LIVE From The Departure of USS JOHN F KENNEDY To The Scrapyard

[@FredBell-jm8yz]

My home for 3 1/2 years, 86 - 90. Holding back the tears now. The best of my three carriers. - ET1 Retired

[@taildragger1197]

She served her purpose with dignity and valor. RIP USS JOHN F KENNEDY.

[@yamadog24]

I was ship's company from 95-98, and that was also my house during that time as well. I hate that she wasn't turned into a museum. I think it pains me more seeing it rusty and decrepit instead of her being recycled. Fair winds and following seas ol' girl. Big John will be in my heart forever

[@davemullen5501]

Ryan and team, Thank you for taking the time and the initiative for documenting this for all of us!! I was onboard the Kennedy during Sail Boston in 2000, and am disappointed that a home couldn't be found for the ship near the Kennedy Library in Dorchester, MA.

[@phillipbouchard4197]

Thanks Ryan for covering this move of the Kennedy. When I was down for the drydock tour in April we stopped by the Kennedy to snap some final photo's of her. I was fortunate to have a tour aboard when she was at the Philadelphia Shipyard for her last major overhaul in 1995. She was the last Carrier overhauled there before the Yard closed. Farewell to a great ship!

[@georgeburns7251]

Thanks Ryan for letting us say good bye to this great old carrier. I felt so sad watching the tow the USS RANGER to the scrappers. But I also served on the Midway 😀.

[@carlwilliams1570]

My Father in law was a welder at NN Ship Yard. He worked on her during construction. Welding down the Island, the stainless steel on the cats, and the eyelet for the anchor were some of his jobs.

[@TATE-d6z]

My dad would be in tears. He was a Plank owner on the USS Ranger cv-61 he loved his time on her and had many many stories about his time with her.

[@Retr0racin]

I was on the Ranger 80-81 west pac. worked on the flight deck on EA6B`s

[@michaelbaker3189]

I served on Ranger 82-85. Best years of my life

[@Retr0racin]

​@@michaelbaker3189 Cool , you must of done the cruise right after I left, I ended up in a S3 squadron on the Enterprise after reenlisting did another cruise in 82-83

[@michaelbaker3189]

Yes @RetrOracin I was on her for the 83 cruise when the fire broke out on board claiming 6 shipmates. I was HM3 at the time

[@robertadamcik9179]

As a former JFK DCA, this is very sad to see. She was a great ship and very fun to drive! Fair winds and following seas...

[@yes_head]

Superb job on very short notice. This is what makes this channel so awesome. Thank you both!

[@bruceb4349]

Thank you for doing this video with such last minute notice. You guys are the best ! It was neat to watch, but with such a sad realization of her last voyage going to the scrapyard it was such a wild mix of emotions. I think I need some chocolate.

[@DouglasStewart-m8z]

Sad to see Big John getting ready for scrap...I was bitter to see America (my ship v-1 80-84)get scuttled but I think that is a better fate than CVs 59-67received . With nothing but nukes left , very unlikely any of those could become super carrier museum, Kennedy was the last chance..at least Midway , Hornet, Lexington, Yorktown , Intrepid are around but no true super carriers saved 😢.Thanks for the update on Kennedy!!!

[@leftseat30]

Great video, thanks for covering this historic if sad day.

[@CaptApple]

The first time I saw her I was awed. She was miles distant on Chesapeake bay on a warm Norfolk Spring day in 1970. I was ten and very familiar with CV's [I'd been on four of them myself, navy dependent] but the JFK was SO long. So large and grand.

[@BonsaiBlacksmith]

I had the honor of walking her deck in the late 90's for Fleet Week. Another great ship passes into antiquity.

[@vincentrocca8012]

Great coverage Ryan. Thanks for your expert presentation on the JFK, history of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and the unfortunately end of a great ship!

[@stevea9604]

I worked as a Navy diver with MDSU-2 in Mayport and dove under her…She was a true warrior…

[@BigLavaJohn]

Made a Mediterranean cruise on the Kennedy, went to Boston on her too for Bostons big birthday. Then the USS Constitution was towed bye and fired a broadside! What a contrast! Sad to see this!

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Cool.

