew. This platform provides a space for veterans to recount and share their experiences and for new generations to learn about the ship's storied past. By sharing stories and preserving memories, we hope to honor the legacy of the USS Forrestal and the shipmates who served aboard her.
How to Connect with the USS Forrestal Shipmates
Connecting with the USS Forrestal Shipmates is a straightforward process. Whether you served during her Pre-Commissioning or served aboard during her final voyage and Decommissioning, the Forrestal Association welcomes all Forrestal Shipmates who served for any period at any time. This includes Ship’s Company, Air Wing, Marine Detachments and anyone else who ever walked her decks for any period of time.
There, you will find an application form that you can complete to provide basic information about your service aboard the USS Forrestal. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will have access to the quarterly Newsletter, Annual Reunion information, the Member Search section to locate past Shipmates, and much more.
To join, visit the USS Forrestal Association Website and navigate to the JOIN Tab. Membership in the USS Forrestal Shipmates Association offers numerous benefits, including reconnecting with old Shipmates and meeting new ones. It also provides a platform to share your stories and contribute to preserving the ship's history. By joining, you become part of a dedicated community that celebrates the legacy of the USS Forrestal and her past Shipmates.
Upcoming Events and Reunions for Shipmates
One of the highlights of the Forrestal Shipmates Association is the organization of reunions and memorial events. These gatherings provide an invaluable opportunity for former crew members to reconnect, reminisce, and honor their shared service aboard USS Forrestal as well as remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to USS Forrestal and our nation.
The annual USS Forrestal Reunion is a major event on the association's calendar, bringing together shipmates from all eras. These reunions feature a mix of formal ceremonies, casual gatherings, and special presentations that celebrate the ship's history and the bonds formed aboard it. Every five years the USS Forrestal Reunion is held in the Washington, D.C. area in order to hold Memorial Services at the Vietnam Wall and at the Forrestal Mass Grave in Arlington National Cemetery. The last such Reunion was in 2022 and the next will be in 2027. In between, Reunions are held at locations selected and voted on by the members during our Annual Reunion's Business Meeting.
Resources and Stories for Forrestal Shipmates
The Forrestal Shipmates community offers a wealth of resources for its members. The USS Forrestal Website features an extensive archive of historical documents, photographs, and personal stories that comprehensively examine the ship's history. These resources are invaluable for former crew members and those interested in learning more about the USS Forrestal.
Shipmates are encouraged to contribute their stories and memories to the archive. Whether it's a detailed account of a significant event or a personal anecdote, every story helps to enrich the collective history of the USS Forrestal. These contributions ensure that the ship's and its crew's legacy is preserved for future generations.
Contact Us for Forrestal Shipmates Inquiries
If you have any questions or need further information about the USS Forrestal Shipmates Association, we are here to help. Our dedicated team can assist with membership inquiries, event details, and other questions about the USS Forrestal and its community. To get in touch, click on the CONTACT ADMIN Tab on the USS Forrestal Website. We are devoted to responding to all inquiries promptly and providing the support you need.
The Forrestal Shipmates community is more than just a group of military veterans; it's a family. By staying connected and supporting each other, we honor the legacy of USS Forrestal and the men and women who served aboard her. Join the Forrestal Shipmates Association today and become part of a community dedicated to preserving the legacy of the USS Forrestal. Whether you're a former crew member or simply interested in naval history, your involvement helps keep the spirit of the USS Forrestal alive. Visit the Forrestal Website to learn more about membership, upcoming events, and how you can contribute to our shared history. We can honor the past and prepare for the future together, united by our connection to the world’s first Supercarrier, USS Forrestal (CVA/CV/AVT-59).
