USS Kitty Hawk Veteran Makes Call to Action!
By Kenneth Corn
From the time David Cook turned seven years old until he raised his right hand to
take the oath to defend his county, he knew he was destined to join the US Navy.
Cook can trace his family’s Navy service back four generations. His father finished
his Navy career in the same year Cook completed boot camp. You could say Cook
was born to be in the Navy.
Cook said his father ‘pulled a few strings with the Admiral’ to get him assigned to
Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, where his father served.
When he arrived at his first command, Cook’s division officer said his father had
requested Cook for the next day and for him to wear his Service Dress Blue
uniform. Cook asked his father, “What’s going on?”
“He said, ‘I’m getting a Navy commendation medal and I want you standing ranks
with me.’ I thought that was pretty cool,” said Cook. “I got to have tea with the
Admiral.”
A picture of David Cook after Bootcamp. Cook said, “He knew he was destined to join the US Navy.”
Cook Steps Aboard the USS Kitty Hawk
Cook spent eighteen months at NAS North Island keeping Grumman C-1 Trader
aircraft in the air. On his second command assignment, Cook traded shore duty
(land-based duty) for sea duty. Sea duty meant that Cook would pack up his sea
bag and move on to a commissioned vessel.
Cook asked command, “what ship?” The answer was the USS Kitty Hawk.
“I was like ‘cool’,” said Cook. “I joined up in North Carolina, so I had a connection
with it.”
That connection inspired Cook to read up on the Kitty Hawk’s history. Cook found
another fact that made him feel a bond with the aircraft carrier.
“I was born in 1961. The ship was commissioned in March of 1961,” said Cook.
“So, I had a connection with that, being so close to my birthday. It was kind of a
spiritual thing between me and the ship.”
A picture of the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye from Cook’s collection of memorabilia from his Navy career.
New Command meant New Aircraft
Cook’s new command also meant a new aircraft for Cook to keep flying. He would use his mechanic skills on the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye, an all-weather, carrier-capable, tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft.
“Our call sign was the Sun Kings,” said Cook. “Basically, it was what we call carrier airborne early warning squadron. Kind of like the Navy’s version of the Air Force’s AWACS. They actually called the Hawkeye the mother of the AWACS. We were the eyes and the ears of the fleet. We were always the first ones off the deck.”
An Encounter with a Russian Submarine
Cook’s bond with the USS Kitty Hawk grew stronger early one morning in
1984. After a training exercise with the South Koreans, the carrier continued
sailing through the Sea of Japan. Cook remembers that his squadron wasn’t flying
that night, but he was still at his post on the flight deck. Sometime near 0300
hours, Cook took a snack break that he would never forget.
“I went down to the berthing area and opened my coffin locker, grabbed a candy
bar, and about that time, it sounded like a bomb going off,” said Cook. “And I’m
like, oh my god, they have dropped a bomb on the flight deck.”
The Cold War between the former Soviet Union and the U.S. was in full swing.
Cook said the Kitty Hawk and the Russian submarine had been playing a game of
cat and mouse for weeks.
“Then I heard a scraping noise going down the side of the ship,” said Cook. “First, I
heard the bomb. Then, I heard the scraping noise, and I already knew we were
being followed or tracked by them. And I said, ‘I think we found her.”
Scared, but not surprised, Cook said these games between Russian and American
vessels were common during this period in American history. His own E-2
Hawkeye squadron took pictures of the Russian submarine very close to the
carrier’s battle group. Cook believes the Russian submarine had already crossed
the Kitty Hawk’s bow at least once before the collision.
“Hitting a nuclear submarine about where the reactor is, it’s a good thing that we
all didn’t get blown up,” said Cook. “It could have been bad.”
Cook saved a 1984 edition of Newsweek magazine containing this picture and a report of the collision with the Russian Submarine.
Reports of the collision appeared in world newspapers, magazines, and television.
As reported by Newsweek, both vessels escaped without serious damage. Cook
believes this footnote in the Cold War is just one piece of the carrier’s history that
should save the Kitty Hawk from the scrap yard.
A call to Action
“Even before they decommissioned her, I thought, I have to do something,” said Cook. “I would be devastated if they turned it into razor blades.”
