LogbooK: Rolling Thunder

The summer of 1967 proved momentous for our country and the author personally.   USS Constellation and Carrier Air Wing 14 arrived in the Gulf of Tonkin in May of 1967 and would conduct combat air operations against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam over the course of the summer well into autumn.  The bombing, intended to reduce North Vietnam support of combat operations in the South, focused on interdiction against infrastructure and transportation assets as part of Operation Rolling Thunder.  In Saigon (HQ of MACV), Honolulu (CINC PAC) and in Washington, the effectiveness of the bombing and the course of the war were being evaluated.  The conclusion was that the bombing was not effective, but this decision was not shared with the American people.

For me, I was pulled out of the training squadron in June with a month or so to go and proceeded to Cubi Point, Philipines, to meet my ship, USS Constellation.