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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive

Patch at left courtesy of CAPT Gene Oleson, CHC, USN (Ret)
Patch at right contributed by Mike Smolinski.

USS AMERICA   (CVA-66)
(later CV-66)


Click On Image 
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
1981-1996
CV-66 America
NS026699
37k

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

Courtesy of PriorService.com, via Jack Treutle
CV-66 America + DDG-46
NS05014641
189k

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.

Bill Gonyo
Robert M. Cieri
CV-66 America
NS026646
47k

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).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-66 America
NS026656
75k

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).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-66 America
NS026647
70k

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).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-66 America
NS026606
243k

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).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-66 America
NS026677
49k

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.

Robert Hurst
CV-66 America
NS026667
115k

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).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
CV-66 America
NS026650
177k

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

Pete Harlem
CV-66 America
NS0266bl
345k

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.

Robert Hurst
CV-66 America
NS026641
103k A VA-34 "Blue Blasters" A-6E Intruder is moved onto a bow cat. Sometime in 1982. Photo by PH2 Bunge. Robert Bunge, PHAN-PH2, USS America
1981-1985
CV-66 America
NS026642
40k USS America Battle Group, Indian Ocean, 1983. Photo by PH2 Bunge. Robert Bunge, PHAN-PH2, USS America
1981-1985
CV-66 America
NS026643
62k USS America in Indian Ocean, 1983 (see below). Photo by PH2 Bunge. Robert Bunge, PHAN-PH2, USS America
1981-1985
CV-66 America
NS026643a
748k

As above. Photo by PH2 Bunge.

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

NARA
CV-66 America
NS026662a
2.30M

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.

NARA
CV-66 America
NS026662
460k

Another view, as above.

Omar Rubido, former member of the Armada Española
CV-66 America
NS026640
69k An aerial port bow view of the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66) underway in the Indian Ocean, 24 April 1983. Photo by PH2 Bunge. Alex Tatchin
CV-66 America
NS026651
109k

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).

Chester Morris
CV-66 America
NS026652
123k

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).

Chester Morris

NS026625
50k On a visit to Málaga (Spain) May 21 1983 © Juan Ternero

NS026626
108k Coming alongside Málaga (Spain) May 21 1983 © Juan Ternero

NS026627
79k At anchor Málaga (Spain) May 21 1983 © Juan Ternero

NS026628
80k On board shot showing the F-14's she operated in May of 1983 © Juan Ternero
CV-66 America
NS026644
85k Dry docked at Portsmouth, 1983. Photo by PH2 Bunge. Robert Bunge, PHAN-PH2, USS America
1981-1985
CV-66 America
NS026645
98k F-14A Tomcats assigned to VF-33 "Starfighters" and VF-102 "Diamondbacks" lined up on the waist. Sometime in 1984. Photo by PH2 Bunge. Robert Bunge, PHAN-PH2, USS America
1981-1985
CV-66 America + AE-27
NS09052724
836k A CH-46D Sea Knight (BuNo 152555, modex HW20, attached to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 6 "Chargers") prepares to lift a pallet of 16-inch powder canisters from USS Butte (AE-27) for delivery to USS Iowa (BB-61) during an underway replenishment (VERTREP), 1 May 1984. In the background is USS America (CV-66).

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

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)

NS026630
60k

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.

© AMS3 Rick Rowan

NS026631
52k

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.

© AMS3 Rick Rowan

NS026685
155k

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.

Robert M. Cieri

NS026683
605k

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.

Robert M. Cieri

NS026683a
74k

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

S. Dale Hargrave

NS026686
67k

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).

Robert Hurst
CV-66
NS0266bm
1.04M

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.

Robert M. Cieri

NS026669
91k Benidorm, Spain, July 1986, three months after Operation Eldorado Canyon (attacks on terrorist-related targets in Libya).

Photos © Robert Leslie

NS026669a
103k

NS0266ax
1.70M

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.

Todd Harp,
via Bob Canchola

NS0266axa
1.79M

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.


NS0266axb
1.48M

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


NS0266axc
1.66M

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


NS0266ac
225k

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

Jaume Cifré Sánchez

NS026658
38k

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.

Jack Treutle

NS026658a
89k © Sean E. Dunn, used with permission
CV-66 America
NS026692
147k

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.

Robert Hurst
CV-66 America
NS026691
51k

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

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-66 America
NS026691a
55k
CV-66 America
NS026691b
57k
CV-66 America
NS026691c
65k
CV-66 America
NS026691d
62k
CV-66 America
NS026691e
56k
CV-66 America
NS026691f
64k
CV-66 America
NS026691g
58k
CV-66 America
NS026691h
60k
CV-66 America
NS0266bc
284k

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.

