A chapter in naval history is closing as the former U.S. Navy supercarrier, the decommissioned USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), embarks on its last voyage, heading south from Philadelphia to Brownsville, Texas, where it will be dismantled. This marks the end of an era for the last conventionally powered American aircraft carrier, a vessel that served the fleet for nearly four decades. As this iconic ship sails toward its final destination, the service prepares to welcome its technologically advanced namesake, the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), a Ford-class carrier poised to redefine naval aviation.
The USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), commissioned on Sept. 7, 1968, was the first ship to bear the name of the 35th President of the United States, who served as a Navy Lieutenant during World War II.
Throughout its service, the CV-67 was involved in numerous operations and incidents, reflecting the complexities of naval operations. The ship played a role in Operation Desert Shield in 1990. Despite the challenges, the John F. Kennedy adapted to changing geopolitical landscapes, supporting Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The John F. Kennedy was retired by the Navy in 2005, decommissioned in Mayport, Florida, in 2007, and remained docked in Philadelphia for almost two decades. In 2021, International Shipbreaking Limited purchased the ship for a mere $0.01, setting the stage for its final journey to the shipbreaking yards of Brownsville, Texas. Rear Adm. Bill Greene noted the ship “will always be remembered as a symbol of enduring freedom and a beacon of hope and peace during difficult times”.
As the CV-67 makes its last voyage, the U.S. Navy is preparing to welcome the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), a Ford-class carrier, as its replacement. The CVN-79 is the second aircraft carrier to bear the name of President John F. Kennedy. This new carrier incorporates more than 23 new technologies. The advances include propulsion, power generation, ordnance handling, and aircraft launch systems, resulting in a 33% higher sortie generation rate and a $4 billion reduction in life cycle operations and support costs, compared to the Nimitz-class carriers. The new nuclear-powered John F. Kennedy is slated for delivery to the Navy in 2025.
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