Thanks once again Mike, so sad to see her this way, it was exactly 63 years ago that she was christened at her builders yard in Camden, NJ and I was there. Today, May 22nd, she felt water under her keel and was totally afloat for the first time. With the aid of 15 tugs, she shifted from the graving dock to an outfitting pier, becoming the largest ship ever to float on the Delaware. I was there too to witness it.
Since you were there, do you recall whether there was some 'incident' that occurred during or shortly after her launch? I was very young then but I do remember my dad taking us down to the Philly waterfront (a very windy day and my father's hat blew into the Delaware) to see her docked over in Camden and I seem to recall that some incident led to her being there (instead of being out at sea) for work needed as a result of whatever it is I am struggling to remember.
So sad to this once proud warship reduced to scrap. The way it is though. She at least gave us decades of service, not like some machines of war that went from the factory to the scrapheap. I got my initial night traps on her 30 years ago. She kept me safe never failing to stop me or launch me off her deck. I remember seeing you dockside at North Island in the early 80's. And your nickname to all of us West-Pac sailors, "The $hitty Kitty", but I know it was more out of affection than disdain. Like all else Navy, be it call-signs, nicknames, wise cracks, or "good natured" insults, they were there to give us an outlet from the monotony, homesickness and hard work that our service required of us. I will never forget my decades as a sailor and Naval aviator. Thank you again CV-63.
When you start getting older, in to your 60s the more you cherish the younger years, hoping to find something that would make your heart beat the way a night trap would all theses years ago! :-)
I joined the Navy on my 18th birthday in 1967, and i got to tell you Boot Camp was the first time i felt at home and for the first time experienced the pleasure of learning. In high school i never felt like i was learning anything at all usefull. In the fleet as a boot camper i realized the Navy cared about my welfare and wanted me to succeed . I respected the officers and was treated well. After four i got out, because i advanced in rate so rapidly i figured I would set the world on fire, but three months after i got out i was living under my father's roof and was indeed just another stumble bum on the street. I didn't want to re enlist as i wanted to live in a house have a dog and start a family. I soon found out that if you put on job applications you were a veteran you would get the job. I thank the Navy for any success i had in my life, for teaching me habits that paid off the rest of my life. It took me a quite a while however to quit the smoking habit and the excess drinking.
@@johngillon6969was navy 73-77 got out ,got job with u.s army's logistics 77-93, u.s park service alcatraz island 93-2018, the navy did help me get these jobs by being a veteran your right, thanks!
@@dogsense3773 Navy didn't help me get work. I had over 2000 hours in various firefighting training and could not get a job in a fire department because our government had to Balance The Races. I Call BS ! Good Riddance To The Shitty Kitty And Her Race Riots !
A crew member myself, she took us out to sea, to train, to fight, and brought us back home. Many here express sorrow for the last chapter of her story. I choose, instead to express gratitude for bringing her crew back home, including this crew member, after training exercises and a six month world cruise. And will always remember the time I served aboard her. Even had the privilege of standing on her flight deck alone, with most of her crew reassigned after making drydock in Philadelphia. I'm standing on a sleeping giant, which will be receiving new gear & equipment and getting ready for another crew to bring her back to life and take them to new assignments yet to be realized, and bring them home, too. She served her crew, and her country well. Bravo Zulu
Kitty Hawk had 48 years of service from commissioning to decommissioning. Nearly half a century. That’s a very respectable career for a ship, even an aircraft carrier. To put it in perspective, when Kitty Hawk was launched in 1960, a warship built 48 years earlier would have been the dreadnaught battleship USS Arkansas BB-33 (commissioned in 1912, served in 2 world wars, and sunk as an atomic bomb target at Bikini Atoll in 1946.
That was my home for two wonderful years. I am so grateful to the U.S. Navy. i joined the day i turned 18, and for the first time in my life i found success and what i felt was an encouragement to strive and succeed. I found boot camp to be interesting and learned so much . When i got out of boot camp, was flown to the Kitty Hawk and landed on the deck in the gulf of tonkin. I started out as a boiler tender, but caught malaria and pneumonia and had to quit the boiler room for health reasons. i became a yeoman and worked in the engineering office, the captains office and then an aviation squadron and finally the last year of my four in the Naval Investigative Service. I loved the four years i spent. I always felt that the officers I served under cared about my welfare and were honorable men. My favorite officers were the pilots in the squadron. I was a terrible student in highschool, but in the navy found out how pleasurable it is to learn new things. Also for the first time in my life thought i was really accepted and was doing something worth wile. I didn't set the world on fire after i left the Navy, but it made me a dependable man. I always showed up to work every day on time, and learned how to get along with people. I would not like to be on an aircraft carrier today, but when i was in we were fighting an enemy with virtually no navy or air force, so it was more of a lark and we only had to worry about someone making a mistake and causing danger, not the enemy.
In 1966 I was aboard USS England DLG-22. We often would be on Kitty Hawk's port beam while plowing through heavy seas at flank speed and watching her launch airstrikes into North Vietnam. I can still hear the roar of those planes and smell their JP5 exhaust and wondering if they would all come back. It's very sad to see her like this and even sadder to see what has become of the Navy.
Was aboard in 1969, boot camp was the first place i felt at home. The navy was my mother and father, the honorable officers cared about my welfare and wanted me to be successful. I feel like i would have gone awol if they had women on ships. We did not need the drama . I went to Olongapo in 1986 and the american female sailors were crazier and acting out more than any Australian sailors ever did. Also all the uniforms are made of man made material not 100% cotton and wool.
I was on the KITTY for three west-pacs in VF-84, the Jolly Rogers, flying f-4 phantoms for the first 2 and f-14 tomcats for the last cruise. I almost cried to see her this way.
Near the end of the video I noticed the two big anchor chain capstans still painted and it reminded me of visiting the ship back in the '80s and '90s. Back then, the forecastle was so squared away it looked like you could eat off the deck. It really struck me then how much pride the crew had in her. Thank you to all who served.
It was amazing to see what the forecastle looked after they raised the anchor . i was glad not to be a boatswains mate they worked like slaves to clean up the mess.. And besides i could never for the life be able to blow on that pipe. The forecastle was more church like than any church i have ever been in. You just had to feel respect for the Navy when you saw it all cleaned up.
@@johngillon6969 I was often envious of the Boatswainmates on a Carrier, as the often long sea and anchor details were rode out in relative comfort (not exposed to the elements). Yes, the Boatswain Pipe is hard to master but once you do it's second nature. We all competed (unofficially of course) as who was the best at piping calls. We - the few, the dirty, the proud - fist to show, last to leave. The job was demanding but very rewarding...
@@harrykrumpacker871 I was lucky to be a Yeoman, and was made fun of because it is basically a woman's job. but i never stood watch. i had three guys in my office where only one man could do all the work we had. when we pulled into port we had NO supervision as all the officers were gone off the ship. we opened the official mail to the commanding officer, so we had an idea what was going on. we carried three liberty cards. Once when i saw a boatswainmate working on the wooden captains gig in the hangar bay of the shangri la, I thought I would ship over if i was on the crew that ran the captain's gig. But i knew i wasn't squared away enough to do that. And i did dig the way some people could blow that Pipe.
@@johngillon6969 late 70s early 80's on the carrier I was on we had a Yeoman named Seaman Hill. He wore perfume. I was told the perfume was called 'Charlie". I wish I was making this up.
My husband felt the same way when we went to see the USS Forestall while it was being towed into the scrap yard in Texas. He served on her during the Vietnam War with Sen John McCain. It's always sad to see these majestic ships in disarray no longer needed except for scrap. Thank you for your service...
I saw this happen to CORAL SEA in the mid-90s in Baltimore, across from the yard... it was sad to see her get less and less each time I went to Baltimore.
