How "Hanoi John" McCain killed 132 men aboard the USS Forrestal
Iconoclast
the USS Forrestal
McCain's Aviation Career
McCain crashed 5 jets, plus was responsible for the Forrestal fire.
Something made the plane behind McCain fire a rocket, which hit McCain's
external center fuel tank, and caused the fire. McCain panicked, and
dropped two bombs into the fire.
How Did He Start The USS Forrestal Fire?
Surviving crewmen and those who investigated the horrible Forrestal fire
case reported that McCain deliberately 'wet-started' his A-4E Skyhawk to
shake up the guy in the F-4 Phantom behind his plane.
"Wet-starts", are done either deliberately (the starter motor switch
allowing kerosene to pool in the engine and give a wet start) or
accidentally, shooting a large flame from the tail of the aircraft. 'Wet
starting' was a common practice among young 'hot-dog' pilots.
In McCain's case, the 'wet-start' 'cooked off' and launched the M34 Zuni
rocket from the rear F-4 that punctured the Skyhawk's fueltank, knocked
the M-65 1000 lb bomb off it's 500 lb rated mount, and touched off the
explosions and massive fire.
The carrier USS Oriskany arrived to treat the wounded, which were flown
out to other ships. When the carrier Oriskany came along side, McCain
was put in a chopper and whisked away. McCain was the only Forrestal
crewman to be immediately transferred, probably for his own safety,
since the crew would have wanted blood for what he had done.
Later, McCain would become a traitor to the U.S. by giving valuable
military information to the Viet Cong in exchange for his personal
comfort and special treatment. In exchange for his cooperation, the
communist government of Viet Nam erected a bust of McCain near the lake
where he was shot down.
McCain is almost as short as Dennis Miller, who was barely tall enough
to kiss GW Bush's ass when they met recently.