CV 67, Decommissioned In 2007, Carried That Name For
Nearly 40 Years
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Sunday the next Gerald
R. Ford-class aircraft carrier will be named the USS John F.
Kennedy.
The selection John F. Kennedy, designated CVN 79, honors the
35th President of the United States and pays tribute to his service
in the Navy, in the government, and to the nation. "President John
F. Kennedy exemplified the meaning of service, not just to country,
but service to all humanity," said Mabus. "I am honored to have the
opportunity to name the next aircraft carrier after this great
Sailor and inspirational leader, and to keep the rich tradition and
history of USS John F. Kennedy sailing in the U.S. Fleet."
Born in Brookline, MA, May 29, 1917, Kennedy graduated from
Harvard in 1940, and entered the Navy in October 1941.
Kennedy In The Oval Office
During World War II, Kennedy took command of PT 109 at Tulagi
Island in the Solomons, with a mission to intercept Japanese ships
attempting to resupply their barges in New Georgia. In the early
morning hours of Aug. 2, 1943, Kennedy's ship was inadvertently
struck by an enemy ship and split in half. During the course of the
next six days, Kennedy led his crew members to safety and an
eventual rescue. Kennedy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal
for the rescue of his crew and a Purple Heart for injuries he
sustained when his ship was struck.
After his military service, Kennedy became a congressman
representing the Boston area, he was elected to the Senate in 1953,
and in 1961 became the youngest person to be elected president.
Kennedy Abard PT 109
One previous ship, USS John F. Kennedy, CV 67, was named in his
honor and was decommissioned in 2007, after nearly 40 years of
distinguished service, including Operation Desert Storm.
The USS John F. Kennedy and other Ford-class carriers will be
the premier forward asset for crisis response and humanitarian
relief, and early decisive striking power in a major combat
operation. The aircraft carrier and the carrier strike group will
provide forward presence, rapid response, endurance on station, and
multi-mission capability throughout its 50-year service life.
Kennedy And PT 109 Crew
The USS John F. Kennedy will provide improved warfighting
capability, quality of life improvements for Sailors and reduced
acquisition and life cycle costs. The ship will be constructed at
Newport News Shipbuilding, VA.