CVA-63 was my address from December 27,1968 to September 13, 1972. Following a 10 day initiation of the ship, was dropped off at 4MMR with six others and have always explained we were hand picked for our rates as Boiler Tech and Machinist Mate. As a BT we operated and maintained two 1200 psi Foster Wheeler Boilers producing steam for a geared Westinghouse propulsion Turbine turning number 4 outboard shaft and for catapults launching aircraft. Really liked the job. Made the 1968-69 West Pac, a 9 month overhaul in Bremerton, followed by 1970-71 West Pac and 8 months of 1972 West Pac cruise. Many memories both good and not so good. She was a workhorse and made history. Will always remember her. I really appreciate your monthly up dates, Michael. My sincere thanks.
My heart sank when I saw pictures of the USS ORION being cut up. These ships weren’t just our “homes” .. it was our coming of age.. young boys grew into young men on these grand ships.
@@KutWrite Ships don't float my friend. They Displace Water. Floating implies buoyancy which is something that rides on the water. Displacement is something that forces the water to submit to its power.
Thanks again Mike. As a kid I my Dad took me to the river to watch her leave Philly. 13 years later i reported onboard for 2 years. Watched her leave SD last time enroute to Bremerton. Saw her, and touched the hull in Long Beach January 2022, as the tug paused a day to replenish. May 31, 2022 celebrated/commiserated with shipmates as she arrived in Brownsville.
I served 4 years on her from 88 to 92 and this is tough to watch. Thought maybe Kitty Hawk North Carolina would have her for a museum. Thank you for doing this and giving some of us one last look at her!
@@crayonfish2Nobody does. The sad fact is that museum ships can only be so big, because at a certain point, no matter where they go, they just won't be able to draw in enough revenue to perform long term maintenance.
My Brother in Law served on the Kitty Hawk as a Fighter Pilot. May he rest in peace. Thank God he is not still here to see this. He was so very proud of his time on the Kitty Hawk. My sister was a Navy Air Traffic Controller in the early 1970's at North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego when the Kitty Hawk was home ported there. That is how she met Fighter Pilot George. Thanks for video.
I served on her 1968-70. I'm not sad to see her go. I was a boiler tender for a while on her and it was hell. I became an office worker, as i caught malaria pneumonia and influenza once and my lungs were compromized, then my life became wonderful. i loved the ship but i don't think i would like todays navy for a zillion reasons. served on the USS Shangri-la with a squadron, and that was the best. The pilots were wonderful human beings who treated the enlisted men as equals would socialize with us on liberty and i even spent many evenings in their state rooms teaching them how to win at chess and sharing a few illegal beers with them.
Sad to see. She served our country well as did all her sailors. Thank you and my condolences to her former crews. I had a model of her when I was younger, and she was still in service. Like many of her predecessors she will not be forgotten.
This is fantastic. Yes, I’m sad to see a famous ship go like this, but I’m so grateful for even a recording like this that gives us another look. People who served on these ships must recognize many things in this video. Thanks to all who served, no matter what you did or where.
my most happy home from 1969 thru 1970. Not sad at all, as i firmly believe the Navy of today is nothing like i knew. My god women on ships. I like women, but we did not need the drama of a bunch of women causing trouble. I returned to the Philippines in 1986 and visited Olongapo. The hookers were mostly blonde headed and the female american sailors were acting crazier than any Australian sailor i had ever met. I was shocked at their behavior, no shit. Also all the uniforms these days are made from synthetic . Not the 100 percent cotton or wool. Still have my pea coat. I made three cruises to south east asia, and loved Olongapo and the people of the Philippines. That's where i lost my religion.
I guarantee some of my DNA is still on that hangar bay deck from the skin of my hands and knees, crawling from aft to forward crossing the line, 1987 World Cruise. I’m proud to have earned my Shellback on the Kitty Hawk.
My dad took me aboard Kitty Hawk, 5 November, 1961, 2 days before my 6th birthday, when they were having Open House, as a birthday present. I remember this enormous Samoan cook,who, to my child's eyes, looked like a smiling mountain, and gave me cookies. as big as my hand ;-)
Sad end to a historical carrier who's story should be told . I deployed on both the Constellation and the Ranger. Love the memories of my youth and the adventure that was given to me by my country. Go Navy
@@ak-488 I was on the Kity Hawk and the Shangri-la. 1967-71 Two west packs on Kitty hawk and one on Shangri la. So many stories and friends. Made rate so fast, i was sure i would be able to set the world on fire after i got out. three months after i got out, i had 25 cents in my pocket living under my dad's roof again, a stumble bumm on the street. But i did ok. learned if i put four years in the navy on a job application most surely would get me hire. The navy made me feel good about myself for the first time in my life, and i felt the officers and the navy in general were concerned about my welfare and wanted me to succeed. My parents were good people and did care, but i felt more like the Navy was my first real family. I always admired the commanding officer. was in a squadron on the Shangri la. Pilots are the best. They treated the enlisted like equals. Pilots would socialize with you on the beach and i event spent many evenings in their state rooms giving free chess playing lessons and sharing a few cans of illegal beer.
I remember being a conning officer on DDG15, USS Berkeley, and holding plane guard duty for Kitty Hawk, Ranger, and Constellation. Let me tell ya, when these girls wanted to move out, they could easily leave us in the dust!
I serverd 7 deployments aboard her. I can still remember crossed the international dateline the first time and getting pummeled by my shipmates. Pulling into Hong Kong and getting 2 days leave and getting lost. I remember every nook and cranny of this ship I called home for 7 West Pac tours for a total of 46 months of my life from 1984 - 1997. CV-63 is and always will be my home on the sea.
I walked aboard The Hawk in November 1969 in Bremerton. I was a kid, a 19 year old Yeoman striker, E-3. I left her in February 1972 as YN2, a grown man, thanks to lessons learned on this great ship.
My best tour of duty. I was stationed aboard for little over 6 years; '95-'01. I made Senior Chief during that tour. So many good memories, so many challenges. Rest in peace, my friend.
The carrier scenes form the original 1986 movie Top Gun were filmed on the Kitty Hawk while she sailed off the north east coast of Queensland, Australia in the Coral Sea and south west Pacific Ocean. She was the only US carrier at that point in time of filming that had the lowest (next to none) chance of being tasked into an operational theater thus making it the safest flat top to film on and have the cast & crew reside on.
To those of us who served aboard her, she had a character, a personality and a soul. Now, with her carcass laid bare, it's so hard for us to accept her fate. I wonder how many salvage workers truly know her great history. Most of them weren't even born when she served.
RUST NEVER SLEEPS. I was a. crew member, this doesn't make me sad. My memories from 50 years ago are still fresh in my mind. You have to obey the laws of physics, and this ship was too large to be driven with non nuclear propulsion. I was in engineering department and the ship was designed to operate in the north atlantic, with smaller air planes When we were in the gulf of tonkin, we often went weeks without fresh water to shower, due to the evaporating not being able to supply enough water to run the engines and supply the catapults . the water to supply steam had to be very pure, and they put something like cool aid in the drinking water. I had a kidney infection and the corpsman in sick bay informed me that the cause of the kidney problem was because of the salt in the drinking water, and the remedy was simply stop drinking the water. I am healthy at 72 years old. I am grateful for my time on the ship. I was a good sailor. In boot camp i was surprised to find that the navy was the first time in my life i felt at home, and was encouraged to improve myself. the correspondence coursed were wonderful for me as they taught me stuff that was relevant to my life. I was always proud to be a member of the crew. Love your ship, honor your Captain and have faith in her crew. I was in engineering and had access to the water they made to go in the boilers, so found a way to get the good water. I served also on the USS Shangri-la which was built for the Korean War, and she was much more comfortable than the Kitty Hawk, but only had a 600 hundred pound boilers and was scrapped because it wasn't as fuel efficient as the 1200 PSI system of the Kitty Hawk plant. She and the Constellation were the last ships to have oil fired boilers in the U.S. Navy.
