The Legacy of USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67/CV 67): A Memoir & Ship Tour

USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67/CV 67) was commissioned in Newport News on September 7, 1968 and was in service for nearly 40 years. Includes a recent tour of the stricken vessel pierside at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia. She will likely be scrapped in the coming months so this is a rare look at the ship as she is as of June 2021 ish.
(Video by Senior Chief Petty Officer Jayme Pastoric, via the Naval History & Heritage Command)

[@nathanstrange6191]

People who have not been in the Navy just don't understand. The sailor and the ship become one. I served on CVN75. That ship will always hold a special place in my heart. Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@samuelschick8813]

Agreed. I was a 16 inch GMG2 on the battleship Missouri. Those memories will last a lifetime.

[@cornonthecob1268]

Nimitz 85-88

[@espuelasadivino54]

I haven’t been in the Navy and i’m not American, i’m from Argentina, living in Philadelphia and i go biking to the Navy Yard every day and i see the JFK and stay there, infront of the ship for a few minutes thinking of all the history of the ship. It’s so beautiful and massive. I could admire that amazing ship forever. I really hope they leave it there at the Navy Yard, in front of the Urban Outfitters Headquarters. From Monday to Thursday, the cafeteria of the Urban Outfitters headquarters is open to the public so you can go and have lunch with the best view of the JFK cause they have a huge window and the ship is right there, or you can go any time and just walk closer to the ship. Everybody loves to see the ship there. ♥️🚢⛴🇺🇸⚓️ You should go to Philly and visit the ship. The Navy Yard is such an amazing place, so peaceful and beautiful. ♥️

[@mikemoreno3914]

CVN72 05’-10’ 🫡

[@samuelschick8813]

" I won't be remembered by my sailors that joined me in combat." That is incorrect. A sailor never forgets the ships he served on.

[@mikescott53]

The Big John was the last of 4 carriers I served upon. (1989 to 1992) It was the location of my last reenlistment in the Captain's Inport Cabin. I served in Desert Shield/Storm as her Safety Dept LCPO. I will always remain proud to be a member of the Kennedy Clan. Thanks for the memories.

[@tabithamartin4092]

I flew aboard her on 02 December 88 out of Rota Spain and served on her until 14 Aug 90. I started out in Weapons Dept, WA div. but was moved in short order to the Weapons Office under Lt. Chewning. Then replaced the CMC's yeoman working for Master Chief Al Williams, and then Master Chief Conrad Cissel. I left the day before the Kennedy left for the Persian Gulf for Desert Shield. Yeah, i looked a LOT different then... I loved my time aboard the Kennedy, wept when I left. The proudest time of my life. If I were allowed to serve today, I would return in a heartbeat. The Kennedy was, and in my heart always will be, my home.

[@pharma37]

@@tabithamartin4092 I served on her during her last cruise. That life is pretty great for an 18-21 year old, but I'd never go back. You must have had a better time than most.

[@yannloiseau172]

Hi . I'm french and I meet my friend Steve Miller, who was radar operator on USS JKF. Do you know him ? Can you tell me how I can find him. It was a long time ago, I was on duty in Toulon (France) and I was barely 20 years old. Now I'm 54 ! Please help. Steve Miller, he wore a mustache. This is a bottle in the sea

[@brianmishefske3918]

I proudly served from November 1990-1993 as a ABE V-2 Division Bow Cats. I made many friends onboard Big John and this video is a wonderful tribute to all the sailors who kept this Carrier operating at the highest level. Thank you and I watch this every day to remind my thank god I served in the US Navy.

[@user-ho5lk1cj5t]

Thank you Chris for “SUCH” a tribute to “MY GREAT SHIP” “VAST station 1972-1978. Thank you for helping us “ not to forget”!

[@6120mcghee]

I had the honor of supplying the goods, the bullets, and fuel, during Operation Desert Shield/Storm while onboard the USS Seattle(AOE-3). You will always be in my heart and memory, Big John. Thank you. You earned your rest.

[@garybaker6067]

Thanks. I really appreciated all the goods.

[@mrmultimediaman]

Very well done...actually brought a tear to my eye. Serving "Big John" 1972-1975, CR Division, Communications Department. Arrived onboard as a RMSA. Left as a frocked RM2 for orders to Naval Communications Unit London UK. Big John was good to me. It hurts me to see such a vessel to be sold for a penny, knowing he is worth so much more to the men and women who served on him. Fair winds and following seas, Big John. Your memories and stories will remain in my heart forever.