[@johnkochanek5292]

Took a tour when I was a young boy. Was able to sit in the captain's chair and, to this day, still remember. A tear in my eye.

[@M4evermore]

What an excellent broadcast!! This man knows his ships and makes it interesting!

[@randywild6900]

I was ship's company 1974-76, OS Division, CTO2. Sad to see it's not going to be a museum.

[@onkelfabs6408]

Ohhh this was happening in the former Philadelphia Navy Yard. Now I get it why you guys are taking part in this.

[@Lawman212]

Great presentation. I wish I had seen this one in person.

[@SongbirdFPV]

Oh man, my grandfather was Plank Owner, very surreal to see this ship

[@larrydonovan1293]

Ryan, the Potomac is a very cool visit. To listen to the engine when they take you out on the Bay is remarkable - can't say I've heard an engine like it!

[@jimchaudrue7675]

Great video Ryan and crew! Thank you for doing this!

[@AtOddsAlways]

A sad end to a great ship. I witnessed her christening at Newport News in 1967, while I was shore-based at NOB Norfolk. While I did not serve aboard her, my future spouse was assigned to the Navy press group at NOB and was able to get tickets for the gallery. I had graduated from HS in '65 and JFK was a special figure in my personal history, being the first president I saw in person when he spoke at the AF Academy in Colorado Springs in June of 1963. Still regret I spent a little over 4 years in Uncle Sam's Navy but being an air-dale (TD2), I never went to sea. So sad to see her leave for Brownsville as, we all know what happens there.

[@oldmansmith5355]

Most of the rods I used were 7018. The rods for the catapult were stainless. And the largest stainless I had ever used. Welding the island house down was a special process. My buddy was on one side I on the other. It was beveled on both sides. We started the arcs together and had to stay within a couple inches of each other. It to many passes to complete. That was ‘66-‘67. I learned to weld in the welding school in the yard. Weird fact, I helped build it, now it’s being scrapped.

[@edasm4113]

I stopped by for a picture when i was there during the NJ Drydock. Still a stunner.

[@devjaxvid]

Spent 2 days onboard as a guest. They allowed me on the flight deck during flight ops and was taken back to Mayport on a Greyhound. Never thought I would get to do a Cat shot off of a carrier.

[@arkwill14]

I never served on a ship but I have to imagine this hits hard for those who sailed on ships like this. As a former soldier when I see barracks I lived in torn down or bases I served on closed, it leaves a hole. It has to be 10-times worse for sailors I would guess.

[@CaptApple]

Right? San Diego's NTC being redeveloped did that to me too. Especially the primary side which they just plain let linger in ever advancing decay as the fire and police departments trained on and in the barracks. As I boot we reopened and inhabited those a couple years after they were closed following Vietnam. Decades of being kept fanatically cleaned and polished ending in ruin.

[@navycook91]

I was active duty for 20yrs, when she came for fleet week in 2000, me and my father went to tour her. Met WWF superstars as well as two officers i served with while stationed on CVN-71 when they were CPO. Replisnished her couple of times when I was stationed on the USS DETROIT. She was a true warrior. Thank your for your service CV-67

[@brianmacintire3064]

I toured this boat in Boston harbor when I was a lad in the '80s. Impressive! These ships are every bit as amazing in person as you would think. Fair thee well, CV 67

[@mikescott53]

Thank you so much for sharing. The JFK was the last ship I served on before I retired. It was during Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. RIP girl. You earned your rest. We had a saying when we returned home in 1991. J F K =Justice For Kuwait.

[@dmfinpa]

I will just add this story. In Sept 1968 my final USAF assignment (post Vietnam) was TAC Hdqtrs, Langley AFB. I joined a special services trip opportunity to Newport News Shipbuilding for the Kennedy’s commissioning. It was memorable. We were required to wear uniforms so we could be seated in a special section reserved for military. Some of the Kennedy family was there of course, but I do not believe Jackie was at this one. She and Caroline were both at the earlier christening I recall being told at the time. When I went on BSNJ’s drydock tour I walked down to the Kennedy and took a bunch of photos for old time’s sake. I was sad seeing her as she now is after seeing her when she was brand new.

