One of the first US aircraft carriers makes its last voyage before being scrapped

The first aircraft carrier of the US Navy named after President John F. Kennedy (CV 67) has begun its last voyage before dismantling.

Here's What We Know

The USS Kennedy has left the Philadelphia-based Inoperable Ship Maintenance Facility for Brownsville, Texas, where it will be disposed of in accordance with the "ship dismantling" procedure.

The aircraft carrier was commissioned on 7 September 1968. A year earlier, the ship was christened by the president's daughter Caroline, who was then 9 years old. Her mother, Jacqueline, designed the cabin in the port. A Navy spokesman said at the time of decommissioning that "this is the only room on a Navy ship with wood paneling".

The USS Kennedy has participated in numerous combat operations in Asia, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. After the attacks of 11 September 2001, the ship performed air security missions in the Mid-Atlantic area. The USS Kennedy has also participated in multinational operations, including Operation Anaconda, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2007, the ship was decommissioned, completing nearly 40 years of service as the last of the US Navy's traditional aircraft carriers. It was planned to be turned into a memorial and museum, but due to the lack of a viable preservation plan, the project was cancelled.

Rear Admiral Bill Green, Director of Surface Ship Maintenance of the US Navy, stressed that the USS Kennedy will remain a symbol of freedom and hope in difficult times for the country. He also thanked the crew and everyone who supported the ship during its service.

Source: USNI News