{{Short description|Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier (active 1961–2009)}} {{Other ships|USS Kitty Hawk}} {{Use American English|date=January 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}} {{Infobox ship | infobox_caption = yes |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = US Navy 050517-N-0120R-127 The conventionally powered aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) sails past a small group of Japanese fishing vessels and heads toward Sagami Bay.jpg | image_caption = USS ''Kitty Hawk'' underway in the Pacific Ocean, May 2005 }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/career | hide_header = | country = United States | flag = {{USN flag|2009}} | builder = New York Shipbuilding Corporation<ref name="NVR">{{cite web |url={{Naval Vessel Register URL|CV-63}} |title=''Kitty Hawk'' (CV 63) |website=Naval Vessel Register |access-date=11 December 2010 }}</ref> | name = ''Kitty Hawk'' | namesake = Kitty Hawk<ref name="DANFS">{{cite DANFS |title=Kitty Hawk II (CVA-63) |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/kitty-hawk-cva-63-ii.html |access-date=11 December 2010}}</ref> | awarded = 1 October 1955<ref name="NVR"/> | laid_down = 27 December 1956<ref name="NVR"/> | launched = 21 May 1960<ref name="NVR"/> | sponsor = * Camilla F. McElroy * (Mr. Neil H. McElroy)<ref name="DANFS"/> | acquired= 25 April 1961<ref name="NVR"/> | commissioned = 29 April 1961<ref name="NVR"/> | decommissioned = 12 May 2009<ref name="NVR"/> | reclassified = CV-63, 29 April 1973<ref name="DANFS"/> | fate = Sold for scrap 2022, scrapped 2024 | identification = * Callsign: NZFF * {{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Zulu}}{{ICS|Foxtrot}}{{ICS|Foxtrot}} * Hull number: CVA-63 | status = | struck = 20 October 2017 | nickname = ''Battle Cat''<ref>{{cite web |first=Sharon |last=Stephenson-Pino |date=31 October 2003 |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=10311 |title=Battle Cat Floats Into the Halloween Season Early |publisher=U.S. Navy, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629051621/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=10311 }}</ref> | badge = 150px }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = | class = {{Sclass|Kitty Hawk|aircraft carrier}} | displacement = * {{convert|61351|LT|t}} standard * {{convert|81985|LT|t}} full load<ref name="NVR"/> | length = {{convert|1068.9|ft|m|abbr=on}} LOA<ref name="NVR"/> | beam = * {{convert|282|ft|m|abbr=on}} extreme * {{convert|130|ft|m|abbr=on}} waterline<ref name="NVR"/> | draft = {{convert|38|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="NVR"/> | propulsion = Westinghouse geared steam turbines, eight Foster Wheeler steam boilers, four shafts; {{convert |280000|shp|MW|abbr=on}} | speed = {{convert|33|kn|lk=in}} | range = | endurance = | capacity = | complement = 5,624 officers and men<ref name="NVR"/> | sensors = * 1 AN/SPS-37 * 1 AN/SPS-39 * 1 AN/SPS-8<ref>Friedman 1995 p. 570</ref> | EW = | armament = * 2 RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missiles * 2 RIM-116 RAM * 2 Phalanx CIWS Automated Anti-Missile/Aircraft Defenses | armor = 1 | aircraft = * 85 * Typical 2000 air wing (70 aircraft): * 40 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter-bombers, * 4 EA-6B Prowler combat EW, * 4 E-2C Hawkeye AEW, * 5 SH-60F Seahawk/HH-60H Pave Hawk helicopters, * 1 C-2A Greyhound carrier on-board delivery }} }}
'''USS ''Kitty Hawk''''' (hull number '''CV-63'''), formerly '''CVA-63''', was a United States Navy supercarrier. She was the second naval ship named after Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered airplane flight. The lead ship of her class, ''Kitty Hawk'' was the first of the three {{sclass|Kitty Hawk|aircraft carrier|1}}s to be commissioned and the last to be decommissioned.
''Kitty Hawk'' was laid down by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, on 27 December 1956. The ship was launched on 21 May 1960, sponsored by Mrs. Camilla F. McElroy, wife of Defense Secretary Neil H. McElroy. ''Kitty Hawk'' was launched by flooding her drydock; the conventional slide-down method was ruled out because of her mass and the risk that she might hit the Philadelphia shore on the far side of the Delaware River.
