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History of Marine Detachment USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)

The Marine Detachment aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) served as an integral unit from the ship’s commissioning in 1961 until the phasing out of shipboard Marine detachments in the late 20th century. Tasked with providing ship security, ceremonial duties, and supporting nuclear weapons security, the Marines played a crucial role during Kitty Hawk’s numerous deployments, including combat operations in the Vietnam War and later in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. The detachment participated in significant events such as the 1972 Vietnam Easter Offensive and Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon. Renowned for their discipline and professionalism, the Marines of the Kitty Hawk contributed to the ship’s operational readiness and naval tradition throughout its distinguished service.

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ABOUT Marine Detachment USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)

  • Unique Role: The Marine Detachment (MarDet) aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) was responsible for ship security, ceremonial duties, and providing a small, rapid-response force for emergencies, embodying the traditional "soldiers at sea" role.
  • Vietnam War Service: The MarDet was actively involved during the Vietnam War, supporting air operations, manning gun stations, and participating in security and boarding operations throughout the carrier's multiple combat deployments.
  • Kitty Hawk Riot (1972): The MarDet played a crucial role during the infamous 1972 "Kitty Hawk Riot," when racial tensions erupted into violence among the crew. Marines were called upon to restore order, highlighting their security function aboard.
  • Presidential Visits: Members of the MarDet participated in ceremonial guards and security details for VIP visitors, including President Richard Nixon, who visited Kitty Hawk in 1969.
  • Cold War Operations: During tense periods of the Cold War, the MarDet contributed to the ship’s readiness to respond to Soviet threats, including potential boarding operations or defense against sabotage.
  • Tradition of Detachments: Until the late 1990s, Marine Detachments were standard aboard aircraft carriers. The MarDet on Kitty Hawk was one of the last to serve at sea before the Navy phased out the practice in 1998.
  • Amphibious Capability: While primarily a security force, the MarDet trained for limited amphibious raids and could be deployed ashore for embassy evacuations or rescue missions if ordered.
  • Flagship Ceremonies: The MarDet handled the raising and lowering of the national colors, gun salutes, and provided ceremonial guards for official events, maintaining naval traditions.
  • Discipline and Law Enforcement: Marines aboard enforced discipline, sometimes acting as the ship’s military police, responsible for maintaining order and detaining unruly sailors.
  • Disbandment and Legacy: When the last MarDet disembarked from Kitty Hawk in 1998, it marked the end of more than two centuries of Marines serving at sea on U.S. Navy capital ships, closing a significant chapter in naval and Marine Corps history.

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