Yes, I do remember the U-2 launch. I was coming back from liberty, abuout three sheets to the wind, and thought was really strange that I had to go through three rings of Marines just to get to the afterbrow. Even when I got on board I had to be sight recognized by someone from my division. When I got into hangar bay two I saw a really weird looking airplane sitting on a strange looking dolly. The next morning I was surprised to hear 'Set the special sea and anchor detail' and we were underway. I was in V-6 division and had a green jersey and vest so I made my way up to the 06 or 07 level to watch the operation. The U-2 could not be catted so it was deck launched. By the time it got to the island it was just about level with where I was. No it was not recovered.
I remember returning to the ship and the hanger doors were all shut and the red lights were on and yes the plane looked weird to me, but I was a snipe LOL.
From what I heard was that the plane made a take off on its own and after a while the pilot landed the plane kind of a slow hover and plopped down. The pilot then went to chow with the ships officers ( I wonder what officers called their lunch ) and after lunch the pilot made another take of and said good by to the bird farm and returned back to North Island.
Steve