The Navy’s last commissioned conventional-powered aircraft carrier operated for 48 years before it was decommissioned in 2009. The Kitty Hawk is also the last aircraft carrier that could be turned into a museum ship. According to the Navy, nuclear carriers require extensive disassembly to remove their nuclear reactors during decommissioning, leaving them in an unsuitable condition for donation.
BREMERTON, WA, UNITED STATES 03.09.2021 The Kitty Hawk was moved into Dry Dock 6 March 9th The Dry Docking will allow Marine growth to be removed from the hull in preparation for its departure and eventual dismantling. The Kitty Hawk was decommissioned in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in 2009 following 48 years of active service. The ship has been “Mothballed” at The Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility since then.(US NAVY) Photo by Wendy Hallmark)
Cook says the Kitty Hawk should be anchored in Wilmington, NC, next to the USS
North Carolina battleship. “It would be great for tourism in North Carolina, and it
would also develop a lot of jobs,” said Cook.
USS Kitty Hawk Veterans Association had the same idea but as a Long Beach,
California, museum. In a newspaper article dated March of 2017, the
Kitsap Sun of Bremerton, Washington, reported that the Association secured a
spot and was simply waiting for the Navy to put the Kitty Hawk in a donation
hold. At the time, the carrier sat at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and
Intermediate Maintenance Facility along with four other decommissioned aircraft
carriers.
“Even though I was in the aviation field, there’s something about being at sea that
becomes a part of you,” said Cook. “It’s an awesome ship.”
In October of 2021, the Kitsap Sun broke the news that the Navy sold two aircraft
carriers to the International Shipbreaking Limited, which is based in Brownsville,
Texas. One of them was the USS Kitty Hawk. Even with this bad news, Cook says
he will continue to write letters to his congressmen and senators to save the
Hawk.
“Myself as a Navy veteran and all the other people that spent time on it, that was
our safe place to be when we visited other countries,” said Cook. “It was our
home.”
I served only two years on the Kitty Hawk but it was by far the best two years of my Navy career. Me and my shipmates that are still my friends to this day talk about our time spent together onboard the Kitty Hawk. Turning her into a museum would be an awesome idea!!!
I served on her in 81 to 84. Great experience for me and others.
I support her becoming a museum, near kitty hawk NC would be nice.
Little know fact about her is she was slated to be the USS Constellation but a fire in the shipyard cause delay so kitty hawk took on the constellation s hull.
In fact, in the main engine room the name late had Constellation on it.
I serviced on the kitty hawk from 1/67 thru 1/70 three years was a great time in my life also know that the hull was not the kitty hawk hull
I knew this fact. I heard about it in the yards in 1983. June 1981 to march 1985. I was at Rome va. Seen this veteran wearing the cv63 hat. I stop to talk to him he was on there the same time as me. He was trying to get money for team spurt 84 and the sub accident. I could not get away from this man any faster
My dad was on the Kittyhawk during Vietnam..such a majestic creature,would love to see her before she’s gone
During Transit to My Ship,I Spent a Month on Her in November 1985,in The Indian Ocean,after leaving Diego Garcia via USS Mars,then USS Shasta,and then prior to an Unrep,To The Battle Cat USS Kitty Hawk!,I can Remember being so Awe Struck at Her Immense Size,as The USS Shasta Pulled along Side Her for Underway Replenisment!,I also Have The Awesome Memories of Watching F14 Tomcat’s Launching from The Flight Deck with Full Afterburners Lit,from My Perch on Vulcher’s Row above The Bridge,as The Kitty Hawk Knifed through The sheet of Glass that was the Indian Ocean on that Full Moon light Night!,Feeling The Heat from The Afterburners Blast You in The Face,even though being high above The Flight Deck!!!,I was onboard Her about a Year after Her Famous Collison with the Soviet Union’s Nuclear Attack Submarine,The Kitty Hawk Crew Actually had a Piece of The Commie Submarine from The Collison mounted on The Bulkhead in The Officers Wardroom!!!,They Should No Doubt,Save Her and Make Her into a Museum in North Carolina!!!,I Know that I Would Visit Her!!!