[@Matt_the_Forger]

Watched her fly her air group off during Westlant’92 exercise…I was on the Ark Royal, the JFK dwarfed us 😊

[@leftseat30]

‘Merica ! Hahaha….love you Brits. Honest, I was listening to Phil Collins yesterday! Ark Royal….involved in the Falklands, yes? Be good. -Retired (USA) Air Guard F16 mechanic.

[@tech4pros1]

@@leftseat30 HMS Ark Royal wasn't involved in the falklands, HMS Hermes was. Hermes was commissioned in 1945, served in the falklands in '82 having being extensively refitted the previous year with the addition of a 'ski ramp' on the foreward flight deck to operate sea harriers. She was sold to the indian navy in '86, where she was renamed to the INS Viraat and served up until 2017. the saga of the purchase of the Viraat's replacement from the russians, the INS Vikramaditya (Ex Admiral Gorchkov) is a textbook play of post-soviet russian corruption (imagine a communist pyramid scheme, just like a normal one but with more sadness and less knockoff tupperware).

[@thayerthacker6858]

Great video Ryan, thanks! Always sad to see a former capitol ship go to the breakers.

[@bobwhitcomb2836]

Great video! Thanks so very much!

[@AllenPWolter]

Excelllent Ryan, full of information and entertainment - you are a wealth of knowledge and BB-62 is better with you as it's head

[@Conradlovesjoy]

I remember we pulled into Mayport in 2007 and we got to go and get a bunch of spare parts and some computer chairs from the IC shop while JFK was getting ready to decom. Crazy seeing her 18 years later in such a state.

[@patrickdunbar5261]

She was a mighty warship. I'm proud to have served aboard her.

[@briancray1232]

Looking forward to hearing about your scrap journeys to the mothball fleet and what treasures you were able to acquire.

[@phillanassa759]

Washington DC would be the perfect place for her with all the museums and visitors to DC each year. That doesn't count the locals from Baltimore Washington metro DC areas..easily a million visitors each year. This would have tied into the Smithsonian Air and Space museum plus the Steven F. Udvar- Hazy aircraft center.

[@Bellthorian]

One cool thing is that the Navy is already building the next USS JFK. I am glad to see the name continue to serve.

[@davidanalyst671]

even though the only people who are old enough to remember JFK is the members of congress

[@jacksons1010]

Until a certain someone demands the Navy to change the name. Just watch - it’s coming.

[@Formulabruce]

USA ALWAYS has at Least 1 "HOT" Carrier that's NOT deployed...

[@bigsarge2085]

My dad served on JFK as a chaplain back in the early 2000's when her carrier battle group went to the middle east..

[@eriknervik9003]

The breaker yard in Texas that handles this will usually use the scrap metal to make collectibles and sell them online, so some scrap metal challenge coins might be available soon

[@w4gap]

My home from '92 - '96 as an ET2. Sad that all efforts to get her converted to a museum ship fell short...

[@larryoneill7432]

Served AIMD on JFK 1989-1991. My 3rd boat. USS Midway ( museum) & USS Carl Vinson (still working)

[@DanZachmeyer]

Same as I, 92 for me, 3rd ship as well, Iowa Quad and JFK. MR here

[@keithbradley3705]

the JFk was my sister ship 1969 I was on the USS America CVA 66

[@Hi_Ho_Methusalem]

JFK was my Ship. When I first reported aboard in early 1979, America was tied up next to Big john at Pier 12.

[@gbutterfield1967]

@@Hi_Ho_Methusalem, I had the pleasure of serving on both great ships. I was G-3 on the America and with VF-32 on the Kennedy, and I went in for her SLEP in Philly in G-5.

[@bobfenske1651]

Do you remember a radio operator. Darrell Williams?

[@Ragefps]

Always a sad sight to see such an amazing ship make her final voyage

[@jlivewell]

Goodbye and fair seas, Big John!

[@bryanrobinson1980]

E- Division 90-93. Worked the battery shop, then the division office, finished out in EE09 taking care of the flight deck equipment.

[@MrSdmckenna]

I have a good pic, not of the JFK, but of my son's on a Russian ship lining up on the JFK with a dual launcher in the early '90s. Fleet week in NYC, the JFK was docked a bit down from Soviet Destroyer. Both were giving tours!