The ship was commissioned 29 April 1961, at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Captain William F. Bringle in command.
With the decommissioning of {{USS|Independence|CV-62|2}} on 30 September 1998, ''Kitty Hawk'' became the United States warship with the second-longest active status, after the sailing ship {{USS|Constitution}} ({{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|2}} passed her in 2012; these two aircraft carriers were two of the three carriers to fly the First Navy Jack).{{Efn|This tradition ended in 2002, when the Secretary of the Navy directed all Navy ships to fly this flag for the duration of the war on terrorism.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyjack.info/war.html |title=First Navy Jack in the War on Terrorism |first=Chris |last=Whitten |publisher=NavyJack.info |access-date=22 January 2019 |archive-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122230936/http://www.navyjack.info/war.html }}</ref>}}
For ten years, ''Kitty Hawk'' was the forward-deployed carrier at Yokosuka Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan. In October 2008, she was replaced in this role by {{USS|George Washington|CVN-73|2}}. ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to the United States and had her decommissioning ceremony on 31 January 2009. She was officially decommissioned on 12 May 2009 after 48 years of service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=45202 |title=Navy Decommissions USS Kitty Hawk |date=12 May 2009 |publisher=U.S. Navy, Kitty Hawk Public Affairs |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-date=24 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124152304/https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=45202 }}</ref> ''Kitty Hawk'' was replaced by {{USS|George H. W. Bush|CVN-77|2}}. She was stricken from the ''Naval Vessel Register'' on 20 October 2017, and was designated for disposal by dismantling a few days later. On 15 January 2022 ''Kitty Hawk'' left Puget Sound Naval Shipyard under tow en route to Brownsville, Texas, for scrapping, arriving there on 31 May 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/06/01/former-carrier-kitty-hawk-arrives-in-brownsville-for-scrapping |title=Former Carrier Kitty Hawk Arrives in Brownsville for Scrapping |date=2 Jun 2022 |publisher=USNI News |access-date=2 June 2022 }}</ref>
==Service history==
===1961 to 1964=== thumb|''Kitty Hawk'' and the destroyer {{USS|Turner Joy|DD-951|2}} refuel from {{USNS|Kawishiwi|T-AO-146|2}} in 1964
Following shakedown in the Western Atlantic, ''Kitty Hawk'' departed Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia on 11 August 1961. After a brief stop at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where she embarked the Secretary of the Brazilian Navy for a demonstration during an exercise at sea with five Brazilian destroyers, the attack carrier rounded Cape Horn on 1 October. She steamed into Valparaíso, Chile, on 13 October and then sailed two days later for Peru, arriving in Callao on 20 October where she entertained the President of Peru. At San Diego, Admiral George W. Anderson, Chief of Naval Operations, landed on her deck 18 November to witness antisubmarine demonstrations by {{USS|Henry B. Wilson|DDG-7|2}} and {{USS|Blueback|SS-581|2}}, a Terrier missile demonstration by {{USS|Topeka|CLG-8|2}} and air demonstrations by ''Kitty Hawk''.
''Kitty Hawk'' entered San Francisco Naval Shipyard on 23 November 1961 for alterations. Following operations out of San Diego, she sailed from San Francisco on 13 September 1962. ''Kitty Hawk'' joined the United States Seventh Fleet on 7 October 1962, relieving {{USS|Midway|CV-41|2}} as the flagship.
After participating in the Philippine Republic Aviation Week Air Show, ''Kitty Hawk'' steamed out of Manila Harbor on 30 November 1962 and welcomed Admiral Harry D. Felt, Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet, for a demonstration of modern naval weapons on 3 December. The ship visited Hong Kong early in December and returned to Japan, arriving at Yokosuka on 2 January 1963.
