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USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 / CV-67 |
Message Board |
11. Having proudly served aboard the USS JFK from 1990-1992, I spent 7 mos. in the Red Sea during Desert Storm. I am sorry to see her decommissioned. As a Hull Tech, I got to know her from stem to stern, from the bowels to the yardarms. I've done pipe repairs in the nuclear mags, welded .50 cal mounts on the fantail, installed a telecommunications satellite on the yardarm, remounted chairs in CVIC ... even repairs in the Captain's quarters. I got to know her pretty well. Her place in history should be in service or at the least, remembered as a museum. |
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My name is Walter W. Madden Jr. and I served aboard the JFK from July 1974 until August 1978. The Navy and the Big John taught me more than words could ever say. I was a steam snipe working the waste cat, and I have never met a better bunch of guys or had a better job. I was sadden to read Big John was retiring, but as with all good things they must come to an end. It is my greatest hope that some young man will read this and know how much serving one's God and country can mean to them in life. Farewell "Big John" and thanks. Walter W. Madden |
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I SERVED ON THE JFK STATRED AS MEES COOK, WENT TO A-DIVISON FLIGHT DECK WITH 1ST CLASS |
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Proudly served on the Big John form 1976 - 1978. Worked on the Flight Deck in the V-1 Division of the Air Department. Sorry to hear the she has been decommissioned. I hope she is berthed in Boston as a Museum and a tribute to her namesake. God Speed, |
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Just wanted to say hello to all who served aboard Big John from 1983 to 1986 former Marine Detachment guard section leader Marine Sergeant Gerry R. Blake, if anyone can tell me how to get a copy of our cruise book during that period please contact my at Grblake04@sbcglobal.net Semper Fidelis. |
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I served on the JFK from its initial outfitting in Newport News in 1968 until the completion of its first Med cruise in December 1969. It was such an experience introducing the JFK to the world as we participated in our first Med Cruise. Europe loved John F Kennedy and they visited the ship by the thousands whenever we pulled into port. Our first Commanding Officer was Capt Earl (Buddy) Yates and he did an excellent job conveying the heart and spirit of the ship and its namesake as we entered each port of call. I know that as ships get old, they become terribly cost prohibitive to maintain and support, but speaking as someone who had the privilege of being with her as she entered Naval service, the passing of the JFK will be a sad day indeed for both the country and those of us who served aboard her during her proud career. |
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As I prepare to attend the decom. ceremonies in Mayport my thoughts drift back to the first time I saw the JFK sitting in Newport News. As we prepared to get under way for our first shake down cruise I couldn't help but think how in the world could this huge piece of gray metal float. She floated proudly for forty years didn't she. I was proud to be there for the commissioning ceremony in 68, I'll be proud to attend the ceremony next week that will end her service. I'm sure this last ceremony will feel a lot like a funeral. H. Carter |
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I stood in line Saturday 3/3/07 for three hours in order to set foot on the Big John for the last time. My father served on this ship for three years and used to talk about her as if she were a real person. It was a privilege to step aboard and feel the history of this great ship. She felt mighty under my feet and I was saddened that she is going to be decommissioned. The end of a era that will never be forgotten. |
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I have been following the decommissioning for the JFK and I am very saddened. Having served on Eisenhower and Carl Vinson, I know there is a special camaraderie amongst carrier sailors. I followed the story of USS America, decommissioned because of her poor condition and now I see that JFK will suffer the same fate. It is very sad that our proud warships must be decommissioned because of neglect and the lack of money to fix them. This is how we treat the pride of our fleet. The stories that these majestic ships could tell would keep us all captivated for a long time. It is a huge comfort to know that at least our carriers will live on through their sailors and web sites like this. Bravo Zulu to those who served on JFK, keep the memory alive. There should be an effort to bury something special off the ship with her namesake in Arlington Cemetery, this way they can rest together. Keep the memories alive. |
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I recently learned that Big John will be heading to Boston for it's farewell tour in March 2007. Having served proudly for three years, 1980-1983 I have lot of fond memories. As I sit today in my office at work, straight in my view are pictures that keep me reflecting back on that part of my navy career. I have a picture of several Engineering Department guy pointing to the Engineering E we won, a picture of us transiting the Suez Canal. My favorite picture is Big John during a full power run signed by Captain Cargill when I was selected as Petty Officer of the Quarter for March-Jun 1982. Anyway, If you have any information concerning this upcoming port visit would you please pass it on. Thank you very much. Rick Meinking |
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I REALLY AM ENJOYING YOUR NAVY WEB SITE. WAS KINDA FUN LOOKING AT MY OLE SHIP. I SERVED ABOARD THE USS JON F. KENNEDY CV67 FROM 1972 THRU 1975 , I WORKED ON THE WAIST CATAPULTS (CAT 4) AS A JBD OPERATOR . THOSE WERE SOME WILD AND CRAZY TIMES BACK THEN VIETNAM WAS ENDING. I THINK AT THE TIME IN 1973 WE THE KENNEDY WAS THE ONLY CARRIER AT THE TIME THAT DID NOT GO WEST PAC, OR VIETNAM CRUISE, WE WERE ONCE ORDERED TO GO THERE BUT THE WAR ENDED RIGHT BEFORE WE WERE TO LEAVE. ANYWAY A GREAT WEBSITE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
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