Marine Detachment USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67)

• Unique Detachment Role: The Marine Detachment (MARDET) aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) was responsible for ship security, ceremonial duties, and manning the ship’s brig, continuing a tradition dating back to the Age of Sail. • First Deployment: The MARDET joined the John F. Kennedy for its maiden deployment in 1969, providing security and force protection during the ship’s initial operations in the Mediterranean. • Operation Desert Storm: Marines aboard CV-67 participated in Operation Desert Storm (1991), providing critical security during air operations against Iraq and supporting the ship’s mission in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. • Presidential Namesake: The detachment’s ceremonial duties were especially significant, as the carrier was named for President John F. Kennedy—a Marine Corps supporter and World War II Navy veteran. • Cross-Training: Marines on the JFK received cross-training in firefighting, damage control, and flight deck safety, making them an integral part of the ship’s emergency response teams. • Historic Port Visits: The MARDET participated in numerous historic port visits, including stops in Naples, Istanbul, and Haifa, representing the U.S. Marine Corps in diplomatic missions. • Deactivation: The Marine Detachment was deactivated in 1998, as part of a Navy-wide decision to phase out shipboard Marine detachments on aircraft carriers due to changing security needs. • Notable Commanders: Several former JFK MARDET officers later rose to high ranks in the Marine Corps, citing their unique shipboard experience as influential in their careers. • Life at Sea: Marines aboard the JFK lived and worked alongside sailors, but maintained their own traditions, uniforms, and leadership, reinforcing the Corps’ distinct identity within the Navy. • Lasting Legacy: Former members of the JFK MARDET remain active in veterans’ organizations and reunions, preserving the history and camaraderie of their unique military service.