Alongside an AO, SOCAL Op. Area, 1985-1987.

Grumman A-6E Intruder, Attack Squadron (VA) 165 "Boomers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, circa 1985–1987.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and a Sturgeon-class SSN in San Diego Bay, probably in the late 1980s.

An aerial view of USS Constellation (CV-64), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) departing for WestPac and World Cruise with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 aboard, and USS Ranger (CV-61), 3 January 1987, Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, Calif.

US Navy photo by PH3 Charlo Wharton, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # DN-SC-87-11532.

A Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior aircraft of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VQ-2) "Batmen" prepares to recover aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), 3 February 1987. Photo taken by PH3 Hanselman, USN, available from Defense Media Activity (# DN-SC-87-10653).

An aerial port bow view of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) underway. Pacific Ocean, 2 March 1987.

An aerial view of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and her battle group underway in the Pacific Ocean, 2 March 1987. The ships are, left to right, front row: frigate USS Barbey (FF-1088), guided missile cruiser USS Halsey (CG-23), frigate USS Stein (FF-1065); second row, guided missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG-48), combat stores ship USS Mars (AFS-1), Kitty Hawk, ammunition ship USS Mount Hood (AE-29) and the guided missile destroyer USS Callaghan (DDG-994).

(Photo available from the Defense Media Activity, id.: DN-SC-87-10339.)

An aerial view of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and her battle group underway in the Pacific Ocean, 2 March 1987. The ships are, left to right, front row: frigate USS Stein (FF-1065), guided missile cruiser USS Halsey (CG-23), frigate USS Barbey (FF-1088); second row, guided missile destroyer USS Callaghan (DDG-994), ammunition ship USS Mount Hood (AE-29), Kitty Hawk, combat stores ship USS Mars (AFS-1), and guided missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG-48). Fleet oiler USS Willamette (AO-180) follows.

NS026338b: Photo by PH2 Hensley, available from the Defense Imagery Management Operations Center, id.: DN-SC-87-10327.

NS0602106506: Photo by PH2 Hensley, available from the Defense Imagery Management Operations Center, id.: DN-SC-87-10341.

NS0602108809: Photo by PH3 Martens, available from the Defense Imagery Management Operations Center, id.: DN-SC-87-10711.

Turnover in the Mediterranean, 17 June 1987. Clockwise from top center: USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, en route to Philadelphia; guided missile frigate USS Hawes (FFG-53); USS Saratoga (CV-60) with CVW-17, newly arrived in the Med from Mayport; guided missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG-39); frigate USS W.S. Sims (FF-1059); destroyer USS Comte de Grasse (DD-974); guided missile cruiser USS Josephus Daniels (CG-27); destroyer USS Conolly (DD-979); frigate USS Truett (FF-1095); and guided missile destroyer USS William V. Pratt (DDG-44). Replenishment oiler USS Kalamazoo (AOR-6) is steaming in the center of the formation.

U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Thomas Hensley.

Hangar deck.

F-14 takeoff.

Tuskegee (YTB-806) and Niantic (YTB-781) come alongside USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in preparation for docking at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, HI, 2 July 1992. DVIC photo # DN-SC-93-01237 by PH3 Bos.

F-14A Tomcat (BuNo 162594, NL200), VF-111 "Sundowners"' final CAG bird, is shown ready for launch from USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in 1994.

From VF-11/111 "Sundowners" 1942–95 (Aviation Elite Units #36), by Barrett Tillman.

Aerial view of USS Constellation (CV-64), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and USS Nimitz (CVN-68), docked at the Naval Air Depot North Island (NADNI), San Diego, California, 29 May 1995.

Official US Navy photo by PH1 Bean, USN. Defense Imagery Management Operations Center (DMA), photo # DN-SC-05-10893.

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, March 1997.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). Exact date unknown, but probably taken sometime in 1998–2003.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) at high speed during her transit from San Diego, CA to Pearl Harbor, HI, July 13, 1998. Official US Navy photograph (# 980713-N-0226M-002).

Naval Station Pearl Harbor, July 17, 1998 — The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) (left) docks alongside the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62). Following a turnover with the Independence, Kitty Hawk would take her place in Yokusuka, Japan, as the nation's only forward deployed carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Mahlon K. Miller (# 980717-N-0226M-005).

Another view, as above. USS Independence (CV-62), left; USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), right.

An aerial view showing part of Naval Station Pearl Harbor with the aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), left, and USS Independence (CV-62), right, tied up at the same dock (see above). Exercise RIMPAC '98, 17 July 1998.

US Navy photo by PH1(NAC) James G. McCarter, # 980717-N-3612M-002.

An aerial view showing part of Naval Station Pearl Harbor with the aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), right, and USS Independence (CV-62), left, tied up at the same dock (see above). Exercise RIMPAC '98, 17 July 1998.

US Navy photo by PH1(NAC) James G. McCarter, # 980717-N-3612M-001.

Looking like a busy street in a major city, officers and enlisted crewmembers from the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), left, and USS Independence (CV-62), right, cross decks to their new homes after the change of charge ceremony, 18 July 1998, during exercise RIMPAC '98.

US Navy photo by PH1 (NAC) Spike Call, # 980718-N-5961C-001.

USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) (center) conducts an underway replenishment with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Haruna (DD-141) (left) and the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), 8 October 1998. Kitty Hawk and her escorts were conducting joint exercises with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. DoD photo by Chief Petty Officer Mahlon K. Miller, U.S. Navy (# 981008-N-0226M-005).

