Samuel K. Taylor Oral History
Object NameRecording, Video
Transcript
Narrator
Samuel K. Taylor
Association
USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)
DateDecember 5, 2015
PeriodVietnam War
MediumMTS, PDF
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Object numberOHP.090
DescriptionSamuel K. Taylor served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CVS-11) from 1965 to 1967, during the Vietnam War. He worked in the Air Department, first as a plane handler in the V-1 Division and then as a jet engine mechanic in the V-6 Division. The Museum recorded his oral history interview on December 5, 2015.See transcript for complete interview. Below is a summary:
Taylor began his interview by briefly noting where he grew up in North Carolina and why he joined the Navy, before recalling when he came aboard Intrepid. Taylor then explained his duties aboard Intrepid, beginning with his initial assignment as a plane handler in the V-1 Division, where he unchained, moved and tied down aircraft. He also noted some secondary duties of V-1 Division and discussed some of the dangers of working on the flight deck.
As the interview continued, Taylor explained how he was transferred to V-6 Division, where he worked as a jet engine mechanic. He then discussed the duties of V-6 Division, which involved repairing aircraft engines and flight deck tractors in the aft hangar bay. They also operating the tractors and huffers (jet engine start carts) that started jet aircraft on the flight deck. Taylor recalled some of the specific engines they maintained, before describing typical work days in both the V-1 and V-6 Divisions. He specifically recounted the long days in the V-1 Division, stating that the crew was often so tired they slept on the catwalks.
Taylor then briefly discussed how he felt about going to Vietnam, before recalling some of his first experiences aboard Intrepid. These early memories included operational readiness inspections (ORI), a collision with an oiler while refueling off of Key West, his return home in 1966, giving his parents a tour of Intrepid, as well as some stories about life aboard ship. Taylor also recounted a number of events that occurred while he was on board, such as the defection of the Intrepid Four, transiting the Suez Canal, the void and helicopter accidents and the USS Forrestal fire. He then noted some of the differences between the 1966 and 1967 cruises.
The next topic he discussed was liberty, and Taylor described some of his experiences, particularly in Hong Kong. He also recalled memories from his time on shore patrol duty. Taylor then discussed some of the items he donated to the Museum, including his liberty cuffs and a work jacket. As the interview came to an end, Taylor recalled his many visits to the Museum and provided a few additional memories from his time aboard Intrepid.
Extent: 6 video files, 32 page transcript
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