USS Forrestal veterans reunite 58 years after tragedy

NEW HANOVER, NC (WWAY) — On July 29th, 1967, the USS Forrestal went up in flames, a turning point in US naval history.  

To honor the men who were injured or killed that day, the USS Forrestal Association holds an annual reunion. It brings together veterans who were aboard the vessel that day, and those who were stationed on the ship afterwards, to share their stories.  

Charles Richey, an airman apprentice aboard the USS Forrestal, says this was his first year attending. He described the relief of connecting with others who shared the experience.   

“There’s nothing I feel I can’t say, and it’s nice, it’s really a relief, to be able to express things that have been bottled up for so many years,” said Richey.  

Many at the reunion were on the Forrestal the day of the fire, like president of the association, Bill Solt. He says the reunion is a way to commemorate and rekindle connections. 

“Most of the guys that survived the fire are in their very late 70’s, or early 80’s, and to be blessed to be here and see these old shipmates after 58 years, it’s an experience,” said Solt.  

Others who attended, like Stephen Pecorelli, were too young to remember that day, but served aboard the Forrestal later. He says the ship’s history was impossible to ignore.  

“Every time general quarters sounded and it wasn’t a drill, you had that day in the back of your head,” said Pecorelli.  

For these veterans, the reunion is a chance to remember the men who died, share stories, and keep those connections born out of that fateful day in naval history.