Starboard bow view of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) arriving at pier 8, Port of Pusan, Republic of Korea, 12 October 1998. The aircraft carrier was participating in Fleetweek, a multi-national regatta of naval warships. 143rd Transportation Command photo by SSGT Joseph Hamm, Jr., USA (image available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service as # DA-SD-03-08465).

The Arabian Gulf, Apr. 29, 1999 — With USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO-193) in the lead, USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and USS Chancellorsville (CG-62) prepare to make their approach for an underway replenishment (UNREP). Kitty Hawk and her battlegroup were participating in Operation Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate (AW/SW) Mahlon K. Miller (# 990429-N-0226M-003).

USS Kitty Hawk underway, circa 1999-2001, with Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) aboard. US Navy photo.

April 18, 2000 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) sits pier side in Apra Harbor, Guam, en route to the Persian Gulf, while on a routine deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Mark Foughty (# 000418-N-7470F-001).

May 21, 2000 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) resupplies the destroyer USS O'Brien (DD-975) in a replenishment at sea (RAS) in the South China Sea. The two ships were participating in Exercise Cobra Gold 2000. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class John Sullivan (# 000521-N-4697S-002).

The Pacific Ocean, Oct. 6, 2000 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) steams through the end of another day during ship-specific training in the western Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class John Sullivan (# 001006-N-4697S-002).

The Pacific Ocean, Mar. 13, 2001 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) conducts a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Lee McCaskill (# 010313-N-0271-013).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) departs Apra Harbor, Guam, June 8, 2001 sponsoring a Tiger cruise for relatives and family members of the crew during transit to Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by PHAN Lee McCaskil (# 010608-N-0271M-001).

Aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), Sailors work to onload stores and equipment during a Replenishment At Sea (RAS), 6 October 2001. The ship operated out of Yokosuka, Japan, as America's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Christopher S. Borgren II (# 011006-N-6346B-001).

An S-3B Viking from the "Redtails" of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 21 spreads its wings as it prepares for launch from the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), 5 November 2001. VS-21 was deployed aboard Kitty Hawk and conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class John E. Woods (# 011105-N-9849W-005).

December 18, 2001 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Sailors spell out the word FREEDOM on the ship's flight deck during their return transit to Yokosuka, Japan. Kitty Hawk departed Yokosuka Oct. 1 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Navy photo (# 011218-N-0271M-001) by PHAN Lee McCaskill.

Command Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, December 23, 2001 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) returns to her forward deployed homeport, following months of sustained bombing missions into Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. US Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class David A. Levy (# 011223-N-6811L-001).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) steam along side each other during a replenishment at sea (RAS), 15 May 2002. Kitty Hawk was conducting work-ups in preparation for an upcoming regularly scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Lee McCaskill. [020515-N-0271M-022].

Command Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Oct. 25, 2002 — Tugboats assigned to Fleet Activities Yokosuka assist the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in getting underway for a scheduled sea period to conduct routine training. Kitty Hawk is the Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan.

U.S. Navy photo (# 021025-N-6811L-008) by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class David A. Levy.

Nov. 6, 2002 — Flight deck crewmembers conduct an aircraft barricade rigging exercise on the ship's flight deck. Nylon straps which are supported between two hydraulically operated stanchions form a net across the deck to stop aircraft making an emergency landing, when landing gear has failed or sustained damage. Kitty Hawk and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) are currently underway providing a forward presence in the Asian Pacific area of operation, while conducting scheduled training and exercises with regional allies.

U.S. Navy photo (# 021106-N-1810F-005) by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom.

An F-14A Tomcat assigned to the "Black Knights" of Fighter Squadron (VF) 154 launches past steaming catapults on the bow of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), 14 November 2002. After an aircraft launches, steam is released as catapult pressure subsides.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Todd Frantom (# 021114-N-1810F-018).

Nov. 15, 2002 — Aligned for a photo during Exercise Keen Sword 2003 the Kitty Hawk Battle Group includes ships from the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

U.S. Navy photo (# 021115-N-0271M-005) by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Lee McCaskill.

Nov. 18, 2002 — Kitty Hawk conducts flight operations at sea during Exercise Keen Sword 2003 off the coast of Southern Japan. Keen Sword 2003 was the seventh in a series of regularly scheduled joint/bilateral field training exercise since 1986 involving the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and United States military. The purpose of Keen Sword is to train and evaluate wartime functions and bilateral cooperation procedures against the backdrop of a regional contingency scenario that has direct and immediate consequences to the U.S. and Japan.

U.S. Navy photo (# 021118-N-8730P-002) by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Charles Henry Panter.

Dec. 9, 2002 — Sailors work around the clock to receive oncoming cargo from the Military Sealift Command supply ship USNS Rappahannock (T‑AO 204). Kitty Hawk was at the time the U. S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier and operated out of Yokosuka, Japan.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jo Wilbourn (# 021209-N-0685W-001).

The Arabian Sea, Feb. 22, 2003 — An aerial view of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) en route to the 5th Fleet area of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Approaching 42 years of distinguished service, the Kitty Hawk was at the time America’s oldest active commissioned vessel. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Charles Henry Panter (# 030222-N-8730P-003).

The Arabian Gulf, Mar. 22, 2003 — Various weapons line the hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) ready for use by Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) aircraft conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Dwayne S. Smith (# 030322-N-7789S-001).

The Persian Gulf, Apr. 13, 2003 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) steams in the Persian Gulf as she heads towards the Straits of Hormuz. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain (photo # 030413-N-0295M-003).

The Indian Ocean, Apr. 23, 2003 — Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) aircraft rest on the flight deck aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Theron J. Godbold (photo # 030423-N-5464G-004).

