24.
Nov. 18, 2009

I joined the crew of the Kennedy just after her shakedown to Gitmo in 69. As I walked down the pier and saw her for the first time, I knew I had never seen anything so big or beautiful in my life. It was the last year of my 4 year commitment and I had no idea of the things I would see or learn in the next year in the Med. I never knew how loved JFK was all over the world. When we went ashore, with the name J F Kennedy on our blouses, we could not buy a drink, and all the women wanted to dance with us. I was a GMT 3, (they used to callus Nuke Spooks), our spaces were accessible through the forward and aft mess decks, just a small cage with a Marine guard and a ladder down to the lowest level of the ship. After being a civilian for 12 years I joined the Air Force Reserve in Phoenix and retired a couple of years ago as an E-7 First Sergeant with a combined 28 years of service.

Mike Tyndall
Phoenix, Arizona

23.
Sept. 30, 2009

I was on board Big John '71-'73 in Mar-Det. Some of the best times of my life. Lots of memories. I would like to hear from fellow Marines and my Navy friends. Anyone know how to contact Robert Doyle or Marine Capt. Shahan.

Semper Fi,
Cpl. Bill Payne

22.
Aug. 22, 2009

I served on the JFK from 95-98. It was the worst time of my life. As a BT3 I experienced many days and nights of exhaustion. This ship liked to kill me from the over bearing work load, mainspace fires, low moral, equipment failures, etc. The JFK had the lowest reenlistment in the fleet at the time I served. There where shipmates jumping ship to commit suicide. Woman intentionally getting pregnant. Others using drugs and turning themselves in security.

If I had reenlisted, I would have had to serve another 3 years onboard the Big John. I told them to kiss my ass and went to college. I'm just glad I survived my time on board the JFK. When someone asks how I enjoyed my time in the navy, I tell them they better ask someone else that has served elsewhere. I hope they sink that piece a shit. It should have been decomed way before I signed up!

BT3 Damien Cormier

21.
Aug. 12, 2009

I think the last time we traded msg's/e-mails was way back in January (see message 12), when we were talking about the SAVETHEJFK organization and a future reunion of the crew members. Well, first, I'm sorry it's taken me this long to get back with you concerning a possible reunion (I still haven't heard anything with regards to the SAVETHEJFK group). 

Now, when you get a chance if you could somehow put me down as the Point of Contact for a reunion, I would appreciate it. I'd prefer that you use my Yahoo address - bobnghaner@yahoo.com.  Some other Shipmates and I are looking at a possible reunion in the SEP 2011 timeframe (right now the location is TBD (To Be Determined).  We're going that far out to give ourselves time pull it all together. Please feel free to contact me at either e-mail address if you have any questions or need any additional info. 

Thank You! :)
TCAMGB (Take care and may God Bless),
Respectfully,
Bob Haner
JFK - 1988-92

20.
Aug. 10, 2009

My father, Thomas W. Harruff, was an AD2 aboard the Kennedy from 1972 to 1978 and was on board when it collided with the Belknap. He passed away Aug. 1, 2009 due to multiple medical problems. If anyone who knew him remembers him i'd like to get in touch!

Keary Stanford
Cranberry Twp, Pennsylvania

19.
Aug. 9, 2009

Thanks for managing this web site. I was excited to see that I could find a place to locate up-to-date information about Big John. I served aboard Kennedy during the two Med cruises in the 1980's as as second class aviation electronics tech with VS-22 which is (possibly 'was') an S-3 Viking squadron out of Cecil Field, Florida. The time aboard Big John was very important to me and taught me lessons that I still use and preach to this day. She was truly a magnificent ship and was staffed by world class crew.

I am reminded of the time when one of my planes was placed at the bow to allow for 'weight off wheels search radar testing'.  There were no planes forward of the number 1 cat so it was a lonely long walk to get to the plane. While I was in the electronics bay, working alone with my back to the entrance hatch, someone boarded the plane but I paid no attention as this was a common occurrence. After a few moments, I felt that that someone had joined me in the bay so I turned around to see who it was and it was the skipper of the ship! He just wanted to see what kind of work was being done way out on the bow and came out for a visit. I was so surprised to see him that I didn't react other than to say something like, "Hi skipper!" (Sorry, but I don't remember which skipper it was). We had a brief conversation and he was on his way.  

That experience taught me a lot about leadership and solidified the JFK leaders as some of the best I have had the pleasure of knowing or working with. Is there any update on where Big John is currently located? The last I heard, she was in Philadelphia awaiting a ruling on her fate. Has there been any such ruling and do we know her fate?

Thanks again,
AT2 (AW) David Cain, VS-22, CVW-3

18.
Apr. 24, 2009

I was on the JFK on 2 med cruises 72 and 73. Keeping the electronics working on A-6's. Our shop was in the bow at the front of the hanger bay. any one remember me?

