The USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), affectionately known as “Big John,” departed today, January 16, 2025, for its final journey to the scrapyard, marking the end of a storied chapter in U.S. naval history. The decommissioned aircraft carrier, once a symbol of American military strength and innovation, is being dismantled after serving the U.S. Navy for nearly 40 years.
Launched in 1967 and commissioned in 1968, the USS John F. Kennedy was the last conventionally powered aircraft carrier built by the United States. Named after the 35th president of the United States, the ship carried forward his legacy of leadership, service, and innovation. Over its decades of service, the carrier participated in numerous military operations, including supporting operations in Lebanon, the Gulf War, and the Iraq War.
At over 1,050 feet long and displacing approximately 80,000 tons, the USS John F. Kennedy was a formidable presence on the high seas. Capable of carrying over 80 aircraft and operating with a crew of nearly 5,000 sailors and airmen, it served as a floating airbase and a symbol of American naval power during the Cold War and beyond.
One of the carrier’s most memorable deployments came during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where it launched airstrikes and provided crucial support during the liberation of Kuwait. Throughout its service, the USS John F. Kennedy played a vital role in projecting American military power, responding to crises, and conducting humanitarian missions.
Despite its distinguished history, time took its toll on the carrier. After decades of rigorous service, the ship was decommissioned in 2007, joining the U.S. Navy’s reserve fleet. Initially held in reserve as a potential museum ship, plans to preserve the USS John F. Kennedy ultimately fell through due to funding and logistical challenges.
The departure of the USS John F. Kennedy for the scrapyard is a bittersweet moment for many of the sailors and officers who served aboard her. Veterans of the ship recall their time on “Big John” with pride, sharing stories of camaraderie, resilience, and the unique experiences of life at sea. For these individuals, the ship was not merely a vessel but a home and a testament to their contributions to national security.
Scrapping the carrier involves a meticulous process, as contractors work to safely dismantle the enormous ship, recycling as much material as possible. Steel and other valuable components will be reused in various industries, ensuring that parts of the USS John F. Kennedy live on in new forms.
As the carrier begins its final journey, naval historians and enthusiasts reflect on its enduring legacy. The USS John F. Kennedy represents a bygone era of American naval power, when conventionally powered carriers ruled the seas. Its departure serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the stories and sacrifices of those who served aboard the ship.
For now, “Big John” sails into history, its contributions etched into the annals of naval warfare. While its physical presence will fade, its legacy will remain, inspiring future generations to honor the traditions of service and sacrifice that defined its remarkable career.
