USS America (CV-66) as she appeared in the 1980s.

An aerial starboard view of the guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG-46) and the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) underway. Judging from ships' equipment and apparent Air Wing composition, this picture was most likely taken on 14 April 1981, as America and Preble departed Norfolk, Virginia, on a seven-month deployment to the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.

US Navy photo, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service as DN-SC-87-08416.

Aircraft and crewmen on the forward flight deck of USS America (CV-66) as the ship heads south through the Suez Canal, 6 May 1981. America was the first US carrier to transit the Canal since Intrepid (CVS-11) did so in June 1967, just prior to the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War.

This was Carrier Air Wing Eleven's (CVW-11) second and last deployment aboard America. Among the aircraft visible on this photo are A-7E Corsair IIs (VA-192 "Golden Dragons" and VA-195 "Dam Busters"), A-6E Intruders (VA-95 "Green Lizards") and one S-3A Viking (VS-33 "Screwbirds").

US Navy photo by PH1 Jim Preston (DVIC id: DNST8201721).

An aerial port quarter view of the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) after her transit through the Suez Canal, 6 May 1981. US Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Robert Bunge (DVIC id: DNST8405063).

An aerial stern view of USS America (CV-66) and USNS Navasota (T-AO 106) during an underway replenishment operation in the Indian Ocean, June 1981.

US Navy photo by PH2 Collins (DVIC id: DNSC8507724).

Wonderful overhead view of America in the Suez Canal, 21 October 1981, at the completion of a deployment in the Indian Ocean. This transit, however, proved to be more tense than the southward one, 5 1/2 months earlier (see above), owing to the fact that Egyptian President Anwar Sadat had been assassinated on 6 October.

US Navy photo by PH2 Thorsvik (DVIC id: DNST8208141).

An F-14A Tomcat assigned to VF-102 "Diamondbacks" taking off from USS America (CV-66), probably in the early 1980s. Photo from The American Fighter, by Enzo Angelucci.

A left underside view of an F-14A Tomcat from USS America (CV-66) escorting a Soviet Tu-95 Bear D reconnaissance aircraft away from the exercise Northern Wedding '82 task force, over the Atlantic Ocean, September 12, 1982.

US Navy photo (DVIC id: DM-SN-83-02047).

USS America under way in the Med in 82 or 83. Photographer is Mario Mederos, H-46 crewchief from HMM-263.

A U.S. Navy Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 "Batmen" and two LTV A-7E Corsair IIs from Attack Squadron (VA) 72 "Blue Hawks" in flight. Both squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 aboard USS America (CV-66), visible below, for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean, 8 December 1982–2 June 1983.

U.S. Navy photo from the America 1982–1983 Cruise Book.

As above. Photo by PH2 Bunge.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo, # 330-CFD-DN-SC-83-08708.

A bow view of USS America (CV-66) underway in the Indian Ocean, 21 April 1983, as 16 aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) fly overhead.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) photo # 300CFD-DN-SC-83-08193.

Another view, as above.

An aerial port bow view of the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) underway in the Indian Ocean, 24 April 1983. US Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Robert D. Bunge (# 050420-N-0000X-001).

An aerial bow view of the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) underway in the Indian Ocean, 24 April 1983. US Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Robert D. Bunge (# 050420-N-0000X-002).

US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Local Identifier DN-SC-86-04786, a US Navy photo by PHAA Elliott.

USS America at Norfolk, August 1985.

Note stem-mounted anchor, required by a big sonar dome in the forefoot. America and John F. Kennedy had bow sonar domes, though only America had sonar actually installed; the set (a low frequency SQS-23) was removed in late 1981.

USS America at Norfolk, August 1985.

Note the red-and-white painted "Belknap pole," a navigational aid now used on all carriers and designed after the tragic collision of the guided-missile cruiser USS Belknap (CG-26) with the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) in 1975.

A starboard beam view of the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) at Vestfjord, Norway, September 1985. America was participating in NATO exercise Ocean Safari '85, and in the process became the first U.S. aircraft carrier to operate inside a Norwegian fjord.

U.S. Navy photo by PHAN Meore. Available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service as # DN-SC-86-03144.