[@toastecmo]

VAQ-130, CVW-3 embarked CV-67 for Desert Shield Desert Storm 1990-1991. I still have my double Centurion CV-67 patches. Nugget Deployment. She is a great ship that brought us through a lot. Good memories. Farewell to CV-67.

[@kevinriordan1632]

Watching this it occurred to me the art that is scattered throughout this ship. For those who don't know, as the years pass talented sailors in various divisions, departments and such will add their touch/talent to their ship. As the years pass more art is added. This can be found as a welcome on a door to a large mural in a hanger bay. I would pay to tour this ship and look upon the artwork that will soon be lost forever. Each painting/drawing has a story and legacy of the talented sailor/sailors and their command pride.

[@matthewcaughey8898]

Hopefully it’s photographed and documented. So that those who left a part of themselves there never be forgotten

[@stanstenson8168]

A G-1 AO designed the crest for the GW.

[@belind0388]

I was at the Navy Yard recently and one of the caretakers at the NISMF told me that he makes it his personal mission to go through the ship’s photographing and recording as many pieces of sailor art as possible. As he told me, “it’d be a shame if people would never be able to see it.” . A lot of the guys that work at NISMF are former Navy, so they get it.

[@juni674]

I served '84-'88 on Big John. I remember we just got relieved from U.S.S. Nimitz and we were ported at Malaga. Then I happened to get off gen watch and decided to take a stroll to the flight deck to check out Malaga. I pulled first night duty. I see the 67 flashing off and on. Then everyone remembers the mess deck rumors. lol We got extended for a month. At timestamp 2:16 is where I stood watch during the med. Between 2A and 2B generators. Man that seems like a eternity ago. lol

[@cornonthecob1268]

I was on the Nimitz when we relieved you, near Gibraltar?

[@dpost1964]

I was 83-88 A-Div

[@MrSheckstr]

@@cornonthecob1268my dad was on the nimitz from 83- june of 88 in the hospital section….. he along with Bill Hare were the clowns that visited the orphanages during the med cruises

[@CarolinaBoi864]

I was part of the decom crew ... Big john was the best

[@JJ-rf7dg]

i've worked on her at Philadelphia shipyard. Oct. 2021

[@dominicrobertazzi6412]

I served on Big John from 1969 to 1972. Had a great time for living onboard for 3 years and 8 months. Worked flight deck fueling aircraft. Purple hand V4

[@JK-lt9ip]

On board with VF-32. Made 1968 Gitmo deployment, 1st & 2nd med cruises. Flightdeck troubleshooter/final checker. Probably working on a F-4 you were fueling. Thanks for your service

[@user-ix1ud5pd3f]

I served on this ship from ‘99-‘04. Got to meet some amazing people from the crew, from the places we visited, and also the many V.I.P.s that came through, including a prince of Jordan, CNO Admiral Jay Johnson, MCPON Jim Herdt, Bobby Bowden and some of the team, Thurman Thomas, and the Goo Goo Dolls to name a few. A treasure trove of unforgettable great memories from such a small span of time. To this day I feel honored and grateful to have served on the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67)

[@J.A-CA139]

Late comment, I've never served in the Navy yet, it's one of my many goals in life. I've become a volunteer on a local museum ship and fell in love with ships. When I heard about JFK and Kitty Hawk I had to see them before it was too late. I missed Kitty Hawk but I've been coming down to the navy yard for the past 3 years to visit John F. Kennedy, thinking each time might be my last and being relieved that she is still there when I round the corner and see her protruding bow rising above the nearby buildings I know she isn't long for this world and a few weeks ago might be my last time.

[@gmgm372]

USS JOHN F.KENNEDY should re-locate as a museum to South Padre Island ,TX

[@jhs8496]

They have taken the Kennedy's horn and installed it at the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. It's blown every day at noon and can be heard as far away as Roach or Searchlight.

[@bobsit1945]

Was VS-22's Corpsman for the 82 Med/IO Cruise and work-ups. Watching this brought back fond memories and tears to my eyes. Then I remembered that in 1969-1970, I was stationed at the old Navy Hospital just a mile and a half from there, working the Amputation Wards packed with our Marines and Corpsmen wounded in Vietnam. Tears started flowing.

[@JB-xd1fo]

Served on her 1991-1995. Damn good time!

[@oldfarmer4700]

74 thru 77. It's not that we served aboard big John we lived on big John. I'm sure there are lots that it more than touches seeing her like than knowing it was sold for scrap for a penny.