[@frankchan4272]

If remember correctly, the former America (CV-66) & JFK (CV-67) had sonar dome under bow so that is why those 2 carriers have 1 anchor pointed forward instead to port side. I remember they removed the sonar dome during one of dry dock periods but left the forward anchor in same place. I wished they kept the original “Belknap” pole from the JFK as that’s original ship to have due to incident related to that.

[@jess2690]

This is so unbelievably sad. I feel like im watching a funeral.

[@davidg3944]

Thanks for the video of the start of moving the JFK. You really get an idea of how big it is from the vantage points you had, shame to lose her as the only realistic chance at a supercarrier museum.

[@blackrocks8413]

sad to see her go. VA-85 1983 cruise. CVW3. A-6 intruders....you remember, the prettiest plane the Navy had

[@bobski7032]

Got to stand right next to her about two years ago …took the grand kids 🙏

[@joefadgen]

Another catastrophic failure to preserve history. We'll probably never see a supercarrier preserved because of how intensive a CVN decommission is. This was the last chance

[@astroboy5137]

$$$$$$$$$$$ that’s why!

[@marcm.]

The real issue is the nuclear heart of the aircraft carriers, I'm sure there would be a way to decommission if it were really thought out, but it probably would have to start with the building of it with that in mind. The JFK should have been saved, the newest carriers I just don't see how we're ever going to manage to convince the Navy or any part of the security apparatus in the United States to keep them for posterity sake... I realize you understand that, but I did want to point out that the reason is that they have to get that nuclear heart out of there so that everybody else understands that too. I personally wish the Enterprise had been kept, even if it had to be kept in naval rolls to be able to do it, but it was not to be

[@garywayne6083]

sadly just too expensive and no place to put her realistically

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

@@garywayne6083 Hello, I would if I could.

[@glennschlorf1285]

Its BS....... nuclear Carriers would be perfect to use for emergency power source to assis Seabees to assis in hurricanes and other natural disasters....... ​@@marcm.

[@F-Man]

Really sad to see a great ship meet her end, but at the same time, she’d be the largest museum ship in the world, and - therefore - the most expensive, too. The sort of effort to preserve her and then to maintain her would take government-level funding. Sadly, we just don’t have enough of that to go around in historic circles.

[@joebeach7759]

It's so sad that they couldn't get a sponsor for that great ship. It could have been a great aircraft and naval museum. Bigger than Intrepid. It would have been a great centerpiece in Boston or somewhere in New England.

[@michaelbaker3189]

Also, I live in Texas. My wife wanted us to go see Ranger come into Brownsville. She thought I would enjoy seeing my old ship again. I just couldnt bring my self to see her go the way of scrap yard.

[@RetiredSailor60]

To all who served on USS JFK, S*A*L*U*T*E! Retired OS1 here. Served on DDG 18, AD 43, DD 965, LSD 41, & LHD 1. Went TAD to USS Henry B Wilson and USS Towers. X-USS Whidbey Island LSD 41 is sitting up there in inactive reserve.

[@michaelbaker3189]

For years I wrote my congressman about using one of these carriers as a coastal disaster response vessel. I detailed how a carrier could provide fresh water, meals, Medical treatment, temporary living accommodations. Search n Rescue platform. Never got a response

[@oldmansmith5355]

Most of the rods I used were 7018. The rods for the catapult were stainless. And the largest stainless I had ever used. Welding the island house down was a special process. My buddy was on one side I on the other. It was beveled on both sides. We started the arcs together and had to stay within a couple inches of each other. It to many passes to complete. That was ‘66-‘67. I learned to weld in the welding school in the yard.

[@jeffreykornspan9053]

Thanks for your river view of the Kennedy. What an amazing ship it was and looking forward to seeing her replacement soon. Being a retired electrician, any idea what was the Megawatts service on the New Jersey and the Kennedy? Thanks for your video and your knowledge.

[@kennethhummel4409]

I suddenly have an urge to sing the sea shanty Leave her Johnny.

[@gmgg424]

I grew up in Brownsville in the 70’s. I saw few old warships being broke up at the Port of Brownsville when going to South Padre Island.

[@andrewinbody4301]

Ryan, after I watched this video I watched some of the ABC channel 6 Philadelphia live stream. You are clearly seen on their video at the 38 minute mark.

