The Oriskany arrives at
Yankee Station, and begins combat operations in a much more restricted
environment than the previous deployment. In early 1969, Oriskany
embarked a new air wing for familiarization and qualifications in preparation
for her fourth deployment to Vietnam. In contrast to her previous air wing,
Carrier Air Wing 19 (CVW-19) did not include any A-1 Skyraiders, having two
squadrons of F-8J Crusaders in VF-191 and VF-194, and three squadrons of A-4
Skyhawks in VA-23, VA-192 and VA-195, as well as the usual detachments of
reconnaissance, tanker, and early warning aircraft. Upon completion of work,
the carrier underwent refresher training and flight qualifications before
deploying to the Far East in April 1969. From 16 April 1969, Carrier Air Wing
19 made six deployments aboard Oriskany (the first four to support the
Vietnam War in the Gulf of Tonkin until the end of the war in 1973). *
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