Yokosuka, Japan, May 6, 2003 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) returns to Yokosuka, Japan from her deployment to the Arabian Gulf. The Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Force participated in Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class David A. Levy (photo # 030506-N-6811L-023).

Naval Base Yokosuka, Japan, Jul. 3, 2003 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) sits in dry dock undergoing repairs at Naval Base Yokosuka, ensuring her ability to continue to maintain a responsible defensive posture in the Western Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Jerry Woller (# 030703-N-8218W-048).

Philippine Sea, January 16, 2004 — Members of the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) check USS Kitty Hawk’s (CV-63) counter-measure wash down system. The counter-measure wash down system consists of piping and a series of nozzles specially designed to spray a large amount of water and Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) on all open weather deck surfaces, in the event of a chemical, biological, or radiological attack, and major damage control and firefighting. These required inspections evaluate ship material condition and operational capability. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Jason R. Williams (# 040116-N-7575W-001).

Pacific Ocean, February 28, 2004 — An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VFA-102), launches from one of four steam powered catapults aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). The "Diamondbacks" were a new addition to Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) embarked aboard Kitty Hawk, replacing the F-14A Tomcats of Fighter Squadron One Five Four (VF-154). At the time, the carrier was underway in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jason T. Poplin (# 040228-N-5821P-010).

Fremantle Harbour, Australia, April 22, 2004 — Tug boats escort USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) into Fremantle Harbour, Australia where the crew would enjoy a 5-day port call. This was Kitty Hawk's fifth visit to Fremantle and the ninth for CVW-5. Photo by Neil Beach (# 040422-O-9999B-011).

A Grumman C-2A Greyhound, Carrier On-Board Delivery (COD), attached to Fleet Logistic Squadron (VRC) 30 Det. 5 "Passwords," recovers aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) during Carrier Qualifications (CQ) in the western Pacific Ocean, 20 July 2004. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jason D. Landon (# 040720-N-5232L-001).

Pacific Ocean, September 6, 2004 — Squadron personnel assigned to Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) stage equipment and supplies in the hangar bay aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in preparation of their offload and transfer back to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. CVW-5 made up approximately 40 percent of the 5,300 Sailors aboard Kitty Hawk while under way. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jason D. Landon (# 040906-N-5232L-022).

Pacific Ocean, January 11, 2005 — A Damage Controlman monitors the testing of the hangar bay sprinkler system aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) during sea trials in the western Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Bo J. Flannigan (# 050111-N-5781F-087).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) is pushed away from a pier by tugboats Massapequa (YTB-807) and Muskegon (YTB-763) at Commander Fleet Activities Base (FAB) Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan, 10 February 2005. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Crystal M. Brooks (# 050210-N-5686B-005), available from the Defense Visual Information Center, id.: DN-SD-07-00598.

Sea of Japan, March 19, 2005 — USS Kitty Hawk underway in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR). The carrier participated in Reception, Staging, Onward movement, and Integration (RSO&I) and Foal Eagle exercises. RSO&I is a complex multi-phase exercise conducted annually, tailored to train, test, and demonstrate United States and Republic of Korea force projection and deployment capabilities. Foal Eagle exercise runs simultaneously and trains in all aspects of Combined Forces Command's mission. The defensive Naval Foal Eagle exercises began March 19, 2005 with eight U.S. Navy ships from the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class William H. Ramsey (# 050319-N-0120R-035).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) performs a replenishment at sea with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) underway replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) off the coast of the Republic of Korea, 19 March 2005. Kitty Hawk demonstrated power projection and sea control as the U.S. Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, operating from Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class William H. Ramsey (# 050319-N-0120R-021).

Yokosuka, Japan, March 28, 2005 — The conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) returns to her forward deployed operating base, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, after completing a regularly scheduled underway period. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John L. Beeman (# 050328-N-9851B-003).

Starboard bow view of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), being escorted by commercial tug boats, while exiting Truman Bay Harbor at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, May 17, 2005 to begin her post upkeep underway period in the western Pacific Ocean. USN photo by PH2 William H. Ramsey (# 050517-N-0120R-009), available from the Defense Visual Information Center, id.: DN-SD-07-00181.

Coral Sea, June 14, 2005 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) prepares to receive fuel at sea from the Royal Australian Navy auxiliary oiler replenishment ship HMAS Success (AOR-304). The aircraft carrier was operating in the Coral Sea off the coast of Australia's Queensland region as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2005, an exercise jointly sponsored by the U.S. Pacific Command and Australian Defense Force Joint Operations Command, and designed to train the U.S. Seventh Fleet commander's staff and Australian Joint Operations staff as a designated Combined Task Force (CTF) headquarters. The exercise focused on crisis action planning and execution of contingency response operations. U.S. Pacific Command units and Australian forces conducted land, sea and air training throughout the training area. More than 11,000 U.S. and 6,000 Australian personnel participated. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class William H. Ramsey (# 050614-N-0120R-127).

Another view, as above. The guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG-63) and the guided missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) trail astern. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class William H. Ramsey (# 050614-N-0120R-129).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) makes her approach to HMAS Success (AOR-304) for a morning refuel during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2005, 14 June 2005. (See also NS026361 and NS026361a.)

Royal Australian Navy photo by ABPH Paul Berry.

Coral Sea, June 24, 2005 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) makes a turn to port while performing an emergency break drill after the completion of a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) underway replenishment ship USNS Guadalupe (T-AO-200). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Bo J. Flannigan (# 050624-N-5781F-129).