[@justdeaf-ry6bn]

It's unfortunate that we don't have a museum super carrier. I think it would have been a awesome museum to take a tour on the ship.

[@dmfinpa]

Sad loss. I believe Kennedy and Kitty Hawk were the last 2 conventionally powered carriers, both once available for preservation, subsequently sold into scrappage. Delaware River’s traffic into oblivion will shortly include the SS United States, now cleared for travel by USCG. My guess is the same tugs moving Kennedy will be needed for SSUS, so that will determine timing of when she actually transits.

[@BlackEpyon]

Ya know, with the housing crisis I can't help but wonder about the feasibility of turning a decommissioned aircraft carrier into a floating town. Just keep it supplied with fuel and food, and it's pretty much a self-contained community. You could even call it "Rivet City" if you're feeling particularly ironic.

[@philr6829]

When these were fully outfitted and operational military assets, they provided mediocre habitability for people serving our country. There would be absolutely no way to make these vessels meet certification of occupancy requirements to house non-military people when they were active, much less as they are. The money needed to do it would be able to fund shoreside housing for ten times as many people.

[@Guitfiddlejase]

​@philr6829 i think that was a joke.

[@BlackEpyon]

​@ They'd have to come up with a new category for this. It's more akin to a giant-ass mobile home or a houseboat. Besides, I've seen the absolutely shitty craftsmanship that gets passed by those paid-off city building inspectors, and a 50 year old aircraft carrier is an armoured fortress compared to the cardboard domiciles you Americans call "houses!" Personally, I don't mind enclosed spaces, and it sure as hell beats being homeless! Besides, I never said they wouldn't have to be modified in some way.

[@philr6829]

@@Guitfiddlejasecould be. That said - there have been many cases where even military base housing after a BRAC was completed that was find unsuitable for homeless people to be given.

[@eriknervik9003]

@@BlackEpyon Lol you’d want to live on this rust bucket with a bunch of druggies and schizophrenics? Sounds like a horror movie rather then a solution to anything

[@GordonWeirChevy]

I was aboard from 00-03, she was still a bit rough from her reserve years but got the job done.

[@theMoerster]

One of my late brother's old ships. He was on her in the late 90s, I believe. Joined her during her SLEP in Philly if I remember right. I got to go on a few times...had Xmas dinner there one year. The ship was awesome. The dinner was....less so.

[@frostedbutts4340]

If that's what they served for Xmas, imagine the slop they served at the end of a long deployment hah RIP to your brother and this ship.

[@dennisfariello4852]

A tug normally has two whistles - a smaller, quieter one for whilst working a ship or barge and you're where the pilot can hear you, and then a big honking one (usually two or three trumpet air horns) for regular use or when the pilot can't hear you. Two toots means "I hear your order and am backing down". One toot acknowledges an order for an ahead bell. Four toots indicates maximum speed in either direction, usually sounded in pairs - toot toot, toot toot. I think I should have sent you a copy of the Bluejacket's Manual for xmas so you can work on your nautical vocabulary LOL

[@transmaster]

The last conventional CV the Navy built. It was going to be nuclear, but the Navy did not have the budget. .

[@oldmansmith5355]

I worked on it when it was being built in Newport News ship building and dry 2:49 dock. Welded the island house down.

[@davidg3944]

Hull and compartment welding on warships is no trivial matter, what sort of amps and rod sizes were you using?

[@smalltime0]

Even if you got the ship to preserve as a museum ship, where would you moor her?

[@everettputerbaugh3996]

She was commissioned in 1968, and if I recall correctly, picked up Apollo Astronauts.

[@pdoherty]

RIP old girl. Served aboard CV16, CVA-41, CVA-43, CV-63, CVA-64. 1971-75

[@devjaxvid]

Was the Captain’s “at dock” cabin removed/ preserved? It was a beautiful paneled reception / dining area with many artifacts from The JFK family.

[@charlesmaurer6214]

The Air and Space Museum would be the best bet for any Nimitz. They are short space and such a ship would give some with the hangers and placed in DC would be a real sight, Perhaps if worked out could even be worked in between the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial with a home like HMS Victory Has.

