My dad’s pride and joy during his 30 years of Navy service from WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. I just conditioned his VF 213 Black Lions bomber jacket. He cherished it until he passed at 94 years of age. This carrier and those on board served our country well and deserve a peaceful rest.
I was on board on 70-71 cruise Was a wonderful experience. Now I'm 69 years old and remember everything about that cruise.I was catapolted off to leave navy in 71.Was proud to serve and wish our youth could experience the joy of serving their country.
I served aboard her when she was CVA-63 from August 63 thru June of 66. At that time she had Terrier missile batteries aboard. We went to Vietnam from late 63 to July 64, came home to San Diego and then went to Bremerton for repairs and updates. After Bremerton we returned back to North Island and then to the Gulf of Tonkin once again. It was a great experience for me personally. I was transferred to White Sands for the remainder of my enlistment. A lot of memories during those few years!! Can't believe that it was 57 years ago.
This is the best carrier tribute video ive ever seen! And it just so happens to take place aboard the ship I always wanted to serve on, that housed my favorite squadron, the Royal Maces VFA-27
What a great video! I wish my dad could've lived to see it. He helped build this ship. He installed the mechanisms that hold the cable that catches the planes that are landing. He LOVED that ship the most out of all the ships he helped build. He died in 1986 from mesothelioma. I love this video.
Great video! Sure brought back great memories; 2 West-Pacs. Left the old gray girl the day we returned 12/23/85. Long live the Grapes. No Glory without Gas!
Saw her in person in Washington state about a month before she was towed away. Then a week later had a party at my house and a friend of mines father in law was there and he was stationed on her. Was awesome to talk to him about her. Such a shame she is being scrapped
I was on 2 WestPacs with that ship 92, 94 in VFA-27. I remember the first time I got close to the ship before boarding, the smell was awful. The ship has just come around the Horn from the yards and it smelled like every worker pissed all over it. However I came to love that home away from home. Looking back, that 94 cruise, although filled with mishaps, was probably the best time working I’ve ever had or will have. I loved working on the flight deck as a Troubleshooter. Best job I ever had. Working launches on Cats 3 and 4 was the best. I remember being so close to those EA-6Bs that would make your bones rattle inside, or feeling the heat from a Tomcat at burner, or the smell of jp5, stack smoke and steam from the cats all mixed together. Or how, after a while working up there, you developed instincts on where and where not to go. What an awesome experience. When you’re in it, you don’t realize how fleeting it is.
My father was aboard 68-69, Vietnam. I know he wore green in old photos, catapult worker? I just do not know enough. My brother decommissioned it in San Fran right as he earned Captain. Amazing.
I was part of the catapult crew that launched 150,000th bird of cat 1 a record that may never be broken and it was also part of the cat crew that shot the last Tomcat shot off the Hawk.
Jes!!! Wow!! This makes me want to go on an aircraft carrier and just spectate! Loved the video. I Can't believe how fast these planes move and how quickly they stop! Phew
Sounds like you would have made a good Aviation bosun equipment doing launching and recovery. Nothing like a months worth of 18 hour man ups to support sorties and qualifications. And those A-6 Intruders holy crap those things will rattle the teeth out of your head. Turbine engines in no joke. But the F-14 was my favorite. I remember taking weights on the waste cat with hot ordinance whizzing past my head at about 273 miles an hour
My dad’s pride and joy during his 30 years of Navy service from WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. I just conditioned his VF 213 Black Lions bomber jacket. He cherished it until he passed at 94 years of age. This carrier and those on board served our country well and deserve a peaceful rest. Thank you for your service.
I was a little kid when she was built. It was a big deal because it meant a lot of jobs in the Philadelphia area. Everyone talked about it not just because of the jobs but because of National Pride. I remember when it left. Everyone that could find it possible went to a place to see her go down the river.
Two West Pacs and a shit ton of workups on the Hawk. Still got the scar on my leg from busting my ass over a tie down chain on the flightdeck on a rainy night.
94-97 saw the F-14 crash in the gulf ABE3. Those A-6 Intruders tho, OMG they were loud! I used to wear a mouth bit so my teeth wouldn't rattle out of my skull. My fave, the F-14 Tomcat, Defender of the Fleet (wings and prayers)
I was G-1 when it was Ships Armory!! When did they change G-1 to flight deck?? That used to be G-4! G-1 Armory, G-2 Elevators, G-3 Build up, G-4 Flight Deck.