An elevated beam view of the aircraft carriers (front to back) USS America (CV-66), USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) moored at piers No. 11 and 12, Naval Station Norfolk, VA, sometime between October 18th and 26th, 1985.

America returned from Exercise Ocean Safari on 9 October, and Nassau (LHA-4), readily visible in the background, on 12 October. John F. Kennedy arrived in Norfolk on 18 October, after post-overhaul trials and a visit to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Nimitz arrived from the Med on 4 October. Dwight D. Eisenhower had returned from the Caribbean on 22 August and began a COH at Newport News on 26 October.

U.S. Navy photo, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service as # DN-SC-86-02405.

Four Newport News-built carriers at the Norfolk Naval Base. Another view, as above.

The catapult crew of the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) are shrouded in smoke from the catapults, while [three] F-14A Tomcats [from VF-33 "Starfighters" and VF-102 "Diamondbacks"] await their turn for launching. Photo US DoD.

Photo and text from Carriers: The Men and The Machines, by David Miller and Lindsay Peacock.

Location unknown. Date unknown (most likely mid- to late-1980s).

Crewmen and members of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 spell out "75th Fly Navy" diamond anniversary salute to US Naval Aviation on the flight deck of USS America (CV-66). Caribbean Sea, 21 February 1986.

U.S. Navy photo by PH3 John S. Meore. Defense Video & Imagery Distribtution Service (DVIDS), VIRIN: DN-SC-86-04163.

Training/CARQUALs aboard USS America (CV-66) in 1988. TA-3B Skywarrior, BuNo 144856, modex GD121, Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 33 "Firebirds." This was the first A3D-2T/TA-3B example. It was loaned to Thunderbird Aviation in 1992–96 and modified as an RA-3B.

Training/CARQUALs aboard USS America (CV-66) in 1988. TA-3B Skywarrior, BuNo 144857, modex GD125, Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 33 "Firebirds." Converted to VIP transport.

Training/CARQUALs aboard USS America (CV-66) in 1988.

Family Cruise aboard USS America (CV-66), 1988.

USS America (CV-66) underway during Exercise North Star, 1989.

Exercise North Star, 1989. E-2C Hawkeye, BuNo 161551 (modex AB-603), Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 "Screwtops," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

Exercise North Star, 1989. SH-3H Sea King, BuNo 154101 (modex AB-612), Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 "Dragon Slayers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

Exercise North Star, 1989. SH-3H Sea King, BuNo 154122(?) (modex AB-613), Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 "Dragon Slayers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

Port call, Spain, 1989. SH-3H Sea King, BuNo 154101(?) or 154103(?) (modex AB-615), Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 "Dragon Slayers," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

Crash training, F-14A Tomcat, probably BuNo 161147 (modex AB-113), Fighter Squadron (VF) 102 "Diamondbacks," Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1. The Tomcat with side number 201, in the background, is probably BuNo 162705, VF-33 "Starfighters."

Fleet Replacement Squadron (RAG, for the former Readiness Carrier Air Group) Carrier Qualifications (CarQuals), 1989. Launching E-2 Hawkeye.

USS America (CV-66) underway with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 aboard, circa 1988–1989.

This photo (top) has been widely circulated and discussed. Many have questioned its authenticity. It is usually said that "this is an actual fly-by during deployment of the Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS Stennis. The pilot was grounded for 30 days, but he likes the picture and thinks it was worth it. Yikes!"

In fact, the photo is real, but the usual caption is totally wrong. The aircraft carrier is USS America and the photo was taken in 1988, when construction of John C. Stennis had not yet begun. The pilot was CDR Dale O. Snodgrass, and he was not grounded.

Retired Captain Snodgrass wrote in 1998: "I am amazed that after nine years this photo is being scrutinized with such fervor. The photo is in fact real. It was taken during a dependent's day airshow aboard the USS America in the summer of 1988. I was Executive Officer of VF-33, the Captain of the America was JJ Coonan. It was of my opening pass in the F-14 demo. [...] This photo indeed has a surrealistic quality. I believe it is due to the focal length of the camera used. There is no doubt that this pass was an aggressive low level maneuver, however, it was briefed to the Airwing Commander who happened to be Captain JL Johnson. Currently he is the Chief of Naval Operations. In fact the officer standing on the flight [deck] with his hands behind his back adjacent the LSO platform is CNO."