Robert Hurst
CV-66 America
NS026663
143k

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

Photo by Matthew Trujillo, ISSN, Ops. Dept. at the time
CV-66 America
NS026664
82k

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

Photo by Matthew Trujillo, ISSN, Ops. Dept. at the time
CV-66 America
NS026665
277k

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.

Photo by Matthew Trujillo, ISSN, Ops. Dept. at the time
CV-66 America
NS0266as
571k

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.

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)
Battle Force Zulu: CV-41, CV-61, CV-66, CVN-71
NS026192
121k

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.

NS026192e: Photo from the America 1990–1991 Cruise Book, author unknown. Clockwise from top left: Midway, Theodore Roosevelt, America and Ranger.

Bob Haner
Battle Force Zulu: CV-41, CV-61, CV-66, CVN-71
NS026192a
133k National Archives
Battle Force Zulu: CV-41, CV-61, CV-66, CVN-71
NS026192b
237k
Battle Force Zulu: CV-41, CV-61, CV-66, CVN-71
NS026192c
182k
Battle Force Zulu: CV-41, CV-61, CV-66, CVN-71
NS026192d
240k
Battle Force Zulu: CV-41, CV-61, CV-66, CVN-71
NS026192e
315k Robert Hurst

NS0266af
121k

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.

Bill Gonyo

NS0266bd
364k

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.

Robert Hurst

NS0266bo
259k

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.


NS09521044
201k

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.

Robert Hurst

NS026635
64k

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

© Daniel Ferro

NS026632
90k

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.

160th SOAR (Abn)
Nightstalkers

("Nightstalkers Don't Quit")

NS026670
66k

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

Wendell Royce McLaughlin Jr

NS026676
151k

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).

Robert M. Cieri

NS0872307
46k

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.

Courtesy of COMSUBPAC

NS026653
70k

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).

Bill Gonyo

NS026648
81k

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).

DoD

NS026648a
173k

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.

Robert M. Cieri

NS026649
100k

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).

DoD
Ex-USS America

NS0266au
130k

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.

John Vasilakos,
via Yu Chu.

NS026638
140k

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

Image courtesy of the US Geological Survey.

Submitted by Greg Stewart.
Ex-CV 66 America
NS026671
87k

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).

From Warship Boneyards, by Kit and Carolyn Bonner.

Submitted by Robert Hurst.

NS026634
21k

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

Roy J. Brooks
IS1(SW), USNR

(formerly FC1(SW), USN)

NS0596816
74k

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.

Warren Cressman

NS0596911
83k

NS026639
338k

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

© Thomas V. Hoffmann

NS0266ad
162k

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..."

Ron Reeves

NS026659
100k

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.

Photos by Cam Massara, Metro Machine Corp., Philadelphia.

Submitted by Jon White, Sailor of the USS Luce (DDG-38)

NS026660
110k

NS026661
92k

NS026654a
64k

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).

William Stevens

NS026654
68k Chester Morris
Models
CV-66 America
NS026672
62k Model of USS America. Courtesy of Joel Rosen, Motion Models
Memorabilia
CVA-66 America
NS026674a
122k

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

Ron Reeves
CVA-66 America
NS026674b
51k

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

Ron Reeves
CVA-66 America
NS026674c
66k

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.

Ron Reeves
CVA-66 America
NS026674
71k

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).

S. Dale Hargrave
CVA-66 America
NS026674d
247k

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

Ron Reeves
CVA-66 America
NS026674e
373k

"Supercarrier America Christened"

Ron Reeves
CVA-66 America
NS0266at
46k

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

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CVA-66 America
NS0266aa
25.4M

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

Thomas Becher, Wausau, Wisconsin
CVA-66 America
NS026689
413k

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

Omar Rubido, former member of the Armada Española
CVA-66 America
NS0266ag
386k

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

Eugene Ivkin
Patches
CVA-66 America
NS026698d
47k

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

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-66 America
NS026698a
98k

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

Tommy Trampp
CV-66 America
NS026698
26k

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

(1991.)

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-66 America
NS026698b
94k

USS America CV-66 — Middle East Cruise 91

(28 December 1990–18 April 1991.)

Tommy Trampp
CV-66 America
NS026698g
41k

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

Gerd Matthes, Germany
CV-66 America
NS026698c
60k

"Centurion" patch—200 traps on a carrier.

Tommy Trampp
CV-66 America
NS026698e
62k

"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.)

Tommy Trampp
CV-66 America
NS026698f
64k

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.

Gerd Matthes, Germany

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This page was created by Timothy Dike and is maintained by Fabio Peña
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Last update: 10 December 2023