+Planedoc I was there in 1994. At that time, G-1 was split in two - G-1 Flight Deck and G-1 AWSEP (Aviation Weapons Support Equipment). G-2 was the armory, G-3 Bomb Assembly, G-4 Elevators G-5 Admin. They must have reorganized at some time.
Just from experience I know that there are many ways in which an aircraft carrier can be used. It doesn't have to have both the sets of catapults and arresting cables operational to launch and recover aircraft (helicopters and V-22s). Granted, unreps is time consuming and leaves a conventional aircraft carrier somewhat vulnerable. Those sorts of things can be minimized if the ship doesn't have to change course or drag steam for the catapults in order to launch and recover aircraft. The ship (CV-63) never suffered major accident damage (like CV-59) and with regular maintenance and occasional overhauls, it could be in commission for several more years. Yes, what a waste.
You're not wrong Henry. 50 is a little low. We probably had closer to 65 - 75. When we deployed to the gulf, we had about 80. If you had 130 on board, I'm afraid of where you could possibly put them all. 😀
@@TrebledPiper My sincere apologies , I was a BT in Cat steam . You were in another underapreciated crew , No ordanence no BOOM . Thank You for being good at what you did , after all 1 false move ship go BOOM. So glad I did Westpack and Shellback before they were destroyed. Happy New Year
Badass video and badass soundtrack. I was on the Nimitz so I can relate to all this. I was also lucky to get some clips of the Kitty Hawk days before she got towed from PSNS to TX for dismantling... Kitty Hawk link below: ruclips.net/video/mIRniI3oLaA/видео.html
My dad’s pride and joy during his 30 years of Navy service from WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. I just conditioned his VF 213 Black Lions bomber jacket. He cherished it until he passed at 94 years of age. This carrier and those on board served our country well and deserve a peaceful rest.
I was onboard the Kitty from 1998-2001 with VF-154 the Black Knights. Miss those days. Thank you for this video.
I was on board on 70-71 cruise Was a wonderful experience. Now I'm 69 years old and remember everything about that cruise.I was catapolted off to leave navy in 71.Was proud to serve and wish our youth could experience the joy of serving their country.
Was on HAWK 71-72. Flight deck CAT ONE. GREATEST TIME OF MY LIFE. We all worked our butts off. Had best CAT crew ever. ABE2 MIKE GEARY
My grandpa served in the 70's! I wonder if you knew him. He might have served in '73 though.
What was your grand fathers name
@Joe Marino Found this thought you may like. ruclips.net/video/Ikg1_3zN4N0/видео.html
fair winds and calm seas mate!
I served aboard her when she was CVA-63 from August 63 thru June of 66. At that time she had Terrier missile batteries aboard. We went to Vietnam from late 63 to July 64, came home to San Diego and then went to Bremerton for repairs and updates.
After Bremerton we returned back to North Island and then to the Gulf of Tonkin once again. It was a great experience for me personally. I was transferred to White Sands for the remainder of my enlistment.
A lot of memories during those few years!! Can't believe that it was 57 years ago.
Fair winds, and calm seas shipmate!
I was there for 4 years ABH Yellow Shirt, loved it!! I just get shields from watching this video and bringing back all the good memories.
This is the best carrier tribute video ive ever seen! And it just so happens to take place aboard the ship I always wanted to serve on, that housed my favorite squadron, the Royal Maces VFA-27
I served 1976 -1979 thank you for this video .
What a great video! I wish my dad could've lived to see it. He helped build this ship. He installed the mechanisms that hold the cable that catches the planes that are landing. He LOVED that ship the most out of all the ships he helped build. He died in 1986 from mesothelioma. I love this video.
My grandpa served on this boat in the 70s. He has so many funny stories from this boat. God bless all the men and woman who serve in the military
I was on this suppercarrier from 1988-1991 as pilot and as a MARINE SHE WAS MY HOME FROMHOME AND I DO MISS HER .
Great video! Sure brought back great memories; 2 West-Pacs. Left the old gray girl the day we returned 12/23/85. Long live the Grapes. No Glory without Gas!
Ray Maiden 12/23/85 Was my first day onboard. What a sight to see her arrive
Saw her in person in Washington state about a month before she was towed away. Then a week later had a party at my house and a friend of mines father in law was there and he was stationed on her. Was awesome to talk to him about her. Such a shame she is being scrapped
My Dad was a green shirt on the Kittyhawk in the 70's. Awesome to see the hard work and experiences. Great video. Thanks for your service.