My dad worked as a draftsman on the building of the Kitty Hawk and I was at the christening. I would hate to see all those memories scrapped. Send her back East.
I served on her from 1977-80 on WESPACs. During which we were assigned to the Persian gulf to rescue American hostages from Iran during that conflict and we were on the Hawk 89 days of rescue operations. The helicopter s for the mission were aboard the Kitty, in ’79-80.
I served aboard USS Kittyhawk from June 1977 to May 1979, P3 division, number two auxiliary machinery room. I really don’t want to see your turn into razor blades. She was my home and I started my naval journey.
I too served on the Kittyhawk and did 3 Westpac tours before transferring to shore duty. I was on her from 1983- 87
I hope they can save USS Kitty Hawk
We are lucky to have Midway and Iowa on west coast.
I was also lucky to be on the Connie in Copenhagen DK and a bit of translation from Danish to English
Francesstroud @comcast. Net
I served on the Kitty Hawk for 2 years during the Vietnam War. We did extensive bombing of North Vietnam. During my time on the Kitty Hawk we visited ports in Japan,Hawaii,and the Philippines. I would love to see it turned into a museum in Wilmington, NC. so I could take my children and grandchildren to see it.
I served on the Hawk during 911 from June 00 – June 02 out of Yokosuka. I was a Supply Corps LT, S1 Div. Great great times. Celebrated her 40th BD in Guam. Said goodbye to her at RIMPAC 08 in Hawaii. She deserves a better ending as the last oil burning Carrier. Her history was vast during her lifetime.
She’s in the scrapyard in Brownsville Texas, arrived the beginning of June 2022
Kitty Hawk is already at the ship breakers in Brownsville, TX after 7 months of being towed there from Bremerton, WA.
It is now being scrapped this very moment.
Scrap it
Why the old lady deserves a birth .Don Abrams AME2 VA65
TIGERS 1968 to 1974 Semper Fortis CVA63
Later stationed at Cubi Pt AMD saw her many times tied up for liberty. I used to dive for rec near her when her crew was in town on Rizal and Magsaysay looking at the croc in front of Jolos.
San Miguel was ok at the time American beer tasted skunky.
I served on her from 1977-80 on WESPACs. During which we were assigned to the Persian gulf to rescue American hostages from Iran during that conflict and we were on the Hawk 89 days of rescue operations. The helicopter s for the mission were aboard the Kitty, in ’79-80. The Iranian crisis continued as we were relieved by the U.S.S. Constellation. This is only my experience on the Kitty Hawk. There are a lot of history, experience, and facts that are within her hull. American military treasure to be Lost forever. That’s only my experience with the Kitty Hawk! How many men have served and died on her. Their stories will die with her if she’s dismissed, dismantled and forgotten forever!🆘☮️💯🙏
Does anyone know the status/state of the ship as of 6/30?
There should be a fair amount of Asbestos abatement to complete.
Is it even possible to save her once at the scrappers?
One of the main issues of concern to the Navy regarding museum ships is the long term care and the possibility of having to deal with them years down the road. Aircraft Carriers are unique from their battleship/destroyer/submarine counterparts in that they are quite literally floating event venues. The long term sustainability possibilities are almost endless!
Aside from the sheer volume of history of the Kitty Hawk and fact that she is the LAST of her type, I personally would hate to see this piece of history go into that good night.
I served on the Kitty Hawk from ’61 – 65. I was contributing to the museum fund and was very disappointed when the decision was made to scrap Her. We just returned from the KH reunion in San Diego. There seems to be a lot of support for saving Her.
How can we help?
Richard Berg
20741 Wagontire Way, Bend Oregon 97701
I was aboard the the Kitty Hawk from day one. What a magnificent ship! We sailed around the horn of South American. I started off as a Shell Back & became a Plank Owner. My buddies know what goes on when you Cross the Equator. I became a Plank Owner. Truthfully it broke my heart to know that my Beloved Kitty Hawk was going to be scrapped. I was an Electrician working in the engine room. My dream is for the Kitty Hawk to become a museum
I remember the incident of the USS Kitty Hawk and the Soviet Sub collision. At that time, I was stationed on the USS Long Beach (CGN-9) in the same battlegroup.