The photos were taken by Sean E. Dunn, who served aboard America from May 1987 to December 1989. Visit Sean's web site to read his story and see more photos from that day.

Air-to-air right side view of two F-14A Tomcats from Fighter Squadron (VF) 33 "Starfighters" over the coast of Puerto Rico, during training prior to a deployment aboard USS America (CV-66). Photo dated 1 April 1990, taken by LCDR K.P. Neubauer; available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-SC-92-04334.

9-photo series of USS America (CV-66) underway "in the Persian Gulf," possibly in 1990–91.

A U.S. Marine Corps North American OV-10A Bronco (BuNo 155424, ER15) from Marine Observation Squadron (VMO) 1 takes off from USS America (CV-66), 9 January 1991. VMO-1 was transported across the Atlantic Ocean and flown off to Spain. The squadron then flew to Saudi Arabia to take part in the 1991 Gulf War.

U.S. Navy photo from the America 1990–91 Cruise Book.

155424 was shot down on 25 February 1991 by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile. Pilot (Major Joseph J. Small III, USMC) was captured and observer (Captain David M. Spellacy, USMC) was killed. Major Small was released on 6 March. This was the last USMC combat loss of an OV-10.

View of the flight deck during Operation Desert Shield, January 1991, in the Suez Canal.

An F-14A Tomcat lands aboard USS America (CV-66) during Operation Desert Shield.

A view of the flight deck of USS America (CV-66) getting ready to start the first flight ops of the war (Operation Desert Storm, January 1991) from the ship.

On 15 February 1991, an A-6E Intruder from Attack Squadron (VA) 85 "Black Falcons" (BuNo 155602, modex AB513) was hit by ground fire during a Desert Storm bombing mission. Although losing hydraulics, the aircraft was able to return to USS America (CV-66) and made a successful trap. However, due to the loss of fluids, the pilot could not retract the tail hook nor use the brakes. The Intruder rolled over the angled deck and its crew (LCDR J. "Mac" Williams and LT L. Fox) ejected. The aircraft came to a rest, tail up, without going completely over the deck. At this point, the rest of the returning strike was in the pattern and low on gas. The A-6E was in all probability serviceable but there was no time to bring it back to the flight deck. Therefore, the deck crew removed the plane's ALQ-167 electronic countermeasures pod and pushed the "bird" into the Persian Gulf.

All four of the carriers sailing in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm—Battle Force Zulu—briefly steamed together in formation on 2 March 1991, after the cease-fire. USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) leads USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55)—starboard flank—, USS Midway (CV-41), USS Ranger (CV-61), USS Normandy (CG-60)—port flank—, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)—starboard—and USS America (CV-66).

NS026192a: Photo by PH1 Galen L. Walker. Photo # DN-SC-91-06734.

NS026192b: Photo by PH1 Galen L. Walker. Photo # DN-ST-91-07574.

NS026192c: Photo by PHC Kris Kristofferson. Photo # DN-ST-91-07845.

NS026192d: Photo by PH1 Galen L. Walker. Photo # DN-ST-92-01394.

This Attack Squadron (VA) 85 "Black Falcons" A-6E Intruder aircraft (BuNo 155678, modex AB500), with CDR Dave Polatty, Deputy Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, arrives at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 17 April 1991. The Wing, deployed aboard USS America (CV-66), had just returned from deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm.

Photo # DN-ST-91-10516, by PH2 Kettenhofen, courtesy of the National Archives.

A Royal Navy British Aerospace Sea Harrier FRS.Mk.1 from No 800 Naval Air Squadron aboard the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66), circa September 1991. America, with assigned Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, was deployed to the North Atlantic and the North Sea for the NATO exercise North Star '91 from 21 August to 11 October 1991. No.800 NAS was assigned to the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible (R05).

U.S. Navy photo from the America 1991–1992 Cruise Book.