@@johngillon6969 the America CV66 and Kennedy CV67 were conventional. the Enterprise CV65 and the Nimitz CV68 were / are nuclear. i guess all after the Nimitz are nuclear. I was on the America and i have a friend who was on the Kennedy. they didn't scrap the America. they used it for target practice off the coast of Virginia and sunk it. i have only seen one picture of the sinking. most of the flight deck was under water in the picture.
Like so many other comments, it's such a sad sight to see such a great ship come to an end like this. Being an Australian, we don't see too many Giant Aircraft Carriers here in Sydney, the Kittyhawk the only aircraft carrier I have ever seen with my own eyes, such an awesome sight.
TO ALL OF THE SERVICE MEMBERS WHO SERVED ABOARD HER AND THE FLIGHT CREWS.. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.. I SEE FORMER CREWMEN COMMENTING HERE ABOUT THEIR TIME ABOARD.. IT BREAKS MY HEART TO SEE HER LIKE THIS AND I AM CRYING RIGHT NOW.. THANK YOU FOR GETTING THIS FOOTAGE BEFORE SHE'S GONE FOR GOOD.. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS..🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
One of my proudest moments was aboard the Kittyhawk. I was appointed by my Airframes Chief to take charge of bringing back a A6 Hanger Queen. It was robbed of parts to keep others flying. I eventually got it back together with help of fellow shipmates. I remember my Chief coming down to the berthing compartment and said they’re getting ready to launch her. We went up to the empty flight deck and watched together her taking off the Cat. That was the last plane to take off and signifying the end of WestPac’81.
Wow, stripped down to about the 4th deck. I was aboard her during my reserve time at North Island, in about 1986. Watched flight ops of an A-4 squadron car-qualling. Sad, but most interesting and good memories. Thanks for uploading.
God bless the Kitty hawk and all those that served on her decks it's sad is here like this how I am good memories rest in peace Kitty hawk and will be proud for a lifetimes.
Was on the USS Coral Sea, CV-43 from 77-80 as part of the MarDet. There are similar images of her and her last days afloat. Sad to see history destroyed. I live in San Diego and have the Midway, her sister here as a museum. When I want to remember those days, I’ll go on the Midway and once aboard, all the smells come back from the days I was on her. Thanks for sharing.
She was my home for 2 cruises in 85 and 87. I did a half cruise on the Ranger in 84. My shop, and Berthing that was under the forward galley is still on there. To bad she couldn't have been a museum. I would love to spend the night on her once again. Ode to the conventional bird farms. The Anchor tubes on her were made for the Independence and had the weld CV-62 on them. The bottom of the Keel is stamped with CV-64 as she was originally the hull of the Constellation and the Constellation was the Hull of Kitty Hawk and when they built them side by side, Kitty Hawk, (the other Kitty Hawk that became Constellation). It seems funny to me that CV-64 was technically older and was scraped first even though she was launched later than this one. Still this was my Kitty Hawk and I was born in 1963, so being stationed on CV-63 was inspiring and special.
I was on the Hawk for the 1970-71 and the 1972 deployments. So sad to see her end like this! I’m glad I was able to make it to South Padre last year to see her before she was cut up. Met a lot of great guys there.
The Kitty Hawk was part of Battle Group Bravo when I was part of that battle group August to December 1985. My ship, USS Wichita (AOR-1) was steaming at full power (22 knots) in the middle of the Indian Ocean and the Kitty Hawk caught up to us from behind and passed us like we were standing still. It was jaw dropping how fast she was, even as a diesel carrier (last in the fleet). And shortly after that, maybe 5,000 yards away, watching her go through flight operations was also amazing. Sad to see her in this state. I was hoping she would have become a museum ship in North Carolina, but alas that didn't happen.
I was out there with you, and we loved it when the Wicked Witch pulled up beside us with that awesome banner on your superstructure to motivate us, and bring us more Ice Cream. Thank you for feeding us. AD3 Eldan Fales VAW - 112 / NG Air Wing 9 /USS Kitty Hawk West Pac 85 and 87.
I just want to cry right now. My ship. My Kitty Hawk. Whittling her down. Pretty soon I'll be able to see P1Div. Seven decks below that..........#4MMR! I just want one thing from the engine room..........one thing.
I served on the Connie from 1973 to Jan 76....IC Man...time has a way of softening our memories and us..I passed on my orders to the USS Drum fast attack sub...I saw our escort sub one time for 10 minutes at sea...
Pop was assigned to VF-114 from Oct '67 - Oct '70, did a couple tours on the KH during the conflict over seas. I was but a chap in elementary school. It pains me to see her put down this way, but I guess it was inevitable.
Of the 11 carrier I served on, the Hawk was my favorite; for once the air wing and the ships company really worked as one; nothing we couldn't do. 1987 round the world cruise. Sad to see this, but it is reality. Thanks for sharing.
Sad to see this. Iam sad and very emotional with this video. I served aboard from 70 thru 71. Had some good and bad times aboard the hawk. Rest in peace
Thanks Mr. Farrell, it took me three times as long to watch your drone footage, I pause, then play, then pause again, knowing that I walked the many spaces that are now exposed to the heavens. I sure miss her! AIMD/Ships Company 3/2001 - 4/2004.
Amazing to see it dissected. No wasted space! I got to walk underneath it from bow to stern while in dry dock at PSNS ‘97ish during a yard period. Cheers to those who served and serviced her as she was active.
I was a little kid while she was under construction. I remember she was talked about often. It meant many jobs. Everyone was so happy she was built in the area. I'm sorry to see this. Nothing lasts forever.
Thank you sir. I served in the Navy for 30 years onboard 7 different ships. I was a crew member of CV-63 from 1981-1984. She was my most memorable ship. We collided with a Soviet Victor Class submarine during one deployment. We also lost a young shipmate on the flight deck during local night operations. I will never forget this great ship. Thank you for the many videos as she was dismantled and laid to rest. May she Rest In Peace. I salute you all.
I remember Kitty Hawk sitting in-port, at San Diego's North Island Naval Base, and the many departures and returns there, from her deployments. Sad to see a once great warship reduced to scrap, but such is life with old vessels. Fortunately, in San Diego, the USS Midway is proudly displayed and thriving as a museum. She was rescued from a similar fate.
Thank you very much for an astounding video. It does make the heart sad to see these majestic ships being reduced to their components. What caught my eye in your flyover was the birthing compartments with the bunks being removed. That puts the human connection to those who served and lived on these incredible ships. The ship I served on is also long gone and a memory but still lives on in my heart. USS Virginia CGN 38. Exceptional video, BZ and thank you.
I lost a wristwatch in the forward berthing compartments in 1983, if someone finds it during the dismantling, please let me know. It's just a Timex watch I bought in the base PX back then, probably not worth $10, but you know I just hate to lose things. It'd be a big load off my mind if you could return it safely. Thanks.
As a North Carolina native, it sucks to see her being taken apart. It would have been great for her to have joined the Battleship North Carolina as a museum ship. Thank you KH for your years of service. Rest easy 😢
Unpopular opinion: preserving Kitty Hawk as a museum was never going to work. If you've been to the Hornet in Oakland you'd see how depressing their collection of artifacts is compared to the Midway or Intrepid, and that's right in the middle of a huge urban area with great tourist opportunities too. There's a finite amount of historical memorabilia and artifacts out there, especially plane-sized ones, and I don't see how you could possibly give a ship the size of a Forrestal enough to make it an attractive museum. An aircraft carrier with no aircraft is kind of boring, and that doesn't even get into the operational costs of preserving that much steel either.