Great video, I was ships company AIMD, IM2 PR shop, 1991-1996, PR3 Miller.
WestPac 1972 ...This Aircraft Carrier was "Awesome"
Thank you aviation BB stackers. Great reminder.
My dad was on this carrier from 83-87 and definitely kept up with the stories
My dad was on the Kitty Hawk from 81 to 84. I even did one of the tiger cruises! One of the best vacations ever!
1984 WestPac aboard her. I bet me and your dad passed each other at some point during our time at sea or in port.
I was on 2 WestPacs with that ship 92, 94 in VFA-27. I remember the first time I got close to the ship before boarding, the smell was awful. The ship has just come around the Horn from the yards and it smelled like every worker pissed all over it. However I came to love that home away from home. Looking back, that 94 cruise, although filled with mishaps, was probably the best time working I’ve ever had or will have. I loved working on the flight deck as a Troubleshooter. Best job I ever had. Working launches on Cats 3 and 4 was the best. I remember being so close to those EA-6Bs that would make your bones rattle inside, or feeling the heat from a Tomcat at burner, or the smell of jp5, stack smoke and steam from the cats all mixed together. Or how, after a while working up there, you developed instincts on where and where not to go. What an awesome experience. When you’re in it, you don’t realize how fleeting it is.
I was a grape 92,94 we did lost i think it was f18 i dont remember do you
April 92 .
O lost my dd214 do you remember the medals or ribbon for does years i only have one iwant to buy th3m for my kids
@@bertoquiroz703 94/95 cruise she lost an F14. i sailed in the battle group with her.
My father was aboard 68-69, Vietnam. I know he wore green in old photos, catapult worker? I just do not know enough. My brother decommissioned it in San Fran right as he earned Captain. Amazing.
I was there 83-86. Damage Control Division. We ran over a Russian sub in 84 in the sea of Japan.
I was part of the catapult crew that launched 150,000th bird of cat 1 a record that may never be broken and it was also part of the cat crew that shot the last Tomcat shot off the Hawk.
Cat Steam (Ranger) here Congrats . Tomas Catus Baddus a Sad loss. They were Both 80,000 Tons of BAD NEWS Any where any time , Gone but NOT forgotten
Was on her from 1984 to 1988, I loved this boat
Jes!!! Wow!! This makes me want to go on an aircraft carrier and just spectate! Loved the video. I Can't believe how fast these planes move and how quickly they stop! Phew
Sounds like you would have made a good Aviation bosun equipment doing launching and recovery. Nothing like a months worth of 18 hour man ups to support sorties and qualifications. And those A-6 Intruders holy crap those things will rattle the teeth out of your head. Turbine engines in no joke. But the F-14 was my favorite. I remember taking weights on the waste cat with hot ordinance whizzing past my head at about 273 miles an hour
Same to see her not being made a museum ship, had the pleasure of being aboard in Aug 63 when she was at North Island.
There are some days I miss this....ships company '93-'97.
The ole Girl is sitting in Bremerton Washington. We were viewing it just last week while on vacation. What a sight to see up close!
Brings back memories! Was on it for Westpac 84, VS38 Squadron
I was on board the Hawk from 1997-2001 in 3 Main. What a great time. She will be Missed.
AO2, VF 114, 68-69 and 70-71 cruises. Life at sea is like nothing on earth. Andy S
We had a great time on that ship didn't we.Didn't know you but shipmates forever.Long live olongapoe.
You said it best their is nothing like being at sea. AO1. I'll miss her.
I was ships company 62'-66. Navigation Dept. QM2 She was a great ship. I love her still.
Awesome video. She was my home from 90-95. Sad to see her go to Texas.
Great video. Love the Kitty Hawk.
My Dad was a Yeoman for Air Wing 11 for 2 cruises 1962-1964. She was a new ship in those days.
In the rear with the gear, 1992-1994 V2 Div was no joke, work hard, play hard!
Great video.
Nice i was part of vfa-22 (94-98) nice to see the blacklions vf213, and our sister squadron vfa-94 on this video. Westpac 96 on the hawk...
My dad’s pride and joy during his 30 years of Navy service from WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. I just conditioned his VF 213 Black Lions bomber jacket. He cherished it until he passed at 94 years of age. This carrier and those on board served our country well and deserve a peaceful rest. Thank you for your service.
