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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


Contributed by Mike Smolinski

USS CONSTELLATION   (CVA-64)
(later CV-64)


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For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
1983-2003
CV-64 Constellation
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398k

USS Constellation (CV-64) during her January 1983–February 1984 yard period at Puget Sound Navy Yard.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo (# 1996.488.103.024).

Mike Green
CV-64 Constellation
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307k

Flight deck loaded with cars, returning to San Diego from a 13-month Complex Overhaul in Bremerton, Wash. 1984.

Greg Brown
CV-64 Constellation
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52k

An aerial starboard bow view of the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) underway in the Pacific Ocean, 15 February 1984. Note the F/A-18 Hornet aircraft on the bow. US Navy photo (DVIC id: DNST8507323).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-64 Constellation
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336k

USS Constellation (CV-64) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), background. NAS North Island, San Diego, Calif., circa 1984.

Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
CV-64 Constellation
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USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), left, and USS Constellation (CV-64). NAS North Island, San Diego, Calif., circa 1984.

Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
CV-64 Constellation
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Passing under the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Fleet Week 1984(?).

Greg Brown
CV-64 Constellation
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52k

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft takes off from the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) during Fleet Exercise 85, Pacific Ocean, 29 October 1984. An F/A-18A Hornet is on a catapult in front of a Mark-7 jet blast deflector. Behind the deflector is an S-3A Viking aircraft with wings folded. Among the aircraft parked on the flight deck are S-3A's, F/A-18A Hornets and A-6E Intruders. US Navy photo by JO2 Millie Tamberg (DVIC id: DNSN8602055).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-64 Constellation
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63k

An elevated port bow view of the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) underway in the Pacific Ocean, 29 October 1984, during Fleet Exercise 85. Various aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 14 are parked on the flight deck. US Navy photo by JO2 Millie Tamberg (DVIC id: DNST8602018).

Compare this photo to 026403 and 026406.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-64 Constellation
NS09590220
Download free PowerPoint Viewer 2003, from Microsoft® website
9.71Mb

Slide Show of USS Camden (AOE-2) WESTPAC '85 deployment, with several views of USS Constellation.

Ray F. Longaker, Jr.
CV-64 Constellation
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1.61M

Air-to-air left side view of an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft (BuNo 161927, modex NK300) from Strike-Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 "Stingers" alongside a Soviet TU-142 Bear A aircraft (above), somewhere over the Pacific Ocean, 18 March 1985.

As the Cruise Book noted: "Constellation is the first aircraft carrier to make a major deployment with the Navy's newest strike fighter, the F/A-18 Hornet."

Photo by LT Martin. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 330-CFD-DN-SC-86-01314.

NARA
CV-64 Constellation
NS0264cp
1.86M

Smoke drifts up from a catapult as an F/A-18A Hornet aircraft (BuNo 161936, modex NK307) from Strike-Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 "Stingers," prepares to launch aboard USS Constellation (CV-64), 25 March 1985. The aircraft carrier, with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, was en route to Subic Bay, Philippines.

Photo by PHAN Bonham. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 330-CFD-DN-SC-86-01287.

NARA
CV-64 Constellation
NS0264ad
168k

USS Constellation (CV-64), May 1986.

Photo by Rick Garcia, Vancouver. Chris Howell Collection.

Chris Howell, Southland Ship Stores Limited, Port of Bluff, N.Z.
CV-64 + CV-63 + CV-61
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403k

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.

NARA, via Yu Chu
CV-64
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1.75M

"The Admiral's Visit," a true sea story. Latter half of 1987.

Ray F. Longaker, Jr.
CV-64 Constellation
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Three views of USS Constellation (CV-64) at sea with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, circa 1988.

NS0264aq: Official U.S. Navy photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NH&HC), photo # NH 106550-KN.

NS0264aqa: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 300-CFD-DN-SC-89-08411.

NS0264aqb: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), photo # 300-CFD-DN-ST-89-05590.