My grandfather was on the kittyhawk CDR Robert Saavedra got shot down and is now MIA in nam I hope they use the kittyhawk as a museum
It will be very good to save the kitty Hawk
I was on the 1984 cruise. I was an Aerographers mate. It was the 2 most memorable years of my life. Please save the Kitty Hawk!!!!
I think the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 should be saved not only because she is the last conventional carrier, but because she is the only one left that was built with missles.
I served aboard her from 1964 to 1966.
A Kitty Hawk Museum.wpuld be a fabulous idea. Was my honor and pleasure to see her on the Delaware river after launch, and on transit to and from her SLEP up and down the Delaware. I could sit on my porch at the head of 30th St. In Wilmington, DE and see to the river.
What bird did he pilot when he was lost? I survived the flight deck and saw all a lot of functional ejection seats save lives. It’s good to know you didn’t FUBAR that last resort.
I too was born in 1961 and served on the Kitty Hawk form 1979 to 1983. Two years in AIMD Airframes and yes also served 2 years on the C-1A COD. What a coincidence. I went to the Kitty Hawk reunion in San Diego this month. Also went to the decommission ceremony in Bremerton. I love this boat and all the guys I became men with. Please save this treasure
I was stationed at NAS North Island 1984 – 1987. My squadron, VS-33 Screwbirds (S-3 Viking), was deployed aboard the Kitty Hawk, with CAG 9.
I would really like for the Kitty hawk to be saved,I served onboard her during Vietnam in 1972- 1974, it’s in the port of Brownsville, Texas now waiting to be scrapped, wish I could do something to save it
I was born and raised in North Carolina. The USS Kitty Hawk needs to be saved! There was someone who had raised enough $$ to buy it, but was refused by the govt. There HAS to be a way!
I served on her in 81 to 84. Great experience for me and others.
I support her becoming a museum, near kitty hawk NC would be nice.
Little know fact about her is she was slated to be the USS Constellation but a fire in the shipyard cause delay so kitty hawk took on the constellation s hull.
In fact, in the main engine room the name late had Constellation on it.
Com
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Was on the Kitty hawk from 1965 to April of 1968
Yea my dad was on it from 1965-1969 during Vietnam he told a lot about it how big it was he has passed now but I know he would have wanted it saved also
Yes it’s a shame, but your too late, they tried Pensacola, Wilmington, NC would of had to spend money on the river to make that happen, long beach, yeah they have to many and they can’t save everyone, man had some awesome times on that ship, can’t even talk about LMAO 🤣🤣 🤣🤣🤣
Kitty hawk was the connie and connie was kitty hawk. Investigate it. True story
I too served on the hawk 91-94 that was the greatest time of my life. The guys I served with were awesome. The places we saw were amazing and made me appreciate being an American even more. If I had to do it all over again I would do it in the blink of an eye. The Best part of WEST PAC was when my father got to board in Hawaii and rode it back to San Diego. He loved it. RIP CV-63.
I Spent my first 4years part on the Kitty Hawk company .I Started out when the Kitty Hawk was in SLEP in Philadelphia,pa . my time started with the Navy AND THE KITTY HAWK STARTED ON 9/14/1989 ON MY BIRTHDAY,WHICH STARTED MY MILITARY IN SEPT. OF 1989 , I HAVE TO SAY I GREW UP ON THE KITTY FROM THE KID I WAS TO THE MAN I AM TODAY I REALLY W ISH IF THERE IS ANYTHING TO SAVE HERE I WOULD LOVE TO DO . THERE WAS A KITTYHAWK COMPANY THAT WENT TO BASIC TRAINING ORLANDO FOR NAVY RECRUIT TRAINING CENTER ON 9/21/1989.
Kitty hawk was the connie and connie was kitty hawk. Investigate it. True story
I was on the Ranger behind the Kitty Hawk and Constellation at North Island and have told my wife that I hope someday I can take her for a tour of an aircraft carrier because they are magnificent floating cities. Making the USS Kity Hawk would be an awesome idea!
I served on her in 81 to 84. Great experience for me and others.
I support her becoming a museum, near kitty hawk NC would be nice.