A U.S. Navy Grumman EA-6B Prowler from Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 137 "Rooks" in flight. VAQ-137 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 aboard the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66), visible below, for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean, 2 December 1991–6 June 1992.

U.S. Navy photo from the America 1991–1992 Cruise Book.

USNS Saturn (T-AFS 10) replenishes USS America (CV-66). The aircraft carrier, with assigned Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean from 2 December 1991 to 6 June 1992.

U.S. Navy photo from the America 1991–1992 cruise book.

At anchor in Málaga, Spain, 23rd January 1994.

On 13 September [1994], less than two weeks after leaving the shipyard, America was in the Atlantic heading for Haiti in support of Operation Uphold Democracy. As the world focused on the situation in Haiti, America carried not her normal air wing, but elements of the Joint Special Operations Command and helicopters of the 160th Army Special Aviation Regiment. Arriving at VooDoo Station on 17 September, word was received the next day to execute the planned invasion of Haiti that evening. However 45 minutes after being issued, the order was cancelled by President Clinton.

For the next 30 days, America experienced possibly the most unique situation in her history. More than 2,000 Army, Air force and Marine Corps special forces troops, and helicopters, melded together. During the ensuing month, 400 sorties were launched with a 96% completion rate. Released on 18 October, America was back in familiar Norfolk four days later.

NS Norfolk, VA, June 1995, as seen from USS George Washington (CVN-73).

A starboard bow view of USS America (CV-66) returning to Hampton Roads from sea, 19 August 1995, after Hurricane Felix departed the area. The aircraft carrier was preparing to deploy to the Mediterranean and upon her return to the States, she would be decommissioned. Photo by Don S. Montgomery, USN (Ret.)

(Photo available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id.: DN-SC-95-02264).

The aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) leads an echelon of ships north through the Suez Canal, en route to the Adriatic Sea, on 9 December 1995. Also pictured is the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723), positioned directly behind the carrier, while Egyptian water taxies jockey for position in the congested waters of the canal. The America's Battle Group would take up position in the Adriatic off the coast of Bosnia-Herznegovina, to support NATO peace-keeping operations.

USN photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Eric N. Dunn.

Valletta, Malta, January 23, 1996 — Tug boats assist the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66), as she enters the capital city of Valletta, Malta, located in the central Mediterranean. USS America enjoyed a well deserved six-day port visit in this historic city, following continuous operations off the Bosnian coast in the Adriatic Sea. This port visit was special since a U.S. Navy carrier had not visited this historical port in over twenty five years. America and elements of her battle group had been operating in the central Mediterranean in support of NATO peace keeping operation Joint Endeavor. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Michael Flinn (# 960123-N-0000F-001).

The crew of the USS America (CV-66) man the rails as tugboats push the ship to the pier in Norfolk, Va., ending a six-month Mediterranean Sea deployment on February 24, 1996. Additionally, the America Battle Group operated in the Adriatic Sea in support of the NATO Implementation Force (IFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Operation Joint Endeavor. This was the last deployment for the USS America which was decommissioned on August 9, 1996. DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Richard Rosser, U.S. Navy (# 960224-N-6240R-005).

Aerial stern view of the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) as the ship completes mooring at pier #12, Naval Station Norfolk, Va., 24 February 1996.

The ship had just returned from her final Mediterranean deployment and was scheduled for decommissioning later that year.

U.S. Navy photo by Robert J. Sitar, available from Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, id. DN-SC-97-00627.

The crew of the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) marches down the gangway for the last time as their ship is decommissioned in ceremonies at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va., on August 9, 1996. America returned from her last deployment February 24; her squadrons flew 250 combat missions over the skies of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The "Nation's Flagship" and crew also distinguished themselves during Operation Desert Storm: America was the only carrier to launch strikes against Iraqi targets from both sides of the Arabian Peninsula: Red Sea and Persian Gulf. The aircraft carrier was commissioned January 23, 1965, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. During her second deployment, America assisted with the rescue and medical treatment of crew members from the technical research ship USS Liberty (AGTR-5) after she was attacked by Israeli torpedo boats and jet fighters, June 8, 1967. America also completed three deployments to "Station" off the coast of Vietnam, where she spent as many as 112 consecutive days on station. DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Benjamin D. Olvey, U.S. Navy (# 960809-N-4004O-005).

