USS Forrestal (CV-59)

USS Forrestal (CV-59)

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) was the United States Navy's first supercarrier, commissioned on October 1, 1955, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia. She was the first carrier designed from the keel up to operate jet aircraft and nuclear weapons simultaneously, and the first to incorporate an angled flight deck and enclosed hurricane bow as original design features. At 59,900 tons of standard displacement and 1,039 feet overall, she was the largest warship the United States had built. Forrestal remained in service until 1993. Presented here is an illustrated history of the ship, including nearly 200 photographs and tables. The images show Forrestal under construction and throughout her lengthy service in the Cold War. Detailed captions provide valuable context to the reader.