[@roberthodges8842]

I had the privilege of visiting the JFK when she was anchored of Malta in 1968 or it could have been 1969 I'm not quite sure of the year, I was serving on HMS Bulwark at the time. We were impressed by the sheer size of her and we were treated very well and given a guided tour and fed and watered. She was a fine looking carrier.

[@JK-lt9ip]

It was 1969. I was on the ship.

[@williekinney4773]

I served on “Big Bad John” as a Boiler Tech 92-94 and enjoyed being there in the coverall Navy.

[@davidpearson3304]

I was never on a carrier, my first ship was a tender. But, seeing the video clips of the ship and crew took me back to the early 90’s on AD-42. Still have fond memories 30 years later

[@jaycelliott2]

was there 80-83. Great ship.

[@matthewcaughey8898]

They say a ship has a soul. I would have to agree, it’s soul is a conglomeration of the 1000s of young men and women who left a part of themselves with this ship. May the soul of this ship continue on in her new form and may it be a testament to those who will come after us that we may never be forgotten

[@donwright4916]

Wow sad to see her in this shape. I lived on this floating city in 1971 and 1972. I was an Airedale.

[@LoFiMofo]

Ahh, brings back memories. I served on her from 92-93. Spent the whole cruise working 12 hour shifts on the flight deck, made many trips around that island to the catwalk down to our shop. Would love to get a chance to walk around those decks one more time.

[@topher_fuckin_lee8580]

Very neat video, I served on Big John and was part of the forward DC shop, HCFF Station #8 was mine while serving aboard and I painted that mural! Super coop to see it’s still there, I also painted a mural on the deck outside the forward DC shop where we used to muster. Thanks for sharing!

[@mr.ninetails6447]

I am the son of a sailor who served on this ship and I may not completely understand the bond between you sailors and the beauty that is Big Bad john. Even tho I am not a sailor myself i understand some of the pain this video brings for even I a civilian shed tears and salute for this ship. I went to the decommission ceremony and took pictures and even then i cried. I thank everyone who served on this ship.

[@matthewcaughey8898]

@@mr.ninetails6447 May these citadels of steel and their great names continue long after we are no longer here

[@pharma37]

I remember that painting. You did that? Huh.

[@topher_fuckin_lee8580]

@@pharma37 I did, many moons ago. Would love to get to see that and the mural I did on the deck by my old forward DC shop again one day.

[@pharma37]

@@topher_fuckin_lee8580 It's now on its way to being torn down. No sailor will see it again I'm afraid.

[@bigslim185]

I was on the Kennedy in 82 and 83 with VF-31. Makes me sad to see her like that. Before she heads to the scrapper I will drive down to Philly to see her one more time.

[@jimdunlap7255]

Beautiful tribute

[@GearZenChannel]

Is there any way at all to access the ship? Would love to see it again, from the inside, before it is scrapped. I can't really explain why......

[@edhall6551]

great ship was onboard 1976--1980 3rd division deck department great memory's

[@jamesstack7237]

I was onboard for her final deployment and I was there when they deemed her life had come to an end. I don't miss my time in the Navy but I definitely have some fond memories aboard this ship.

[@luciusvorenus9445]

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Big John.

[@samuelWx]

Pains me to see her like that. I had the privilege to go to sea on her 1982-84. Bierut Lebanon 10/23/83, never forget.

[@bobhaithcock448]

Never forget. Rest in peace Nate my brother!

[@johnkijovsky4335]

I wonder if Caroline is the only person to launch 2 ships

[@FancyProds1]

Never forget...❤

[@swathdiver489]

First time I saw CV67 was aboard a tug a few miles off Fort Lauderdale. She was the first super carrier to enter the freshly dredged Port Everglades in 1985. In '86 we snuck aboard her in New York Harbor to watch the July 4th celebration and see President Reagan land on Big John and then see him, Nancy and his entourage walk by us as they went below.

[@robprice1283]

Had the honor of being part of the MARDET om the Kennedy from 87 to 88

[@Thultarn]

85-87 AIMD miss the old home

[@tedhaynes7156]

My squadron, VA-205, out of NAS Atlanta, had a 2 week "cruise" with CAG 20 out of Norfolk in the summer of 71 or 72, flying A4s.

[@williamedmonds9581]

I served on both the USS INDEPENDENCE CV-62 and the USS KITTY HAWK CV-63. Two great ships that could have been left in reserve in case their country called upon them again. So sad to see any great fighting ship destroyed.

