USS CORAL SEA

USS Coral Sea was commissioned in 1947. This Midway class large aircraft carrier was built at Newport News, Virginia. After initial operations, she made her first cruise in mid 1948 with midshipmen in training. In spring 1949, the Coral Sea began its first deployment with the Sixth Fleet. With the Cold War getting hotter, she went on several more deployments throughout the fifties.

Becoming an Attack Carrier
In October 1952, Coral Sea was reclassified to be an attack aircraft carrier, which changed her hull number to CVA-43. In early 1957, she was sent to the west coast to be modernized. In January 1960, the new and improved ship was returned to active service.

With a largely expanded flight deck and other upgrades, Coral Sea crossed the Pacific to join the Seventh Fleet. She participated in the Southeast Asian conflict from the early 1960’s into the early 1970’s. In spring 1975, the Coral Sea was reclassified CV-43 to reflect the expansion of her air group. During the late 70’s into the 1980’s, the ship began deploying further west to the Persian Gulf. In March 1983, she began a long voyage from the Mediterranean down to South and Central America. She returned to the Mediterranean a couple of years later.

After later voyages with the Sixth Fleet, she was decommissioned in April 1990.