The USS Independence was towed last Thursday into the Port of Brownsville where it will be dismantled for scrap. CV-62 was launched in 1958 and served almost 40 years in the Fleet before it was decommissioned in 1998.
Watch the Independence Being Towed on its Final Voyage
International Shipbreaking Ltd. President Chris Green credited the Port of Brownsville and Cameron County for the ceremony honoring veterans who served on the carrier Thursday at Dolphin Cove. The “supercarrier” passed on the horizon behind the podium at the gazebo. Flags from the color guard waved with the sea breeze as speakers said farewell to the ship.
Former Indy electrician Bill Wallen was asked to talk about his experience on the ship. He was on the maiden voyage after its commissioning in January 1959. He served his nearly six years aboard the Indy. “I had a good time, and I’ve been a lot of places and seen a lot of things — a lot of things I didn’t want to see, but I saw,” Wallen said.
His son, Bill Wallen Jr., also served on the boat. Having his son and grandsons there with him was “important,” he said.” – Brownsville Herald
The Independence is the last of the Forrestal class carriers which were known as the first ‘supercarriers’ because of their massive size, 25% larger than the prior Midway class carriers.
Featured image of People lining the jetties as they watch the USS Independence being towed into the Brownsville Ship Channel for salvage on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at South Padre Island, Texas. A group of the ship’s past crew members stood and watched as the ship was towed up the channel toward International Shipbreaking Ltd., the recycling company that won the contract to scrap the ship. Photo by Nathan Lambrecht/The Monitor via AP
The USS Independence was towed last Thursday into the Port of Brownsville where it will be dismantled for scrap. CV-62 was launched in 1958 and served almost 40 years in the Fleet before it was decommissioned in 1998.
Watch the Independence Being Towed on its Final Voyage
International Shipbreaking Ltd. President Chris Green credited the Port of Brownsville and Cameron County for the ceremony honoring veterans who served on the carrier Thursday at Dolphin Cove. The “supercarrier” passed on the horizon behind the podium at the gazebo. Flags from the color guard waved with the sea breeze as speakers said farewell to the ship.
Former Indy electrician Bill Wallen was asked to talk about his experience on the ship. He was on the maiden voyage after its commissioning in January 1959. He served his nearly six years aboard the Indy. “I had a good time, and I’ve been a lot of places and seen a lot of things — a lot of things I didn’t want to see, but I saw,” Wallen said.
His son, Bill Wallen Jr., also served on the boat. Having his son and grandsons there with him was “important,” he said.” – Brownsville Herald
The Independence is the last of the Forrestal class carriers which were known as the first ‘supercarriers’ because of their massive size, 25% larger than the prior Midway class carriers.
Featured image of People lining the jetties as they watch the USS Independence being towed into the Brownsville Ship Channel for salvage on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at South Padre Island, Texas. A group of the ship’s past crew members stood and watched as the ship was towed up the channel toward International Shipbreaking Ltd., the recycling company that won the contract to scrap the ship. Photo by Nathan Lambrecht/The Monitor via AP
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.