USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)

The USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), also known as "Kitty Hawk," was a United States Navy supercarrier, the lead ship of her class. She was the second naval vessel named after Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered airplane flight.

Commissioned in 1961 and decommissioned in 2009, Kitty Hawk served for nearly 49 years, a distinguished career spanning multiple decades and conflicts. Initially operating in the Atlantic Fleet, she was transferred to the Pacific Fleet shortly after commissioning.

Kitty Hawk played a significant role in the Vietnam War, deploying to Southeast Asia multiple times and participating in numerous combat operations. Aircraft from Kitty Hawk conducted bombing raids over North Vietnam and provided close air support for ground forces.

Following the Vietnam War, Kitty Hawk continued to operate throughout the Pacific, participating in various exercises and deployments. She underwent a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) in the late 1980s, which extended her service life and upgraded her systems.

In 1998, Kitty Hawk became the only conventionally-powered aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy after the decommissioning of the USS Independence (CV-62). She served as the forward-deployed carrier in Yokosuka, Japan, from 1998 to 2008, providing a vital presence in the region. This role underscored her strategic importance and readiness to respond to crises in the Western Pacific.

Kitty Hawk was replaced in Yokosuka by the nuclear-powered USS George Washington (CVN-73) in 2008. She then returned to the United States for decommissioning. After decommissioning, she was initially mothballed. In 2021, the Kitty Hawk was sold for dismantling.

The USS Kitty Hawk earned numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, reflecting her significant contributions to naval aviation and national security. Her service is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the thousands of sailors who served aboard her.