#21: USS Independence (CV-62)

The fifth USS Independence (CV/CVA-62) is a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. She was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal-class of conventional-powered Supercarriers. She entered service in 1959, with much of her early years spent in the Mediterranean Fleet.

Independence made a single tour off the coast of Vietnam in 1965 during the Vietnam War, and also carried out airstrikes against Syrian forces during the Lebanese Civil War and operations over Iraq during Operation Southern Watch, the enforcement of the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Independence was decommissioned in 1998 after 39 years of active service.

A starboard quarter view of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62), left, the fast combat support ship USS DETROIT (AOE-4), center, and the British frigate HMS SCYLLA (F-71) as the carrier is refueled by the support ship during a NATO exercise, 11/18/1979.  Like it? Buy it!

An aerial port quarter view of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) underway, 04/04/1979.  Like it? Buy it!

A port bow view of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) underway, 01/19/1979.  Like it? Buy it!

A port beam view of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) underway, 04/14/1988.  Like it? Buy it!