USS Belknap (CG 26)

On 22 November 1975, the cruiser USS Belknap (CG 26) collided with the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) during night maneuvers in the Ionian Sea. As the carrier's overhanging flight deck sheared off Belknap's superstructure, Kennedy's refueling lines were ruptured. Thousands of gallons of aviation fuel poured onto Belknap, erupting into a raging inferno.<br> Belknap's crew, aided by the USS Claude V. Ricketts (DDG 5) and USS Bordelon (DD 881) battled fires and exploding munitions for over six hours to save Belknap.<br> Seven Belknap sailors and one Kennedy sailor lost their lives.