[@charlesmaurer6214]

Just wanted to add such a placement could also be added to various USSS and Capitol flight plans for evac or escorts as it would place a proper runway, if small within sight of the White house behind the Washington Monument so it could keep some federal funding to service POTUS and Congress.

[@garywayne6083]

she's over a thousand feet long, 126ft high above the waterline, and has a draft of around 36 feet - you'd never get it close to DC

[@charlesmaurer6214]

@ You do know DC used to have a naval yard that was like the others in the east building capital ships through WWII. You wouldn't get her past DC as the river narrows and some low Bridges soon after but the river is still able to handle small ships clear up to the MD/WV boarder with the canal a park now in WV that used to be part of the same network as the National Road that ran through Wheeling WV and out other Pan handle. Some of the first federal transportation projects and the National Road has been replaced with an Interstate as has several of the critical rail lines that once webbed out from Charleston WV.

[@alexduke5402]

Would hand been really cool to have an aircraft carrier museum ship

[@garywayne6083]

We have the Intrepid, Midway, Yorktown, Hornet, and Lexington already

[@BlackEpyon]

Not enough interest to save her.

[@sirboomsalot4902]

@@BlackEpyonThere was a lot of interest in her, the navy removed her from the donation registry while groups were still trying to get her

[@BlackEpyon]

@@sirboomsalot4902 The Navy set the time limit, and nobody got their shit together in time. That's just how it works.

[@ronaldsmith5375]

I'm guessing the practical limit is based on the Panama Canal.

[@wesleyshirley326]

This is sad. My dad served on her, I think he was a plank holder.

[@colinvos4443]

In July or Aug. 1970 the JFK came to Boston Harbour. It was the first time to Boston. All the aircraft were out on the deck. Crew in whites was lined up around the deck perimeter. Hundreds of pleasure craft came to great the giant. Fireboats were spraying plumes of water in the air. The Kennedy family and great crowds were waiting on the dock to greet her. I was a 17 year old(RCNVR) at my sea dutyman station on the bridge of HMCS Porte St. Jean who witnessed all this. We were leaving for Halifax. Tradition states to pipe the side and dip your ensign to salute the JFK, and we did. We joked that they probably didn't even notice. LOL I will never forget that day. JFK I salute you again.

[@mayaREguru]

Any ETA on arriving at the Delaware Memorial Bridge?😊

[@BattleshipNewJersey]

Going to be a while.

[@tronchaser64]

Whitby Island was a Command Ship. Above Top Secret clearance was needed to even board her.

[@ILSRWY4]

This makes me extremely angry I cannot believe this nation couldn't find a way to preserve the last available super carrier approved (non nuclear) for a museum.

[@robertewalt7789]

My son took a tour of JFK back when it was de-commissioned in the Port of Boston. The Master of his residential, an expert in naval history, was well-known to the officers of JFK.

[@schmeat2717]

Would be neat to remove all the superstructure at least and turn that small part into a museum or put it in some ones field at least ha. Would be fun to have the top section

[@garyhaber333]

I was part of ships company TAD as an RP3 aboard her for a month in the Med during Desert Storm. I thought they were planning on sinking her off the east coast after she didn't become a museum ship instead of scrapping her ?😪😪 RIP JFK🙏🏼🙏🏼😪

[@dknox2216]

Sad day. Plank Owner with tears in eyes.

[@richconway3758]

Ryan, I believe the USS Oriskeney ? Not sure if I spelled that correctly ? Was sunk as an artificial reef.

[@GordonWeirChevy]

It was, offshore from Pensacola.

[@onkelfabs6408]

At least the ship won't end like it did in the movie 2012.

[@ChrisHathcock-f1u]

It is sad that it is being scrapped.

[@luv2lift48]

She had a tiny electrically driven hydraulic pump and accumulator for auxiliary steering. Incredibly slow, but If it's intact it could be used with a generator.

[@clubtepes2046]

How much does it cost to move the ship from Phili to Brownsville Texas???? Why can't it be scrapped there and what makes the shipping cost effective?

[@garywayne6083]

it needs to be remediated of all asbestos and such first, that's why it was so cheap. That cost and the tow and such are paid for my the scrapper.

[@miaohmya92]

Incredible how fast it deteriorate. Was this ship impossible to use any longer?