Little know fact about her is she was slated to be the USS Constellation but a fire in the shipyard cause delay so Kitty Hawk took on the constellation s hull.
In fact, in the main engine room- the name plate had Constellation on it.
I had 2 deployments on Kitty Hawk, 63 & 65,my Squadron was VF-114 Aardvarks, F-4B . I learned a lot worked hard and had a good time. To bad she can’t be displayed somewhere.
I was on the Ranger for two years behind the Kitty Hawk and Constellation at North Island. I have told my wife several times that I hope someday I can take her for a tour of an aircraft carrier as they are like magnificent floating cities. Turning the Kitty Hawk into a museum would be awesome!
If they save the Kitty hawk they need to put the kitty hawk hual back on it. Tbe Constellation has the orginal kitty hawk haul and the kitty Hawk has the Constellation haul. Tha ks to a major fire when it was being built. I hate not havthem both saved. I served on the Constellation.
Can it be saved?
Sounds doubtful.
I was on board from ’61 – 65. Just returned from the KH reunion in SD..
CAN’T BELIEVE IT CAN’T BE SAVED!
Was a boatswain mate on the use Lexington now a museum in corpus christ same class carrier loved her it was great honor to serve on her
.
I served on the U.S S. Kitty Hawk from Aug. 1985 to 30 Sept 1989.
She was in the Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard when I retired. She was Annd still is a Great Ship. We all need to do something to save her from being scraped. Make her a Museum. People will pay to see the last Carrier of her class.
I hope someone can change someone”s mind and place the Kittyhawk as a museme much like other carriers have been. My father served in the Hawk when I was growing up went and saw it when it came in to be scraped. Safe the Kittyhawk
Crash and Salvage 72 – 74
I was on the Kitty Hawk 1973-1975 think about that big baby all the time
I PQS’d as EOOW on Kitty Hawk. The only enlisted EOOW at the time to serve on Kitty Hawk class. I hope she can be saved.
Save the Kitty Hawk
My only duty station was aboard This great ship from 1976-1980. V2 Division Catapult #2… This is where I became a man and made the best friends I’ve ever had in my life…still today we stay in touch and reminisce old times in the navy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk CV 63… If there’s anyway please save her she is such a symbol of fantastic greatness for so many men and women and for our great country… She served the United States of America to her upmost best…” Press on“
I was assigned to the battle cat. Old kitty hawk was a great ship. They should keep it.
Was on Connie. Should have saved her
Why would the USA scrap a carrier during a nuclear threat from so many countries right now. Are we getting stupid????? Look at the time it takes to build one verses sinking one. We need every resource we can get right now!
My grandfather was one of the builders of the USS Kitty hawk he was a first class Machinist , they should save the ship and turn it in to a museum
Save the kitty hawk it’s a honorable end for a great carrier with great history! From a non military man but proud ofy country and its service personnel!
My brother Joe served on board the Kitty Hawk, along with the Ranger and Independence.
How about donating the same to third world countries and operate the same as floating hospitals? Instead of scrapping, put it to a worthy use.
I served on the USS Kitty Hawk for 3 years. From 2003 to 2006. I was stationed in Yokosuka Japan. A lot of great memories being it was my first ship. Navy veteran here.
Instead of scrapping the Kitty Hawk why can’t it be parked at Port Isabel & turn it into a museum / tourist attraction? Such a shame to just destroy it.
I served on the kitty from 2006 till decommissioned. Out of all the commands I have been part of. She was my first and still my favorite to have been part of. I really wish she could be saved and anchored in NC where she belongs. I would love to visit and for the world to see the a part of American steam driven eight 1200 boilers. Last of it kind to be seen by everyone.
Yes save the Kitty Hawk. I served on the USS INDEPENDENCE CV62 when the the Kitty Hawk came to Philadelphia Navel ship yard in the eighty’s and stood boat house watch for both commands. Got to know so many amazing people .
I surved on the Indy (Independence CVA62) from 1971-74. I worked flight deck with arresting gear. Great memories as a young high-school grad. And a navy enlistment kept me out of Vietnam. Just a few months pass and the next lottery my number was very low. I would rather be swabing decks then a grunting through the jungle. AB 3rd class
When you talk about the Kitty Hawk, please tell all the story about the race riots that almost ruined the navy. The navy has come a long way since that time and shows how it has many black officers and enlisted sailors with high authority, thank you, God bless our navy and the United States.