I always saw her every time she arrive at subic naval base here in the Philippines 80's 90's.
76-78, VA-192, brown shirt, good old shitty kitty
I was a little kid when she was built. It was a big deal because it meant a lot of jobs in the Philadelphia area. Everyone talked about it not just because of the jobs but because of National Pride. I remember when it left. Everyone that could find it possible went to a place to see her go down the river.
Was on that ship from 2004 til 2006. Preferred it over the Enterprise
Good ol' boat. Worked the flight deck with VAQ-134 as a plane Capt. Wes-Pac94'.
I was there 78-81.
I went thru slep, around the horn, and a west Pac on this ship G-3 div. 89 to 93
i did the same McCoy u old you
@@mrprophet7088 yea, participated in operation restore hope in Somalia and operation desert strike.
I was on The HAWK, from 1979-1981 V-1 Division.
cool video. 92 thru 94 onboard for operation restore hope, SOMALIA and southern watch in IRAQ. MM2 fwd o2n2 plant . A- division.
We did the same pac 92,94 V4 division work o top
1997-1998 Fn Main propulsion storeroom and hazmat locker. miss her and the Navy. 😢
Two West Pacs and a shit ton of workups on the Hawk. Still got the scar on my leg from busting my ass over a tie down chain on the flightdeck on a rainy night.
She's a majestic ole girl for sure.....Ms1 1980
Battle cat you'll be missed. Cv-63 uss kitty hawk gone but not forgotten.
I seen her pass thru th e Sydney Heads for the last visit to Sydney...a few years ago.
Feb1998-Sept 5th, 2001... dry dock Bremerton, WA to San Diego, CA to Honolulu, HI cross deck w/Indy to Yokosuka, Japan. G-1 AWSE
94-97 saw the F-14 crash in the gulf ABE3. Those A-6 Intruders tho, OMG they were loud! I used to wear a mouth bit so my teeth wouldn't rattle out of my skull. My fave, the F-14 Tomcat, Defender of the Fleet (wings and prayers)
Me too...sorta I was down in the Lens shop
Also me to with A6 served 92,94 v4
Pretty sick footage!
Served aboard cva-63 may 62 to Feb 66 sorry to see her put down like a sick pet
G-3 and G-4 division 1995-1999
ABE3 Catapults from 84-87...Did 2 West-Pacs and one around-the-world. Got out at the end of the world cruise. Worked JBD's that last cruise.
She was a magnificent ship.
Onboard 68-69 cruise with VAQ-131
I was in a squadron of a-4s in 1963-4 what a ship after serving on the Bennington from 1960-63.
Tomcats are a beast 🦾
Great place to work! USS Kitty Hawk -Go for Peking, Kabul, Theran and give them the sidewinders, sparrows and phoenix they need!
west pac 92' thru 93' forward o2n2 in A - division. we freeze the breeze
My uncle proudly served on CVA-63.
I was stationed there 1999-2003 . After 9-11 We went to deployed in Afghanistan then 2003 Iraqi freedom . Hell yah Big Bird.
Kitty Hawk green shirt 76-79. Did two west pacs, great adventure for a nineteen year old kid. She was a good ship, sad to see her mothballed.
It hurts my hearth knowing soon she will be gone
I was G-1 when it was Ships Armory!! When did they change G-1 to flight deck?? That used to be G-4! G-1 Armory, G-2 Elevators, G-3 Build up, G-4 Flight Deck.
+Planedoc I was there in 1994. At that time, G-1 was split in two - G-1 Flight Deck and G-1 AWSEP (Aviation Weapons Support Equipment). G-2 was the armory, G-3 Bomb Assembly, G-4 Elevators G-5 Admin. They must have reorganized at some time.
94-97 DP2 ASW-Module in CDC. Good times Good memories.
The Navy has just announced their intentions to scrap her, she's going to be dismantled.
What a waste, Godspeed USS Kitty Hawk.
Why would they scrap that? My grandpa served on her and so many other people did to.
Just from experience I know that there are many ways in which an aircraft carrier can be used. It doesn't have to have both the sets of catapults and arresting cables operational to launch and recover aircraft (helicopters and V-22s). Granted, unreps is time consuming and leaves a conventional aircraft carrier somewhat vulnerable. Those sorts of things can be minimized if the ship doesn't have to change course or drag steam for the catapults in order to launch and recover aircraft. The ship (CV-63) never suffered major accident damage (like CV-59) and with regular maintenance and occasional overhauls, it could be in commission for several more years. Yes, what a waste.