Mike, you're killing me. But just like watching a train wreck, I can't stop looking. I know we all appreciate your work, and will be watching until the last keel plate is pulled on shore. My heartfelt thanks for keeping us all informed.
Been up close and personal with this boat back in the early 70s. Spent some time on her when I was waiting for the USS Midway to reach Hunter's Point back in 1972, she was still at sea. I'm glad CVA-41 didn't suffer the same fate, I spent 4 years on that carrier. And she's now a museum in San Diego.
Kitty Hawk was never one of my boats, but Saratoga, Independence, Connie and Bonhomme Richard were, and all have met the same fate. It's just so sad to see this once great ship be eaten down to the waterline bit-by-bit.
My dad served on the Essex class Bon Homme Richard in the 60’s, we took him to tour the Hornet a couple of years ago. It was a day I’ll never forget, but I sure wish it had been the Bonnie Dick were were seeing.
Served on board 1982-85 EA01 Hydraulics Shop (A-Gang) I can see myself standing right there in EL3's doorway getting my first sight of the Hawaiian Islands just after sunrise on the day we pulled into Pearl Harbor during our cruise on the 84 WestPac. Turned 21 just two days prior. I'll never forget it. Had some great times on that ship. R.I.P. old girl.
WOWSERS! Read about this carrier in my uncles tour book who served her. Such a legacy this ship served and did. Between him and my Father both served 21 years aboard mostly on Aircraft Carriers.
There was talk of relics or souvenirs from scrapped ships. Esco was going bankrupt while scrapping the Saratoga. My father served on her and wanted a piece. But sadly that went with the old company. That I’m aware of. I pass the USS JFK every day in Philly waiting to see her make her last journey down the Delaware. 😢
@@michaelfarrell3446 I can point at just about any part of her that's visible now & say what I was doing there...If you can catch the aft end when they get the next deck under the hanger bay off, I'll owe you a beer. That's where my rack was, under that lighter gray are between the aft hanger bay doors.
My dad served on the Kitty Hawk , 2 cruises in 1962-1963. Yeoman (,Air Wing 11.) She was a new ship back then. I got to see her in port in San Diego, 60 years ago. 😢 0:18
Another great video Mike. Could see some of the areas I was in back in 72-74. They're sure not wasting much time chopping her up. Does anyone know if there's any salvage for sale to the public? And the contact info?
A couple of things that surprised me: -The berthing compartment forward is full of rack matresses. -One of the wardrooms is exposed and all the tables still have their blue vinyl tablecloths intact, as if just waiting for the next meal that will never come. -The three FFGs, all long-hulls, in various stages of scrapping. My SWAG, based on which ones have been scrapped versus which ones in the Naval Vessel Register are on hold for foreign military sales (FMS), STEPHEN W. GROVES (FFG 29), EX-NICHOLAS (FFG 47), and USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58).
SO EERIE to see her like this - I did the 1996-1997 WestPac aboard her working in the ASW Module - my memory is hazy, but I wonder if Combat and our berthing are exposed in this video ?? Also tough seeing the FFGs there as well... most of my career was spent flying off them - ALL the ships I deployed on are now sunk, scrapped, or a museum.
While memories are very strong, I remember the comments of a former Cheng who served on the Kitty Hawk, or the :Shi**y Kitty" as he referred to this USN ship. When the fire buckled the deck on several levels, the Cheng recited the extra effort not to trip due to the changes in elevation. HE claimed the gray hairs on his head mostly came from attempting to keep the Kitty operational. Again, these were his recitals to me.
My cousin was on the USS kitty hawk , for 4 years during the gulf War, I went to California when it came back to Port, got a full inside tour , crazy stuff seeing under deck , sat in a few fighter jets , and had to cut the car alarm out of our jeep we drove there in as the ship was doing something to the car alarm , setting it off , and making the car not run
Would LOVE to get some of the Racks Lockers and the machine shop machinery. Probably lots of other stuff like long lost covers in lockers not even known like they found on the Hornet and Midway.
On the street I grew up on, my grandfather who worked on aircraft elevators, neighbor across the street worked on her foward catapult, and neigbor up the street worked in control tower. All three helped give her life, now seeing this when they have all passed, on Memorial Day, very tough, but Thank You for sharing.
Thanks once again Mike, so sad to see her this way, it was exactly 63 years ago that she was christened at her builders yard in Camden, NJ and I was there. Today, May 22nd, she felt water under her keel and was totally afloat for the first time. With the aid of 15 tugs, she shifted from the graving dock to an outfitting pier, becoming the largest ship ever to float on the Delaware. I was there too to witness it.
Wow. What a memory that must be! Thanks for sharing.
I too was there. We lived about 2 blocks south of the dry dock where she was built
Since you were there, do you recall whether there was some 'incident' that occurred during or shortly after her launch? I was very young then but I do remember my dad taking us down to the Philly waterfront (a very windy day and my father's hat blew into the Delaware) to see her docked over in Camden and I seem to recall that some incident led to her being there (instead of being out at sea) for work needed as a result of whatever it is I am struggling to remember.
I was just in Camden to visit the USS New Jersey. Very historic waterfront for sure.
@@chuckm6486 I was only 8 when she was launched and don't remember any such incident
It’s sad to see her like this, but thank you so much for doing this for all of us who served aboard her.
Aloha Shipmate. 1984 WestPac. We had the collision in the Sea of Japan with that USSR Victor Class SSN
I wish I could have been alive to see her launch Sky Raiders, Skyhawks, Prowlers and Vigilante's
@@deltabravo1361 the Prowlers like the A6 Intruder were loud.
Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice. 🇺🇸
I salute all those who served.
So sad to this once proud warship reduced to scrap. The way it is though. She at least gave us decades of service, not like some machines of war that went from the factory to the scrapheap. I got my initial night traps on her 30 years ago. She kept me safe never failing to stop me or launch me off her deck. I remember seeing you dockside at North Island in the early 80's. And your nickname to all of us West-Pac sailors, "The $hitty Kitty", but I know it was more out of affection than disdain. Like all else Navy, be it call-signs, nicknames, wise cracks, or "good natured" insults, they were there to give us an outlet from the monotony, homesickness and hard work that our service required of us. I will never forget my decades as a sailor and Naval aviator. Thank you again CV-63.
When you start getting older, in to your 60s the more you cherish the younger years, hoping to find something that would make your heart beat the way a night trap would all theses years ago! :-)
I joined the Navy on my 18th birthday in 1967, and i got to tell you Boot Camp was the first time i felt at home and for the first time experienced the pleasure of learning. In high school i never felt like i was learning anything at all usefull. In the fleet as a boot camper i realized the Navy cared about my welfare and wanted me to succeed . I respected the officers and was treated well. After four i got out, because i advanced in rate so rapidly i figured I would set the world on fire, but three months after i got out i was living under my father's roof and was indeed just another stumble bum on the street. I didn't want to re enlist as i wanted to live in a house have a dog and start a family. I soon found out that if you put on job applications you were a veteran you would get the job. I thank the Navy for any success i had in my life, for teaching me habits that paid off the rest of my life. It took me a quite a while however to quit the smoking habit and the excess drinking.
It was definitely not affection
@@johngillon6969was navy 73-77 got out ,got job with u.s army's logistics 77-93, u.s park service alcatraz island 93-2018, the navy did help me get these jobs by being a veteran your right, thanks!
@@dogsense3773 Navy didn't help me get work. I had over 2000 hours in various firefighting training and could not get a job in a fire department because our government had to Balance The Races. I Call BS !
Good Riddance To The Shitty Kitty And Her Race Riots !
