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Operations Evening Light and Eagle Claw (24 April 1980) Iran and Air Arm History (1941 to 1980) |
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A Sailors tale of his Tour of duty in the U.S. Navy (August 1977 to February 1983) Operation Evening Light and Eagle Claw - 24 April 1980
Book - ISBN NO. 978-1-4276-0454-5 EBook - ISBN NO. 978-1-329-15473-5
Operations Evening Light and Eagle Claw (24 April 1980) Iran and Air Arm History (1941 to 1980)
Book ISBN NO. xxxxxxxxxxxxx EBook ISBN NO. 978-1-329-19945-3
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Operations Evening Light and Eagle Claw (24 April 1980) Iran and Air Arm History (1941 to 1980) Table of Contents
Title and Copy Right Page (i to ii) Dedication Page (iii to xxii) Epigraph (xxiii to xxiv) Introduction (xxv to xxvi) Table of Contents (xxvii to xlii) *Author Introduction (xliii to liv) *Foreword (lv to lvi) *Acknowledgement, Warning and Disclaimer (lvii to lx) (*follow the Table of contents) Bibliography (lxi to lxxxi) follow VII, Appendix II Table of Contents
Chapter I Iran History and Air Arm (1941 to 1976) – Pages 1 to 12
Iranian revolutionary forces in Tehran overran the United States embassy. . The Regency and Supreme Army Councils established for the Shah's absence proved unable to function. Khomeini arrives in Iran and became Iran’s new leader. A mob of Muslim "students," adherents of the Ayatollah Khomeini's fundamentalist revolution, stormed the U.S. Embassy in Teheran and seized the Americans in the compound. The Iranians occupying the Teheran embassy free three American hostages: a woman and two black Marines. Iran History and Air Arm (1941 to 1976)
Chapter II CVN and CV Deployments (Indian Ocean operations keeping the peace in the Middle East) (CV-43 Twelfth “WestPac,” participating in a Multi-nation combat exercises with Japan and Korea, and the Republic of China) and Iran History & Air Arm (1 January to 31 December 1977) – Pages 113 to 108
Chapter II Appendix I WEST COAST DEPLOYMENTS – Includes Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan) (Multi-nation combat exercises with Japan, Korea, and the Republic of China and Indian Ocean operations off the east African coast in response to public derogatory remarks against the U.S. by the President of Uganda and his order that all Americans in Uganda meet with him, on 27 February 1977). – Pages 109 to 118
Chapter II Appendix II Iran History and Air Arm (May and August 1977) – Pages 119 to 120
Chapter II Appendix III USS Midway (CV-41) 15th deployment, as the U. S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet, in the Western Pacific Region, conducting Operations in the Pacific Ocean, Western Pacific Ocean, Philippine Sea, on her 18th South China Sea deployment and Northwest Pacific Operations Summary (11 January to 1 March 1977). – Pages 121 - 126
Chapter II Appendix IV USS Midway (CV-41) 18th deployment, as the U. S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet, in the Western Pacific Region, conducting Operations in the Pacific Ocean, on her 14th “WestPac,” on her 21st South China Sea, operating in the Philippine Sea, Western Pacific, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, Sunda Sea, on her third Indian Ocean, on her first Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman deployment Summary (27 September to 21 December 1977). – Pages 127 to 130
Chapter II Appendix V USS Midway (CV-41) 26th deployment, as the U. S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet, in the Western Pacific Region, conducting Operations in the Pacific Ocean, on her 16th “WestPac,” her 26th South China Sea, on her sixth Indian Ocean deployment, to what turned out to be an extended Cruise, traveling through the Lombok Strait, on her third Arabian Sea, extending operations on her, 1st North Arabian Sea on "GONZO" Station and 2nd Gulf of Oman, due to the continuing Iranian Hostage Crisis in Iran Summary (30 September 1979 to 20 February 1980). – Pages 131 to 140
Chapter III U.S. Aircraft Carriers “WestPac,” Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea Deployments (Indian Ocean operations keeping the peace in the Middle East during which time riots against the shah's regime took place in several Iranian cities, resulting in the Iranian revolution with control of Iran shifting to Ayatollah Khomeini; followed by the off a huge demonstration in Tehran demanding his extradition and on the morning of 4 November 1979, exactly one year before the United States Presidential election, a mob of around 3,000 students stormed the U.S. embassy gate in Tehran, overran the guards, and took the sixty-six people inside hostage, in the name of Ayatollah Khomeini. $80,000,000 11 month overhaul at Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard, Bremerton, Washington and sailed for Alameda, Ca. 8 February 1979, arriving the next day; underwent overhaul on 6 March 1978, during which the last of her 5-inch battery and all gun directors were removed, followed by Refresher Training and CarQuals with Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN (CVW-15) embarked, to include many visits at North Island Naval Air Station, San Diego, Ca. Iran History & Air Arm (1 January 1978 to 12 November 1979) – Pages 141 to 328
