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The in 1960's in Vietnam saw the escalation of U.S troops with the largest amount being in 67,68 and 69, why they would push UH-1's and other helicopters of a deck during this time would be at least a mystery. I'm not saying it didn't happen, however, with the number of helicopter losses in VN during that time makes one wonder why they would entertain this idea.
Maybe your friend is embilishing his experiences just a little.
It might have been done on occasion if the aircraft was fouling the flight deck or if it was so shot up it couldn't be salvaged.
NO hundreds were either pushed into the ocean or destroyed on the ground to avoid being captured by the Communists. You have to remember that the ARVN was a force twice as large as the US Army today with all of the best equipment. They had thousands of Helicopters
NO hundreds were either pushed into the ocean or destroyed on the ground to avoid being captured by the Communists. You have to remember that the ARVN was a force twice as large as the US Army today with all of the best equipment. They had thousands of Helicopters
Yeah I know that. I thought the question was more of it being done as a matter of course throughout our involvement.
My older brother was an LSO on Enterprise during the fall of Saigon so I know it was done then.
It might have been done on occasion if the aircraft was fouling the flight deck or if it was so shot up it couldn't be salvaged.
A retired co worker was in the navy during that time and he use to tell us of this same thing and as I recall it was for the very reasons you stated. It did not sound like it was a regular thing but more like dumping the scrape they didnt have room for. I guess it would be bs if it was made to look like a normal thing but if once in a blue moon, yes I belive it was probably happening.
I thought it only happened at the end of the war when they were evacuating so many people from the main cities that the aircraft carriers had to push many helicopters into the ocean to make room for more helicopters to land.
This really happened. Aircraft carrier decks were cleared either for emergencies like flight-deck fires such as the 1967 USS Forrestal fire involving Cmdr (now Senator) John McCain, or to make room for incoming flights. As for other stuff jettisoned, it's government property and can't be sold. It must be destroyed when it's usefullness is depleted. Actually, they eventually sink entire ships when they're inventory is unneeded anymore. Most combat veterans can tell you stories that are unbelievable, but true. Most don't talk about it. When they do, I give them the benefit of the doubt. There's another world out there that we hope we'll never see again.
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