NH&HC
CV-64 Constellation
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1.09M NARA
CV-64 Constellation
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1.59M
CV-64 Constellation
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362k

"... [T]he aircraft carrier suffered a major engine room fire on 2 August [1988], which her firefighter teams fought for more than twenty-four hours before bringing it under control. The warship returned to San Diego under her own power on 3 August, and the crew spent only two months cleaning and repairing main machinery room No. 1, successfully firing off all boilers on 29 September one month ahead of schedule." (Quoted from DANFS.)

Article from All Hands magazine, November 1988 issue, page 41.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-61, CV-62, CV-64
NS0261bi
586k

Left to right: USS Ranger (CV-61), USS Constellation (CV-64) and USS Independence (CV-62), Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, San Diego, California, circa 1989 (late 1988–early 1990).

Museum of Military History, Kissimmee, FL
CV-64 Constellation
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Three aircraft carriers: USS Constellation (CV-64), USS Independence (CV-62) and USS Ranger (CV-61), docked at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), California. Circa second half of 1989, but exact date shot unknown. Photo by CWO Dale, USN.

National Archives photo (DNSC0410879; NARA id: 6640125).

NARA
CV-64 Constellation
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The commercial harbor tugs Mister Randy and Mister Don maneuver the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) as the ship departs from port during PACEX '89. The aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV-62) is moored in the background. San Diego, California, September 18, 1989.

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service photo # DN-ST-90-08758.

Bill Gonyo
CV-64 Constellation
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76k

At the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1992, undergoing a 3-year Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).

Richard Smith
CV-64 Constellation
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CVA-64 Constellation
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156k Nice, bows on view of "Connie" at speed. USN
CV-64 Constellation
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Sailors watch as USS Constellation (CV-64) makes her way towards her berth at NAS North Island, San Diego, Calif., 22 July 1993. The aircraft carrier was returning to her homeport after a 32-month service life extension program (SLEP) overhaul at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and a 55-day cruise around South America. US Navy photo by PH2 M. C. Farrington, available from Defense Media Activity Center (# DN-SC-93-06237).

USN
CV-64 Constellation
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USS Constellation (CV-64) underway in the mid-1990s.

Robert Hurst
CV-64 Constellation
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USS Constellation (CV-64) Carrier Battle Group in the mid-1990s. In fact, the Group appears to be that of Connie's 1994–1995 WestPac cruise: an attack submarine, USS Topeka (SSN-754); a destroyer, USS Kinkaid (DD-965); two guided missile cruisers, USS Chosin (CG-65) and USS Lake Erie (CG-70); an ammunition ship, USS Kiska (AE-35); and a replenishment oiler, USS Cimarron (AO-177).

Wendell McLaughlin
CV-64 Constellation
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USS Constellation (CV-64) underway in the mid-1990s.

Wendell McLaughlin
CV-64 Constellation
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The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Admiral Jeremy M. Boorda, addresses the crew aboard USS Constellation (CV-64), circa 1 August 1994 (exact date unknown).

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 330-CFD-DN-SC-96-00080.

NARA
CV-64 Constellation
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1.52M

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Admiral Jeremy M. Boorda, sits down and enjoys a meal with a few enlisted sailors aboard USS Constellation (CV-64), circa 1 August 1994 (exact date unknown).

U.S. Navy photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), # 330-CFD-DN-SC-96-00081.

CV-64 Constellation
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USS Constellation (CV-64) underway circa 1995, location unknown. (RAN photo).

Robert Hurst
CV-64 Constellation
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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.

DMA
CV-64 Constellation
NS026439
85k

San Diego, California (April 1, 1997) — USS Constellation (CV-64) departs her home port of San Diego, California, to begin a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment. The carrier and her Battle Group would head to the Persian Gulf to enforce no-fly zones over Iraq and monitor shipping to and from the region. U.S. Navy photograph by Photographer's Mate Airman Neil H. F. Sheinbaum (# 970401-N-0789S-001).

Bill Gonyo
CV-64 Constellation
NS026406
134k

Pacific Ocean (April 14, 1997) — USS Constellation (CV-64) enroute to the Persian Gulf to enforce no-fly zones and monitor shipping to and from Iraq. Official U.S. Navy photograph (970414-N-0789S-003) by Airman Photographer's Mate Neil H. F. Sheinbaum.

Compare this photo to 026403 and 026436.

USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026429
86k The aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64), participating in Operation Southern Watch, is silhouetted on the sea as she continues her vigil in the Arabian Gulf on May 25, 1997. The Constellation Battle Group and her air wing were enforcing no-fly zones and monitoring shipping in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Steven G. Crawford (# 970525-N-2160C-001). USN
CV-64 Constellation
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USS Constellation (CV-64), with her crew "manning the rail," departs her homeport, San Diego, California, to begin her 22nd overseas deployment (1 April–1 October 1997), where she would participate in Operation Southern Watch and Exercise Arabian Skies. CVW-2 was the embarked Air Wing amd consisted of the following squadrons and aircraft:

  • VF-2 "Bounty Hunters," F-14D Tomcat
  • VMFA-323 "Death Rattlers," F/A-18C Hornet
  • VFA-151 "Vigilantes," F/A-18C Hornet
  • VFA-137 "Kestrels," F/A-18C Hornet
  • VAW-116 "Sun Kings," E-2C Hawkeye
  • HS-2 "Golden Falcons," SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk
  • VAQ-131 "Lancers," EA-6B Prowler
  • VS-38 "Red Griffins," S-3B Viking
  • VQ-5 Det C "Sea Shadows," ES-3A Shadow
  • VRC-30 Det 3 "Providers," C-2A Greyhound

U.S. Navy photo.

Robert M. Cieri
CV-64 Constellation
NS026494
47k

Two views of the hangar deck, taken in April 1998, en route from San Diego to Bremerton.

Tom Armstrong,
USS Constellation,
1968–1969
CV-64 Constellation
NS026494a
2.14M

En route from San Diego to Bremerton for overhaul, April 1998 (60-photo album).

CV-64 Constellation
NS026409
91k The USS Constellation (CV-64) (foreground) steams alongside the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in the South China Sea on Aug. 8, 1999. The two aircraft carriers and their embarked air wings were conducting a brief exercise as they operated together. The Constellation was steaming toward the Persian Gulf for a deployment, while the Kitty Hawk was returning from a deployment in the Persian Gulf. DoD photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Steven Crawford, U.S. Navy. [990808-N-2160C-001]. USN
CV-64 Constellation
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"In Memory of Daren D. Jewell, 'Chowder,' LT, USN"

LT Jewell (1974–2000) was killed when his F/A-18C Hornet (BuNo 164737) crashed shortly after launch from USS Constellation (CV-64) during a routine training exercise, 80 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico, 20 October 2000, 1930 local time. He was assigned to VFA-151 "Vigilantes," stationed at Lemoore Naval Air Station.

Tom Armstrong,
USS Constellation,
1968–1969
CV-64 Constellation
NS026450
205k Sydney, Australia, April 5, 2001 — USS Constellation (CV-64) arrives in the port of Sydney, Australia, for a visit prior to continuing on to the Persian Gulf. "Connie" was enroute to the Gulf to relieve USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in support of Operation Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Thomas Northrup (# 010405-N-6815N-001). Bill Gonyo
CV-64 Constellation
NS0264da
326k USS Constellation (CV-64), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 6–9 September 2001, at the end of her second to last WestPac deployment. Robert D. Hall III,
via Bob Canchola
CV-64 Constellation
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253k
Four carriers
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San Diego, Calif., Sept. 30, 2002 — An aerial view of San Diego Harbor with four of the Navy's aircraft carriers moored at the Naval Air Station, North Island. The carriers are (from left) USS Constellation (CV-64), USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). It is rare to have this many carriers in port at any one time. U.S. Navy photo (# 020930-N-7265L-001) by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Inez Lawson.

USN
CV-64
NS026437
131k

San Diego, Calif., Nov. 2, 2002 — After pulling away from the carrier pier at Naval Air Station North Island, USS Constellation (CV-64), heads down San Diego bay at the start of a regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Photo provided courtesy Retired Navy Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Chuck Cavanaugh (#021102-O-1144C-008).

Bill Gonyo
CV-64
NS026408
77k

San Diego, Calif., Nov. 2, 2002 — USS Constellation (CV-64) departs Naval Air Station North Island at the start of a regularly scheduled six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She carried aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2). U.S. Navy photo (021102-N-8796S-032) by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Tim Smith.

USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026410
63k Nov. 30, 2002 — Constellation steams through the ocean en route to a liberty port call in Singapore. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Timothy Smith. [021130-N-8796S-096]. USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026411
72k Jan. 3, 2003 — A flight deck crewmember guides an F-14D Tomcat assigned to the "Bounty Hunters" of Fighter Squadron Two (VF-2) onto one of four steam driven catapults on the ship's flight deck. This is the last cruise for the "Bounty Hunters", as their squadron will be decommissioned along with the Constellation after this deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Richard Moore. [030103-N-4655M-001]. USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026415
50k Mar. 20, 2003 — An S-3 Viking assigned to the “Red Griffins” of Sea Control Squadron Three Eight (VS-38) is launched from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) during night flight operations. The ship and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) were conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Timothy Smith. [030319-N-8796S-003]. USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026418
74k The Persian Gulf, Mar. 21, 2003 — Aviation Ordnancemen load GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) onto an F/A-18 Hornet on the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV 64). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Charles E. Alvarado (# 030321-N-1356A-002). USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026438
96k The Persian Gulf, Apr. 10, 2003 — USS Constellation (CV-64) conducts flight operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Kristi Earl (# 030410-N-1974E-018). Bill Gonyo
CV-64 Constellation, CV-63 Kitty Hawk
NS026416
60k

The Persian Gulf, Apr. 13, 2003 — Together for a last time, USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) (top) and USS Constellation (CV-64) underway in the Persian Gulf. The Navy's oldest active warship, Kitty Hawk with Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5), and Constellation with Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2), conducted combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Adam Gomez (# 030413-N-9043G-002).

USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS0264bc
367k

Leaflets dropped over Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2002–2003.

IZD 007: "Iraqi ADA Beware! Do not track or fire on coalition aircraft!"

IZD 001: "Information Radio, 1800–2300 Daily"

IZ D017c: "Air defense artillery units have been targeted for destruction"

IZ D002/002a: "Information Radio, 1800–2300 Daily"

(See Operation Iraqi Freedom for more information—will open in a new window/tab.)

Tom Armstrong,
USS Constellation 1968–69
CV-64 Constellation
NS026432
62k

F/A-18C Hornet being recovered during Operation Iraqi Freedom, April 2003.

Stuart Goodman, LT, USNR
CV-64 Constellation
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72k

April 2003, during a recovery cycle in the Persian Gulf (Operation Iraqi Freedom).

Stuart Goodman, LT, USNR
CV-64 Constellation
NS026431
58k

Shot while "Connie" was on her transit home in the Indian Ocean.

Stuart Goodman, LT, USNR
CV-64 Constellation
NS026419
123k The Indian Ocean, Apr. 29, 2003 — Sailors "man the rails" aboard USS Constellation (CV-64) as she pulls into Perth, Australia for a port call on her return transit to her homeport of San Diego, Calif., following her deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Timothy Smith (# 030429-N-8796S-114). USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026433
123k

A shot of the wardroom, May 2003.

Stuart Goodman, LT, USNR
CV-64 Constellation
NS026420
49k May 8, 2003 — USS Constellation (CV-64) steams near the Western Coast of Australia on her return transit to her homeport of San Diego, Calif., following her deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Capt. Faris P. Farwell (# 030508-N-0000F-001). USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026421
85k The Indian Ocean, May 8, 2003 — An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the "Lancers" of Electronic Attack Squadron One Thirty One (VAQ-131) launches from the flight deck aboard USS Constellation (CV-64). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman John P. Curtis (# 030508-N-9712C-047). USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS0264af
157k

During a practice air power demonstration, 20 May 2003, for an upcoming "Tiger Cruise" to be held aboard USS Constellation (CV-64) in the Pacific Ocean, an SH-60F Seahawk assigned to the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 2 banks sharply towards the aircraft carrier to demonstrate its ability to fly very low to the water. Constellation and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 were on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain (# 030520-N-0295M-013).

