Scale: 1/542

Recommended for:
Revell 1/542 scale USS Forrestal CV-59
Revell 1/542 scale USS Saratoga CV-60
Revell 1/542 scale USS Ranger CV-61
Revell 1/542 scale USS Independence CV-62  
Advent 1/542 scale USS Ranger CV-61 (ex-Revell mold)
Heller 1/542 scale USS Forrestal CV-59 (ex-Revell mold)
 
This model represents the island of Forrestal class aircraft carrier USS Saratoga CVA-60 as it appeared circa 1970-1975 during service in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the Vietnam War.  The Forrestal class was the world's first "super carriers".  
 
Saratoga, originally classified as an "Attack Aircraft Carrier" (CVA-60), was reclassified as a "Multi-purpose Aircraft Carrier" (CV-60) on 30 June 1972.
 
For valuable reference photos of USS Saratoga CV-60, the second ship of the Forrestal class, click here.
 
This model is designed from official US Navy drawings to match features and dimensions of the actual ship.  Therefore, it may be sized and shaped differently than your plastic kit's parts.  Some adjustment of your kit's parts or other aftermarket products such as photo-etch may be needed for best fit.

Features:
overall dimensions scaled from official US Navy drawings, details adjusted to match photos
open navigating bridge, flag bridge and primary flight control station "prifly" windows with subtle, raised window framing and correct wiper motor detail for 1970-1975
open portholes for the signal shelter on the 09 level
open battle lookout ports, fore and aft, properly sized and positioned
highly detailed doors of 2 types fixed to the bulkheads in the open position, and one closed door
detailed and textured starboard side intake vents
accurately shaped decks, platforms, catwalks and splinter shields properly located
detailed starboard-side electronic countermeaures room and radar room with open doors sandwiched between bi-level platforms extending outward from funnel
accurately shaped and sized SPN-35 radar dome
lower portion of the swing-down mast fixed to the superstructure (does not move) with hinge detail at the base, with small locator dimple to aid in attaching your kit's mast
open funnel uptakes
diesel generator exhausts between funnel uptakes

© Model Monkey LLC. This 3D-printed product may not be copied or recast.

Available separately:
USS Saratoga CV-60 island 1958
5"/54 cal. Mk.42 double-dome "Frog-eye" Mounts (turrets), set of 8
 
To help you know which aircraft are correct for this period, SeaForces.org reports that during 1970-1975, "Super Sara" embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, tailcode "AC", composed of:

June 17, 1970 - November 11, 1970 (Mediterranean Sea) aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) ‘Tomcatters’ - F-4J Phantom II
Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) ‘Sluggers’ - F-4J Phantom II
Attack Squadron 37 (VA-37) ‘Bulls’ - A-7A Corsair II
Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105) ‘Gunslingers’ - A-7A Corsair II
Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) ‘Sunday Punchers’ - A-6A Intruder
Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 9 (RVAH-9) ‘Hoot Owls’ - RA-5C Vigilante
Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130 (VAQ-130) ‘Zappers’ - EKA-3B Skywarrior
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123 (VAW-123) ‘Screwtops’ - E-2B Hawkeye
Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 2 (HC-2) ‘Fleet Angels’ - HH-2D Seasprite

June 7, 1971 - October 31, 1971 (Mediterranean Sea) aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) ‘Tomcatters’ - F-4J Phantom II
Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) ‘Sluggers’ - F-4J Phantom II
Attack Squadron 37 (VA-37) ‘Bulls’ - A-7A Corsair II
Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105) ‘Gunslingers’ - A-7A Corsair II
Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) ‘Sunday Punchers’ - A-6A/B & KA-6D Intruder
Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 9 (RVAH-9) ‘Hoot Owls’ - RA-5C Vigilante
Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VMCJ-2) ‘Playboys’ - EA-6A Electric Intruder
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123 (VAW-123) ‘Screwtops’ - E-2B Hawkeye
Carrier Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 28 (VS-28) ‘Hukkers’ - S-2E Tracker
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7 (HS-7) ‘Dusty Dogs’ - SH-3D Sea King

April 11, 1972 - February 13, 1973 (Vietnam War) aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) ‘Tomcatters’ - F-4J Phantom II
Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) ‘Sluggers’ - F-4J Phantom II
Attack Squadron 37 (VA-37) ‘Bulls’ - A-7A Corsair II
Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105) ‘Gunslingers’ - A-7A Corsair II
Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) ‘Sunday Punchers’ - A-6A & KA-6D Intruder
Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 1 (RVAH-1) ‘Tigers’ - RA-5C Vigilante
Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VMCJ-2) ‘Playboys’ - EA-6A Electric Intruder
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123 (VAW-123) ‘Screwtops’ - E-2B Hawkeye
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7 (HS-7) ‘Dusty Dogs’ - SH-3D Sea King

September 27, 1974 - March 19, 1975 (Mediterranean Sea) aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60)
Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) ‘Tomcatters’ - F-4J Phantom II
Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) ‘Sluggers’ - F-4J Phantom II
Attack Squadron 37 (VA-37) ‘Bulls’ - A-7E Corsair II
Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105) ‘Gunslingers’ - A-7E Corsair II
Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) ‘Sunday Punchers’ - A-6E & KA-6D Intruder
Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 11 (RVAH-11) ‘Checkertails’ - RA-5C Vigilante
Carrier Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 24 (VS-24) ‘Duty Cats’ - S-2G Tracker
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7 (HS-7) ‘Dusty Dogs’ - SH-3H Sea King
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123 (VAW-123) ‘Screwtops’ - E-2C Hawkeye

Model aircraft are NOT included with this island.