The decommissioned ex-America (CV-66), ex-Scott (DDG-995), ex-Conolly (DD-979), and another retired destroyer, maybe ex-Comte de Grasse (DD-974), laid up at Philadelphia in the late 1990s.

Digital Ortho-Quadrangle (digitized and ortho-rectified aerial photograph) of ex-USS America and other inactive ships, NISMF Philadelphia, 24 April 1999.

Ex-USS America (CV-66) at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in November 1999. Behind America is the battleship ex-USS New Jersey (BB-62), which had just arrived from Bremerton, Washington (Author's Collection).

Ex-USS America at the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, 31 August 2002.

Ex-USS Peterson (DD-969), ex-USS Arthur W. Radford (DD-968), another decommissioned DD, and ex-USS America (CV-66). Philadelphia NISF, 5 May 2003.

Ex-USS America seen from the window of a commercial flight on January 14, 2004 about 4:43PM.

Loading an old A-7 Corsair II for SINKEX, March 2005. "I guess they were spotted on the cats forward & in hangar bay to simulate damage, and were filmed when the ship was bombed and strafed prior to sinking..."

Ex-USS America being towed out to the SinkEX operations, seen as she left Philadelphia.

The decommissioned aircraft carrier departed the Navy’s Inactive Fleet Facility April 19, 2005 for her final and vital mission as a live-fire test and evaluation, and weapons effect platform for the next generation aircraft carrier.

Atlantic Ocean, May 14, 2005 — The decommissioned aircraft carrier, ex-USS America (CV-66) was "laid to rest" after being sunk at sea. America was the target of a series of tests designed to test new defense and damage control systems for the CVN-21 program. The conventionally-powered carrier left active service in 1996.

NS026654a is believed to be a U.S. Navy image releasable to the public.

NS026654 is a U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg (# 050514-N-4374S-096).

"Launching of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. America, February 1, 1964. Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company." Cover.

Christening America (CVA-66), Saturday, 1 February 1964. Order of service.

Christening America (CVA-66), Saturday, 1 February 1964. Mrs. David L. McDonald, wife of ADM McDonald, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), was the ship's sponsor.

Launching of America (CVA-66), 1 February 1964, Newport News, Virginia. Postal cover signed by Mrs. David L. McDonald (ship's sponsor and wife of the Chief of Naval Operations) and Paul Nitze (Secretary of the Navy and principal speaker).

"Crowd cheers as Newport News Shipyard's 19th carrier is saluted with naval pomp."

"Supercarrier America Christened"

"Commissioning of United States Ship America, January 23, 1965, Built By Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Virginia"

Selected pages from the USS America (CVA-66) maiden deployment to the Med Cruise Book (30 November 1965–10 July 1966).

Postcard showing USS America (CVA-66) underway in the early 1970s.

USS America (CVA-66), Plan of the Day for Wednesday, 1 May 1974.

"Far East Cruise 1968, 7th Fleet, Hawaii, Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Vietnam, USS America (CVA-66)" (10 April–16 December 1968.)

USS America (CV-66), Med Cruise 86 (10 March–14 September).

USS America Carrier Air Wing One — Operation Desert Storm — Red Sea - Persian Gulf.

(1991.)

USS America CV-66 — Middle East Cruise 91

(28 December 1990–18 April 1991.)

North Star 91, USS America (CV-66) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.

"Centurion" patch—200 traps on a carrier.

"USS America and CVW-1/BOHICA/Closed for the Holidays - Open for Business/Winter in the Med - Spring in the Gulf/Nothing New in '92" (2 December 1991–6 June 1992.)

USS America (CV-66), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, Joint Task Group (JTG) 3-93. Operations Provide Promise (food drops), Deny Flight (no-fly zone over Bosnia), Restore Hope (Somalia; at the time, the Operation was in fact code named Continue Hope), Sharp Guard (maritime blockade in the Adriatic Sea), 11 August 1993–5 February 1994.