Coral Sea, June 28, 2005 — Two Operations Specialists man Aircraft Contact Control Center inside the Combat Direction Center (CDC) aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), while operating in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2005. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Joshua LeGrand (# 050628-N-8604L-082).

July 8, 2005 — Aircraft sit on the flight deck aboard the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in Sydney harbor prior to the end of a five-day port call. This was the first time Kitty Hawk had a port-of-call in Sydney since 2001. The carrier, her embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5), and the guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG-63) arrived for a port visit July 3. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Bo J. Flannigan (# 050708-N-5781F-025).

Pacific Ocean, August 9, 2005 — Air Department personnel secure an F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the "Golden Dragons" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Nine Two (VFA-192), left, next to an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Diamondbacks" of VFA-102, on a deck-edge elevator aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). The Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group was participating in the third annual Joint Air and Sea Exercise (JASEX) with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps in the Western Pacific. JASEX focused on integrated joint training proficiency in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, and on land, in response to a range of mission areas. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jonathan Chandler (# 050809-N-3488C-096).

Yokosuka, Japan, August 20, 2005 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) pulls into her forward deployed operating base, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), at the conclusion of a regularly scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John L. Beeman (# 050820-N-9851B-001).

Pacific Ocean, November 15, 2005 — The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JDS Onhami (DD-111) and other ships of the JMSDF steam in formation with the USS Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group while conducting the bilateral Annual Exercise 2005 (ANNUALEX). The purpose of ANNUALEX is to improve the military-to-military relationship between the U.S. and Japan, bilateral interoperability, defend Japan against maritime threats and to improve capability for surface warfare, air defense and undersea warfare. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Todd Cichonowicz (photo # 051115-N-8492C-141).

Pacific Ocean, November 15, 2005 — Flying the First Navy Jack, USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) prepares to conduct flight operations following a formation sail with ships from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Todd Cichonowicz (photo # 051115-N-8492C-376).

Yokosuka, Japan, December 12, 2005 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), moors along the pier of her forward deployed operating base, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, after completing a regularly scheduled underway period. U.S. Navy Photo By Photographer's Mate 1st Class Crystal Brooks (# 051212-N-5686B-003).

An Aviation Boatswain's Mate Equipment prepares to launch an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VFA-102) during carrier qualifications in the Pacific Ocean, 30 May 2006. Carrier qualifications prepare pilots and flight deck crew for the landing and launching of aircraft on the flight deck aboard an aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Joshua Wayne LeGrand (# 060530-N-8604L-020).

Philippine Sea, June 18, 2006 — (Left to right) The Abraham Lincoln, Kitty Hawk and Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Groups sail in formation, while Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft (led by an Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber) fly overhead during the photo portion of Valiant Shield 2006, an Exercise that focused on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas.

NS026389: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jarod Hodge (# 060618-N-8591H-383).

(See also Valiant Shield 2006.)

Air Department Sailors re-spot aircraft on the flight deck aboard the conventionally-powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) following night flight operations during Exercise Valiant Shield 2006, Philippine Sea, 22 June 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Thomas J. Holt (#060622-N-1960H-044).

A B-2 Spirit and 16 other aircraft from the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps fly over (left to right) USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), carrier strike groups in the western Pacific Ocean on Sunday, June 18, 2006, to kick off Exercise Valiant Shield 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Todd P. Cichonowicz (# 060618-N-8492C-212).

(Left to right) USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) carrier strike groups in the western Pacific Ocean on Sunday, June 18, 2006, to kick off Exercise Valiant Shield 2006.

(Left to right) USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) carrier strike groups in the western Pacific Ocean on Sunday, June 18, 2006, to kick off Exercise Valiant Shield 2006.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Aaron Burden (# 060618-N-7130B-298).

The (left to right) Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) Carrier Strike groups steam in formation, as Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft fly overhead during the photo portion of Exercise Valiant Shield 2006, in the Philippine Sea, 18 June 2006. Valiant Shield focuses on integrated joint training among U.S. military forces, enabling real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces and in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Todd P. Cichonowicz (# 060618-N-8492C-221).

An F/A-18 Hornet takes off from the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) during flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, 26 June 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Jarod Hodge (# 060626-N-8591H-197).

Pacific Ocean, July 23, 2006 — The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Combat Stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T–AFS-3) delivers cargo to the hangar bay of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) during a replenishment at sea (RAS). RAS is the on and off-loading of stores and equipment while ships are underway. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick L. Heil (# 060723-N-3946H-028).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) encounters heavy seas in the Indian Ocean, 8 August 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jared Benner (# 060808-N-3438B-032).

Indian Ocean, August 10, 2006 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) sails into Perth, Australia for a scheduled port visit. Kitty Hawk and embarked Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) were underway in the 7th Fleet Area Of Responsibility (AOR), demonstrating power projection and sea control. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jarod Hodge (# 060810-N-8591H-043).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) tests her flight deck counter measure wash-down sprinkler systems (CMWDS). The CMWDS provides a blanket of water protection to the exterior of a ship during a chemical, biological or radiological (CBR) attack. Photo taken in the Pacific Ocean, 13 September 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jarod Hodge (#060913-N-8591H-269).

Sailors man the rails of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as the ship pulls into Truman Bay, Yokosuka, Japan, following a 56-day winter underway period which included port calls to Sasebo and Hong Kong. The Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group also participated in ANNUALEX 2006, which included more than 8,500 U.S. personnel, 85 Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and 13 U.S. ships and submarines. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Todd P. Cichonowicz (#061210-N-8492C-023).

As above. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jarod Hodge (#061210-N-8591H-107).