Hey the USS Midway is doing great as a museum in San Diego.
Why not the USS Kitty Hawk.
Also the intrepid in New York is doing well.
People will come save the Kitty Hawk.
Save all Battleship aircraft carriers and destroyers. They all have good histories and they save a lot of lives.
Served 72-75 ABE
I was with vf-142. On was on the kitty hawk 1969 for 8 months with my squadon.. then transferred off. I had I great time. I couldn’t believe it was going for scrap. It need to be museum for people to see a great carrier. I left the navy in 1976 june.
I served on her in 81 to 84. Great experience for me and others.
I support her becoming a museum, near kitty hawk NC would be nice.
Little know fact about her is she was slated to be the USS Constellation but a fire in the shipyard cause delay so kitty hawk took on the constellation s hull.
In fact, in the main engine room- the name plate had Constellation on it.
I served on the Kitty Hawk from late 65 till early 69 as a Boatswain mate 4th div. During Vietnam America flew over 41,000 missions from the Kitty Hawk saving GIs. Surely that’s worth something more than selling her for a penny to be scrapped. I agree she would be a welcome friend in Kitty Hawk NC . Sailors, call your congressman and senators look up how much she cost and how much they sold her for ,tell them the facts.
David Mellonoskie Bates
On the Kitty Hawk from ’77 till ’79. Left her in Japan when she went to rescue Shah of Iran.
Save the big bird nest! Did two westpac tours on her 1970-72. Remember the typhoon we went through with EVERYTHING battened down!? That was a crazy ride. I was discharged two weeks before the riot. Although I had no issues, the racial tension was palatable, we knew it was coming, just not exactly when. Want to see if the Stars and Stripes I painted on a bulkhead of the teletype shop is still there. So many memories and stories. Would be awesome to go aboard again.
This is great they wouldn’t even save USS AMERICA CV66 the country’s namesake carrier from destruction. It is now sitting on the bottom of the Atlantic. Best duty flight deck crash crew 81-86
I serviced on the USS KITTY HAWK CV , V-3
I was one of the first females to ever serve on Ship. I was ship’s company. She is amazing. Please Save Her! ⚓️🙏🇺🇸 Gulf war, Persian Gulf and Iraq war, Desert Storm Desert shield.
I served aboard her from 81-85 and would love to see her turned into a museum.
Hi all. I served aboard the Kitty Hawk from 1983 to 1987. In V-3 division. Lots of memories of the ship and shipmates.
I also remember the night she hit the Russian sub.
I too think she should be a museum.
The Kitty Hawk was my first assignment, serving from 1972 to 1975. Vietnam Nam aboard the Kitty Hawk. She was my first home, I retired from the Military in Dec of 1993. She is a proud ship and she shouldn’t be scraped. I feel as if I’m being scraped as well.
I served on her 87-90 and experienced so much. I worked the SFWP in Philadelphia to ensure her life for another 30 years. I knew every part of the ship and know she would have made a great museum.
Sad that Kitty Hawk couldn’t have gone somewhere for history’s sake so we who served on her could take family and friends aboard to visit, and we could show them around where we lived and worked many long hours/days. I was an AC2/AC1 (Air Traffic Controller) in OC Division/CATCC/Air Operations/Carrier Controlled Approach Radar Controller 1974-1978. We certainly tried to get her on a Donation Hold in hopes of getting her as a museum ship somewhere; preferably Long Beach near the Queen Mary, what a draw that would have been to have them close to each other!!!! Unfortunately not to be —- @@@######%%%%&&&&!!!!!!!! Dammit!!!!!! Shipmates, check out “Facebook” for “International Shipbreaking Port of Brownsville” page. They have said they will be making “Challenge Coins” and “Deck Plate” memorabilia for purchase as we go down the road. Keep checking their Facebook page to stay abreast of them.
Well they should save this piece of history. It was part of so many people’s lives. History happened on board.
