Four Decades Of Service  

Posted by Stan Harrington

In October 1963, I enlisted into the United States Navy that continued for twenty years active duty. In November, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. In May 1967, the U.S.S. John Kennedy (CV67) was christened by the President's nine year old daughter, Caroline and joined the fleet one year later. In May 1967, I was a member of the ships company aboard the U.S.S. Shangri-La (CVA38) home ported out of Mayport, Florida. I left this area for reassignment in October 1967. Today, after nearly forty years of service, the commission pennant of "Big John" was lowered at Mayport, Florida marking the end of an of a proud and distinguished naval career. Affectionately know as the "Big John" the U.S.S. Kennedy was the "top of the line" for many years serving in a variety of roles in the protection of our sea lanes and providing military support whenever called upon. During her last major mission, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Kennedy and her air wing dropped 54,000 pounds of bombs on Iraq.
She was home ported out of Norfolk, Virginia for the majority of her career, transferring to Naval Station, Mayport, Florida for a few years to serve as a training carrier. The Captain's In Port Cabin was designed by the First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy and eventually will be on display at the Navy Museum. Reportedly, it is the only room on a U.S. Navy ship with wood paneling.
Today, with the remaining ships company lining the decks of ship in dress uniform, bands playing the final tribute was made to this great warship, the last of her kind. For a sailor, that once walked the decks of these ships, it is always a bitter sweet moment to see these great ships tied up to a pier for the remainder of their lifetime or until they are sold for salvage. Although, never being aboard the "Big John", she had a reputation and it was honorable, she served our country well. The U.S.S. Kennedy was one of the two remaining fossil fuel-powered aircraft carriers, the one remaining is the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk will be decommissioned this next year. Our remaining carrier fleet which is vast and continuing to grow are underway on nuclear power.

This entry was posted on March 23, 2007 at Friday, March 23, 2007 . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .

8 comments

Lt. John F. Kennedy,USN was a highly decorated WWII skipper of PT boats in the South Pacific. The life expectancy of one of these boats was one engagement. In his Presidency, he stood up to the Soviet Union and place a blockade around Cuba to prohibit the delivery of missles destined to target the U.S. Although, I have not yet heard, I wonder to myself if his brother, Senator Ted Kennedy(D)who has always been a stuanch anti-military and now anti-Iraq War voice, if he had the decency, self respect, pride, and dignity to attend the de-commission ceremony for the ship bearing his brothers name, the ship also had an influence from his sister in law (Jackie) and his nephew (John Jr.), all gone now. Or did he choose to sit in his office and keep an eye on his liquor cabinet and assist in organizing more anti war campaigns. I know he did not work, as there were no committees in the Senate meeting today. I will bet he was no where close to Mayport, Florida today.

3/23/07, 3:40 PM

It's tough to imagine that we would not make time for a lost brother's dedication. Maybe there's a sore subject between the lines - it IS the Kennedy's.

3/23/07, 4:18 PM

well you remember what ted kennedy answered when asked what will he do if his girlfriend becomes pregnant. He said we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. He is no "Profile of Courage".

I never knew Jackie Kennedy had a hand in decorating "Big John". I bet the captain quarters were elegant with wood paneling and all.

OT- Scary about that English nucleur sub having that explosion under the arctic ice recently. Its amazing all but 2 survived. And it was able to break through to the surface.

3/24/07, 1:28 AM

Contributed to global warming, I'll bet.

3/24/07, 6:19 AM

Great to see that you visited Fishtaxi, it has been a while since you have graced our presense. Did you get enough snow this year?

3/24/07, 10:20 AM

Its snowing and blowing today, Fun fun fun! We are still below average snowfall!

I've been here I just don't always comment.

I love your writing style. Theres always a punchline or a lesson.

You remind me of my dad (RIP).

3/24/07, 1:11 PM

Ted nervous about anything to do
with water

3/25/07, 3:29 PM

Funny how these fine people spend many years of their lives sacrificing family and friends to help us remain in a "free" country...after they retire though...they are forgotten...I have never heard anyone ralley to increase the retirement benifits of a Korean War Veteran...bet they spent 20 or so to make...oh 500 dollars a month maybe....nope nope nope...but we will take their social security, medical benifits, and increase their expense for drugs that we have made them dependent on..."freedom"...at what price??

3/29/07, 10:23 AM

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