In conjunction with Commander, Carrier Division Seven, ''Kitty Hawk'' carried out several exercises in January and February 1963.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/s62-m63.pdf |title=Aviation Historical Summary, USS Kitty Hawk, OPNAV Form 5750-2, 30 September 1962 – 30 March 1963 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref> On 4 January 1963, Operation Checkertail saw ''Kitty Hawk'' and three other attack aircraft carriers launch practice airstrikes against the Okinawa Air Defense Command. From 27 January – 2 February 1963, 'Picture Window III' saw 'foreign aircraft' intercepted and visually identified in the Northern Japan area. Though the official ship's papers released in 2011 do not identify the nationality, the 'foreign aircraft' in question were likely from the Soviet Far Eastern Military District or Soviet Naval Aviation. From 16–19 February 1963, Exercise 'Red Wheel' was conducted around Southern Japan also under the direction of Commander, Carrier Division Seven. It aimed to improve the United States Seventh Fleet's ability to conduct conventional and nuclear warfare while maintaining defense against air and submarine attack. It also aimed to evaluate the capability of 'the HUK [Hunter-Killer] Group' to protect two CVA Task Groups. During these exercises, the ship visited Kobe, Beppu, and Iwakuni before returning to San Diego on 2 April 1963.
[[File:Pacific Fleet Exercises from the USS Kitty Hawk with Governor Brown.jpg|thumb|250px|President Kennedy and Governor Brown of California review a fleet demonstration aboard ''Kitty Hawk'' on 6 June 1963]] On 6 June 1963, President John F. Kennedy, with top civilian and military leaders, boarded ''Kitty Hawk'' to witness a carrier task force weapons demonstration off the California coast. Addressing the men of the task group from ''Kitty Hawk'', President Kennedy told them that, as in the past, control of the seas still means security, peace, and ultimate victory. He later wrote to President and Madame Chiang Kai-shek who had witnessed a similar demonstration onboard {{USS|Constellation|CV-64}}: "I hope you were impressed as I was, on my visit to ''Kitty Hawk'', with the great force for peace or war, which these mighty carriers and their accompanying escorts provide, helping to preserve the freedom of distant nations in all parts of the world."
An F-4B Phantom II, aircraft no.401, while assigned to VF-114, made the ship's 16,000th trap on 17 August 1963.<ref name="DANFS"/>
Film director John Frankenheimer filmed shots for the movie ''Seven Days in May'' on board the vessel in 1963.
Following a series of strike exercises and tactics reaching along the California coast and off Hawaii, ''Kitty Hawk'' again sailed for the Far East. While approaching Japan, she learned an assassin had shot President Kennedy. Flags were at half-mast as she entered Sasebo Harbor on 25 November 1963, the day of the President's funeral, and, as senior ship present, she had the sad honor of firing memorial salutes. After cruising the South China Sea and ranging to the Philippines in readiness operations with the 7th Fleet, she returned to San Diego on 20 July 1964.
===1965 to 1972=== [[File:A-6A VA-75 landing on USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) 1968.jpeg|thumb|left|An A-6 Intruder from VA-75 traps aboard ''Kitty Hawk'' during her 1967-68 deployment to Vietnam]] ''Kitty Hawk'' was overhauled in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, then trained along the western seaboard. She sailed from San Diego on 19 October 1965, for Hawaii thence to Subic Bay, Philippines, where she prepared for combat operations off the coast of Vietnam.
''Kitty Hawk'' returned to San Diego in June 1966 for overhaul and training until 4 November 1966, when she again deployed to serve in waters of Southeast Asia. Scenes from the 1966 Walt Disney comedy ''Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N.'' were filmed aboard the warship.
''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at Yokosuka, Japan on 19 November to relieve ''Constellation'' as flagship for Rear Admiral David C. Richardson, Commander Task Force 77. On 26 November, ''Kitty Hawk'' departed Yokosuka for Yankee Station via Subic Bay. On 5 December, aircraft from ''Kitty Hawk'' began their around-the-clock missions over North Vietnam. About this time ''Kitty Hawk'' — already accustomed to celebrities as guests – entertained several prominent visitors: William Randolph Hearst Jr.; Bob Considine; Dr. Billy Graham; Nancy Sinatra and John Steinbeck, among others. She remained in the Far East, supporting the U.S. in Southeast Asia until departing Subic Bay on 28 May 1968. Steaming via Japan, the carrier reached San Diego on 19 June and a week later entered the naval shipyard at Long Beach for maintenance. ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to San Diego on 25 August and began a rigorous training program to prepare her for future action.
