When did the USS Forrestal fire occur?

The USS Forrestal fire is a significant event in naval history that occurred on July 29, 1967. This tragic incident took place while the aircraft carrier was conducting operations in the Gulf of Tonkin, off the coast of Vietnam. During a routine launch of aircraft, a rocket accidentally fired from an F-4 Phantom jet, igniting a series of explosions and subsequent fires on the flight deck. The disaster tragically resulted in the loss of 134 crew members and injuries to many others.

Understanding the date is crucial for those studying naval heritage, as it highlights the dangers and challenges faced by naval personnel during the Vietnam War. This incident also led to significant changes in training, fire safety protocols, and operational procedures for aircraft carriers to prevent similar accidents in the future.