Courtesy of Scott Koen & ussnewyork.com
CV-64 Constellation
NS0264afa
110k

During a practice air power demonstration, 20 May 2003, for an upcoming "Tiger Cruise" to be held aboard USS Constellation (CV-64) in the Pacific Ocean, an HH-60H Seahawk assigned to the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 2 prepares to hover next to the aircraft carrier to demonstrate its ability to fly very low to the water. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain (# 030520-N-0295M-014).

CV-64 Constellation
NS0264afb
73k

Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 fly over USS Constellation (CV-64) in a tight formation, 20 May 2003, at the conclusion of a practice air and sea power demonstration for an upcoming "Tiger Cruise" aboard the ship, in the Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain (# 030520-N-0295M-022).

CV-64 Constellation
NS026422
106k Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, May 22, 2003 — USS Constellation (CV-64) pulls into Pearl Harbor for a much awaited port visit. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Benjamin F. Story (cropped from photo # 030522-N-4231S-001). USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026451
86k Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, May 22, 2003 — USS Constellation (CV-64) steams past USS Missouri (BB-63) as she begins a week-long port visit to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on her way home to San Diego, Calif. "Connie" was returning from deployment after more than seven months at sea in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Adan Fabela III (# 030522-N-7833F-008). Bill Gonyo
CV-64 Constellation
NS026423
76k USS Constellation leaves Pearl Harbor for the last time, May 27, 2003 on her way back to San Diego. Photo by Daniel Bethke
CV-64 Constellation
NS026424
75k

Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, June 2, 2003 — USS Constellation (CV-64) returns to her homeport in San Diego following a successful seven month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Andrew J. Betting (# 030602-N-8590B-001).

USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026491
281k

North Island, San Diego, 4 July 2003.

Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR (Ret.)
Decommissioning Ceremony, August 7, 2003
CV-64 Constellation
NS026425
86k

Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Aug. 7, 2003 — Sailors aboard USS Constellation (CV-64) lower the colors for the last time during the ship's decommissioning ceremony, which marked the end of the ship's nearly 42 years of service to the nation. During Constellation’s commissioned service, she completed 21 deployments and most recently completed combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom: the Constellation Carrier Strike Group flew more than 1,500 sorties and expended more than a million pounds of ordnance. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Charles E. Alvarado (# 030807-N-1356A-002).

USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026426
74k

Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Aug. 7, 2003 — A three-plane formation of F/A-18 Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Three Two Three (VMFA-323) conducts a flyover of USS Constellation (CV-64) during the ship's decommissioning ceremony. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Prince A. Hughes III (# 030807-N-1397H-001).

USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026427
97k

Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Aug. 7, 2003 — Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham addresses the guests and crew of USS Constellation (CV-64) during the ship's decommissioning ceremony. Congressman Cunningham served aboard Constellation as a pilot with the "Fighting Falcons" of Fighter Squadron Nine Six (VF-96), where he became the only Navy "Ace" of the Vietnam conflict.

U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Prince A. Hughes III (# 030807-N-1397H-006).

USN
CV-64 Constellation
NS026452
330k

"An Oath Sworn, An Oath Kept."

Richard Miller BMCS USNR Ret.
CV-64 Constellation
NS026453
274k

Sailors walk down the brow for the last time.

CV-64 Constellation
NS026453a
344k

-

CV-64 Constellation
NS026453b
328k

-

Ex-USS Constellation
ex-CV-64 Constellation
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46k

San Diego, Calif., Sep. 12, 2003 — The decommissioned aircraft carrier Constellation (CV-64) begins her transit from Naval Air Station North Island to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The 41-year old ship was towed by a contracted ocean-going tug operated by Foss Maritime of Seattle, Wash. The transit was expected to take two weeks. Constellation had been homeported in San Diego since 1962. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Brandon A. Teeples (# 030912-N-9288T-002).

USN
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS0264bp
252k

Remembering the good, ol' days

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 24 June 2004.

Tom Armstrong,
USS Constellation,
1968–1969
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS0264bpa
75k
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS0264bpb
320k
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS0264bpc
269k

NS026245
40k

Bremerton, Wash., 2006. Four aircraft carriers (front to back, photo NS026245; left to right, photo NS026245a): ex-USS Independence (CV-62), ex-USS Constellation (CV-64), ex-USS Ranger (CV-61), and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). Also visible in these photos are two Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigates, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, a Knox-class frigate and the fast combat support ships ex-USS Sacramento (AOE-1) and ex-USS Camden (AOE-2).

