Reliving Operation Frequent Wind Aboard the USS Midway Museum

In 1975, during the Fall of Saigon, the USS Midway played a heroic role, rescuing thousands of fleeing Vietnamese men, women, and children. The flight deck was full of out-of-gas helicopters. But dozens of helicopters filled with frightened refugees were inbound with no place to land on Midway’s chaotic, dangerous flight deck. The only thing to do was clear the flight deck, no matter the cost.

And so the order was given……

Midway Members had the unique opportunity to relive Operation Frequent Wind on July 11, 2019! They heard personal accounts of the amazing historic event from Admiral Larry Chambers, former commanding officer of the USS Midway; Vern Jumper, Midway’s steadfast Air Boss; and Stephanie Dinh, then a bewildered rescued child.

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July 2019
"Live the Adventure: Operation Frequent Wind" [Member Event]
USS Midway Museum

[sandydremmel]

Thank you for this video, God bless the Americans veterans and who still serve the country .

[tedsmyers]

Truly, this is the American 🇺🇸 Spirit, at one of it’s greatest moments in time. Rear Admiral L.C. Chambers, is my Hero. This was my first tour of duty, onboard USS Midway (CV-41) homeport Yokosuka, Japan. Forward Deployed, 7th Fleet, November 1974-May 1977, Supply Department, S-2 Division, Aft. Galley.

T.G. Smyers CPO (SW/SS) USN Retired 🇺🇸
Vietnam War Veteran/Persian Gulf War Veteran

[markjumper]

April 29, 2020 - Thank you USS Midway Museum, Admiral Larry Chambers (Commanding Officer USS Midway 1975), Commander Vern Jumper (Air Officer USS Midway 1975 and active Museum Docent) and Stephanie Dinh (Evacuee and active Museum Docent) for sharing the story of Operation Frequent Wind (April 29-30, 1975) and new life in America for thousands of South Vietnamese families. The air evacuation to US Navy ships positioned off the coast of South Vietnam began today, 45 years ago. Salute to all those US Navy personnel who served during this historic humanitarian event.

[rickgallaher]

I was part of a 21 member SATCOM team trapped in Saigon this mission saved our lives ... thank you team members

[arkwoo]

Late to the game here, but I was stationed onboard the USS Frederick, LST 1184 during this operation. We had loaded up a whole bunch of marines and waited just offshore, ready to go in to drop them off to evacuate our folks if needed. We continued streaming in a racetrack pattern for several days, waiting for the word to go in. During the day, you could count hundreds of ships on the horizon around us, and at night you could watch flashes of artillery and firefights on the beach. We parked heavy equipment and boxes, containers and other things all over the flight deck to keep the helicopters from landing uninvited. It was just crazy for that whole week long event.

[craigpetraszewsky]

I was there during the operation and remember the Bird Dog landing. After the plane was on deck, and after we off loaded it in Guam, I opened the door and sat in the plane. I remember how small and primitive the craft was.
One wooden seat. The wife and children were stuffed in the fuselage. The plane was made of wood that was covered in painted canvas. Hard to believe that it held the whole family safely.

[jayberman]

I was on the USS Denver with TACRON-1 what a crazy few days ..

[capt.graybeard]

I was on her sister ship...it was a harrowing time in history. That whole time was very hard on alot of teenage sailors who really did not have a clue. Thanks for sharing!

[garyt]

"I am told to do something that I think is morally wrong, And I choose not to obey that order and I accept the consequences of that decision because I fully expected to face a court Thanks you Admiral for being a man, a leader, of Morals and principle. We need more great leaders like you!

[Tbone]

I was a Corpsman HM2 on the Midway during frequent wind, some time in BDS-6 but most of the time in sickbay. Loved this video, brings back memories. thank you!!

[lrdoria]

Probably one of the most HEROIC "Operations" accomplished anywhere in the world." : Her Finest Hour"
"MIDWAY MAGIC"

[marysenatori]

What do you mean the Admiral started telling you about your ancestry? That doesn't sound good ...