LAKEPORT >> The USS Coral Sea spent much of the Vietnam War as part of the 7th Fleet that was stationed off the coast of Vietnam, giving support to the land actions that were going on at the time.
Lakeport resident Lee Cook served aboard the carrier Coral Sea for two WestPac cruises in the late 1960s. From his collection of photos and cruise books, his wife, Jan Cook, has assembled a slide show about the world of that aircraft carrier and they will present the show at the next Lake County History Roundtable on Monday, February 5, at 6:15 p.m. at the Lakeport office of Country Air Properties located at 460 S. Main St. Lakeport.
In addition, local historian Zane Jensen and Phil Smoley will discuss the escalation of the Vietnam war through the Tet Offensive in January 1968. By using maps and video, they will attempt to show the confused nature of the war, and how it began to affect morale at home.
The Lake County History Roundtable meets once a month to discuss historical topics. Attendance is free, everyone is welcome. The current topics focus on the Vietnam War, and this topic will be considered this month and in March.
In January’s meeting, the group decided to create a history scholarship funded by voluntary donations, and hopes to raise $500 in time for students to apply for it in April.
For more information, contact Zane Jensen at 707-349-6390 or Phil Smoley at 707-349-1008.