Jack Treutle

NS026245a
51k
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS026480
105k

At Puget Sound, Wash., Tuesday, 8 July 2008.

Ex-Ranger (CV-61) is in the middle distance, and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) in the background.

Dave Nilsen
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS026480a
103k
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS026480b
101k
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS026480c
120k
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS026480d
101k
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS026487
73k

Puget Sound, Wash., Friday, 13 February 2009. Ex-USS Constellation (CV-64) and ex-USS Ranger (CV-61).

Scott Roche
ex-CV-64 Constellation
NS026487a
86k

NS0261ak
110k

Aerial view of Bremerton, WA, 10 March 2009. Left to right: ex-Independence (CV-62), ex-Constellation (CV-64), ex-Sides (FFG-14), ex-George Philip (FFG-12), ex-Ranger (CV-61), and ex-Vincennes (CG-49).

Ron Reeves.

NS026180
207k

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.»

John Slaughter, Webmaster USS Ranger History & Memorial site.

NS0264am
47k

Island of ex-Constellation (CV-64), 27 May 2011.

Robert Hall.

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Tom Armstrong and his 9-year-old granddaughter, Issa, took a lot of pictures on 8 August 2014, as ex-Constellation, Tom's old ship, was towed away for the last time from Bremerton, WA, en route to Brownsville, TX, where Connie would be scrapped.

NS0264aod: Ex-Ranger (CV-61), left; ex-Dubuque (LPD-8), center; and ex-Constellation (CV-64), right.

Tom Armstrong, USS Constellation, 1968–1969.

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Eight photos of ex-USS Constellation as she entered the Brazos Santiago and made the turn into the Brownsville Ship Channel, 16 January 2015.

Philip Smith.

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69k Courtesy of International Shipbreaking Limited, LLC

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Ex-Constellation being scrapped at International Shipbreaking Limited, Brownsville, Texas, 7 July 2015.

Mark D. Stotzer.

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Three views of ex-Constellation being scrapped at International Shipbreaking Limited, Brownsville, Texas, 11 July 2015.

Larry Schmuhl, Vice President for USS Ranger Reunion Association, Inc., via Bob Haner, YN1, USN (Ret.), USS John F. Kennedy.

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Ex-USS Constellation (CV-64) being dismantled at Brownsville, Texas. Ex-USS Ranger (CV-61) is seen at top of picture. Google Earth image dated 21 January 2016.

Google Earth via Craig Busack.
CV-61 Ranger
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Three former aircraft carriers being dismantled at Brownsville, Texas. Left to right: ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), ex-USS Ranger (CV-61), and ex-USS Constellation (CV-64). Google Earth image dated 21 January 2016.

Google Earth image via Craig Busack
CV-61 Ranger
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Three former aircraft carriers being dismantled at Brownsville, Texas. Top left, partly visible, ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60); center, ex-USS Ranger (CV-61); center right, ex-USS Constellation (CV-64). Taken approximately at the same time as the photos above.

Courtesy of International Shipbreaking Limited, LLC
xCV-60, xCV-61, xCV-64
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Three former aircraft carriers being dismantled at Brownsville, Texas. Left to right, and top to bottom: ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60), ex-USS Ranger (CV‑61), and ex-USS Constellation (CV-64). Google Earth image dated 29 January 2017.

William comments:

"No significant progress on ex-USS Saratoga (CV-60) on north side of channel. Work appears to have stopped some months ago."

"The entire flight deck of ex-USS Ranger (CV-61) has been removed, left (west) south side of the shipping channel."

"Scrapping of ex-USS Constellation (CV-64) appears just about complete. Less than 1/2 of the hull appears to remain and the hulk is being winched in to the south shore in the demolition slip as it is scrapped from fore to aft. It should be completely gone by the next Google Earth photo and I expect that the CV-61 hulk will be moved to the slip trench to complete the scrapping."

Google Earth image via William Stevens (USN, Ret.)

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Last update: 18 May 2024