Chapter III Appendix I 1978 WEST COAST DEPLOYMENTS – Includes Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan) – Pages 329 to 342
Chapter III Appendix II SERVICE RECORD ENTRIEES of Bruce Wayne Henion – Pages 343 to 356
Chapter III Appendix III 1979 WEST COAST DEPLOYMENTS – Includes Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan) – Pages 357 to 368
Chapter IV Thirteenth “WestPac” and first Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea deployment (Operation Evening Light and Eagle Claw (04/24/80) during the Iranian revolution & Iran hostage crisis (Iran History, Air Arm) and Cheju-Do Islands in the Sea of Japan on the way home via Korea), operating with other Aircraft Carriers and upon completion conducted training operations and Carrier Qualifications (13 November 1979 to 11 June 1980). (13 November 1979 to 24 June 1980) – Pages 369 to 518
USS Coral Sea (CV-43) passed the Golden Gate Bridge USS Nimitz (CVN-68) made a port call at Tunis, Tunisia from 12 to 15 November 1979. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) pulled in for a port call at Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines on 15 November 1979. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) pulled in for a port call at Naples, Italy on 16 November 1979. USS Midway (CV-41) arrives in the northern part of the Arabian Sea in connection with the continuing hostage crisis in Iran on 18 November 1979, in connection with the continuing hostage crisis in Iran where she would spend the rest of 1979. Militant followers of the Ayatollah Khomeini, who had come to power following the overthrow of the Shah, seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on 4 November and held 63 U.S. citizens hostage. Spokesmen for the mob demanded that the United States return to Iran the deposed Shah who was in a New York hospital at the time. The Iranians occupying the Teheran embassy free three American hostages: a woman and two black Marines on 19 November. Ten more of the Americans are freed the following day, but fifty-three remained in captivity for a total of 444 days, being released on 20 January 1981 as President Ronald Reagan took office. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and her escort ships were directed to sail to the Indian Ocean to join USS Midway (CV-41). USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) departed Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines on 21 November 1979, inport from 15 to 21 November 1979, for the northern Arabian Sea via the Diego Garcia vicinity, in response to Iranian Crisis, which would lengthen the ship’s scheduled deployment beyond Christmas and the New Year USS Coral Sea (CV-43) four day transit to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and Deck Department conducts an Underway Replenishment Evolution USS Coral Sea (CV-43) enters and departs Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on 21st of November 1979 to take on needed supplies and provisions. Disposition of Energy Quest on November 16, 1979. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) encountered high winds Jimmy Carter gives a press conference on the 24th day of Americans being held hostage in Iran November 28, 1979” (Ref. 12). USS Nimitz (CVN-68) made a port call at Naples, Italy from 16 to 25 November 1979. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) crossed the Equator on 27 November 1979. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) arrived in the vicinity of Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory on 28 November 1979. Operations Department of USS Coral Sea (CV-43) Yeoman Activities USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) arrived on station with USS Midway (CV-41) in the Indian Ocean in response to a crisis situation on 3 December 1979, and with USS Midway (CV-41) and ships in company comprised Task Croup SEVEN ZERO PT ONE (Battle Group ALFA) provided the U.S. with A-6 Intruder and A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft and F-4 Phantom II and the modern F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft, which could respond to a variety of situations if called upon during the Iranian hostage crisis. This was the first time since World War II that the U.S. Navy had two carrier task forces in the Indian Ocean in response to a crisis situation. Omani JAGUAR reconnaissance reconnoitered Kitty the same day. Aircraft loss for CVW-8 suffering the loss of two pilots on 6 December 1979. In early December 1979, a blue water turnover was conducted with USS Forrestal (CV-59) and USS Independence (CV-62) headed for Norfolk. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) pulled in for a port call at Athens, Greece on 8 December 1979. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) turned over with USS Independence (CV-62) at sea from 8 to 9 December 1980 and departed the 7th Fleet AOR and returned to the Atlantic Fleet, steaming from the Indian Ocean through the Mazambique Channel to the bottom of South Africa, traveling around Cape of Good Hope through the South Atlantic. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) arrives Pusan, Korea from 10 to 12 December 1979. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) made a port call at Athens, Greece from 8 to 13 December 1979. USS Independence (CV-62) returns from her 1st Indian Ocean and 14th Mediterranean Sea deployment on 14 December 1979, with CVW-6 embarked arrived Norfolk, Virginia. Aircraft loss of CVW-8, suffering the loss of one pilot on 16 December 1979. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) crossed the equator on 18 December 1980, the “renewed presence of pollywogs” on board USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) forced her shellbacks to perform another cleansing ceremony as the ship crossed the equator. CNO visits USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) on 19 December 1980, ADM Thomas B. Hayward, Chief of Naval Operations, visited USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). Disposition of Energy Quest on 19 December 1979. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) pulled in for a port call at Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines on 20 December 1979. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) anchored off Naples on 21 December 1979. Jimmy Carter calls for sanctions against Iran to force the release of American hostages on December 21, 1979. DOD announced a three-ship nuclear-powered carrier battle group from the Sixth Fleet would deploy to the Indian Ocean on 21 December 1979, the Defense Department announced a three-ship nuclear-powered carrier battle group from the Sixth Fleet consisting of the nuclear-powered USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and her nuclear-powered escort ships. Nimitz would deploy to the Indian Ocean to relieve the Seventh Fleet carrier battle group led by USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). New CO, Captain Richard Michael Dunleavy assumed command of USS Coral Sea (CV-43), on 22 December 1979, relieving Captain Stanley Roger Arthur, 30th Commanding Officer, serving from 3 June 1978 to 22 December 1979 at Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines arrives on 22 December 1979. New CO of USS Coral Sea (CV-43) inspects OS & OP Berthing Compartments A massive Soviet airlift of 5,000 Russian airborne troops and equipment into the Afghanistan capital of Kabul was conducted on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1979, a massive Soviet airlift of 5,000 Russian airborne troops and equipment into the Afghanistan capital of Kabul was conducted. The U.S. protested the large influx of Soviet troops which the Soviet Union claimed were there at the request of the Afghanistan government. Iran Air Arm - Both of the orders of 160 to 300 F-16A/Bs and seven Boeing E-3A AWACS aircraft were cancelled after the Islamic revolution in 1979. Following the Islamic revolution, massive numbers of contracts with Western arms suppliers were cancelled by the new government, including an order for 400 AIM-54A Phoenix missiles. The wife of the senior foreign officer being held hostage, Penelope Laingen, tied a yellow ribbon around a tree on the lawn of her Maryland home Soviet-backed coup installed a new president in Afghanistan on 27 December 1979 on 27 December 1979. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS Forrestal (CV-59) participated in MultiPlEx, an exercise incorporating two carrier task forces in combined operations in the Mediterranean Sea in December 1979. From 3 December 1979 until the end of the year USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN stood ready to carry out U.S. policy in the Northern Arabian Sea relating to Iran. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) began 1980, its nineteenth year of service to the nation, on extended duty, steaming in the northern Arabian Sea on contingency operations related to the fifty-two American hostages being held in Iran. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) spent a couple of days operating off Guam on January 1980, Vol. 8, No. 1– JOSA Doug Prent and SA Craig Erickson). USS Nimitz (CVN-68) pulled in for a port call at Naples, Italy on 1 January 1980. USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was in the midst of her Complex Overhaul (COH) at Pier Three, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington on 1 January 1980, entering Dry Dock No. 6 on 11 January 1979 after a two day journey from Naval Air Station, Alameda, California commencing on 9 January 1979. There were no Air Wing or aircraft detachments assigned during 1980. The fifth Independence (CVA-62), former CVA-62 commenced Overhaul, steaming up the Elizabeth River on 14 December 1979, most likely in January 1980 after leave and stand down period. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) sailed in response to the Iranian crisis, leading a nuclear-powered battle group including guided missile cruisers USS California (CGN-36) and USS Texas (CGN-39) from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean on 4 January 1980, around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope and into the Indian Ocean to “Gonzo Station” (derisively named by sailors serving there, supposedly deriving the term from Gulf of Oman Naval Zoo Operation). The three ships stood out of separate Italian ports and rendezvoused, sailing at a speed of advance of 25 knots. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) departed Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines on 9 January 1980, in port from 20 December 1979 to 9 January 1980 and steamed for Pattaya Beach, Thailand. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Crossed the Ecuator, her “shellbacks” initiating 4,423 “pollywogs” into King Neptune’s Realm on 12 January 1980. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) pulled in for a port of call at Pattaya Beach, Thailand from 18 to 20 January 1980. Jimmy Carter speaks bitterly on the behavior of the Iranians on January 21, 1981, Jimmy Carter speaks bitterly on the behavior of the Iranians in an interview before boarding a plane for Germany to meet with the hostages. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and her escort ships joined USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and USS Midway (CV-41) and their escort ships on station in the Arabian Sea on 22 January 1980. Battle Group Bravo was centered upon three carriers: Kitty Hawk, Nimitz, and USS Midway (CV-43), together with 12 escort and support ships. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) arrived on station 22 January 1980 and a complete TF70 photo was taken on 23 January with three carrier BG's in formation. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) relieved by USS Nimitz (CVN-65) and her escort ships, joining USS Midway (CV-41) and their escort ships on station in the Arabian Sea from 27 Dec. 1979 to 22 Jan. 1980. Battle Group Bravo was centered upon three carriers: Kitty Hawk, Nimitz, and Midway, together with 12 escort and support ships. The following day USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) departed for Subic Bay, R.P., having spent 64 days in operations connected with the Iranian crisis. Jimmy Carter's State of the Union Address on 23 January 1980, with an introduction by Tip O'Neill. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) arrived on “Gonzo Station” on 23 January 1980. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) conducted cross-deck and relief operations with USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and CVW-8 on 23 January 1980. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) departs northern Arabian Sea on 24 January 1980. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) pulled into Singapore Bay for a four-day rest and relaxation liberty from 25 to 29 January 1980. The Republican response to the State of the Union Address 1980 January 30, 1980. USS Coral Sea (CV43) was heading through the Malacca Straits, and then on track to the Indian Ocean on 31 January 1980. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) enters Impervim Neptvini Rergis on February 2, 1980. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) with CVW-14 Air Wing and COMCARGROUP THREE embarked arrived on “Gonzo Station” on 4 February 1980, having been established following the November 1979 takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran. The same day, Coral Sea cross-decked with USS Midway (CV-41) at sea off loading supplies and two E-2B aircraft were flown over. A turn over brief was also conducted between both ship’s officers. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) relieves USS Midway (CV-41) in the northern part of the Arabian Sea and Midway departs on 5 February 1980 in connection with the continuing hostage crisis in Iran. Man overboard sounds on the 1 MC aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43), this it not a drill, all hands to your muster station, soon after arriving on station in the northern part of the Arabian Sea on 5 February 1980. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) departed Subic Bay, Republic of Philipines on 8 February 1980, inport from 3 to 8 February 1980, resupplied, and got underway for Pearl Harbor. FINAL Disposition of Energy Quest and Advancement on 9 February 1980. Bakhtiar went into hiding, eventually to find exile in Paris on 12 February 1980, Bakhtiar went into hiding, eventually to find exile in Paris. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in-chopped to COMTHIRDFLT from COMSEVENTHFLT on 14 February 1980. Kitty Hawk Backloaded “WestPac” ordnance allowance during UNREP with USS Wabash (AOR-5) on 15 February and on 18 February 1980. President Carter adopts a "Rose Garden" strategy that limited his public appearances so he can devote his full time to the hostage crisis February 13, 1980; he allowed the crisis to dominate American foreign policy for the remainder of his administration. USS Midway (CV-41) pulled in for a port of call at Subic Bay, R.P. from 13 to 16 February 1980. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) pulled in for a port call at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 19 to 20 February 1980, embarking 499 Tiger Cruise Guests. USS Midway (CV-41) with CVW-5 embarked returned on 20 February 1980, her 26th deployment, as the U. S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier at Yokosuka, Japan operating with the 7th Fleet, in the Western Pacific Region. CVW-14 Airman response to the fly over of a Russian Bear and Russian Frigate(?) near USS Coral Sea (CV-43) as a result of the U.S. Defeating Soviet Squad In Olympic Hockey February 22, 1980. Air Wing FIFTEEN (CVW-15) aircraft flew off USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) to their respective home bases on the West Coast on 24 February 1980. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) arrived San Diego, Ca., concluding Indian Ocean operations during the Iranian crisis at 1019, 25 February 1980. USS Constellation (CV-64) departs for the Indian Ocean on 26 February 1980. Captain Foster S. Teague assumed command during a change of command ceremony aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) on 29 February 1980, relieving Captain W. Lewis Chatham, 15th Commanding Officer, serving from 30 June 1978 to 29 February 1980. Letter from USS Coral Sea (CV-43) to Senator Hatfield regarding Energy Quest on 1 March 1980. YNSN Henion frocked to Yeoman Third Class on 16 March 1980. Also awarded the Operations Department Sailor of the Month and Selected for Officers Candidate School (I turned it down as I didn’t want to make a career of the navy). Crew Confrontation over Race aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43) while operating on "GONZO" Station in the North Arabian Sea on 16 March 1980, my first real test of leadership was introduced to me with out any preparation. Commodore Gelke, DESRON Five relieved Commodore Treiber, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) Twenty Three assigned to USS Coral Sea (CV-43) in March 1980. USS Midway (CV-41) pulled in for a port of call at Sasebo, Japan on 20 March 1980, conducting Yokosuka to Sasebo, Japan Transit from 17 to 20 March 1980. US Boycotts Moscow Olympics – 21 March 1980. USS Midway (CV-41) conducted Weapons off-load with USS Pyro (AE–24) from 17 to 21 March 1980. USS Midway (CV-41) made a port of call at Sasebo, Japan from 20 to 22 March 1980, embarking 160 sons and guests that comprised the "Tori Cruise" contingent that would ride the ship back to Yokosuka. YN3 Henion looses it and is written up for Disrespect of a Commissioned Officer on 23 March 1980. USS Midway (CV-41) with CVW-5 embarked returned on 24 March 1980 to Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan), as the U. S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet, in the Western Pacific Region. USS Midway (CV-41) commenced a 60 day Extended Incremental Ship's Repair Availability (EIRSA) on 24 March 1980, most of which was spent in Dry-dock Six in Yokosuka. Iran History & Air Arm - Iran hostage crisis (February to 31 March 1980) USS Coral Sea (CV-43) joined up with the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and her escort ships, USS Coral Sea (CV-43) with RADM L. C. Chambers, COMCARGRU / CTG 70.3, Chief of Staff, Captain MING ERH CHANG and staff on board, was ready to do her part in world affairs along with Coral Sea escort ships and the Naval Task Force in March 1980. US Army Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Airborne) was put on full alert on April 7, he announced the severing of diplomatic relations with Iran, the implementation of a complete economic embargo against Iran, an inventory of financial claims against Iran to be paid from Iranian assets in the United States, and told Iran's diplomats to leave the country within twenty-four hours. The US broke diplomatic relations with Iran on 8 April 1980. The newly certified US Army Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Airborne) was put on full alert and plans were being drawn up for a rescue. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) passed her 100th day at sea. ADM Thomas B. Hayward, Chief of Naval Operations, authorized the crew to celebrate with a “two-beer ration,” the first time that alcoholic beverages were officially permitted on board a U.S. Navy man of war since the abolition of the wine mess during WWI on 12 April 1980. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) with CVW-7 and Carrier Group FOUR (COMCARGRU FOUR) departs Norfolk, Virginia on 15 April 1980, with Captain James H. Mauldin in command and Captain G. D. O'Brien, USN as the XO, on her first Indian Ocean and North Arabian Sea deployment to relieve USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in light of tensions in the Persian Gulf area; including support of Exercise Beacon Compass, Exercise Gonzo 4-80/MultiplEx 1-80 and Exercise Gonzo 5-80, operating with the 7th Fleet, steaming to the Indian Ocean from the Southern Atlantic from the bottom of South Africa, traveling around Cape of Good Hope through the Mazambique Channel to the Indian Ocean, a 12,000 nautical mile transit to GONZO Station, located off the coast of Oman (16 January to 13 July 1979. USS Constellation (CV-64) and her battle group departed Subic Bay, the Republic of the Philippines, to relieve USS Coral Sea (CV-43), steaming westward to the Arabian Sea, where Gonzo Station had been established following the November 1979 takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran on 18 April 1980. Iran hostage crisis Continues - As the Iranian hostage crisis drags into its second year, 52 Americans are still held captive by the new regime in Tehran, with no resolution in sight. President Carter's threats and sanctions fail to bring them home, and in April 1980 the administration calls on the military. Gonzos I and II pitted elements of the battle group in two-day multiple threat scenarios against each other from March to April 1980. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) with CVW-14 Air Wing and COMCARGROUP THREE, Rear Admiral L. C. Chambers embarked, was on "GONZO" Station in the North Arabian Sea and at sea 87 continuous days (29 January to 24 April 1980), when Operation Evening Light in support of the top-secret mission Operation Eagle Claw began at about dawn on 24 April 1980, in connection with the Iranian crisis, operating along side USS Nimitz (CVN-68), with her air wing, while the Nimitz launched eight helicopters sailing in the Arabian Sea off the southeast Coast of Iran for there 600-mle flight to Desert One, the attempt to rescue 52 U.S. Embassy American diplomats held hostage in Tehra,n Iran. From the Indian Ocean, Nimitz helicopters and later planes, flew from either “Gonzo Station,” or the North Arabian Sea and into the Gulf of Oman to a staging area off the southeast Coast of Iran operating with the 7th Fleet, to strengthen the U.S. Naval presence in the crucial Indian Ocean area as tensions heightened over Iran's taking of 52 American diplomats hostage, in what would turn out to be Operation Eagle Claw (Operation Rice Bowl and Operation Evening Light), the attempt to rescue the US Embassy workers being held hostage in Tehran, Iran. Aircraft from CV-43 and CVN-68 escorted Iranian aircraft back to their Air Force Base once the rescue team was spotted on radar after an aircraft with Army troops exploited when the blades of a helicopter ripped through the fuselage, resulting in the loss of service members. USS Constellation (CV-64) reached the eastern Indian Ocean when the unsuccessful 24 April 1980 raid to free American hostages took place. CV-43 and CVN-68 Receive Beer - All of a sudden a steady parade of S-3 Viking COD's start coming aboard. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), USS South Carolina (CGN-37) and USS Virginia (CGN-38) steamed to the Indian Ocean from the Southern Atlantic from the bottom of South Africa, traveling around Cape of Good Hope through the Mazambique Channel to the Indian Ocean crossing from the Atlantic to the Pacific and.7th Fleet AOR, Out Chopping Atlantic Fleet and In Chopped Pacific Fleet on 29 April 1980. USS Constellation (CV-64) cross decked supplies and spare parts, relieving USS Coral Sea (CV-43) with CVW-14 Air Wing and COMCARGROUP THREE embarked in the North Arabian Sea on 30 April 1980, departing the Arabian Sea, she was on "GONZO" Station in the North Arabian Sea 89 continuous days since Coral Sea’s arrival in the Indian Ocean on 1 February 1980, steaming through the Malacca Straits on 31 January 1980, and then on track to the Indian Ocean, departing Singapore Bay on 29 January 1980. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) departed the Arabian Sea on 30 April 1980, steaming through the Indian Ocean and Malacca Straits via the South China Sea en route to Subic Bay. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) crossed the equator during early May 1980, allowing shellbacks among the crew to cleanse over 5,000 pollywogs of “their dreaded condition. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), USS South Carolina (CGN-37) and USS Virginia (CGN-38) relieved USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and her group, including guided missile cruisers California (CGN-37) and Texas (CGN-39) from 7 to 8 May 1980, after the crew endured 108 days, operating 144 of them continuously at sea, including 115 of Iranian contingency operations on station during Operation Eagle Claw (Operation Rice Bowl and Operation Evening Light), the attempt to rescue the US Embassy workers being held hostage in Tehran, Iran in the Indian Ocean, North Arabian Sea and into the Gulf of Oman to a staging area off the southeast Coast of Iran referred to as “Gonzo Station.”, the attempt to rescue the US Embassy workers being held hostage in Tehran, Iran. CAPT James H. Mauldin established an almost weekly “CO’s Day” to allow the men to take time off and participate in “Flight Deck Olympics” and picnics. USS Dwight D. Eisenhwer (CVN-69) commenced operations in Northern Arabian Sea on 8 May 1980. USS Dwight D. Eisenhwer (CVN-69) conducted turn over with USS America (CV-66) on 9 May 1981 in the Indian Ocean en route to the Gulf of Aden. Edmund Muskie sworn in as U.S. Secretary of State May 9, 1980. USS Independence (CVA-62) conducted Overhaul at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia from shortly after 14 December 1979, most likely in January 1980 after leave and stand down period to sometime in May 1980, steaming down the Elizabeth River and proceeded to Pier 12 at Norfolk, Virginia, Naval Base and shortly after will conduct three days Sea Trials and Refresher Training, departing the shipyard through its Southern Branch and the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal, a gateway to points to the south for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, an inland path to the ocean upon conclusion. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) was at sea nine days prior to USS Coral Sea (CV-43) arrival at Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines from 9 to 16 May 1980, to be the ship’s first stop on the way back to her home base, NAS Alameda, Ca., marked 102 consecutive days at sea, departing the Arabian Sea on 30 April 1980. USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) conducted operations in Northern Arabian Sea from 8 to 21 May 1980” (Ref. 383C-1980). USS Coral Sea (CV-43) ordered to Cheju-Do Islands in the Sea of Japan on the way home via Korea when Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington State, hurling ash 15,000 feet into the air and setting off mudslides and avalanches, proceeded by a weeklong series of earthquakes and smaller explosions of ash and smoke, erupted. The eruptions cause minimal damage in the sparsely populated area, but about 400 people -- mostly loggers and forest rangers -- are evacuated. Coral Sea (CV-43) arrived off Cheju-Do Islands in the Sea of Japan on 22 May 1980. USS Midway (CV-41) conducted Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan) from 25 March to 23 May 1980, conducting Extended Incremental Ship's Repair Availability (EIRSA) period from 25 March to 23 May 1980. USS Midway (CV-41) with CVW-5 embarked departs Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan) on 24 May 1980, as the U. S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet, in the Western Pacific Region. On 24 May 1980, USS Coral Sea (CV-43) was diverted from a homeward transit to MODLOC south of Cheju-Do Island, reacting to a crisis in South Korea. Midway en route to a NJ op-area was rearmed by USS Flint (AE-32) on 25 May 1980. USS Nimitz (CVN-68) returns from Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf on her third Mediterranean Sea deployment on 26 May 1980 Bad weather forced Midway to depart the NJ op-area on 26 May 1980, for CV-41 to relieve CV-43, south of Cheju-Do or "Kimchi Station." Flight Ops off Yokosuka were conducted. Midway departed NJ en route relief of USS Coral Sea (CV-43) on 29 May 1980, then proceeded to Kimchi Station to relieve Coral Sea. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) receives the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Naval Air Force Pacific Battle Efficiency 'E' an the best carrier in the Pacific Fleet in June 1980, for her operations connected with the Iranian crisis, when she spent 64 days in operations and year long efficiency evaluation. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) visits Korea on her way home in June 1980, spending only a few days anchored prior to arriving Alameda, Calif. USS Midway (CV-41) with CVW-5 embarked returned to Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan) on 4 June 1980, as the U. S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet, in the Western Pacific Region. USS Midway (CV-41) with CVW-5 embarked departs on 10 June 1980, her 27th deployment, as the U. S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet, in the Western Pacific Region. USS Coral Sea (CV-43) returns to Alameda, California from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea during the Iranian Crisis on 11 June 1980. USS Midway (CV-41) departed Pusan, Korea on 20 June 1980, inport from 18 to 20 June 1980. USS Midway (CV-41) conducted Transit to Yokosuka from 21 to 24 June 1980. USS Midway (CV-41) with CVW-5 embarked returned on 24 June 1980, her 27th deployment, as the U. S. Navy’s forward-deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet, in the Western Pacific Region.