She's still in Washington as 7 15 21.
@@whatthehellol1610 just sold for $1 to a scrapper here in TX
"That we Lost Valiant Pilots, ... Is a Crying Shame ... I'll, Never Forget my Friends !"
LOL, more like 80 to 90 planes and 120,000 tons. She was my home in 1985 and 1987.
02:12 Noloads.
03:08 First on four. Hi to my Catsnipes, dragging steam from the boilers to the accumulators to launch diplomacy.
My home West-Pac 81. (HS-4)
"WestPac '79-80, ... off Coast of Iran, during Hostage Situation for 2 Months, ... VF-51, ... 'SCREAMING EAGLES', ... out of 'Fightertown U.S.A.' !"
So was my father he was desert storm aswell I hope the old girl get a spot as a museum not scrapped I have been on her deck to young to rember
I also served on The USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 from 77-81.
And I was feeding you working main galley and forward speed line S-2 Div
I was in G-3 2002-06
God speed uss kitty hawk the only subkiller carrier my dad and uncle's served on the might battle cat I been on her deck to little to rember
Was on the Shitty Kitty,68 to 71 ,3 main machinery room snipe!! mm3!!
I miss the old girl was on her for 4 years. AO2 G-3 division. Berthing space was 3/39/0/L LOL
Thanks for sharing!!
What year was this filmed?
I was on COWPENS and was on plane guard work the kitty most nights while on deployment..
This was 1995. We had a great battle group.
@@TrebledPiper I was in her battle group in Yokosuka ,good times .
Ironically She Began life as the Constellation and Constellation started life as Kitty Hawk.
Westpac 70-71 RVAH-6
I wonder what year this was? CHECK YOUR POCKETS FOR F.O.D. ? MORE LIKE CHECK Your pockets for COKE, WEED ETC. SAD BUT TRUE
92 to 96. Air Wing. Charger! Up to HPC!
AO!
Give the Philippines were repair that.,😍😍
I was in VA-94 light aerial bombardment Squadron on the Hawk from 79 to 81. Two cruises on the flight deck with the line division.
Hey Gary, My dad was an AO in VA-94 in the mid 70's in Lemoore, California. He retired from that squadron.
P-5 Division 1999 - 2003
Served on uss kitty hawk. Is my boat still alive?
sad to see my home for 2 yrs go to the scrapper
Battle cat you'll be missed. Rip cv-63 u.s.s kitty hawk.
Battle cat you'll be missed. Cv63 uss kitty hawk gone but not forgotten
2:53 all that steam to launch that plane made posable by Hole Snipes without them the ship is dead, your welcome P1 div 4MMR MM 81-85
👍👍👍👍✌🤘✊💪
How could the Hawk only hold 50 aircraft when Ranger held 130?
You're not wrong Henry. 50 is a little low. We probably had closer to 65 - 75. When we deployed to the gulf, we had about 80. If you had 130 on board, I'm afraid of where you could possibly put them all. 😀
@@TrebledPiper My memory could be faulty. 40 Years ago after all . Do you remember the cycle time on the rotary launch valves? thank You
@@henrycarlson7514 I was an Aviation Ordnanceman. I didn't have anything to do with rotary launch valves.
@@TrebledPiper My sincere apologies , I was a BT in Cat steam . You were in another underapreciated crew , No ordanence no BOOM . Thank You for being good at what you did , after all 1 false move ship go BOOM. So glad I did Westpack and Shellback before they were destroyed. Happy New Year
The navy couldn't have used parts from the other kitty hawk class carriers, instead of ditching them ALL, to keep this ship goin'?
The Kitty Hawk was the last Kitty Hawk class carrier also the last conventional carrier.
Vfa 94 Westpac 97
Badass video and badass soundtrack. I was on the Nimitz so I can relate to all this. I was also lucky to get some clips of the Kitty Hawk days before she got towed from PSNS to TX for dismantling...
Kitty Hawk link below:
ruclips.net/video/mIRniI3oLaA/видео.html
Power its ap
When was this
1995
Rim pac
wan.komt.nach.slowenien
She might be making a comeback outta mothballs, The Trump administration is examining reactivation possibilities.