The EA-1E Skyraider’s Daring Incident Aboard USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39)

On September 19, 1964, an incident involving an EA-1E Skyraider aircraft from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-33 Detachment 39, also known as the “Night Hawks,” occurred aboard the last straight-deck carrier in the United States Navy, the USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39). This event, which saw the aircraft miss its intended arresting wires and crash into the barrier, is a moment in aviation history that highlights both the inherent risks of naval aviation and the heroism displayed by naval aircrews during a critical period in military history.

The EA-1E Skyraider: A Workhorse of the Skies

Before delving into the details of the incident, it’s important to understand the significance of the EA-1E Skyraider itself. The Skyraider was a rugged and versatile aircraft that had earned its place as a reliable workhorse for the U.S. Navy. It was designed as a carrier-based attack aircraft and initially introduced in 1946. The EA-1E variant was a specialized version of the A-1 Skyraider, modified for airborne early warning (AEW) operations.

The EA-1E was equipped with radar and advanced electronics, making it an essential asset for carrier air wings during the Cold War and Vietnam War. It was capable of performing reconnaissance, surveillance, and early warning missions, often at considerable ranges from the carrier. The aircraft’s rugged construction, powerful radial engine, and impressive payload capabilities made it highly suited for long-duration flights and for operating from the demanding conditions of an aircraft carrier. Despite the advancing technological landscape, the Skyraider remained a mainstay of U.S. Navy operations well into the 1960s.

The USS Lake Champlain: The Last Straight Deck Carrier

The USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39) was a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s fleet during the Cold War. Commissioned in 1943, it was a Ticonderoga-class aircraft carrier that underwent various modifications over its service life, including being re-designated as a CVS (Carrier Anti-Submarine Warfare Support) ship. By the early 1960s, the Lake Champlain had been converted for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations and served as a platform for early warning and surveillance aircraft like the EA-1E Skyraider.

What made the USS Lake Champlain unique at the time of the incident was its status as the last remaining straight-deck aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. The straight deck, which lacked the angled landing area that would become standard in subsequent aircraft carriers, posed unique challenges for pilots landing on the ship. These carriers required a high level of precision and skill from pilots, particularly during the critical landing phase when their aircraft needed to touch down and be caught by one of the arresting wires to avoid a dangerous overshoot.

For comparison, more modern aircraft carriers featured angled decks, which allowed for simultaneous launches and landings, and improved the efficiency and safety of operations. However, during the time of the Skyraider incident, straight-deck carriers were still operational, and pilots aboard the Lake Champlain had to execute highly precise maneuvers to avoid disaster. This added complexity to every landing, including the harrowing event on September 19, 1964.

The Night Hawks: VAW-33 and Their Role

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-33 Detachment 39, known as the “Night Hawks,” was an elite squadron within the U.S. Navy that operated specialized aircraft like the EA-1E Skyraider. These aircraft were tasked with providing critical radar coverage and early warning services for carrier battle groups, ensuring that the fleet remained protected from enemy threats, especially in areas where the radar coverage from the carrier itself was limited.

The “Night Hawks” had earned a reputation for their professionalism and proficiency, performing their missions day and night in all weather conditions. They played an essential role in providing reconnaissance and early-warning capabilities during the tense years of the Cold War. While many of the aircraft they flew, like the Skyraider, were older designs, their capabilities remained essential to the success of naval operations.

On September 19, 1964, the Night Hawks were performing routine operations aboard the USS Lake Champlain, executing a mission that required them to fly in and out of potentially dangerous airspace. As experienced as the squadron was, the challenges of landing on a straight-deck carrier under operational conditions were not to be underestimated.

The Incident: A Missed Arresting Wire and the Barrier

The event that unfolded on September 19, 1964, would become a dramatic moment for both the Night Hawks and the crew of the USS Lake Champlain. As one of the EA-1E Skyraiders attempted to land on the ship’s straight deck, it missed the arresting wires designed to catch the aircraft and safely bring it to a stop. This was an extremely dangerous situation, as the aircraft risked overshooting the deck and plunging into the ocean.

Due to the lack of an angled deck, which could have allowed for a second chance landing or a go-around maneuver, the aircraft was faced with a tight and unforgiving situation. At the time, the arresting wires aboard the Lake Champlain were the primary means of safely halting aircraft during landing. When a pilot missed these wires, it left them with limited options.

Fortunately, the pilot of the Skyraider, despite the immense pressure, reacted quickly and skillfully. The aircraft slammed into the ship’s barrier, a heavy netting system designed to catch and halt an aircraft in the event of a missed arresting wire. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to be arrested abruptly, sparing the crew and preventing the Skyraider from falling overboard into the ocean.

Despite the pilot’s quick thinking and the successful engagement of the barrier, the incident underscored the risks involved in naval aviation, particularly aboard a straight-deck carrier like the Lake Champlain. The event was a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by naval aviators and the highly specialized nature of aircraft carrier operations.

The Aftermath and Lessons Learned

The incident aboard the USS Lake Champlain on September 19, 1964, prompted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the missed arresting wire and the successful use of the barrier. While the pilot and crew of the EA-1E Skyraider emerged relatively unharmed, the event underscored the pressing need for continued safety improvements in naval aviation.

The lessons learned from this incident would go on to influence future naval aviation protocols and equipment. In particular, the shift away from straight-deck carriers toward angled-deck carriers, which were more forgiving in case of missed landings, was accelerated. These advancements, along with improved pilot training and equipment upgrades, contributed to a safer environment for U.S. Navy pilots in the years that followed.

Additionally, the courage and professionalism demonstrated by the pilot of the EA-1E Skyraider and the crew of the USS Lake Champlain served as a testament to the skill required to operate in such challenging conditions. Despite the difficulties faced on that fateful day, both the pilot and the crew of the Lake Champlain ensured that the incident was dealt with promptly and effectively, preventing further harm and continuing the legacy of excellence in naval aviation.

Conclusion: A Piece of Naval Aviation History

The story of the EA-1E Skyraider’s dramatic encounter with the barrier aboard the USS Lake Champlain serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and challenges of naval aviation during the Cold War era. It highlights the skill, bravery, and quick thinking of naval aviators who faced difficult circumstances with determination and professionalism. This incident, while just one of many in the history of naval aviation, is a testament to the continued evolution of U.S. Navy air operations, and the dedication of those who served aboard the Lake Champlain and other carriers of its time.