Bill Mullins

17.
Apr. 4, 2009

Could you please tell me the port in Scotland that was visited by USS John F. Kennedy during the NATO exercise of 1973?

Thank you very much,
Randy Moran

16.
Mar. 7, 2009

I noticed Debbie saying that her first husband was in VA-46 during the 73-74 Med cruise. I was the (VA-46) Oil King for that cruise! I remember some of the guys Detwiler, Rex King, Barry... (PN), Curt Storley man that was so long ago. As a matter of fact I met my wife at the Dairy Queen at the corner of Blanding Blvd. as we came from Cecil Field.

Mike Callegan,
Charleston, South Carolina

15.
Feb. 22, 2009

I REALLY ENJOYED THIS WEB SITE.  I WAS A PLANK OWNER ON THE BIG JOHN. I WAS ASSIGNED TO THE DECK FORCE  4 TH DIV. MADE 1 MED CRUISE. WE BROKE THE FLEET REFUELING RECORD IN 68. THEY CALLED ARE DIV."F" TROOP  I HAVE THE CRUISE BOOK AND MANY PICTURES WHEN WE WERE DEPLOYED. IF ANY OF THE SHIPMATES FROM 4 TH DIV. SEE THIS PLEASE CONTACT ME.

MARK SEYMOUR BM3

14.
Feb. 7, 2009

I came across the website attempting to locate a cruise book. I believe it was the 1973 or 1974 cruise to where there was a 45 rpm record that had the day and life on board the Kennedy. I have had much fun playing that for my current husband who ran out the front door when general quarters came on and it was near his area. At the time he was on board the USS Constellation when I played it.

My first husband was aboard the Kennedy with VA-46. I am also attempting to locate some of the personnel
from the squadron as well. I enjoyed your picture gallery, by chance do you have any pictures from earlier
days? My husband was on board when the USS Belknap collided with the Kennedy. So if any of you out there remember the cruises from 1973-1974. Also if anyone know where I can obtain maybe the books from 1973 and 1974 I sure would be grateful. Thanks to all of you that served proudly on board USS John F Kennedy.


Debbie Benge,
Proud Army Mom Richard GERMANY
KANSAS PATRIOT GUARD MEMBER

13.
Jan. 27, 2009

I would like to say that I stumbled on your website of the Kennedy while looking up information for my son who is going into the US Navy. He is following his Grandfather's footsteps by going in the US Navy, I went in the US Air Force. Looking at your site brought back memories of when my father served on the Kennedy from Jan 75 - Jan 78. 

I appreciate your hard work on this site and will be forwarding the site address to my dad who I am sure will also appreciate it as he had some good time aboard her. He retired from the Navy after 27 years in 1986 as a Chief Hospital Corpsman and that was one on his best tours. I will look through my things but I think I still have an article on the collision in Nov 75 with the USS Belknap in the Med. If I can locate it I will be glad to scan it and send it on to you.  Thanks again and keep up the good work.

Ralph Spaw USAF Retired
Colorado Springs, Colorado

12.
Jan. 5, 2009

I served on JFK from 1988-92, and along with some other shipmates have been trying to contact the "SAVETHEJFK" organization. But, not only have they not replied to e-mails that have been sent, the phone # on their site was wrong, and now their website does not come up at all. So, I was wondering if you had any information concerning them? Are they still active or have they gone away?

Respectfully,
Bob Haner YN1, USN (Ret.)
Altamonte Springs, Florida

11.
Dec. 16, 2007

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.

Eric Smith
Phoenix, Arizona

10.
Dec. 3, 2007

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
Captain Fire Department
Ft. McPherson, Georgia

9.
Sept. 18, 2007

I SERVED ON THE JFK STATRED AS MEES COOK, WENT TO A-DIVISON FLIGHT DECK WITH 1ST CLASS
MC CLOUD, VERY HONERD TO HAVE KNOWN AND SERVED UNDER 1ST CLASS PETTY OFFICER. HE IS WAS AND IS THE STANDARD OF BEING A SAILOR. HE THAUGHT US HOW TO BE GENTALMEN AND SAILOR MORE TO TELL RAN OUT OF TIME.

Thank you
Bernardo Z.Contreras (Benny)
SSC IM G.E ROTOR SHOP/ 776 MXSS/MXDUCB

8.
Mar. 27, 2007

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,
Tom MacLellan
Brooklyn, New York

7.
Mar. 19, 2007

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.

Gerry R. Blake
Los Angeles. California

6.
Mar. 19, 2007

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.

Dick Collier
Cherryfield, Maine

5.
Mar. 14, 2007

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

4.
Mar. 6, 2007

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.

Karen Kennedy
Hanson, Massachusetts

3.
Feb. 23, 2007

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.

Robert Hill
Moncks Corner, South Carolina

2.
Dec. 26, 2006

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
Portland, Maine

1.
November 20, 2006

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.

THANKS MIKE TOOLEY
OWENSBORO,KENTUCKY