Quartermaster Seaman Daniel Sullivan and Quartermaster Seaman Shawn Canfield fold an American flag after flying it from USS Kitty Hawk's (CV-63) mast in honor of CAPT Guy David Johnson, December 20, 2006. The flag, which covered Johnson's casket during his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery in 1977, was sent to the ship by the family to be flown on the 41st anniversary of his death. Then LCDR Johnson and his Reconnaissance Attack Navigator (RAN), then LT(JG) Lee Edward Nordahl took off from Kitty Hawk on a bomb damage assessment (BDA) mission, December 20, 1965 in RA-5C Vigilante BuNo 151624, modex NH-604, assigned to RVAH-13 "Bats." The reconnaissance aircraft was shot down by the North Vietnamese and the two aviators were listed as missing in action after search and rescue aircraft were forced to turn back because of heavy anti-aircraft fire. Johnson's remains were returned to the United States in 1976; post-war evidence indicates that Nordahl (promoted to Lieutenant Commander) was captured but probably died of wounds soon afterwards. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stephen W. Rowe (# 061220-N-6106R-057).

LT Arnold Roper briefs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders on the daily routine inside USS Kitty Hawk's (CV-63) Combat Direction Center (CDC). As part of the 2007 Military Appreciation Tour, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders were touring various military installations throughout Asia. Yokosuka, Japan, 9 February 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kyle D. Gahlau (#070209-N-7883G-011).

Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 perform a formation flight in front of Mount Fuji, Japan, 12 April 2007. CVW-5 was embarked aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). The aircraft carrier operated from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jarod Hodge (# 070412-N-8591H-066).

Left to right, top to bottom: E-2C NP Hawkeye, BuNo 165296, modex NF600, VAW-115 "Liberty Bells;" C-2A Greyhound, BuNo 162148, modex NF31, VRC-30 Det. 5 "Providers;" EA-6B Prowler, BuNo 163524, modex NF500, VAQ-136 "Gauntlets;" F/A-18F Super Hornet, BuNo 165894, modex NF100, VFA-102 "Diamondbacks;" F/A-18E Super Hornet, BuNo 165860, modex NF200, VFA-27 "Royal Maces;" F/A-18C Hornet, BuNo 164010, modex NF300, VFA-192 "Golden Dragons;" and F/A-18C Hornet, BuNo 164905, modex NF400, VFA-195 "Dambusters."

Kittanning (YTB-787) and Opelika (YTB-798) at the bow of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) while assisting the aircraft carrier in getting underway to conduct sea trials after completing her Selective Restricted Availability (SRA), Yokosuka, Japan, 4 May 2007. US Navy photo by MCSN Kari R. Bergman (#070504-N-0483B-001).

Manistee (YTB-782) at the bow of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) while assisting the aircraft carrier into her berth at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY), 7 May 2007. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Nardelito Gervacio (#070507-N-9520G-001).

Manistee (YTB-782) and Kittanning (YTB-787) at the bow of Kitty Hawk (CV-63) at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan (CFAY) while assisting the carrier as she gets underway to conduct sea trials, 15 May 2007. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kari R. Bergman (# 070515-N-0483B-001).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) refueling from USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) in the Western Pacific, June 2007. Photo taken by Adam Pacetti, ET-2 (SW) from USS Lake Erie (CG-70).

A Grumman C-2A Greyhound COD aircraft (BuNo. 162148) of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 Detachment Five, operating from the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), taxies at Sydney International Airport in Australia, 4 July 2007. Photo by YSSYguy, courtesy of Wikipedia.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) leaves Sydney, Australia for the last time, July 10, 2007 after a five-day port visit.

Aboard USS Kitty Hawk Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller Ken Kimple, Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) supervisor, watches as a flight cycle begins on August 7, 2007 in the Pacific Ocean. Kimple supervises ten Sailors that direct Kitty Hawk aircraft and watch the skies and sea around the ship. The Kitty Hawk, John C. Stennis and Nimitz Carrier Strike Groups were participating in Valiant Shield 2007, a large joint exercise in the Pacific, near Guam. U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R Schmitt (# 070807-N-9864S-003).

Fuel lines connect USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG-85) during a replenishment at sea (RAS) in the Pacific Ocean, August 10, 2007. Kitty Hawk and McCampbell were participating in Valiant Shield 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Reckard (# 070810-N-2638R-001).

Pacific Ocean, August 14, 2007 — Nimitz (CVN-68), Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and John C. Stennis (CVN-74) Carrier Strike Groups transit in formation during a joint photo exercise (PHOTOEX) during Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in the Pacific this year. Held in the Guam operating area, Valiant Shield 2007 included 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

The aerial formation, led by an Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, consists of aircraft from the carrier strike groups as well as Air Force aircraft. Ships are, left to right: guided missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG-90); nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), followed by the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59) and the guided missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) and USS Pinckney (DDG-91); nuclear-propelled attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN-767); aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), followed by the guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG-63) and guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG-89); nuclear-propelled attack submarine USS Key West (SSN-722); nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), followed by the guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54) and the guided missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG-88) and USS O'Kane (DDG-77); the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer on the extreme right has not been positively identified, but is possibly USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60).

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hana'lei Shimana (# 070814-N-6009S-001).

Another view, as above.

DoD photo # 1542987 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jarod Hodge.

Yokosuka, Japan, September 21, 2007 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) pulls into her homeport following a four-month summer deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Meyers (# 0070921-N-4790M-346).

An HH-60H Seahawk (possibly BuNo 163786), assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14, lifts off from the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), 31 October 2007, in the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft carrier operated from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kyle D. Gahlau (# 071031-N-7883G-001).

