Unescorted Bear overflies carrier Kennedy?

[Stephan Wilkinson]

Does anybody remember an incident in the early or mid-1970s when a Tu-95 Bear managed to find the Kennedy and overflew her before any intercepts could be launched? It was a major screw-up, and the higher-ups were furious. I'd like to get some more specific dates and info, for a Bear article that I'm preparing for Aviation History Magazine.

[Paul Stroud]

This might be some help?

https://www.history.navy.mil/research/h ... va-67.html

[Stephan Wilkinson]

Yeah, I already looked at that document, but I suspect the Bear incident is the sort of dirty laundry that they wouldn't consider putting into a public-information file like this. But thanks for the suggestion.

[Lon Moer]

Intrusions, Overflights, Shootdowns and Defections During the Cold War and Thereafter

4 October 1973 A Soviet Tu-16 Badger overflew the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) in the Norwegian Sea. While attempting to escort the bomber away from the area, a US Navy F-4 Phantom II collided with it. The Tu-16 safely returned to its base and the F-4 landed at Bodø Norway.

[JohnB]

Yeah, I already looked at that document, but I suspect thoue Bear incident is the sort of dirty laundry that they wouldn't consider putting into a public-information file like this. But thanks for the suggestion.

Have you asked the Navy Public Affairs or history office?
You might be surprised with a response.
Stephen, your statement sounds like your are going into this with preconceived notions.

[wendovertom]

Here is a video showing just how low the TU-16 was that flew by the USS Kennedy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3bijF2--os

Tom P.

[maxum96]

Here is a video showing just how low the TU-16 was that flew by the USS Kennedy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3bijF2--os

Tom P.

Info on the video says it was the Essex.