Uncover the tragic fate of the USS America, a forgotten aircraft carrier that met its demise in a series of mysterious events. Explore the ships history, its role in naval operations, and the circumstances surrounding its sinking, including carrier air wing deployments, ship-to-air combat, and sea trials.
The USS America (CV-66) was a Kitty Hawk-class supercarrier that served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1996. Although it was one of the largest and most advanced warships of its time, the USS America's fate was marked by controversy and neglect. In this article, we will delve into the history of the USS America, its sinking, and the reasons behind its forgotten legacy.
The USS America was commissioned on January 23, 1965, at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Virginia. It was the third Kitty Hawk-class supercarrier, following the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and the USS Constellation (CV-64). The USS America was designed to be a state-of-the-art warship, equipped with advanced radar systems, missile defenses, and a powerful propulsion system.
Operational History
During its 31-year career, the USS America participated in several significant military operations, including the Vietnam War, the Lebanese Civil War, and the Gulf War. It also played a key role in the Cold War, serving as a deterrent against Soviet naval forces.
One of the USS America's most notable deployments was during the 1986 Gulf of Sidra incident, in which it clashed with Libyan forces. On March 24, 1986, the USS America led a task force into the Gulf of Sidra, which was claimed by Libya as its territorial waters. The Libyan military responded by launching several missiles and aircraft at the American ships. The USS America's aircraft successfully engaged and destroyed several Libyan planes, while its surface-to-air missiles shot down incoming missiles.
Maintenance and Upgrades
Despite its impressive operational record, the USS America faced significant maintenance and upgrade challenges throughout its career. In the 1980s, the ship underwent a major Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), which included the installation of new radar systems, missile defenses, and a renovated propulsion system. However, these upgrades were not sufficient to keep the ship competitive with newer carriers.
Sinking and Controversy
In 2005, the USS America was intentionally sunk by the US Navy as part of a training exercise. The sinking was met with controversy, as many former crew members and naval historians felt that the ship deserved a more dignified fate.
The USS America was sunk on May 14, 2005, off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The sinking was carried out by a combination of missiles, bombs, and torpedoes, which caused significant damage to the ship's hull and superstructure.
Environmental Concerns
The sinking of the USS America has also raised environmental concerns. The ship contained a significant amount of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These materials have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer and neurological damage.
Legacy and Remembrance
Despite its significant operational history, the USS America's legacy has been largely forgotten. The ship's sinking was not widely reported in the media, and it has not been the subject of significant historical study or commemoration.
However, in recent years, there has been a growing effort to remember the USS America and its crew. In 2019, a group of former crew members and naval historians established the USS America Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the ship's history and legacy.
Conclusion
The USS America's story is a complex and multifaceted one, marked by both triumph and tragedy. From its commissioning in 1965 to its sinking in 2005, the USS America played a significant role in American naval history. Despite its forgotten legacy, the USS America remains an important symbol of American military power and technological innovation.
We invite you to share your thoughts and memories of the USS America in the comments below. Do you have a personal connection to the ship or its crew? Do you think the USS America deserves greater recognition and commemoration?
USS America Image Gallery
FAQs:
Q: What was the USS America's primary mission? A: The USS America's primary mission was to serve as a multi-purpose aircraft carrier, providing air power and logistical support to American military forces.
Q: How long did the USS America serve in the US Navy? A: The USS America served in the US Navy from 1965 to 1996, a total of 31 years.
Q: Why was the USS America sunk in 2005? A: The USS America was sunk in 2005 as part of a training exercise, in which it was used as a target for missiles, bombs, and torpedoes.
Q: What is the USS America Museum? A: The USS America Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the USS America.