Philippine Sea, November 16, 2007 — USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and other American and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) ships transit together at the end of ANNUALEX 19G, the maritime component of the U.S.-Japan exercise Keen Sword '08. The exercise was designed to increase interoperability between the United States and JMSDF and increase their ability to effectively and mutually respond to a regional crisis situation. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kyle D. Gahlau (# 071116-N-7883G-236).

Japanese ships in the background are, left to right: destroyer Hamagiri (DD-155); guided missile destroyer Myoko (DDG-175), followed by an unidentified ship; and destroyer Setogiri (DD-156).

Philippine Sea, November 16, 2007 — See photo NS026334, above. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kyle D. Gahlau (# 071116-N-7883G-101).

Identifiable ships in the background are, left to right: the guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG-67), left; destroyer Hamagiri (DD-155), center-right; and guided missile destroyer Myoko (DDG-175), right.

A couple pictures of Kitty Hawk from Fall Cruise 2007, taken on November 24, 2007. This was following AnnualEx 19G and the aborted attempt to enjoy some Hong Kong liberty.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) enters Truman Bay, Yokosuka, Japan, after completing sea trials, 7 March 2008.

NS-cv63-08: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080307-N-7883G-034).

NS-cv63-08a: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080307-N-7883G-042).

District Harbor Tug Manistee (YTB-782) and civilian tugs assist USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as the aircraft carrier departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka, 18 March 2008, for a scheduled deployment.

NS-cv63-03: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kari R. Bergman (# 080318-N-0483B-002).

NS-cv63-03a: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kari R. Bergman (# 080318-N-0483B-003).

NS-cv63-03b: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (# 080318-N-1251W-001).

Rough Seas. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) was underway for CQ (Airwing Carrier Qualifications) in the Sea of Japan during the week of 22 March 2008. The chopper seen on the ship's bow is a Sikorsky SH-60F from HS-14 squadron, based at the U.S. Naval Air Facility in Atsugi, Japan. The pilot had just landed on deck, and his helo was tied down on Spot 2 because the seas were too rough to move it to a safer place. Fortunately, it only suffered some minor damage (blade crutch support socket) and a lot of salt water intrusion from the sea.

While viewing the video please remember that the carrier's flight deck is some 60' (18.3 meters) above the ship's normal water line.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) steams with guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG-67), (NS-cv63-04 & NS-cv63-04a), and USS Princeton (CG-59) (NS-cv63-04a) and nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) (NS-cv63-04b) during a training exercise in the western Pacific Ocean, 29 March 2008.

NS-cv63-04: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080329-N-7883G-021).

NS-cv63-04a: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080329-N-7883G-019).

NS-cv63-04b: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080329-N-7883G-017).

NS-cv63-04c: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Stephen W. Rowe (# 080329-N-6106R-403).

NS-cv63-04d: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080329-N-7883G-065).

NS-cv63-04e: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080329-N-7883G-032).

Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 fly over the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), Western Pacific Ocean, 1 April 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080401-N-7883G-017).

USS Shiloh (CG-67) (left) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) (right) refueling from USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) (center) while USS Lassen (DDG-82) is waiting for her turn at the pump. Western Pacific, spring 2008.

USS Shiloh (CG-67) (background) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) (foreground) refueling from USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) while USS Lassen (DDG-82) is waiting for her turn at the pump. Western Pacific, spring 2008.

USS Shiloh (CG-67) (left) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) (right) refueling from USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) (center). Western Pacific, spring 2008.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) enters Yokosuka's Truman Bay after completing training with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in the western Pacific, 4 April 2008. Kitty Hawk operated from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080404-N-7883G-006).

Japanese workers look on as large harbor tugs assist USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as she departs Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, 15 April 2008.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardelito Gervacio (# 080415-N-9520G-001).

USS Lassen (DDG-82) Commanding Officer, CDR Anthony L. Simmons, keeps a watchful eye on USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) during an underway replenishment in the Pacific Ocean, 20 April 2008. Lassen was conducting routine operations with the Kitty Hawk Strike Group and was one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 which operated out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (# 080420-N-1251W-001).

Sailors gather on the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) to watch the ship's arrival in Hong Kong, 28 April 2008. Hong Kong was Kitty Hawk's last scheduled overseas port visit before her return to the United States later that year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam York (# 080428-N-1332Y-260).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) anchors in Victoria Harbor for a port visit to Hong Kong, 28 April 2008. Kitty Hawk and Carrier Air Wing 5 arrived for a port visit, which would give Sailors an opportunity to take advantage of Hong Kong's shopping and cultural attractions. This was Kitty Hawk's last port visit into a foreign country before she was replaced in the summer of 2008 by USS George Washington (CVN-73). Kitty Hawk operated from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080428-N-7883G-186).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) prepares to anchor in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor, 28 April 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080428-N-7883G-628).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) prepares to anchor in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor, 28 April 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080428-N-7883G-683).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) enters Truman Bay, 12 May 2008, after completing her last deployment before being replaced by USS George Washington (CVN-73).

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080512-N-7883G-026).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) enters Yokosuka, Japan's Truman Bay, 12 May 2008, after completing her last deployment before being replaced by USS George Washington (CVN-73) later that year. During the four-week deployment, Kitty Hawk worked with USS Nimitz (CVN-68). Kitty Hawk operated from Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080512-N-7883G-032).

Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, 27 May 2008.

Starboard profile, by ©Vern Bouwman.