My next assignment in the US Navy after the (then) Navy Air Base in Kodiak, Alaska I was sent The North Island Naval Base where I was trained in E2-A Hawkeye aircraft. As a plane captain (not a pilot if the aircraft) in VAW 114 from 1967 through (most) if 1968 on board the Kitty Hawk. I spent quite a few days and even nights working when flight deck out on the Tonkin Gulf of Vietnam.
The Kitty Hawk was a good ship and should not be sold for less than a dollar to be cut into pieces. Yes; it would have cost the US Government money to keep her as active shop. But; I’m pretty sure it would have cost less than some of newest carriers being built
In 1979 I made my first WESTPAC deployment on the USS Kitty Hawk as an Airman Apprentice (E2). I was assigned to an A6 Intruder Attack Squadron VA52 known as the Knight Riders and sent on temporary duty to the Kitty Hawk’s Avionics (IM3) Division. 19 years later I went back to the Kitty Hawk for my last sea duty assignment before retiring where I served as Leading Chief Petty Officer for Avionics (IM3) Division. It just seemed like the perfect ending to where my adventure began. I will always have fond memories of the Kitty Hawk. I also served on the USS Midway CV-41 and it is now a museum in San Diego, CA, and it is the number one tourist attraction here. I think turning the Kitty Hawk into a museum in NC is a great idea!
Retired SCPO
Contact the USS Midway CV-41 museum in San Diego and ask them how they did it (619) 398-8229
I flew on board the mighty hawk in 1963.my knowledge of the navy and my chosen field of service was increased many times.hospital corpsman.i also became a man. I also reenlisted for 4 years onboard. When my three years were up I was high lined off, what an honor. I felt I had completed a full cycle in my life on board the great lady.i didn’t want to leave ,but I also felt it was time to take what this great ship and crew had given me to other places .yeah,the mighty hawk.
My first ship as a commissioned officer from class #1 SWO School Coronado. Served three years as division officer three different divisions and OOD(U) from 1975-1978. Have a ton of stories.
Would like at least one last visit as now I’m 71.
Is their a chance on saving it?
Ransom Livingston, I lived on the hawk from 73 to 7 by by7 a city on the sea, crossed the equator twice, I can’t think of a better ship to have been on.
My lifetime regret is robbing two liquor stores at 13 and ruining my chance in the Navy,,Next life
She was my home 1967-1969. She 2as the longest serving aircraft carrier in Vietnam. Doing away with her is like America wanted for us Vietnam veterans returning home. They wanted to do away with us just like this Vietnam veteran, Kitty Hawk.
Was onboard from 80 to 82 made one Westpac gmt nuclear weapons technician 2nd class w division
48 contagion states except Hawaii and ….
COMMUNICATIONS DEPT, USS KITTY HAWK CV63, 2 JANUARY 1986 TO 1 DECEMBER 1989. GREAT SEA COMMAND WITH A LOT OF HISTORY SERVING THIS GREAT COUNTRY. I HAVE MULTIPLE PHOTOS OF THE BATTLE CAT, & REFLECT ON MY TIME ABOARD HER EVERY DAY.
Remember Lcdr Meyericks, I also remember Nichols, was he Lt jg or Warrant officer? I was ships company 87-90.
I served on the Kitty Hawk from September 68 to January 72 with two tours of Vietnam and a dry dock in Bremerton, WA. I met my best friend on board who grew up in the same area that we both live today. He and I have talked many times about wanting to take our wife’s to tour the ship. I’ve had dreams of seeing her again. It would be a wonderful thing if she could be saved for a museum.
served 2 west pac cruises on the ranger with va 165, I was an aviation ordenancemen
Nothing compairs with the flight deck during flight ops
Save the old gal, do not let her go like they did to the ranger
Fresh out of Navy A school, Millington, TN., I reported for duty with VAH-13, NAS Sanford , FL. in Oct., 1960. In 1961, squadron transferred to NAS Whidbey Isl, WA.
A 3 plane detachment went aboard USS KITTY HAWK at Norfolk and we set sail for North Island, CA. via Cape Horn. A trip I will never forget thanks to King Neptune.
I did two WesPac cruises aboard the “Hawk,” ’62 & ’63. I only did 4 years, but serving aboard USS KITTY HAWK was the best.
