The USS Midway Museum Presents Operation Frequent Wind

Considered by many to be the 30 most dangerous hours on board the aircraft carrier USS Midway, Operation Frequent Wind was one of the largest rescue missions in US history. As the communist-led North Vietnamese Army invaded Saigon, the US Navy was called in to rescue thousands of South Vietnamese citizens trapped in the capital city. Among them was an eight year-old girl trying to escape with 16 members of her family. The dramatic events that ultimately brought them to the deck of the USS Midway are those reserved for Hollywood scripts. Waiting for them on the USS Midway was Vern Jumper and then Captain Larry Chambers who worked tirelessly to save thousands of lives. Operation Frequent Wind brought an end to the Vietnam War, providing the punctuation to a conflict that ultimately cost the lives of over 57,000 U.S. service members. But for Courtney Hermann, it brought her to freedom and a new life in America.

This is episode three in a series titled The USS Midway Museum: United Stories of America®


ABOUT "UNITED STORIES OF AMERICA®" DOCUSERIES
In the course of 47 years of service, the USS Midway carried aviators, sailors, marines and a powerful idea: that freedom is worth defending and preserving at home and far out at sea. Together, their personal stories from missions of combat and hope aboard this iconic carrier remind us that her legacy endures — and that the spirit of service and sacrifice lives on in each of us.

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[markjumper]

February 20, 2023 - Today my Dad, CDR Vern Jumper (USN Retired), celebrates his 91st birthday. He is featured in this video and still proudly serves as a Docent at the USS Midway Museum. He was honored to serve with his fellow shipmates during those hectic days of April 1975. Operation Frequent Wind.

[Tbone]

I was a hospital corpsman on the Midway thru operation frequent wind, proud of the ship and all of my shipmates.

[adorabledeplorable]

I was on the Midway from June of 73 to June of 75 before transferring too the Constellation . I served in the V-2 division . I remember Major Boung landing his O-1 Bird dog and his entire family exiting the plane . A total of five . Chaotic for sure, but gratifying for rescuing over 3000 people during that time . It broke my heart that the present administration did not do the same for Afghanistan .

[timothymiller]

I was honored to have been aboard the Mighty Midway for this great opportunity, I came aboard just a few days before Capt. Chambers did. Everything was done on the fly! I saw Major Boung's plane circling us. I had spoken with the Capt. a few times when I was on bridge watch during my time aboard.

[larryphuc]

USS Midway was my life savers on that day.

[prongsnort]

I love the USS Midway everything about it I just wish more people would watch this stuff why don’t these guys have 1 million views yet

[KennethZuorro]

I was aboard that day and because I spoke French I served as an interpreter many times because many of the Vietnamese spoke French from the years that France occupied Viet Nam,

[lilgrease]

Glad you made it beautiful lady! I was on the Hancock...

[MacDaddyRico]

ICFN Gyroscope Technician 1978-1980..!
Midway Magic...Gonzo Station...

[joinjen]

Somebody needs to tell her she was rescued BY SAILORS not soldiers. Soldiers are the Army.