RADM Richard Wren, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, speaks before the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) makes her final departure from Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (#080528-N-1251W-001).

Students from Yokosuka Middle School hold up a sign honoring the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as the ship prepares to depart Fleet Activities Yokosuka for the last time. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (#080528-N-3483C-001).

A young man waves the American Flag as the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) prepares to depart Fleet Activities Yokosuka for the last time. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (#080528-N-3483C-003).

Students from Yokosuka Middle School wave goodbye to the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as the ship departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka for the last time. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (#080528-N-3483C-004).

Sailors watch the pier while manning the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) during the ship's final departure from Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Kitty Hawk was returning to the United States for decommissioning after 10 years of service in Fleet Activities Yokosuka. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brendan Morgan (#080528-N-8842M-055).

Kittaning (YTB-787) and Manistee (YTB-782) assist USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as she departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, for the last time. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shawn Cole (#080528-N-3483C-005).

Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as the ship departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka for the last time. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (#080528-N-1251W-006).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) departs Yokosuka, Japan, for the final time, 28 May 2008. Kitty Hawk, at the time the oldest and only conventionally powered carrier in the U.S. Navy, would be replaced the following summer by the nuclear-powered USS George Washington (CVN-73). Kitty Hawk had operated from Fleet Activities Yokosuka since 1998, when she replaced USS Independence (CV-62). About 900 Kitty Hawk Sailors would be returning to Japan aboard George Washington in the coming months; the remainder of the crew would either transfer or help decommission Kitty Hawk in early 2009. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080528-N-7883G-055).

Sailors spell out "Sayonara" ("goodbye") on the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as the ship departs Yokosuka, Japan, for the final time, 28 May 2008. The aircraft carrier would be replaced by the nuclear-powered USS George Washington (CVN-73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080528-N-7883G-086).

Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as balloons are released from the flight deck. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brendan Morgan (#080528-N-8842M-046).

An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 snags an arresting wire aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in the Pacific Ocean, 28 May 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John J. Mike (#080528-N-6984M-116).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) steams along in the Pacific Ocean, 3 June 2008. The ship was returning to the United States for decommissioning after 47 years of service, 10 of which have been in Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080603-N-7883G-246).

An HH-60H Seahawk, left, piloted by CDR Christopher A. Rodeman, commanding officer of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 and an SH-60F Seahawk, piloted by CDR Manuel A. Picon, executive officer of HS-14, fly by the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) during a change of command ceremony in the Pacific Ocean, 3 June 2008. Picon relieved Rodeman. U.S. Navy photograph by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080603-N-7883G-199).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) sits pier side in Tumon Bay, Guam, 12 June 2008.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James Kimber (# 080612-N-6523K-034).

A rainbow arches near the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) while moored at Pearl Harbor, 4 July 2008. Kitty Hawk was making her first U.S. port call in more than 10 years. The ship would participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 with units from the United States, Australia, Chile, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John J. Mike (#080704-N-6984M-213).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) heads out to open sea from Naval Station Pearl Harbor to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 maritime exercise, 8 July 2008. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Michael Moriatis (#080708-N-1722M-047).

Quartermaster 3rd Class Matthew Lenerville "flag-walks" along the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) before a refueling at sea with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) in the Pacific Ocean, 13 July 2008. Kitty Hawk was participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 with units from the United States, Australia, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Heil (# 080713-N-3946H-003, top, and 080713-N-3946H-009, bottom).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) departs Pearl Harbor for the final time, 1 August 2008, after a brief port visit following the conclusion of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. This was Kitty Hawk's last exercise before returning to the U.S. mainland for decommissioning in 2009.

U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist David Rush (# 080801-N-0879R-003).

EA-6B Prowler modex NF504 (BuNo 163404), assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136 "Gauntlets," launches from USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) for the last time, 6 August 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080806-N-7883G-017).

F/A-18F Super Hornet modex NF-104 (BuNo 165880), assigned to the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, piloted by LT(JG) David Robinson and LCDR Jeremy Andrew, became the last aircraft launched from USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), in the Pacific Ocean, 6 August 2008. The aircraft carrier, which departed 28 May from Yokosuka, Japan, would send more than 900 crewmembers and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, based in Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73). U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Don Bray (#080806-N-9076B-014).

According to "Kitty Hawk aircraft fly into history" (Navy Times, 8 August 2008), the final statistics for the ship's catapults (including "no-load" shots) are as follows: #1, 165,433; #2, 99,190; #3, 100,085, the only waist catapult in the Navy to achieve more than 100,000; #4, 83,592; grand total, 448,300.

As above. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Don Bray (#080806-N-9076B-016).

An F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 "Diamondbacks" launches from the flight deck of USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, 6 August 2008, for the last time. Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 departed the ship to join USS George Washington (CVN-73) in San Diego, Calif.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080806-N-JR159-119).

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) display a homecoming pennant on the flight deck as the ship heads for San Diego, 7 August 2008. The ship was returning to the United States after operating for ten years in Yokosuka, Japan. Kitty Hawk was headed back to the U.S. mainland for decommissioning in early 2009 in Bremerton, Wash.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080807-N-7883G-103).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) prepares to moor at Naval Air Station North Island upon her return to San Diego Thursday, 7 August 2008. The 47-year-old Kitty Hawk was the oldest active-duty warship in the Navy and would be replaced that summer by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080807-N-7883G-218).

As above. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Wagner (#080807-N-7029R-021).

As above. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kyle D. Gahlau (#080807-N-7883G-228).

