USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) underway, sometime in 1987–1991.

A port quarter view of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) conducting high speed maneuvers in the Mediterranean Sea, November 5, 1988. US Navy photo by CWO Welsh. (DVIC id.: DN-ST-89-02159).

This Photograph hangs on the wall at VFW Post 832 in South Portland, ME. "Big John" made a port visit to Portland 13-16 October 1989. This photograph shows her passing Portland Head Light which is at Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth, ME on 13 Oct. 1989. She anchored out very close to Fort Gorges, which is just below the Skipper's signature.

Fort Gorges was built in 1859 to guard the area around Hog Island during the Civil War. It was built at water level so that cannonballs launched from it would skip across the water and hit enemy ships. The Civil War ended before it was finished. Fort Gorges has a hexagonal shape and five of its sides hold secret compartments for cannons. It became obsolete in the 1860's due to rapid advances in naval power. During World War 1 and World War 2 it was used to store naval mines. Today Fort Gorges is owned by the city of Portland.

Another view of John F. Kennedy when she was in Portland, ME. (see above). This photo was taken at Fort Allen Park on Portland's Eastern Promenade. It shows John F. Kennedy at Anchor off Portland in Casco Bay.

A pair of Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) "Tophatters" F-14A Tomcats fly past the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) at the end of Fleet Ex 90. Photo taken by LCDR Leenhouts on 2 July 1990. DVIC id# DN-SC-90-9212.

USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) underway with Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) in the Red Sea, March 1991, during the cease-fire between coalition and Iraqi forces following Operation Desert Storm. Official US Navy photo by PH3 C. O. Falkenhainer III.

USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) transits the Suez Canal as she begins the journey to Naval Station, Norfolk, Va., after taking part in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The aircraft carrier had been deployed for more than seven months. Photo taken by PH3 Falkenhainer in mid-March 1991. DVIC id# DN-SC-91-07157.

Large harbor tugs maneuver the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) along the Elizabeth River as she heads toward a berth at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The vessel would be overhauled following her 7-month deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Photo by Hopwood, May 28, 1991.

(Photo available from the Defense Visual Information Center, id.: DN-ST-92-00679).

A bow view of USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, en route to the Mediterranean Sea, October 16, 1992. US Navy photo by CW02 Kenneth H. Brewer (DVIC id: DN-SC-93-00853).

Photos taken by Ron Reeves when aboard for 10 days riding out Hurricane Felix, August 1995. Photo NS026700a shows the ship going under the Delaware Memorial Bridge — note the stub mast in the down position to clear the bridge.

Dec. 10, 1996 — The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) steams in the Northern Puerto Rican Operations Area (NPOA) during carrier airwing qualifications. U.S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate Second Class Scott A. Moak (# 961210-N-0710M-001).

Over 1,000 sailors form a Christmas tree on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) as the ship operates in the Persian Gulf, December 16, 1999 in support of Operation Southern Watch, the U.S. and coalition enforcement of the no-fly-zone over Southern Iraq. DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian S. Eskelund, U.S. Navy (# 991216-N-9564E-001).

(Left to right) Kuwait Patrol craft Failaka (P3715), USS John S. McCain (DDG-56), USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), USS Cushing (DD-985), and Kuwait Patrol craft Maskan (P3717), participate in a U.S.-Kuwait photo exercise (PHOTOEX) in the Persian Gulf, February 6, 2000. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Christian Eskelund (#000206-N-9568E-001).

Scientifically, this photo provides an excellent example of the Kelvin ship wave pattern, a wave system confined within a wedge-shaped region. The half angle of the wedge is approximately 19.5 degrees and, in relatively deep water, it is independent of the shape, size and speed of the source, as is clearly illustrated here.

Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Jun. 2, 2003 — USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) moored during a nine-month Extended Service Repair Availability period, intented to extend the operational capabilities and life of the ship. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Karsten (cropped from photo # 030602-N-8704K-002).

Mayport, Fla., Nov. 11, 2003 — USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) departs Naval Station Mayport under her own power following a ten-month Extended Service Repair Availability (ESRA). During a short at sea period the ship would test numerous systems installed or upgraded while in port. The $300 million maintenance period included renovation of berthing compartments, and new navigational radar system. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Greg Curry (#031111-N-3129C-002).

Nov. 12, 2003 — A routine Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) sprinkler system maintenance check is performed in the hangar bay aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). AFFF is a concentrated mixture that was developed to combat class B fires. It is a slightly amber-colored liquid that, when in solution with water, floats on the surface of fuels and creates a "vapor lock." U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Christian Weibull. (#031112-N-4190W-001).

Nov. 17, 2003 — An S-3B Viking assigned to the "Checkmates" of Sea Control Squadron Two Two (VS-22) lands on the flight deck aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). The S-3B was the first trap aboard the carrier since her Extended Selected Restricted Availability period. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Joshua Karsten. (#031117-N-8704K-001).

Gulf of Mexico, Mar. 21, 2004 — Crash and Salvage crewmembers spray-down the flight deck during a scrub-down exercise (SRUBEX) aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). The aircraft carrier was transiting back to her homeport of Mayport, Florida after successfully completing Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). The exercise is an intermediate level exercise designed to forge the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) into a cohesive fighting team and is a critical step in pre-deployment training. During COMPTUEX, more than a dozen ships and Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) embarked on John F. Kennedy, conducted war game exercise using training ranges along the East Coast of the U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Joshua Karsten (photo # 040321-N-8704K-001).

Atlantic Ocean, Apr. 24, 2004 — The hangar bay aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) is full with ammunition after an underway replenishment with the fast combat support ship USS Seattle (AOE-3) and USS Enterprise (CVN-65). John F. Kennedy was making final preparations before a scheduled six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Anthony Riddle (photo # 040424-N-7695R-001).

