Scale: 1/720

Recommended to help build the Forrestal-class aircraft carrier USS Independence CVA-62 from:
Italeri 1/720 scale USS Forrestal CV-59
Italeri 1/720 scale USS Saratoga CV-60
Italeri 1/720 scale USS Ranger CV-61
Italeri 1/720 scale USS Independence CV-62
Revell 1/720 scale USS Saratoga CV-60
Testors 1/720 scale USS Forrestal CV-59
Testors 1/720 scale USS Saratoga CV-60
 
This model represents the island of Forrestal class aircraft carrier USS Independence CVA-62 as it appeared circa 1965-1971 during the Vietnam War.  The Forrestal class was the world's first "super carriers".
 
Click here for valuable reference photos of USS Independence CV/CVA-62, the fourth ship of the Forrestal class.
 
This model is designed from official US Navy drawings to match features and dimensions of the actual ship.  Therefore, it may be sized and shaped differently than your plastic kit's parts.  Some adjustment of your kit's parts or other aftermarket products such as photo-etch may be needed for best fit.

Features:
overall dimensions scaled from official US Navy drawings, details adjusted to match photos
open navigating bridge, flag bridge and primary flight control station "PriFly" windows with correct wiper motor detail for 1965-1971
open portholes for the signal shelter on the 09 level
open battle lookout ports, fore and aft, properly sized and positioned
highly detailed doors of 2 types fixed to the bulkheads in the open position, and one closed door
detailed and textured starboard side intake vents
accurately shaped decks, platforms, catwalks and splinter shields properly located
detailed starboard-side electronic countermeasures room and radar room with open doors sandwiched between bi-level platforms extending outward from funnel
accurately shaped and sized SPN-35 radar dome
lower portion of the swing-down mast fixed to the superstructure (does not move) with hinge detail at the base, with small locator dimple to aid in attaching your kit's mast
open funnel uptakes
diesel generator exhausts between funnel uptakes
 
During this period, Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7), tail code "AG", was embarked aboard ship.   CVW-7 was composed of the following units and aircraft:
 
May 10, 1965 - December 13, 1965 (Vietnam War)
Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) 'Black Aces' - McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II
Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) 'Jolly Rogers' - McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II
Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) 'Blue Hawks' - Douglas A-4E Skyhawk
Attack Squadron 86 (VA-86) 'Sidewinders' - Douglas A-4E Skyhawk
Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) 'Sunday Punchers' - Grumman A-6A Intruder
Reconnaissance Attack Heavy Squadron 1 (RVAH-1) ‘Smokin' Tigers’ - North American RA-5C Vigilante
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 12 (VAW-12) ‘Bats’, detachment - Grumman E-1B Tracer
Heavy Attack Squadron 4 (VAH-4) ‘Fourrunners’, detachment - Douglas A-3B Skywarrior
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 13 (VAW-13) ‘Zappers’, detachment - Douglas EA-1F Skyraider
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (VQ-1) ‘World Watchers’, detachment - EA-3B Skywarrior
Helicopter Utility Squadron 2 (HU-2) ‘Fleet Angels’, detachment - Kaman UH-2A Seasprite
 
June 13, 1966 - February 1, 1967 (Mediterranean Sea)
Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) 'Black Aces' - McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II
Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) 'Jolly Rogers' - McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II
Marine Attack Squadron 324 (VMA-324) 'Vagabonds' - Douglas A-4E Skyhawk
Attack Squadron 86 (VA-86) 'Sidewinders' - Douglas A-4E Skyhawk
Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) 'Sunday Punchers' - Grumman A-6A Intruder
Reconnaissance Attack Heavy Squadron 1 (RVAH-1) ‘Smokin' Tigers’ - North American RA-5C Vigilante
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 12 (VAW-12) ‘Bats’, detachment - Grumman E-1B Tracer
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 (HC-2) ‘Fleet Angels’, detachment - Kaman UH-2A Seasprite
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VQ-2) ‘Batmen’, detachment - EA-3B Skywarrior
 
April 30, 1968 - January 27, 1969 (Mediterranean Sea)
Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) 'Black Aces' - McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II
Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) 'Jolly Rogers' - McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II
Attack Squadron 76 (VA-76) 'Spirits' - Douglas A-4C Skyhawk
Reconnaissance Attack Heavy Squadron 7 (RVAH-7) ‘Peacemakers of the Fleet’ - North American RA-5C Vigilante
Heavy Attack Squadron 10 (VAH-10) ‘Vikings’, detachment - Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior
Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron 1 (VSF-1) 'War Eagles' - Douglas A-4C Skyhawk
Attack Squadron 64 (VA-64) 'Black Lancers' - Douglas A-4C Skyhawk
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124 (VAW-124) ‘Bullseye Hummers’ - Grumman E-2A Hawkeye
Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 33 (VAQ-33) ‘Night Hawks’ - Douglas EA-1F Skyraider
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 (HC-2) ‘Fleet Angels’, detachment - Kaman UH-2A/B Seasprite
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VQ-2) ‘Batmen’, detachment - EA-3B Skywarrior
 
September 3, 1969 - October 9, 1969 (North Atlantic Ocean)
Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102) 'Diamondbacks' - McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II
Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) 'Tarsiers' - McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II
Attack Squadron 106 (VA-106) 'Gladiators' - Douglas A-4C Skyhawk
Heavy Attack Squadron 10 (VAH-10) ‘Vikings’, detachment - Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior
Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron 1 (VSF-1) 'War Eagles' - Douglas A-4C Skyhawk
Attack Squadron 64 (VA-64) 'Black Lancers' - Douglas A-4C Skyhawk
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 122 (VAW-122) ‘Hummer Gators’ - Grumman E-2A Hawkeye
Reconnaissance Attack Heavy Squadron 12 (RVAH-12) ‘Speartips’ - North American RA-5C Vigilante
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 (HC-2) ‘Fleet Angels’, detachment - Kaman UH-2B Seasprite
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40) ‘Rawhides’, detachment - Grumman C-1A Trader
 
June 23, 1970 - January 31, 1971 (Mediterranean Sea)
Fighter Squadron 102 (VF-102) 'Diamondbacks' - McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II
Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) 'Tarsiers' - McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II
Marine Attack Squadron 331 (VMA-331) 'Bumblebees' - Douglas A-4E Skyhawk
Attack Squadron 65 (VA-65) 'Tigers' - Grumman A-6A Intruder
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 2 (HS-2) ‘Golden Falcons’ - Sikorsky SH-3A Sea King
Reconnaissance Attack Heavy Squadron 11 (RVAH-11) ‘Checkertails’ - North American RA-5C Vigilante
Heavy Attack Squadron 10 (VAH-10) ‘Vikings’, detachment - Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 122 (VAW-122) ‘Hummer Gators’ - Grumman E-2A Hawkeye
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40) ‘Rawhides’, detachment - Grumman C-1A Trader

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