CV-62
Continuing with my experiences, I am privileged to share a piece of US Naval history that I participated in, starting with the USS Independence.
The USS Independence CV-62 was a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier of the US Navy, commissioned in 1959. The fifth ship to bear the name Independence and the last of her class. She served in various regions, including the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Pacific, and participated in several conflicts, such as the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.
They decommissioned her in 1998 and scrapped her in 2019.
Service of the USS Independence
Serving as an Avionics Technician 3rd Class aboard the USS Independence (CV-62) with HS-8 during Operation Desert Shield was both challenging and rewarding. The opportunity to contribute to such a critical mission demonstrated my dedication and expertise in maintaining the aircraft’s avionics systems.
During Operation Desert Shield, my role as an Avionics Technician 3rd Class involved troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining various electrical and electronic systems on the SH-3H Sea King and SH-60 Seahawk aircraft. Moreover, this included radar systems, communication equipment, navigation systems, and other avionics components to ensure the aircraft’s readiness for combat and rescue operations.
My contributions as a member of the world-famous HS-8 “Eightballers” played a crucial part in the overall success of the mission along the USS Independence. In addition, attention to detail, and technical skills ensured that the aircraft were in optimal condition, allowing the pilots to execute their missions with precision and efficiency.
We needed courage, resilience, and teamwork to be part of such a significant operation. Serving aboard the USS Independence (CV-62) during Operation Desert Shield was a privilege and demonstrated our commitment to our country and the values I hold dear. Thus, it was an honor serving onboard.
The swap-out
After serving in North Island, San Diego the USS Independence and USS Midway did the switch over in Hawaii on 23 August 1991. Additionally, this was part of the first ever air wing swap-out between the two aircraft carriers, as the USS Midway was returning to the States to be decommissioned, and the USS Independence was taking over as the forward-deployed carrier in Japan. As a result, you can see an aerial view of the two carriers moored beside each other at Naval Station Pearl Harbor in this image.
The USS Midway was the temporary home of the HS-8 Eightballers until it was decommissioned. However, that experience is for another post.
The USS Independence was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal Class supercarrier and the fifth one to carry the name of Independence. Eventually, it was decommissioned on 30 September 1998. It was replaced with the sixth incarnation as a different type and class of vessel in the United States Navy.
LCS-2
The USS Independence was a Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The ship was commissioned in 2010 and belonged to the Independence class of LCS vessels. These ships were designed to operate close to the shorelines, making them highly maneuverable and versatile in various missions such as anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and surface warfare. Eventually the USS Independence played a vital role in enhancing the Navy’s capabilities in littoral environments and contributed to maintaining maritime security.
In a solemn event held on 29 July 2021, the USS Independence (LCS-2) bid farewell as it was decommissioned at Naval Base San Diego. Before then, the vessel, an esteemed member of the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship fleet, had valiantly served the Navy for over a decade, exemplifying its dedication and strength. During the emotional decommissioning ceremony, the admirable crew of the USS Independence received well-deserved recognition for their unwavering service and commitment to duty.
I have never set foot nor have been part of its distinguished crew. However, the purpose of this post is to establish a recent history of this grand ship and its legacy and to build a model to its memory.
The Model Ship
In a search to build a 1:350 scale model version of the supercarrier USS Independence (CV-62), my once home away from home, I gave up. Neither was at least a Forrestal-class ship to convert into the Independence in 1:350 scale. So, I decided to go with the LCS-2 at 1:350 scale.
I began by purchasing the
USS Independence LCS-2 Littoral Combat Ship By Trumpeter.
I also bought some cheap lighting from the dollar store to light the interior.
Then proceeded to build a photo file of the actual ship. Interesting to note that one of the actual photos posted was used for the box art.
The photo etch parts came with the kit, so no need to get anything else for this kit.
Tie-downs for my tired eyes. Over one hundred of them.
The hangar was something left to be desired. So, I drilled some tie-down eyes and placed some pipes using photo references of the ship’s interior. Left over photo etch from other kits made the catwalk and railings. An invisible H60 helicopter fits nicely in the hangar bay. Also, we had some visitors from the twenty third century drop by.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog “Tragedy on the USS Independence.”
Please share with like minds and comment below with any anecdote or suggestions.
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