USS John F. Kennedy Departs for Scrapyard
On Thursday, the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) will leave Philadelphia for the last time. The ship is headed to the scrapyards in Brownsville, Texas. Originally scheduled to depart on Wednesday, the timeline was adjusted slightly. As the carrier makes its way out, it will be visible to onlookers along the Delaware River and throughout Delaware Bay.
Historic Journey of USS John F. Kennedy
USS John F. Kennedy holds a significant place in U.S. naval history. Laid down as the fourth Kitty Hawk-class carrier, she was the last U.S. Navy carrier powered by a conventionally-fueled steam powerplant. Delivered during the Vietnam War, she played a crucial role in various military operations. The carrier spent much of her early years in the Mediterranean, monitoring tensions in the Middle East and supporting U.S. actions during the Yom Kippur War in 1973.
Throughout her service, Kennedy faced challenges, including a notable collision with the cruiser USS Belknap in 1975 and another with the destroyer USS Bordelon in 1976. In 1984, she participated in air operations during the Lebanon crisis and was later recalled to support Operation Desert Storm in 1990. Most recently, her air wing contributed to operations in Afghanistan in 2022, showcasing her long-standing commitment to U.S. military efforts.
Despite her storied past, the Navy deemed her upcoming yard period in 2005 too costly, leading to her retirement in 2007. For the past 18 years, Kennedy has remained in Philadelphia, awaiting her fate. Numerous proposals to convert her into a museum were unsuccessful. In October 2021, she was sold alongside USS Kitty Hawk to International Shipbreaking. While Kitty Hawk was dismantled in June 2022, Kennedy is now next in line for scrapping. Meanwhile, the Navy is constructing a new USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), a nuclear-powered supercarrier set for delivery later this year.