A crew member myself, she took us out to sea, to train, to fight, and brought us back home. Many here express sorrow for the last chapter of her story. I choose, instead to express gratitude for bringing her crew back home, including this crew member, after training exercises and a six month world cruise. And will always remember the time I served aboard her. Even had the privilege of standing on her flight deck alone, with most of her crew reassigned after making drydock in Philadelphia. I'm standing on a sleeping giant, which will be receiving new gear & equipment and getting ready for another crew to bring her back to life and take them to new assignments yet to be realized, and bring them home, too. She served her crew, and her country well. Bravo Zulu
That was a very touching sentiment. I wonder why we refer to many things as female like countries or ships or my neighbor's cattle barn.
@@serronserron1320 , A cruise ship captain was once asked why he referred to the ship as her. His response was, "Did you ever try to steer one?" 😆
I still have my ( We did the Ditch patch with the Pharo Head on it from that World Cruise.
You came back with a few good friends and storys to tell all so.
All good things must come to an end.
But weep not.
For the Kitty Hawk still lives,
In the hearts of men.
Kitty Hawk had 48 years of service from commissioning to decommissioning. Nearly half a century. That’s a very respectable career for a ship, even an aircraft carrier.
To put it in perspective, when Kitty Hawk was launched in 1960, a warship built 48 years earlier would have been the dreadnaught battleship USS Arkansas BB-33 (commissioned in 1912, served in 2 world wars, and sunk as an atomic bomb target at Bikini Atoll in 1946.
Still lives in the hearts of men. Yes. Until they're gone. Then nothing is left.
That was my home for two wonderful years. I am so grateful to the U.S. Navy. i joined the day i turned 18, and for the first time in my life i found success and what i felt was an encouragement to strive and succeed. I found boot camp to be interesting and learned so much . When i got out of boot camp, was flown to the Kitty Hawk and landed on the deck in the gulf of tonkin. I started out as a boiler tender, but caught malaria and pneumonia and had to quit the boiler room for health reasons. i became a yeoman and worked in the engineering office, the captains office and then an aviation squadron and finally the last year of my four in the Naval Investigative Service. I loved the four years i spent. I always felt that the officers I served under cared about my welfare and were honorable men. My favorite officers were the pilots in the squadron. I was a terrible student in highschool, but in the navy found out how pleasurable it is to learn new things. Also for the first time in my life thought i was really accepted and was doing something worth wile. I didn't set the world on fire after i left the Navy, but it made me a dependable man. I always showed up to work every day on time, and learned how to get along with people. I would not like to be on an aircraft carrier today, but when i was in we were fighting an enemy with virtually no navy or air force, so it was more of a lark and we only had to worry about someone making a mistake and causing danger, not the enemy.
In 1966 I was aboard USS England DLG-22. We often would be on Kitty Hawk's port beam while plowing through heavy seas at flank speed and watching her launch airstrikes into North Vietnam. I can still hear the roar of those planes and smell their JP5 exhaust and wondering if they would all come back. It's very sad to see her like this and even sadder to see what has become of the Navy.
Was aboard in 1969, boot camp was the first place i felt at home. The navy was my mother and father, the honorable officers cared about my welfare and wanted me to be successful. I feel like i would have gone awol if they had women on ships. We did not need the drama . I went to Olongapo in 1986 and the american female sailors were crazier and acting out more than any Australian sailors ever did. Also all the uniforms are made of man made material not 100% cotton and wool.
I was onboard from 1964-67 Airframes shop
I was on the England 1981- 82 when it was CG-22.
@Glen Brown Semper Fortis!
@@user-jh3mo9um1t It has become disgraceful.
I was on the KITTY for three west-pacs in VF-84, the Jolly Rogers, flying f-4 phantoms for the first 2 and f-14 tomcats for the last cruise. I almost cried to see her this way.
When were you on the Kitty? I was on the Missouri back in 1986 when the Missouri and Kitty unreped at the same time from the same AOE.
@@samuelschick8813 I was on board her in '73, '74, and '78 with VF- 213 the Black Lions. In '78 we had the F-14 Tomcats.
@@samuelschick8813 In '86 I was on the USS Farragut in the Atlantic, I was AW & SW for
Desron 2
@@brianwait5607, Thanks for the reply.
Near the end of the video I noticed the two big anchor chain capstans still painted and it reminded me of visiting the ship back in the '80s and '90s. Back then, the forecastle was so squared away it looked like you could eat off the deck. It really struck me then how much pride the crew had in her. Thank you to all who served.
It was amazing to see what the forecastle looked after they raised the anchor . i was glad not to be a boatswains mate they worked like slaves to clean up the mess.. And besides i could never for the life be able to blow on that pipe. The forecastle was more church like than any church i have ever been in. You just had to feel respect for the Navy when you saw it all cleaned up.
@@johngillon6969 I was often envious of the Boatswainmates on a Carrier, as the often long sea and anchor details were rode out in relative comfort (not exposed to the elements). Yes, the Boatswain Pipe is hard to master but once you do it's second nature. We all competed (unofficially of course) as who was the best at piping calls. We - the few, the dirty, the proud - fist to show, last to leave. The job was demanding but very rewarding...
@@harrykrumpacker871 I was lucky to be a Yeoman, and was made fun of because it is basically a woman's job. but i never stood watch. i had three guys in my office where only one man could do all the work we had. when we pulled into port we had NO supervision as all the officers were gone off the ship. we opened the official mail to the commanding officer, so we had an idea what was going on. we carried three liberty cards. Once when i saw a boatswainmate working on the wooden captains gig in the hangar bay of the shangri la, I thought I would ship over if i was on the crew that ran the captain's gig. But i knew i wasn't squared away enough to do that. And i did dig the way some people could blow that Pipe.
To anyone not familiar with Navy terminology, "forecastle" is pronounced Fowk'-sl. Don't know why, just is.
@@johngillon6969 late 70s early 80's on the carrier I was on we had a Yeoman named Seaman Hill. He wore perfume. I was told the perfume was called 'Charlie". I wish I was making this up.
My husband felt the same way when we went to see the USS Forestall while it was being towed into the scrap yard in Texas. He served on her during the Vietnam War with Sen John McCain. It's always sad to see these majestic ships in disarray no longer needed except for scrap. Thank you for your service...
Was on the Forrestal give my regards to your husband
Damn, this hits way harder than I expected. She was one hell of a lady, rest in peace Kitty and thanks for all you did, you won't be soon forgotten.
I saw this happen to CORAL SEA in the mid-90s in Baltimore, across from the yard... it was sad to see her get less and less each time I went to Baltimore.
CVA-63 was my address from December 27,1968 to September 13, 1972. Following a 10 day initiation of the ship, was dropped off at 4MMR with six others and have always explained we were hand picked for our rates as Boiler Tech and Machinist Mate. As a BT we operated and maintained two 1200 psi Foster Wheeler Boilers producing steam for a geared Westinghouse propulsion Turbine turning number 4 outboard shaft and for catapults launching aircraft. Really liked the job. Made the 1968-69 West Pac, a 9 month overhaul in Bremerton, followed by 1970-71 West Pac and 8 months of 1972 West Pac cruise. Many memories both good and not so good. She was a workhorse and made history. Will always remember her. I really appreciate your monthly up dates, Michael. My sincere thanks.
My good friend was stationed on her during the Vietnam war. He was a mail clerk. Thanks for your service Don.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Rest in peace Kitty, You served long and well. Your service will long be remembered and honored even long after your hull is gone.
It’s the 62nd anniversary of her launching today. Awesome video
I can see my old berthing from here. Saw my old shop in the last one.
Maintenance Depart/3m Office from 94-98.
I walked every deck of the ship as Master at Arms. It's hard seeing her die like this.
I'll bet you knew all the good hiding places, too! Imagine what goes on there now, with women also serving aboard!