(This outline was designed as a Timeline but does not include every historical activity within the contents of the Chapter like UNREPS or aircraft/pilot loss)
Chapter IV Appendix I Carrier Air Wing FOURTEEN (CVW-14) – Pages 519 to 522
Chapter IV Appendix II USS Coral Sea (CV-43) four day transit to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and Deck Department conducts an Underway Replenishment Evolution desperately needed (24 to 26 November 1979). – Pages 523 to 528
Chapter IV Appendix III Disposition of Energy Quest – Pages 529 to 538
Chapter IV Appendix IV 1980 WEST COAST DEPLOYMENTS – Includes Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan) – Pages 539 to 552
Chapter IV Appendix V USS Coral Sea (CV-43) Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines inport activities, focusing on SN Henion and Intelligence Specialist Seaman (ISSN) Richard Dial. – Pages 553 to 558
Chapter IV Appendix VI USS Coral Sea (CV-43) enters Impervim Neptvini Rergis – Pages 559 to 562
Chapter IV Appendix VII CVW-14 Airman response to the fly over of a Russian Bear and Russian Frigate(?) near USS Coral Sea (CV-43) as a result of the U.S. Defeating Soviet Squad In Olympic Hockey. – Pages 563 to 566
Chapter IV Appendix VIII Crew Confrontation over Race aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43) while operating on "GONZO" Station in the North Arabian Sea. – Pages 567 to 570
Chapter IV Appendix IX YN3 Henion written up for Disrespect of a Commissioned Officer – Pages 571 to 572
Chapter IV Appendix X Operation Eagle Claw (Operation Evening Light or Operation Rice Bowl) – 24 April 1980 – Pages 573 to 594
Chapter IV Appendix XI Iran Air Force - Iran History & Air Arm – Pages 595 to 614
IIAF -Imperial Iranian Air Force (mid '20s-feb79) IRIAF - Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (1980 to Present)
“The US-trained Iranian Imperial Air Force was widely regarded as second only to Israel's in the Middle East - more than a match for Iraq and a serious adversary for even the Soviet Union. Before the Revolution, the Air Force was organized into 15 squadrons with fighter and fighter-bomber capabilities and a single reconnaissance squadron. In addition, 1 tanker squadron, and 4 medium and 1 light transport squadron provided impressive logistical support.
From its inception, the Air Force also assumed responsibility for air defense. The existing early warning systems, built in the 1950s under the auspices of Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), were upgraded in the 1970s with a modern air defense radar network” (Ref. 1127).
Phantom with Iran
“Next to Israel, Iran was the largest overseas operator of the Phantom. A total of 32 F-4Ds, 177 F-4Es, and 16 RF-4Es (plus 8 F-4Es borrowed from the USA and subsequently returned) were supplied to Iran before the fall of the Shah and the rise of the Islamic fundamentalist regime resulted in a cutoff of further arms supplies. The Shah of Iran had ambitious plans to use his country's oil wealth to make Iran into a major military power in the Persian Gulf region. The United States government actively supported the Shah's ambitions, hoping that his government would be effective counter to any Soviet expansionist intentions in the area. As part of this expansion of Iranian military power, the Nirou Havai Shahanshahiye Iran (Imperial Iranian Air Force) placed a order for 16 F-4Ds in 1967. A second batch of 16 more F-4Ds was ordered later. The first batch of F-4Ds arrived in Iran on September 8, 1968, with a total of 32 F-4Ds being ultimately delivered to the Imperial Iranian Air Force. Iranian F-4Ds were used in several unsuccessful attempts to intercept Soviet MiG-25s that were spying on Iran” (Ref. 1138).
Chapter V USS Coral Sea (CV-43) USS Coral Sea (CV-43) at Naval Air Station, Alameda, Ca. conducting a $30 million modernization SRA (14 July to 10 October 1980); CV-43 Hawaiian Training Cruise (3 May to 6 June 1981) and Tour of Duty aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43) concludes for YN3 Henion (12 June 1980 to 2 September 1981) – Pages 615 to 714
Chapter V Appendix I USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) Operations Department Yeoman conducts a Top Secret visit to XEROX Corporation, San Francisco, Ca. – Pages 715 to 716
Bibliography Pages lxi to lxxxi (81) + 716 = 797
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