The 1967 Aircraft Carrier Fire That Almost Claimed John McCain’s Life
On a fateful day in 1967, the USS Forrestal, one of the United States’ premier aircraft carriers, experienced a catastrophic fire that took the lives of 134 sailors. Among those who narrowly escaped death was Lieutenant Commander John McCain, who would go on to become a prominent senator and presidential candidate. This harrowing incident left an indelible mark on McCain’s life and shaped his perspective on duty, courage, and the value of human life.
The USS Forrestal was stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin during the height of the Vietnam War when tragedy struck on July 29, 1967. The aircraft carrier was engaged in combat operations, launching airstrikes against targets in North Vietnam. As planes were being readied for a sortie, a stray Zuni rocket, inadvertently fired from an aircraft, struck an A-4 Skyhawk piloted by Lieutenant Commander Fred D. White. The impact caused a massive explosion, triggering a chain reaction of fires and explosions on the ship’s deck.
The fire rapidly spread across the flight deck, engulfing planes, fuel, and ordnance. The intense heat, coupled with the ensuing blasts, created a chaotic and life-threatening environment for the crew. McCain, who was waiting in his aircraft nearby, leaped from his cockpit and joined the desperate battle to control the flames.
Amidst the chaos, the crew faced numerous challenges, including exploding bombs, collapsing structures, and thick smoke that made visibility nearly impossible. Despite the tremendous danger, McCain and his fellow sailors displayed remarkable courage and resilience as they fought to contain the fire and prevent further loss of life.
As the inferno raged, McCain’s aircraft was struck by shrapnel from an exploding bomb. The impact pierced the fuel tanks, releasing a torrent of burning jet fuel that surrounded him. He narrowly escaped the flames by crawling through a small opening in the aircraft’s fuselage, desperate to save his own life and continue his efforts to extinguish the fire.
McCain’s actions during the disaster showcased his unwavering dedication to duty and his concern for his fellow sailors. Despite sustaining injuries, he tirelessly assisted in the evacuation of wounded crew members and the containment of the fire until the situation was brought under control.
The USS Forrestal disaster left an enduring impact on John McCain, shaping his worldview and reinforcing his commitment to public service. The tragic loss of life and the horrors he witnessed that day instilled in him a deep sense of duty and empathy for those in harm’s way.
Throughout his political career, McCain frequently referenced the events of that day, acknowledging the sacrifice and bravery of his fellow sailors. He regarded the fire on the USS Forrestal as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women in uniform and advocated for improved safety measures to protect the lives of servicemen and women.
The 1967 aircraft carrier fire on the USS Forrestal was a devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of 134 sailors and left an indelible mark on the career and life of John McCain. McCain’s harrowing experience that day underscored the courage and resilience displayed by military personnel in the face of unimaginable adversity. It also deepened his appreciation for the value of human life and shaped his unwavering commitment to serving his country and fighting for the safety and well-being of his fellow Americans.
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