My heart sank when I saw pictures of the USS ORION being cut up. These ships weren’t just our “homes” .. it was our coming of age.. young boys grew into young men on these grand ships.
This strikes home for every veteran fleet sailor; ua-cam.com/video/Y9K34P6bZEU/v-deo.html
I remember seeing the Orion on my way to the yards for a refit. James river, if I remember right.
I'm still amazed that they not only float, but "float fast!"
@@KutWrite Ships don't float my friend. They Displace Water. Floating implies buoyancy which is something that rides on the water. Displacement is something that forces the water to submit to its power.
Thanks again Mike. As a kid I my Dad took me to the river to watch her leave Philly. 13 years later i reported onboard for 2 years. Watched her leave SD last time enroute to Bremerton. Saw her, and touched the hull in Long Beach January 2022, as the tug paused a day to replenish. May 31, 2022 celebrated/commiserated with shipmates as she arrived in Brownsville.
I served on her 99-04 homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. Hard to see my old ship being slowly torn apart like this.
❤After reading your comment.. I'm so sorry. Also, thank you for your service❤
I served 4 years on her from 88 to 92 and this is tough to watch. Thought maybe Kitty Hawk North Carolina would have her for a museum. Thank you for doing this and giving some of us one last look at her!
We don’t have the infrastructure for it
@@crayonfish2Nobody does. The sad fact is that museum ships can only be so big, because at a certain point, no matter where they go, they just won't be able to draw in enough revenue to perform long term maintenance.
My Brother in Law served on the Kitty Hawk as a Fighter Pilot. May he rest in peace. Thank God he is not still here to see this. He was so very proud of his time on the Kitty Hawk. My sister was a Navy Air Traffic Controller in the early 1970's at North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego when the Kitty Hawk was home ported there. That is how she met Fighter Pilot George. Thanks for video.
I served on her 1968-70. I'm not sad to see her go. I was a boiler tender for a while on her and it was hell. I became an office worker, as i caught malaria pneumonia and influenza once and my lungs were compromized, then my life became wonderful. i loved the ship but i don't think i would like todays navy for a zillion reasons. served on the USS Shangri-la with a squadron, and that was the best. The pilots were wonderful human beings who treated the enlisted men as equals would socialize with us on liberty and i even spent many evenings in their state rooms teaching them how to win at chess and sharing a few illegal beers with them.
Sad to see. She served our country well as did all her sailors. Thank you and my condolences to her former crews. I had a model of her when I was younger, and she was still in service. Like many of her predecessors she will not be forgotten.
This is fantastic. Yes, I’m sad to see a famous ship go like this, but I’m so grateful for even a recording like this that gives us another look. People who served on these ships must recognize many things in this video. Thanks to all who served, no matter what you did or where.
my most happy home from 1969 thru 1970. Not sad at all, as i firmly believe the Navy of today is nothing like i knew. My god women on ships. I like women, but we did not need the drama of a bunch of women causing trouble. I returned to the Philippines in 1986 and visited Olongapo. The hookers were mostly blonde headed and the female american sailors were acting crazier than any Australian sailor i had ever met. I was shocked at their behavior, no shit. Also all the uniforms these days are made from synthetic . Not the 100 percent cotton or wool. Still have my pea coat. I made three cruises to south east asia, and loved Olongapo and the people of the Philippines. That's where i lost my religion.
I guarantee some of my DNA is still on that hangar bay deck from the skin of my hands and knees, crawling from aft to forward crossing the line, 1987 World Cruise. I’m proud to have earned my Shellback on the Kitty Hawk.
My dad took me aboard Kitty Hawk, 5 November, 1961, 2 days before my 6th birthday, when they were having Open House, as a birthday present. I remember this enormous Samoan cook,who, to my child's eyes, looked like a smiling mountain, and gave me cookies. as big as my hand ;-)
Sad end to a historical carrier who's story should be told .
I deployed on both the Constellation and the Ranger.
Love the memories of my youth and the adventure that was given to me by my country.
Go Navy
Pretty soon the US navy will go through what the navy of the British & French empires did within your kid's life time.
I served on the Connie 62 to 66, best 4 years of my life.
@@ak-488 I was on the Connie from the time she was in the Brooklyn Navy Yard through to her shakedown cruise.
" Go Navy "! " Fly Navy! "
@@ak-488 I was on the Kity Hawk and the Shangri-la. 1967-71 Two west packs on Kitty hawk and one on Shangri la. So many stories and friends. Made rate so fast, i was sure i would be able to set the world on fire after i got out. three months after i got out, i had 25 cents in my pocket living under my dad's roof again, a stumble bumm on the street. But i did ok. learned if i put four years in the navy on a job application most surely would get me hire. The navy made me feel good about myself for the first time in my life, and i felt the officers and the navy in general were concerned about my welfare and wanted me to succeed. My parents were good people and did care, but i felt more like the Navy was my first real family. I always admired the commanding officer. was in a squadron on the Shangri la. Pilots are the best. They treated the enlisted like equals. Pilots would socialize with you on the beach and i event spent many evenings in their state rooms giving free chess playing lessons and sharing a few cans of illegal beer.
I served on the Kitty Hawk from Feb 1974 to Sept 1978 out of San Diego. Incredible memories. Thank you Michael.
I remember being a conning officer on DDG15, USS Berkeley, and holding plane guard duty for Kitty Hawk, Ranger, and Constellation. Let me tell ya, when these girls wanted to move out, they could easily leave us in the dust!
I always thought 2,000 yds. looks like nothing from that angle, especially at night.
I serverd 7 deployments aboard her. I can still remember crossed the international dateline the first time and getting pummeled by my shipmates. Pulling into Hong Kong and getting 2 days leave and getting lost. I remember every nook and cranny of this ship I called home for 7 West Pac tours for a total of 46 months of my life from 1984 - 1997. CV-63 is and always will be my home on the sea.
I walked aboard The Hawk in November 1969 in Bremerton. I was a kid, a 19 year old Yeoman striker, E-3. I left her in February 1972 as YN2, a grown man, thanks to lessons learned on this great ship.
I remember fleet week in Hawaii, the Kitty Hawk battle group would come into Pearl. After RIMPAC, what a sight. Good times. I was Army. 🇺🇸
It's sad to see these older ships being dismantled. I served on the Ranger. It's tough watching it.
My best tour of duty. I was stationed aboard for little over 6 years; '95-'01. I made Senior Chief during that tour. So many good memories, so many challenges. Rest in peace, my friend.
The carrier scenes form the original 1986 movie Top Gun were filmed on the Kitty Hawk while she sailed off the north east coast of Queensland, Australia in the Coral Sea and south west Pacific Ocean. She was the only US carrier at that point in time of filming that had the lowest (next to none) chance of being tasked into an operational theater thus making it the safest flat top to film on and have the cast & crew reside on.
To those of us who served aboard her, she had a character, a personality and a soul. Now, with her carcass laid bare, it's so hard for us to accept her fate. I wonder how many salvage workers truly know her great history. Most of them weren't even born when she served.
I worked in the yards when the spru-cans were being decommissioned. $hit duty. They know.