[@yannloiseau172]

Hi . I'm french and I meet my friend Steve Miller, who was radar operator on USS JKF. Do you know him ? Can you tell me how I can find him. It was a long time ago, I was on duty in Toulon (France) and I was barely 20 years old. Now I'm 54 ! Please help. Steve Miller, he wore a mustache. This is a bottle in the sea

[@joeyarredondo984]

I was there from 2001 2004 Mag rats G3.. I remember the whole painting this wall here under the office mag 88 I believe

[@leofelipesoares1516]

Está Belonave está guardada , é um marco na história, Cv-67.

[@My347LX]

AIMD Jet Shop 82-84. I wish he had captured the really cool mural that was painted on the mezzanine wall.

[@jhs8496]

I went to the christening of the JFK. We were close enough to have had a clear view of the dignitaries on the platform. We attended a number of submarine christenings at NNSB&DD Co., too. I guess it was a see-and-be-seen thing to do for a young Navy family.

[@DG52343]

Served on Big John from 89-92 in E-Division.

[@sop2510]

I watched her being built at Newport News. Our barge was tied up next to her.

[@bobhaithcock448]

Know big John well, two med cruises plus numerous work ups. VMA(AW)-533, anytime, anyweather. Intruder 4ever.

[@mpmelly]

got a little emotional...i miss my home.

[@drfsjfrgf111192]

1MMR 75 to 79 Go Navy.

[@matthewculver9667]

How’d you get to take a tour?

[@ObamaTookMyCat]

Im shocked that she is hooked up to shore power with some of the interior lights still on. I guess to maintain dehumidification.

[@terrelmchenry9524]

3MMR...I WISH THAT THEY WOULD SAVE HER,,,THE LAST OF HER KIND...

[@bigbad614]

3-Main!! '97-'01....

[@mandelorean6243]

Man. Can't imagine years of 8-12hr shifts, every minute of it, need to have ear muffs on.. And it's still loud.

[@tabithamartin4092]

8-12? um, no, more like 15-18+ hour shifts during flight ops.

[@keithh3463]

Thanks, my home for a few years. She looks unloved

[@timguerin7627]

78-82 sad to see her going to scrap yard

[@fredclear4069]

bt3/oil lab 86-89

[@cr-nd8qh]

Did a cruise in 2002 on big john

[@pharma37]

I jumped on in late '03. V2 Division.

[@cr-nd8qh]

@@pharma37 hell yeah I remember them

[@cr-nd8qh]

I was in vfa 131

[@pharma37]

@@cr-nd8qh What happened to the face? You're all bloodied up.

[@cr-nd8qh]

​@@pharma37I fell off my bike. Sucked

[@davidharrison7316]

Pit Snipe 77-80

[@khadijagwen]

They are tearing her apart in Houston.

[@stanstenson8168]

It will be Brownsville. They're doing the Kitty Hawk now.

[@TheDK4LIFE]

Why don't we show other neglected areas of the ship that needs improvements.

[@christophereger1053]

JFK is headed to the scrappers.

[@deewilliams7675]

Abe2 Jim Williams therefore commissioning plank owner original arresting gear crew V2 division Big John was my home for 3 years I still think of all my buddies I served with quite a few from Tennessee Georgia and Illinois me from Delaware ashamed of what's running the country now

[@pharma37]

I was also an ABE (un-designated airman) on the Kennedy. One year of that, and I went to weapons department.

[@Maldonadoj971]

Inside the decommissioned carriers I see looks abandoned

[@robertosovietunion7567]

USS JOHN F. KENNEDY CVA -67 is a KITTY HAWK together with the CONSTELLATION CVA-64 and the USS AMERICA CVA -66 are the same Class but the incoming USS JOHN F. KENNEDY CVN79 will be bigger , better and stealtheir is a USS GERALD FORD Class

[@djguss1]

USS John F Kennedy CV-67 is not a Kitty Hawk class carrier, she was originally intended to be a nuke, but was changed to conventional.

[@juni674]

@@djguss1 You are correct. That is why AMR was a huge mainspace.

[@warningsigns4526]

CVN 79 you mean christened 12/7/2019

[@christophereger1053]

What? This is about CV67

[@JJ-rf7dg]

2021 i worked on her at the Philadelphia navy yard. Its nasty with mold, lead, asbestos and rust.

[@nathandodge665]

I was stationed on the ship 72 to 75 carrier Duty freaking sucks just like boot camp all the way through