USS Kitty Hawk

[Giant Robot]

I just heard on CNN that the Kitty Hawk was being decommissioned. Does anyone know what the plans are for her after the decommissioning? My sainted father was one of the people that built her in the shipyards and I would really like to visit her, hopefully as a museum.

And it's just sad, like another piece of dad is fading away...

[baldguy]

1. According to Wikipedia:

A group based in Wilmington, North Carolina is lobbying to bring the ship to the city after decommissioning to serve as a floating museum alongside the North Carolina. The Government of India may also be interested in purchasing the aircraft carrier.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Kitty_Hawk_(CV-63)#Future_plans

[Giant Robot]

2. That would be so nice

Thanks baldguy!

[Tripper11]

3. Here you go Giant Robot - She's in Bremerton WA

http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_013109WAB-kitty-hawk-ks.747e117.html

BREMERTON, Wash. - Carlos Rivera served on the USS Kitty Hawk's first crew. Aaron Lussier is part of its last.

They and sailors from the 48 years between them gathered in the aircraft carrier's hangar bay Thursday to say goodbye to America's oldest active warship.

Commissioned in April 1961, the Hawk has seen its last battle. It will be replaced this spring by the USS George H.W. Bush.

"It ties a loop around almost half a century," Capt. Todd Zecchin, the ship's 34th and final commanding officer, said of the event.

[Giant Robot]

4. Thanks Tripper

It does feel really cycle of life-ish to me right now.

[SeattleGirl]

5. Kind of makes me sad

I toured the Kitty Hawk when I was a kid.

[SKKY]

6. It will probably be sent to the yards, cleaned up, and then used as a museum...

...it's one of only 2 conventional carriers we have left, and was the only carrier ever permenantly deployed abroad. It's got historical significance.

[Giant Robot]

7. It would mean a lot to me if that happens

She's got some personal significance to me obviously and I'd really like this piece of dad to not go away. He was very proud of working on her.

BTW what is the other conventional carrier left? Can't think of it.

[SKKY]

9. I thought it was the JFK, but I just realized that was decommissioned...

...Yep, no more CVs left.

[Angleae]

11. Actually, she's the last of the conventional carriers.

[SKKY]

12. That's correct! I forgot the JFK was decomed in 2007.

[no name no slogan]

8. Last I heard, razor blades

but I'm sure somebody will save it.

My boss served aboard her back in the 1980s as an electrician's mate. It was an old creaky boat back then, with some serious electrical wiring issues. Anybody who served aboard her deserves a medal.

[SKKY]

10. I was on the Kitty for 2 weeks in 2004...

...and it was still a creaky old boat.