USS Coral Sea (CV-43): A Legendary Icon of the Navy
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, officially formed on October 13, 1775. And to think I got to be a part of that rich heritage as a member of the crew of the USS Coral Sea, the best ship in the Navy, where I was assigned to E Division. The Coral Sea was in dry dock in Bremerton, Washington, at Puget Sound, undergoing updates and modernizations when I first reported aboard. After her updates were completed, we soon sailed down the coast to the San Francisco area, where our home port was Alameda, California. The sheer power, elegance, and technological sophistication of the Coral Sea made every day aboard a lesson in naval excellence, teamwork, and American pride.
At 19 years old, on my own and pursuing my dream of serving in the US Navy aboard an aircraft carrier—as a lifelong Star Trek fan, I had hoped for the Enterprise, but God had a better plan—I was blessed beyond measure to serve on the Coral Sea. Serving with the people I did was a life-defining experience; some of those shipmates became lifelong friends, and the camaraderie I felt aboard extended to all who have served in the Navy. Every moment on board—from the early morning flight deck operations to the midnight watches—was infused with a sense of purpose, honor, and belonging. This included the time while on deployment to the Western Pacific in 1980, when I had the honor of partaking in a time-honored Navy tradition ( Crossing the Line/Shellback Ceremony ) and was officially inducted into the realm of King Neptune as a trusted Shellback. I’ll spare the reader the details of the induction ceremony, as they’re definitely not for the faint of heart—lol!
My time on the Coral Sea was one of the defining chapters of my life, shaping my character, my discipline, and my love for this country.
Commissioned in 1947, the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) was a Midway-class aircraft carrier whose legacy spanned almost FIVE decades of distinguished service. She was a formidable centerpiece of American naval power, capable of projecting air superiority across oceans and safeguarding freedom wherever she sailed. Her combat record was exemplary: she earned multiple battle stars for her service during the Vietnam War, demonstrating unmatched courage, precision, and resilience in some of the most challenging combat operations of the 20th century. Beyond Vietnam, she played a crucial role in Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, the daring mission to rescue American hostages in Iran, highlighting her versatility and readiness in high-stakes, rapid-response scenarios.
Yet the Coral Sea was more than a weapon of war; she was a beacon of hope, aid, and humanitarian service. She delivered relief supplies during natural disasters, assisted in evacuations, and supported allied nations in crisis, proving that American naval power can be a force for good. Every port she visited bore witness to her crew’s professionalism, her precision, and her steadfast commitment to service beyond combat.
Thousands of men served aboard the Coral Sea throughout her illustrious career, each contributing to her legacy of excellence. The ship earned numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a multitude of campaign and battle stars, underscoring the extraordinary bravery, skill, and dedication of her crew. Her story is one of unbroken vigilance, tireless service, and an unwavering commitment to protecting freedom across the globe.
Admirals, historians, and fellow sailors have consistently praised the Coral Sea as one of the finest carriers in naval history. President John F. Kennedy once remarked about aircraft carriers in general: “The aircraft carrier is the most important instrument of American sea power in the modern world,” and the Coral Sea embodied that sentiment in every mission, every operation, and every port she touched. Her flight decks launched freedom, her decks carried hope, and her hull represented the enduring strength of the United States Navy.
The USS Coral Sea was not merely a ship; she was a floating symbol of American ingenuity, bravery, and camaraderie. From her early deployments in the Pacific to her humanitarian missions, combat operations, and disaster relief efforts, she proved time and again that an aircraft carrier is not just a tool of war but a vessel of service, sacrifice, and enduring honor. Serving aboard her was a privilege few can truly describe—a blend of exhilaration, duty, pride, and fellowship that stays with you for a lifetime.
Even though the Coral Sea is no longer with us, she still lives on in the hearts and minds of the men who served aboard her and their families. There are many websites paying tribute to this great ship, and I have the privilege of serving on the administration board of one of the Facebook pages devoted to the old girl—the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) Facebook page.
To everyone who has been associated with the Coral Sea, I say: “Fair winds and following seas....”
James K. Lewis
USS Coral Sea (CV-43)
E Division
1978-1981
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