As above.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080807-N-7883G-232).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) prepares to moor at Naval Air Station North Island upon her return to San Diego Thursday, 7 August 2008. USS George Washington (CVN-73), foreground, would replace Kitty Hawk as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080807-N-7883G-255).

As above.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080807-N-7883G-302).

As above. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (#080807-N-7883G-363).

Kitty Hawk moves past USS George Washington (CVN-73), in background. The nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier would soon replace Kitty Hawk as the Navy's only permanent forward-deployed aircraft carrier, in Yokosuka, Japan.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) approaches the pier at Naval Air Station North Island for the first time in 10 years, 7 August 2008. The ship was returning to San Diego after operating in Yokosuka, Japan, and was replaced by USS George Washington (CVN-73) as the Navy's only carrier operating from Japan in September 2008.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (# 080807-N-7883G-367).

Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, San Diego, Calif., 9 August 2008.

Sailors man the rails aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73) during the ship's departure from Naval Air Station North Island, 21 August 2008. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier departed San Diego, Calif., en route to Yokosuka, Japan, where she would replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) (background) as the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anthony R. Martinez (#080821-N-1038M-036).

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) departs San Diego Harbor, 28 August 2008, as she makes the voyage to her new homeport of Bremerton, Wash. At 47 years old, Kitty Hawk was expected to arrive at Bremerton's Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on 2nd September for decommissioning in early 2009. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Kulp (#080828-N-2420K-001).

Sailors aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) man the rails as the aircraft carrier leaves San Diego, 28 August 2008. This was her final voyage after 47 years of service. About 1,600 Sailors made the deployment, along with nearly 70 former Kitty Hawk Sailors, including a few dozen of the ship's original crew, known as plankowners.

NS0263ef: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jeff Stewart (# 080828-N-2757S-005).

NS0263efa: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jeff Stewart (# 080828-N-2757S-007).

NS0263efb: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jeff Stewart (# 080828-N-2757S-008). The former aircraft carrier USS Midway, now a museum, sits moored along the city skyline.

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) enters Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 2 September 2008, in preparation for her decommissioning in 2009, completing 47 years of active service. Kitty Hawk was the only aircraft carrier operating permanently from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, for the previous decade.

NS0263eg: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josue Escobosa (# 080902-N-9928E-040).

NS0263ega: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josue Escobosa (# 080902-N-9928E-043).

NS0263egb: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Josue Escobosa (# 080902-N-9928E-094).

The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) changes berth at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Wash., 14 January 2009, in preparation for her upcoming decommissioning ceremony. Kitty Hawk would be moored alongside sister ships ex-USS Ranger (CV-61), ex-USS Independence (CV-62), and ex-USS Constellation (CV-64). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesus Uranga (#090114-N-2566U-003).

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Wash., February 2009.

Presentation of the colors after ship finally decommissioned, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility, 12 May 2009. Ship's Company of CAPT Todd Zecchin, LT Aaron Arky, CMC James Poletto, ATCS Gary Hassel and Shipyard Commander Captain Mark R. Whitney. U.S. Navy photo # 090512-N-0017S-039.

Bremerton, WA, June(?) 2009. Photo by Mr. Mike Sweet.

Bremerton, WA, September 2009. Note sail of ex-USS Drum (SSN-677) and another submarine—possibly ex-USS Cincinnati (SSN-693)—, and Hammerhead Crane No. 28, completed in 1933.

Series of screen shots from Google Maps pieced together by John Slaughter. Left to right: ex-USS Independence (CV-62), ex-USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), ex-USS Constellation (CV-64), and ex-USS Ranger (CV-61), Bremerton, WA, circa 2010.

John comments: «Indy and Connie are showing signs of weathering. They are both in the early stages of being readied for scrapping. Kitty Hawk is still listed as in reserve. I guess that's in case something disastrous happened to one of the active carriers. Ranger's flight deck is covered with something like a rubber coating about 3" thick to protect it. This is because of the efforts going on to save her as a museum. Less maintenance. I measured Kitty Hawk's flight deck in the picture and then, using that as a scale, I measured the gap between her and Indy. Their flight decks, by my rough estimate, are less than 10' apart.»

Series of photos taken by Robert Hall on Friday, 27 May 2011.

Ex-Kitty Hawk (CV-63), left, and ex-Independence (CV-62), Bremerton, Washington, 2013.

Ex-USS Independence (CV-62), left, and ex-USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), right. Saturday, 11 February 2017.

Panoramic views, March 2017. Left to right: ex-USS Independence (CV-62), ex-USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), bow of ex-USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60), ex-USNS Bridge (T‑AOE 10), ex-USNS Rainier (T‑AOE 7), ex-USS Dubuque (LPD-8), two more decommissioned FFGs, and USS Nimitz (CVN-68).

Friday, 10 March 2017.

Tuesday, 21 March 2017. Ex-USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) seen from Port Orchard Waterfront.

Visible in the photos "is the Steam Derrick Crane Foss 300 which is in fact an old time steam crane which is operated by a dedicated crew specifically qualified to maintain and operate steam power. Looks like she might be making lifts of various pieces of equipment left on the Inactive Maintenance Facility Pier after the ex-USS Independence (CV-62) departure [11 March 2017]."

Monday, 22 May 2017. Note propellers on deck, aft.

Ex-Kitty Hawk departed Bremerton, WA, 15 January 2022, for a journey around South America to a scrapyard in Brownsville, Texas, where it arrived on 31 May.

Photos taken with a DJI FPV Drone.

Ex-Kitty Hawk departing Bremerton, 15 January 2022, as above.

Ex-Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and ex-Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) being scrapped in Brownsville, Texas, July 2022.