''Kitty Hawk'' was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for exceptionally meritorious and heroic service from 23 December 1967 to 1 June 1968, which included the Tet Offensive, while participating in combat operations in Southeast Asia, and the Navy Unit Meritorious Commendation for exceptionally meritorious service from 15 January 1969 to 27 August 1969 while participating in combat operations in Southeast Asia and contingency operations in Northeast Asia. Both awards noted that the officers and men of the ''Kitty Hawk'' displayed undaunted spirit, courage, professionalism, and dedication to maintain their ship as a fighting unit under the most arduous operating conditions to enable her pilots to destroy vital military targets in North Vietnam despite intense opposition and extremely adverse weather conditions.
While on deployment from November 1967 to June 1968, ''Kitty Hawk'' experienced a fire in while in port at Subic Bay and went to general quarters for 51 hours. On 16 January 1968 year, a C-1A Trader swerved off the wet deck. Four personnel aboard were lost along with the aircraft and could not be recovered.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency |url=https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000BTkVEAW |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil}}</ref> After a deployment from November 1968 to June 1969, ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to San Diego for a month and then went to Puget Sound shipyard in September 1969 for dry dock.
On 12 October 1972 during the Vietnam War, ''Kitty Hawk'' was en route to her station in the Gulf of Tonkin when a race riot involving more than 200 sailors broke out. Nearly 50 sailors were injured in this widely publicized incident.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/r/report-by-special-subcommittee-disciplinary-problems-us-navy.html |title=Report by the Special Subcommittee on Disciplinary Problems in the US Navy |author=United States House Committee on Armed Services |date=2 January 1973 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2019|author-link=United States House Committee on Armed Services }}</ref> This incident spread racial violence to other US Navy ships, such as the aircraft carrier USS ''Constellation'' and the replenishment ship USS ''Hassayampa''. Tensions among the crews resulted in a Congressional inquiry into discipline in the Navy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Faram |first=Mark |date=2017-02-28 |title=Race riot at sea — 1972 Kitty Hawk incident fueled fleet-wide unrest |url=https://www.navytimes.com/military-honor/black-military-history/2017/02/28/race-riot-at-sea-1972-kitty-hawk-incident-fueled-fleet-wide-unrest/ |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=Navy Times |language=en}}</ref>
===1973 to 1977=== From January through July 1973, ''Kitty Hawk'' changed home ports from San Diego to San Francisco. ''Kitty Hawk'' moved into dry dock on 14 January 1973. Work began to convert the ship from an attack (CVA) to a multi-mission carrier (CV). The "CV" designation indicated that ''Kitty Hawk'' was no longer strictly an attack carrier, in that anti-submarine warfare would also become a major role. ''Kitty Hawk'' became the first Pacific Fleet carrier to carry the multi-purpose "CV" designation. The conversion consisted of adding ten new helicopter calibrating stations, installing sonar/sonobuoy readout and analysis center and associated equipment, and changing a large portion of the ship's operating procedures. One of the significant equipment/space changes in the conversion was the addition of the Anti-Submarine Classification and Analysis Center (ASCAC) in the CIC area. ASCAC worked in close conjunction with the anti-submarine warfare aircraft assigned aboard Carrier Air Wing 11. The Engineering Department underwent a significant change in its propulsion plant during the yard period. The Navy Standard Oil (black oil) fuel system was completely converted to Navy Distillate Fuel. The Air Department added several significant changes to the flight deck, including enlarging the jet blast deflectors (JBD) and installing more powerful catapults to handle the new Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which ''Kitty Hawk'' was due to receive for its next deployment. Enlarging JBD#1 meant the No. 1 Aircraft Elevator had to be redesigned, making ''Kitty Hawk'' the only carrier at the time having an aircraft elevator that tracked from the hangar deck to the flight deck angling out 6°. ''Kitty Hawk'' moved out of dry dock on 28 April 1973, and the next day, on her 12th birthday, she was named a Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier (CV). [[Image:USS Kitty Hawk Sydney.jpg|thumb|View of the ''Kitty Hawk'' from the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney]]