RUST NEVER SLEEPS. I was a. crew member, this doesn't make me sad. My memories from 50 years ago are still fresh in my mind. You have to obey the laws of physics, and this ship was too large to be driven with non nuclear propulsion. I was in engineering department and the ship was designed to operate in the north atlantic, with smaller air planes When we were in the gulf of tonkin, we often went weeks without fresh water to shower, due to the evaporating not being able to supply enough water to run the engines and supply the catapults . the water to supply steam had to be very pure, and they put something like cool aid in the drinking water. I had a kidney infection and the corpsman in sick bay informed me that the cause of the kidney problem was because of the salt in the drinking water, and the remedy was simply stop drinking the water. I am healthy at 72 years old. I am grateful for my time on the ship. I was a good sailor. In boot camp i was surprised to find that the navy was the first time in my life i felt at home, and was encouraged to improve myself. the correspondence coursed were wonderful for me as they taught me stuff that was relevant to my life. I was always proud to be a member of the crew. Love your ship, honor your Captain and have faith in her crew. I was in engineering and had access to the water they made to go in the boilers, so found a way to get the good water. I served also on the USS Shangri-la which was built for the Korean War, and she was much more comfortable than the Kitty Hawk, but only had a 600 hundred pound boilers and was scrapped because it wasn't as fuel efficient as the 1200 PSI system of the Kitty Hawk plant. She and the Constellation were the last ships to have oil fired boilers in the U.S. Navy.
@@johngillon6969
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. That story helped get me a glimpse into your world on that ship :)
@@johngillon6969 the America CV66 and Kennedy CV67 were conventional. the Enterprise CV65 and the Nimitz CV68 were / are nuclear. i guess all after the Nimitz are nuclear. I was on the America and i have a friend who was on the Kennedy. they didn't scrap the America. they used it for target practice off the coast of Virginia and sunk it. i have only seen one picture of the sinking. most of the flight deck was under water in the picture.
Thanks for the weekly updates. I appreciate the time you’re take to keep us posted on the progress.
WOW !Dad took us kids to watch her travel under the delaware memorial bridge. I remember the sight. Thanks for sharing. God Bless America.
Like so many other comments, it's such a sad sight to see such a great ship come to an end like this. Being an Australian, we don't see too many Giant Aircraft Carriers here in Sydney, the Kittyhawk the only aircraft carrier I have ever seen with my own eyes, such an awesome sight.
TO ALL OF THE SERVICE MEMBERS WHO SERVED ABOARD HER AND THE FLIGHT CREWS..
THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART..
I SEE FORMER CREWMEN COMMENTING HERE ABOUT THEIR TIME ABOARD..
IT BREAKS MY HEART TO SEE HER LIKE THIS AND I AM CRYING RIGHT NOW..
THANK YOU FOR GETTING THIS FOOTAGE BEFORE SHE'S GONE FOR GOOD..
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS..🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
One of my proudest moments was aboard the Kittyhawk. I was appointed by my Airframes Chief to take charge of bringing back a A6 Hanger Queen. It
was robbed of parts to keep others flying. I eventually got it back together with help of fellow shipmates. I remember my Chief coming down to the berthing compartment and said they’re getting ready to launch her. We went up to the empty flight deck and watched together her taking off the Cat. That was the last plane to take off and signifying the end of WestPac’81.
Wow, stripped down to about the 4th deck. I was aboard her during my reserve time at North Island, in about 1986. Watched flight ops of an A-4 squadron car-qualling.
Sad, but most interesting and good memories. Thanks for uploading.
God bless the Kitty hawk and all those that served on her decks it's sad is here like this how I am good memories rest in peace Kitty hawk and will be proud for a lifetimes.
Was on the USS Coral Sea, CV-43 from 77-80 as part of the MarDet. There are similar images of her and her last days afloat. Sad to see history destroyed. I live in San Diego and have the Midway, her sister here as a museum. When I want to remember those days, I’ll go on the Midway and once aboard, all the smells come back from the days I was on her. Thanks for sharing.
I served on USS Midway CV41 from 1985 through 1987. Engineering/ M division/ 1 group. At least Midway serves on as a museum.
So long Kitty Hawk. Thank you for your service.
She was my home for 2 cruises in 85 and 87. I did a half cruise on the Ranger in 84. My shop, and Berthing that was under the forward galley is still on there.
To bad she couldn't have been a museum.
I would love to spend the night on her once again.
Ode to the conventional bird farms. The Anchor tubes on her were made for the Independence and had the weld CV-62 on them. The bottom of the Keel is stamped with CV-64 as she was originally the hull of the Constellation and the Constellation was the Hull of Kitty Hawk and when they built them side by side, Kitty Hawk, (the other Kitty Hawk that became Constellation).
It seems funny to me that CV-64 was technically older and was scraped first even though she was launched later than this one. Still this was my Kitty Hawk and I was born in 1963, so being stationed on CV-63 was inspiring and special.
I was on the Hawk for the 1970-71 and the 1972 deployments. So sad to see her end like this! I’m glad I was able to make it to South Padre last year to see her before she was cut up. Met a lot of great guys there.
The Kitty Hawk was part of Battle Group Bravo when I was part of that battle group August to December 1985. My ship, USS Wichita (AOR-1) was steaming at full power (22 knots) in the middle of the Indian Ocean and the Kitty Hawk caught up to us from behind and passed us like we were standing still. It was jaw dropping how fast she was, even as a diesel carrier (last in the fleet). And shortly after that, maybe 5,000 yards away, watching her go through flight operations was also amazing. Sad to see her in this state. I was hoping she would have become a museum ship in North Carolina, but alas that didn't happen.
Steam, not diesel. But point made.
Yeah, if you wanted to go fast steaming on a support ship, you needed to get on an AOE.
@@aj-2savage896 Its basically diesel that makes that steam, and on those ships was called Fuel Oil. So he wasn't really wrong.
I was out there with you, and we loved it when the Wicked Witch pulled up beside us with that awesome banner on your superstructure to motivate us, and bring us more Ice Cream.
Thank you for feeding us. AD3 Eldan Fales VAW - 112 / NG Air Wing 9 /USS Kitty Hawk West Pac 85 and 87.
92-94 she was my home at north island her memory will forever be in my heart and memories!
I just want to cry right now. My ship. My Kitty Hawk. Whittling her down. Pretty soon I'll be able to see P1Div. Seven decks below that..........#4MMR!
I just want one thing from the engine room..........one thing.
I feel that... P5 Div member here, worked in DC Central for oil/water 94-96.
I served on the Connie from 1973 to Jan 76....IC Man...time has a way of softening our memories and us..I passed on my orders to the USS Drum fast attack sub...I saw our escort sub one time for 10 minutes at sea...
Rest in peace sweet lady and thank you for your service!!!
Thanks for the work producing this video. I jokingly say I spent a year on the Kitty Hawk one week. I was TAD for 10 days back in 1981.
Pop was assigned to VF-114 from Oct '67 - Oct '70, did a couple tours on the KH during the conflict over seas. I was but a chap in elementary school. It pains me to see her put down this way, but I guess it was inevitable.
Am so glad to have walked in her passages and flight deck. She has a storied history.
Of the 11 carrier I served on, the Hawk was my favorite; for once the air wing and the ships company really worked as one; nothing we couldn't do. 1987 round the world cruise.
Sad to see this, but it is reality. Thanks for sharing.
So much equipment and furniture still inside.....wow.
Sad to see this. Iam sad and very emotional with this video. I served aboard from 70 thru 71. Had some good and bad times aboard the hawk. Rest in peace
Thanks Mr. Farrell, it took me three times as long to watch your drone footage, I pause, then play, then pause again, knowing that I walked the many spaces that are now exposed to the heavens. I sure miss her! AIMD/Ships Company 3/2001 - 4/2004.
Amazing to see it dissected. No wasted space! I got to walk underneath it from bow to stern while in dry dock at PSNS ‘97ish during a yard period. Cheers to those who served and serviced her as she was active.
I was a little kid while she was under construction. I remember she was talked about often. It meant many jobs. Everyone was so happy she was built in the area. I'm sorry to see this. Nothing lasts forever.
Thanks for sharing, we would love to pay a visit and see her one last time.
I will never forget her setting in Yokosuka/Cubi Pt. or underway in the South China Sea. What memories.
Thamks for sharing. Fascinating to see the interior of a carrier.
