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History of USS Kittyhawk

The USS Kittyhawk (CV-63) was a United States Navy aircraft carrier commissioned in 1961 and decommissioned in 2009. It was the second ship in the Kitty Hawk-class of aircraft carriers and served in various conflicts and operations, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The USS Kittyhawk was known for its distinctive "Battle E" award-winning performance and its ability to launch and recover a variety of aircraft. After its retirement, the ship was eventually scrapped in 2015.

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ABOUT USS Kittyhawk

  • The USS Kitty Hawk was the second US Navy ship to be named after the American bird of prey.
  • It was commissioned as an attack aircraft carrier in 1961 and served in the Vietnam War.
  • The ship was the first of the Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carriers and was the last conventionally powered carrier to be built for the US Navy.
  • During its service, the USS Kitty Hawk participated in various military operations, including the Gulf War and the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
  • In 1998, the ship played a key role in the rescue operation of a Korean Air flight that was shot down by North Korea.
  • The USS Kitty Hawk was decommissioned in 2009 after nearly 50 years of service to the US Navy.
  • After its decommissioning, there were plans to turn the ship into a museum in Bremerton, Washington, but these plans fell through due to logistical and financial issues.
  • The ship was eventually sold for scrap in 2014 and dismantled in Texas.
  • The USS Kitty Hawk received numerous awards and accolades during its service, including several Navy Unit Commendations and Battle Efficiency Awards.
  • Many veterans who served on the USS Kitty Hawk have fond memories of their time on the ship and continue to hold reunions to this day.

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