After much-needed upgrades and modifications to ''Kitty Hawk''{{'}}s systems, she departed Hunters Point navy shipyards in San Francisco to begin "sea trial" exercises and then made a short three-day layover in Pearl Harbor for some crew R&R. She then departed for the South China Sea. However, while en route, during routine maintenance to the ship's fuel oil systems in the No. 1 machinery room on 11 December 1973, a flange gasket failed in one of the fuel transfer tubes of JP5 jet fuel that pass through Number 1 engine room. Jet fuel was sprayed, atomized, and ignited, and the ship went to General Quarters for nearly 38 hours. Due to the massive amounts of thick black smoke, the crew was ordered topside to the flight deck until the fire could be controlled and the smoke cleared. Because two and then three of the ship's four propulsion systems had to be shut down during the fire, ''Kitty Hawk'' began to list about 7 degrees portside. As a result, many of the aircraft were moved starboard to balance the ship until the fire was finally brought under control and two propulsion systems restored. ''Kitty Hawk'' then headed toward the Philippines, where she ported in Subic Bay until the ship's damage could be assessed, and repairs could be made, but there would be three days of waiting before reaching port. Six enlisted sailors died in the fire: FR Michael Deverich, FR Linn Schambers, FR Kevin Johnson, FA Alan Champine, Samuel Cardenas, and FA Joseph Tulipana. Thirty-four sailors were treated for smoke inhalation and several minor injuries, and one sailor for a broken wrist reported. The bodies of those men who died in the fire were escorted home by members of their respective Divisions for burial.
As a result of the deaths of the six crew members, on 10 January 1974, an investigation was ordered by Rear Admiral Donald C. Davis, Commander of Carrier Group 1 and Senior Officer onboard ''Kitty Hawk'' designated as his flagship. Although initial reports lay blame to one of the six men who perished in the tragic fire, upon conclusion of the investigation filed by the Department of the Navy, Commander Seventh Fleet, several opinions on causes were noted within the investigation, which included but were not limited to the Fourth Endorsement on Captain Kenneth L. Shugart, USN. The investigative report of 10 January 1974, section 3, paragraph 3 stated, "The replacement of the defective gasket in the strainer cover assembly by Fireman Apprentice Kevin W. Johnson (deceased) reflected, in the words of the investigating officer, poor judgment and unsound maintenance practices." Further, "Fireman Apprentice Johnson was therefore negligent in the performance of his duties." However, in consonance with the investigating officer, the opinion is expressed that under the circumstances, the maintenance deficiencies noted herein constitute simple, rather than culpable, negligence."
In light of the efforts made by all six navy personnel, FA Cardenas, Champine and Tulipana, and FR Deverich, Schambers and Johnson assigned to the machinery room on 11 December 1973, who all died during the suppression efforts, "It has administratively been determined each were posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for their heroic devotion to duty in fighting the fire which is the subject of this investigative report."<ref>Department of the Navy investigative report by Captain Kenneth L. Shugart, U.S. Navy; First hand accounts by BTFN ET Rieth-USS Kitty Hawk 1973-1974; and ''Kitty Hawk Flyer News'' article Thursday 13 December 1973 Vol. 12, Number 28 JO3 Jeff Starke, PAO.</ref>
''Kitty Hawk'' stayed busy throughout the mid-1970s with numerous deployments to the Western Pacific and involvement in a large number of exercises, including RIMPAC in 1973 and 1975. ''Kitty Hawk'' departed San Diego on 8 March 1976, and on 12 March entered dry dock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, to commence a US$100 million complex overhaul, scheduled to last just more than 12 months. This overhaul configured ''Kitty Hawk'' to operate with the F-14 and S-3A "Viking" aircraft in a total CV sea control mode. This included adding spaces for storage, ordnance handling, and maintenance facilities for the two aircraft. Also included in the work package were more efficient work areas for airframes and a repair facility for ground support equipment, and the addition of avionics support capability for the S-3. The ship also replaced the Terrier Surface-to-Air missile system with the NATO Sea Sparrow system and added elevators and modified weapons magazines to provide an increased capability for handling and stowing the newer, larger air-launched weapons. ''Kitty Hawk'' completed the overhaul in March 1977 and departed the shipyard on 1 April of that year to return to San Diego. After a six-month pre-deployment workup, ''Kitty Hawk'' departed NAS North Island 25 October 1977<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1977.pdf |title=USS Kitty Hawk Command History for 1977 |date=6 April 1978 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref> for another Western Pacific Ocean deployment and returned 15 May 1978.