Thank you sir. I served in the Navy for 30 years onboard 7 different ships. I was a crew member of CV-63 from 1981-1984. She was my most memorable ship. We collided with a Soviet Victor Class submarine during one deployment. We also lost a young shipmate on the flight deck during local night operations. I will never forget this great ship. Thank you for the many videos as she was dismantled and laid to rest. May she Rest In Peace. I salute you all.
just found out one of my co workers if a navy vet who served aboard the kitty hawk 👌
I was a crew member on the Shangri La’s last cruise. This pulls at my heart.
Great name, should bring it back.
I remember Kitty Hawk sitting in-port, at San Diego's North Island Naval Base, and the many departures and returns there, from her deployments. Sad to see a once great warship reduced to scrap, but such is life with old vessels. Fortunately, in San Diego, the USS Midway is proudly displayed and thriving as a museum. She was rescued from a similar fate.
Very sad to see such a great ship now. I was privileged to go on board her in Hong Kong in 1964 while I was serving with the RAF
Thank you very much for an astounding video. It does make the heart sad to see these majestic ships being reduced to their components. What caught my eye in your flyover was the birthing compartments with the bunks being removed. That puts the human connection to those who served and lived on these incredible ships. The ship I served on is also long gone and a memory but still lives on in my heart. USS Virginia CGN 38. Exceptional video, BZ and thank you.
‘Birthing compartments’ 😆
Why couldn't they save her bastard government
I lost a wristwatch in the forward berthing compartments in 1983, if someone finds it during the dismantling, please let me know. It's just a Timex watch I bought in the base PX back then, probably not worth $10, but you know I just hate to lose things. It'd be a big load off my mind if you could return it safely. Thanks.
As a North Carolina native, it sucks to see her being taken apart. It would have been great for her to have joined the Battleship North Carolina as a museum ship. Thank you KH for your years of service. Rest easy 😢
Unpopular opinion: preserving Kitty Hawk as a museum was never going to work. If you've been to the Hornet in Oakland you'd see how depressing their collection of artifacts is compared to the Midway or Intrepid, and that's right in the middle of a huge urban area with great tourist opportunities too. There's a finite amount of historical memorabilia and artifacts out there, especially plane-sized ones, and I don't see how you could possibly give a ship the size of a Forrestal enough to make it an attractive museum. An aircraft carrier with no aircraft is kind of boring, and that doesn't even get into the operational costs of preserving that much steel either.
Mike, you're killing me. But just like watching a train wreck, I can't stop looking. I know we all appreciate your work, and will be watching until the last keel plate is pulled on shore. My heartfelt thanks for keeping us all informed.
Been up close and personal with this boat back in the early 70s. Spent some time on her when I was waiting for the USS Midway to reach Hunter's Point back in 1972, she was still at sea. I'm glad CVA-41 didn't suffer the same fate, I spent 4 years on that carrier. And she's now a museum in San Diego.
Kitty Hawk was never one of my boats, but Saratoga, Independence, Connie and Bonhomme Richard were, and all have met the same fate. It's just so sad to see this once great ship be eaten down to the waterline bit-by-bit.
My dad served on the Essex class Bon Homme Richard in the 60’s, we took him to tour the Hornet a couple of years ago. It was a day I’ll never forget, but I sure wish it had been the Bonnie Dick were were seeing.
Rust never sleeps.
Served on board 1982-85 EA01 Hydraulics Shop (A-Gang) I can see myself standing right there in EL3's doorway getting my first sight of the Hawaiian Islands just after sunrise on the day we pulled into Pearl Harbor during our cruise on the 84 WestPac. Turned 21 just two days prior. I'll never forget it. Had some great times on that ship. R.I.P. old girl.
WOWSERS! Read about this carrier in my uncles tour book who served her. Such a legacy this ship served and did. Between him and my Father both served 21 years aboard mostly on Aircraft Carriers.
There was talk of relics or souvenirs from scrapped ships. Esco was going bankrupt while scrapping the Saratoga. My father served on her and wanted a piece. But sadly that went with the old company. That I’m aware of.
I pass the USS JFK every day in Philly waiting to see her make her last journey down the Delaware. 😢
Thank you for doing this, I just wish someone had thought of this for my old girl the Connie.
I can do this on any that come into Brownsville
@@michaelfarrell3446 I can point at just about any part of her that's visible now & say what I was doing there...If you can catch the aft end when they get the next deck under the hanger bay off, I'll owe you a beer. That's where my rack was, under that lighter gray are between the aft hanger bay doors.
Great video sir, i am jealous. Thank you for sharing
Thank you
Neat stuff to watch.
hope you can catch it when the anchor room and engine rooms get opened up.
My dad served on the Kitty Hawk , 2 cruises in 1962-1963. Yeoman (,Air Wing 11.) She was a new ship back then. I got to see her in port in San Diego, 60 years ago. 😢 0:18
I have photos of me as a cadet standing on her flight deck when she visited Australia. Sad to see her gone.
Another great video Mike. Could see some of the areas I was in back in 72-74. They're sure not wasting much time chopping her up. Does anyone know if there's any salvage for sale to the public? And the contact info?
Goodbye old girl, and thank you for everything. You’ll live on forever in our hearts…
Thank you for the continued updates!
A couple of things that surprised me:
-The berthing compartment forward is full of rack matresses.
-One of the wardrooms is exposed and all the tables still have their blue vinyl tablecloths intact, as if just waiting for the next meal that will never come.
-The three FFGs, all long-hulls, in various stages of scrapping. My SWAG, based on which ones have been scrapped versus which ones in the Naval Vessel Register are on hold for foreign military sales (FMS), STEPHEN W. GROVES (FFG 29), EX-NICHOLAS (FFG 47), and USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG 58).
That's a good amount of racks there on the foc'sle.
My mom dated a sailor on her back in the 60's then my first west pac was with her in 92. Good memories
I was on the Kitty Hawk 1970. Yes, it’s sad to see it in the state of disrepair.
SO EERIE to see her like this - I did the 1996-1997 WestPac aboard her working in the ASW Module - my memory is hazy, but I wonder if Combat and our berthing are exposed in this video ?? Also tough seeing the FFGs there as well... most of my career was spent flying off them - ALL the ships I deployed on are now sunk, scrapped, or a museum.
Mike
Thank you again
Safe travels
Thank you
While memories are very strong, I remember the comments of a former Cheng who served on the Kitty Hawk, or the :Shi**y Kitty" as he referred to this USN ship. When the fire buckled the deck on several levels, the Cheng recited the extra effort not to trip due to the changes in elevation. HE claimed the gray hairs on his head mostly came from attempting to keep the Kitty operational. Again, these were his recitals to me.
Thank you for your service USS Kitty Hawk and all who served aboard her. Job well done 🎖️
My cousin was on the USS kitty hawk , for 4 years during the gulf War, I went to California when it came back to Port, got a full inside tour , crazy stuff seeing under deck , sat in a few fighter jets , and had to cut the car alarm out of our jeep we drove there in as the ship was doing something to the car alarm , setting it off , and making the car not run
Would LOVE to get some of the Racks Lockers and the machine shop machinery. Probably lots of other stuff like long lost covers in lockers not even known like they found on the Hornet and Midway.
I have never seen a ship shown halfway through the breakers like this before. That was really cool.
I can see my old aft shop in this, save the walls, of course. I will never forget the hours stuck watching that LOX producer.
I remember as a teenager she was birthed at Alameda Naval. She was old, and a little rusty, but she was beautiful
On the street I grew up on, my grandfather who worked on aircraft elevators, neighbor across the street worked on her foward catapult, and neigbor up the street worked in control tower. All three helped give her life, now seeing this when they have all passed, on Memorial Day, very tough, but Thank You for sharing.