ABOUT USS Independence
- The USS Independence was the fourth ship to be named after the concept of independence in American history.
- Construction of the USS Independence began in 1955 and it was commissioned in 1959.
- The USS Independence was the lead ship of its class of aircraft carriers, known as the Independence class.
- During the Vietnam War, the USS Independence served multiple tours of duty in the Pacific Ocean, providing support for airstrikes against enemy forces.
- In 1989, the USS Independence was involved in the rescue of passengers from a Greek cruise ship that had caught fire off the coast of Virginia.
- The USS Independence was decommissioned in 1998 after over 30 years of service in the US Navy.
- After decommissioning, the USS Independence was stored in Bremerton, Washington, before being dismantled for scrap in 2017.
- During its service, the USS Independence received several awards and commendations for its role in various military operations.
- The USS Independence had a crew of over 3,000 sailors and officers during its active duty years.
- Parts of the USS Independence, including its anchor and mast, have been preserved and are on display at various naval museums across the country.