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USS Saratoga (CVA/CV-60), 1971–1974 1972–73 Vietnam Deployment Flight Deck Ordnance — Ship’s Company, GM Division (Guided Missiles)

Historical Note from Old Salt Coffee Company

During this sailor’s time aboard, USS Saratoga made her only combat deployment to Vietnam. The carrier departed Mayport in April 1972 with Carrier Air Wing Three and began combat operations from Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin that May.

Throughout the deployment, Saratoga supported sustained air operations over North and South Vietnam. Her aircraft flew strike, interdiction, close-air-support, and reconnaissance missions during some of the most intensive carrier operations of the war. The ship remained in the combat theater into January 1973 before returning to Mayport the following month.

Members of Ship’s Company GM Division supported these operations by receiving, storing, inspecting, assembling, and issuing guided missiles for the ship and embarked air wing. Working alongside the carrier’s aviation ordnance personnel, they helped keep aircraft armed and ready for the demanding cycle of combat flight operations.

We are honored to preserve this small piece of USS Saratoga history and recognize the service of the sailors who kept her operating.