I strongly support saving the KITTY Hawk
VAW-114 CV-63 1980 -1982 West Pac ’81
Nobody in congress will do anything to help the kitty hawk, all they want to do now is remove or destroy great things of our once great country. It’s just so sad whats happening to America.
I spent 3 years on the Hawk when it was in Yokosuka, Japan. From 2000 to 2003. The best years of my life. So many wonderful memory’s. We can’t let her become strap medal. Long live the Kitty Hawk.
Master at arms navy
No scraping
I was in VS-21 served aboard the Kitty Hawk in 1979 Westpac. My brother served on the Kitty Hawk in 1985 to1987 as ship’s company
As much as I would like to see the Kitty Hawk saved, the EX-USS John F. Kennedy, CV-67, currently moored in Philadelphia, was THE last conventionally powered carrier procured by the Navy. Additionally, the Kennedy has not been cannibalized as badly as the Forrestal and Kitty Hawk class ships. That said, unless something drastic happens immediately (which is unlikely) the JFK will be towed to Brownsville to be scrapped, as well. I was an AT2 aboard the Independence with my squadron VF-32 from January 1982 until May 1985, and did two ACTDUTRA periods aboard the USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) as an AT1 Naval Reservist. I retired from NAVAIR at NAS Pax River almost five years ago. It would be wonderful to see one of these ships saved, but the Navy would need to terminate the contract with the breaker in order for that to happen.
Bravo Zulu, on a job well done Kitty Hawk crews, a remembers of Captain Pat Driscoll.
I was on the Hawk from 1966 -69 .
Most of it in the Viet Nam area.
Was with an F4 squadron. The Kitty Hawk is a great ship. It has a lot of history and should be preserved. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t think about those days and the men I served with. Save the Kitty Hawk.
I said from the USS Kitty hawk from the US 73 79 that was my home I threw it around the world on the west coast on USS Kitty hawk I wish I could remain as a museum forever
Not sure if I’m a USS Kitty hawk from the year 73 to 79 I had some of the best times of my life on the Kitty hawk wish I could remain as a museum forever
Not sure if I’m a USS Kitty hawk from the year 73 to 79 I had some of the best times of my life on the Kitty hawk wish I could remain as a museum forever
USS Kitty hawk from the year 73 to 79 I had some of the best times of my life on the Kitty hawk wish It could remain as a museum forever , I made 2
westpacs on the Kitty hawk and it was a very very fascinating experience one which will never be forgotten
Picked up the Kitty Hawk in Bremerton, WA drydock 1970. Was at sea shortly thereafter. Two tours in Wespac. Served in the IOIC in support of our brave pilots. I was 18. Saw the world. Loved flight ops. Formative time in my life and proud to have served. Long Beach or San Diego would be a cool spot to put her on display.
I got to join Kitty Hawk at sea via COD, 1 July 1969, assigned to W Division. Great division, great ship. I think Kitty Hawk put more bombs onto Vietnam than any ship in the Tonkin Gulf.
I was SEA OP DET NASNI AIMD I served on the Kitty Hawk and Constellation. As these are the last carriers to ever have a chance at being a museum, save it. Save the USS Kitty Hawk. All the other ships I sailed on the Nimitz, the Carl Vinson they evidently cannot be museums based on the fate of the Enterprise. Save her. She is an important piece of history and the last of her kind.
I served on the Kitty Hawk “the battle cat” from 2004 to 2008. Were I become life long friends with a man who is call my older brother. At that time she was in Japan.
I served on The USS Kitty hawk from 1990 to 1992. I was the crash and salvage chief. I enjoyed being on her. I thought it was a great ship with a lot of adventures and history. I meant a lot of long-lasting shipmates. It would be grand to have her as a museum in either place North Carolina or San Diego.
Save the Battle Cat !!! My first ship 77-78. One WestPac in V3 Division. The first in many ways and the last non-nuke to be decommissioned.
My father Leo Pich died while on active duty on the Kitty Hawk 1968.It is heartbreaking to think that it was sold for penny and will be dismantled. Please keep this from happening.
I spent three years aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. 1976- 1979. She deserves better. I find it hard to believe that they could treat her this way.