USS Independence (CV-62)

USS Independence (CV-62)

The fifth USS Independence (CV/CVA-62) is a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. It was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal-class of conventional-powered Supercarriers. It entered service in 1959, with much of its early years spent in the Mediterranean Fleet.

Independence made a single tour off the coast of Vietnam in 1965 during the Vietnam War, and also carried out airstrikes against Syrian forces during the Lebanese Civil War and operations over Iraq during Operation Southern Watch, the enforcement of the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Independence was decommissioned in 1998 after 39 years of active service.