Persian Gulf, November 10, 2004 — An F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the “Sunliners” of Strike Fighter Squadron Eight One (VFA-81), launches from the conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) embarked aboard John F. Kennedy were supporting ground troops in Fallujah, Iraq, under Operation Al Fajr (New Dawn). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Tommy Gilligan (photo # 041110-N-4565G-004).

USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), foreground, conducts vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations with USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) off the Atlantic Coast, March 12, 2005. VERTREP's are used to quickly transfer munitions and supplies from one ship to another. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Randall Damm (# 050312-N-9362D-004).

Another view, as above. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Randall Damm (# 050312-N-9362D-009).

Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Jeoffrey Keever writes the status of each aircraft on the status board in Carrier Air Traffic Controller Center (CATCC) aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) during flight operations in the Atlantic Ocean, April 15, 2005. The carrier was conducting carrier qualification. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Antonia Ramos (# 050415-N-1590R-001).

Atlantic Ocean, December 14, 2005 — USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) returns home to Mayport, Fla. after completing carrier qualifications at sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Tommy Gilligan (# 051214-N-4565G-001).

Mayport, Fla., March 29, 2006 — Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) ADM Mike Mullen conducts an "all hands call" aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). ADM Mullen visited the carrier to keep the crew abreast of the ongoing debate over the storied ship's future. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Anthony Riddle (# 060329-N-7695R-006).

Atlantic Ocean, April 4, 2006 — USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) conducts a Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) live fire training exercise. The CIWS is a fast-reaction, rapid-fire 20-millimeter gun system that provides ships of the U.S. Navy with a terminal defense against anti-ship missiles and littoral warfare threats that have penetrated other fleet defenses. Phalanx automatically detects, tracks and engages air threats such as anti-ship missiles and aircraft. John F. Kennedy was conducting proficiency training off the Florida coast. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Erica Treider (# 060404-N-8485T-012).

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter addresses USS John F. Kennedy's (CV-67) crew during an all hands call, Mayport, Fla., June 2, 2006. SECNAV toured the aircraft carrier and several naval facilities within Navy Region Southeast. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Ryan Dougherty (#060602-N-0325D-001).

Mayport, Fla., February 20, 2007 — USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) departs Naval Station Mayport for the last underway period before her decommissioning in March. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elizabeth Williams (# 070220-N-1550W-001).

Atlantic Ocean, February 27, 2007 — More than 700 Sailors aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) conduct a tribute to honor the ship's 38 years of distinguished commissioned service while transiting to Boston for a farewell port visit. JFK arrival would mark her last port visit and would afford the people of Boston the opportunity to say goodbye to a ship and crew with whom they maintained close relations since her christening in 1967. Big John was scheduled to decommission in Mayport, Fla., on March 23, 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tommy Gilligan (# 070227-N-4565G-002).

Boston, Mass., March 1, 2007 — More than 1,000 Sailors man the rails of USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) as she makes her transit to her final port call in Boston after 38 years of service. JFK was scheduled to depart the home of her namesake on March 5, but her departure was delayed until March 7 because of the need to refuel and high winds. U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tommy Gilligan (# 070301-N-4565G-008 & 070301-N-4565G-010).

Atlantic Ocean, March 10, 2007 — USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) makes her final transit into her homeport at Naval Station Mayport after a successful underway and farewell port visit to Boston, Mass. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tommy Gilligan (# 070310-N-4565G-004).

Mayport, Fla., March 23, 2007 — Sailors stationed aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) man the rails during the ship's decommissioning ceremony. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Regina L. Brown (# 070323-N-3285B-017).

Mayport, Fla., March 23, 2007 — Many distinguished visitors and guests attended the historical decommissioning ceremony of USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). "Big John" served her country with more than 38 years of service and 18 major deployments. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Susan Cornell (# 070323-N-8544C-097).

Mayport, Fla., July 20, 2007 — Brazilian Navy submarine Tikuna (S 34) enters Mayport Basin during her first visit to a U.S. Navy base, sponsored by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO). NAVSO sponsors foreign military visits to promote relations with partner nations in Latin America to support Theater Security Cooperation. Decommissioned aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy is in the background. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Holly Boynton (# 070720-N-5677B-005).

Decommissioned aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CV-67) departs Naval Station Mayport en route to Norfolk, Va, July 26, 2007. Homeported at Naval Station Mayport since 1995, the ship would be towed to Hampton Roads until she could be transferred to the Navy Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Susan Cornell (# 070726-N-8544C-050).

As above. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tommy Gilligan (# 070726-N-4565G-005).

A tugboat pulls the former aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CV-67) towards Norfolk, Virginia, July 30, 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher Lange (# 070730-N-7955L-087).

USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) pulls alongside ex-John F. Kennedy (CV-67), 30 July 2007, off the Atlantic coastline, as the former carrier is being towed to Norfolk, VA. US Navy photo by Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Cesar Huerta (#070330-N-6216H-006), from Navy Newsstand.

Ex-John F. Kennedy (CV-67) entering Chesapeake Bay at 1338, 31 July 2007.

The decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-John F. Kennedy (CV-67) was towed Saturday, March 22, 2008 into the Port of Philadelphia, Penn. to join other decommissioned ships at the Navy Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility. JFK was christened in May 1967 by the late President John F. Kennedy's 9-year-old daughter Caroline. The 1,050-foot-long carrier served nearly 40 years and saw combat action in the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf during Desert Storm and the war on Terrorism.

NS026796: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ann Marie Gorden (# 080322-G-7444G-002).

NS026796a: U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ann Marie Gorden (# 080322-G-7444G-005).

NS026796b: Photo by Mary Ann Daliessio.