Brian Walker Oral History
Object NameRecording, Video
Transcript
Narrator
Brian Walker
Association
USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)
DateFebruary 17, 2015
PeriodVietnam War; Museum Era
MediumMTS, PDF
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Brian Walker. OHP.071
Object numberOHP.071
DescriptionBrian Walker served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CVS-11) as an aviator in attack squadron VA-34 during Intrepid’s second Vietnam deployment in 1967. The Museum recorded his oral history interview on February 17, 2015.See transcript for complete interview. Below is a summary:
Walker began his interview by discussing his upbringing in Wisconsin and his interest in flight, which began at an early age. Walker explained his decision to join the Navy and described his experiences in flight training, which involved flying airplanes including the T-34 Mentor, T-28 Trojan and F-9 Cougar.
The interview then shifted to Walker’s time aboard Intrepid, where he flew the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, an aircraft that Walker described as being like a sports car. Walker also noted that, prior to the ship’s arrival off of the coast of Vietnam, he had spent approximately two weeks in survival training in the Philippines. He then took some time to discuss his bunkroom, nicknamed Triple Stix, as well as Intrepid’s voyage to Vietnam, which involved a transit through the Suez Canal.
The interview soon transitioned to a discussion on missions, and Walker recalled the first missions he flew in Vietnam (road reconnaissance missions). He described Alpha Strikes, noted occasions when aircraft were shot down, and recounted the time that his own aircraft was hit. He also recalled his experiences visiting ports of call.
Walker concluded his interview by discussing his return home after the war and stating that he remains in contact with his squadronmates.
Extent: 8 video files, 39 page transcript
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