Posted on 11/27/2017 10:01:16 AM PST by Saint X
The U.S. Navy has always been an innovator. It pioneered the Global Positioning System, developed nuclear propulsion, and deployed the first operational laser weapon. The recently commissioned USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) is brimming with bleeding-edge technology. Its stealth design, Integrated Power System, and long-range gun firing capabilities make it the most sophisticated ship in the world. Likewise, the lead ship in the new carrier class USS Gerald R Ford (CVN-78) features many technological advances including an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. However, the Department of the Navy is not always in a rush to phase out and replace assets that continue to effectively perform their missions. The following is a list of some of the oldest Navy and Marine assets still in service.
(Excerpt) Read more at navalhistory.org ...
Would not have imagined a C-130 could land on a carrier, and without arresting or catapult. Pretty darned amazing.
Anyone know if it was empty or loaded at the time?
Good reading. Thanks for the post
Good post.
It was empty, and it was flown by a pilot who used to be the CAG (Carrier Air Group) Commander for our squadrons...
Very cool!
They gave Flatley a medal for and never did it again.
Trump could close Gitmo as a cost cutting move. Obama couldn’t ulterior motives. Give the base back when Cuba joins the real world. Another of my penal colony possibilities.
Thanks for posting this article.
Distinguished Flying Cross.
And while proven, not practical.
“And while proven, not practical.”
It could have landed loaded.
The main issue was that we like parking planes on the deck. And it is not worth the hassle to clear everything off like that just to land one plane-load of supplies. Easier to use several smaller planes.
But they proved it, so in a serious pinch they could do it again.
remember...on the front page of the New York Post shortly after we invaded Afghanistan, there was a picture of a Green Beret riding a donkey, leading a charge against the enemy.
One look at that should tell you something...no weapon, no asset, no tactic, no strategy is ever obsolete. There will always come a time when it is the right answer. The terrain of Afghanistan was such that this was the best way to attack (at the time).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
