Intro
Discover the iconic USS John F. Kennedy CV-67, a US Navy aircraft carrier with a rich history. Learn 10 key facts about this legendary ship, including its construction, deployments, and notable events. From its role in the Vietnam War to its current status, explore the fascinating story of Big John and its impact on naval aviation.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67, also known as the "Big John," is one of the most iconic and storied aircraft carriers in the history of the United States Navy. Here are 10 key facts about this incredible vessel.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 was the last conventionally powered aircraft carrier built by the United States. Commissioned on September 7, 1968, the ship was a major addition to the US Navy's fleet during the height of the Cold War.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 was named after the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. The ship's name was chosen to honor Kennedy's memory and to symbolize the US Navy's commitment to freedom and democracy.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 was a Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier, measuring 1,052 feet (320.6 meters) in length and 257 feet (78.3 meters) in beam. The ship had a displacement of over 60,000 tons and was powered by eight boilers and four steam turbines, producing 280,000 horsepower.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 was equipped with a range of advanced radar and communication systems, including the AN/SPS-43 air search radar and the AN/SRR-1 satellite communication system. The ship also had a sophisticated navigation system, featuring the AN/ASN-46 inertial navigation system.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 played a significant role in several major conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. During its service, the ship deployed to the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, and the Persian Gulf, supporting a range of military operations and exercises.
One of the most notable deployments of the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 was during the 1991 Gulf War. The ship was part of the US Navy's Task Force 60, which supported the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 played a key role in the war, launching airstrikes against Iraqi targets and providing air support to ground troops.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 was also involved in several humanitarian missions during its service. In 1992, the ship deployed to Somalia as part of the US Navy's response to the Somali Civil War. The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 provided medical and logistical support to refugees and helped to evacuate civilians from the war zone.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 was decommissioned on March 1, 2007, after nearly 40 years of service. The ship was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on October 1, 2009, and is currently awaiting disposal.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 was the final conventionally powered aircraft carrier built by the US Navy. The ship's design and construction reflected the US Navy's shift towards nuclear-powered carriers, which offered greater speed and endurance.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 had a range of notable commanding officers during its service, including Rear Admiral John C. Harvey, who later became the Commander-in-Chief of the US Fleet Forces Command.
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 played a significant role in the US Navy's history, supporting a range of military operations and exercises during its service. The ship's legacy continues to be celebrated by veterans and naval historians, who remember the "Big John" as a symbol of American power and freedom.
Technical Specifications
The USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 had the following technical specifications:
- Length: 1,052 feet (320.6 meters)
- Beam: 257 feet (78.3 meters)
- Displacement: over 60,000 tons
- Power plant: eight boilers, four steam turbines
- Horsepower: 280,000
- Speed: over 30 knots (55.5 km/h)
- Crew: over 5,000 personnel
- Aircraft: up to 70 aircraft, including F-4 Phantom II, F-14 Tomcat, and A-6 Intruder
Gallery of USS John F. Kennedy CV-67
USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 Image Gallery
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