Navy Zippos

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This USS America 1965 T&C Zippo has an engraved "plank owner" on the reverse. A "plank owner" is an individual who was a member of the crew of a ship when that ship was placed in commission. Plank owner Zippos are highly valued by collectors

1969 T&C Zippo for USS Pargo, a nuclear attack submarine. 

USS F.D. Roosevelt on a 1965 Zippo:

This is 1965 T&C Zippo for carrier SS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31. A Navy tradition is the Shellback initiation that takes place when a sailor crosses the equator for the first time. The ship becomes a pirate ship in the domain of King Neptune.

The USS Fulton was a submarine tender.  The T&C Zippo is dated 1966.

In 1966 the USS Thomas J Gary participated in Operation Deep Freeze, a scientific expedition to the Antarctic, and this 1966 Zippo commemorates the event. The ship's history is told HERE.

1966 T&C Zippo for the heavy cruiser USS Newport News "stolen from Steve Rowan".  In 1972, while in action in Vietnam, she  sustained an in-bore explosion killing 20 and injuring 36 men.

1965 Zippo.  The carrier USS Shangri La was once  commanded by Vice Adm. John S McCain, the father of John McCain, current senator and former Presidential candidate.

USS Sculpin submarine  Zippo is dated 1965.  A sculpin as  grotesque looking fish.

1966 T&C Zippo for USS Forrestal.  Go HERE to see the ship's Vietnam Zippo and story.

1967 T&C Zippo for the carrier USS Franklin Roosevelt with attached badge Commander Carrier Division Six.  On the reverse, the name Mr. J.E. Bent on the lid.  Presented by R. Adm. V.G. Lambert USN ComCarDiv Six, 2 May 1968.

1966 slim T&C Zippo for  USS F.D. Roosevelt.

1966 T&C Zippo for the destroyer USS Purdy and the Purdy Pirates.

Both of these Zippos are dated 1976 for "CPO Club Caribou II" in Adak, Alaska.  One carries the image of a stag, the other an anchor, probably for the Chief Petty Officer Club at the Adak Naval Air Station.  .

See more Zippos:  Vietnam War- Army - World War II - Ernie Pyle - USS Missouri Surrender - Brown Water Navy - Military or go to the Gallery Index

This 1977 Zippo is for the USS Trenton, the story of the ship can be found HERE .

1975 Zippo commemorating the Mayaguez Incident when  Cambodians captured an American merchant vessel the Mayaguez and the subsequent events leading to the death of 41 servicemen.

1997 Zippo for USS The Sullivans, named after the five Sullivan brothers killed on one ship during World War II .

1978 slim Zippo for USS John F. Kennedy with the ship's emblem on the reverse.