Four Decades Of Service
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.