===1979 to 1990=== In May 1979, the ship teamed up with Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/CVW/Carrier-Air-Wing-15.htm |title=CVW-15 Carrier Air Wing 15 CARAIRWING FIFTEEN - US Navy |website=Seaforces Online - Naval Information |publisher=seaforces.org |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref> for another Western Pacific deployment. Her duties included search and assistance operations to aid refugees in small boats fleeing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
During that deployment, ''Kitty Hawk'' also offered contingency support off the coast of Korea following the assassination of Republic of Korea President Park Chung Hee. The deployment was then extended {{frac|2|1|2}} months to support contingency operations in the North Arabian Sea during the Iran hostage crisis. For their actions in the region, ''Kitty Hawk'' and CVW-15 were awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal. [[File:Kitty Hawk Sydney 02.JPG|thumb|''Kitty Hawk'' docked in Sydney Harbour]] [[File:Kitty Hawk Sydney 01.JPG|thumb|The dual close-in weapon systems (Phalanxs) at the stern of ''Kitty Hawk'']]
''Kitty Hawk'' had a cameo appearance in the 1980 movie ''The Final Countdown'', standing in for {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68|2}}. On her way home from her Western Pacific deployment, ''Kitty Hawk'' was filmed entering Pearl Harbor with the crew manning the rails as the ship passed the USS ''Arizona'' Memorial. (At the time of the filming, ''Nimitz'' was still an Atlantic Fleet, vice Pacific Fleet, aircraft carrier.) ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to San Diego in late February 1980 and was also awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Naval Air Force Pacific Battle Efficiency "E" Award as the best carrier in the Pacific Fleet.
In April 1981, ''Kitty Hawk'' left San Diego for her thirteenth deployment to the Western Pacific. Following the cruise, the crew was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal for the rescue of Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea.
In January 1982, ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to Bremerton for another year-long overhaul. Following the comprehensive upgrade and a vigorous training period with Carrier Air Wing 2, ''Kitty Hawk'' deployed in 1984 as the flagship for Battle Group Bravo. ''Kitty Hawk'' logged more than {{convert|62000|mi|km|abbr=on}} <!-- nautical or statute? --> on this deployment and remained at "Station Gonzo" in the north Arabian Sea for more than 60 consecutive days.
In March 1984, ''Kitty Hawk'' participated in "Team Spirit" exercises in the Sea of Japan. The Soviet Victor-class nuclear attack submarine ''K-314'' shadowed the task group. On 21 March 1984, at the end of the Sea of Japan part of the exercise, ''K-314'' surfaced directly in front of ''Kitty Hawk'', time was 22:05, too dark and far too close for ''Kitty Hawk'' to see and avoid the resulting collision, with minor damage to the aircraft carrier, and significant damage to the Soviet submarine. At the time of the accident, ''Kitty Hawk'' is estimated to have carried several dozen nuclear weapons, and ''K-314'' probably carried two nuclear torpedoes. ''Kitty Hawk'' was thereafter considered the first antisubmarine carrier weapon and a red submarine was painted on her island near the bridge but was ordered removed upon return to home port North Island San Diego, CA.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/22/world/soviet-sub-and-us-ship-collide.html |title=Soviet Sub and U.S. Ship Collide |first=Richard |last=Halloran |date=22 March 1984 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalhistory.org/2011/03/21/soviet-sub-collides-with-uss-kitty-hawk-21-march-1984 |title=Soviet Sub Collides with USS Kitty Hawk, 21 March 1984 |date=21 March 2011 |website=Naval History Blog |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref>
''Kitty Hawk'' went to the U.S. Naval Base at Subic Bay in the Philippines for repairs. A piece of one of ''K-314''{{'}}s propellers was embedded in ''Kitty Hawk''{{'}}s bow, as were some chunks of the Soviet anechoic coating, from scraping along the side of the submarine. The result was an "accidental" intelligence coup for the U.S. Navy.
The ship returned to San Diego on 1 August 1984. Seven months later, ''Kitty Hawk'' was awarded another Battle Efficiency "E" Award.
In July 1985, ''Kitty Hawk'' and CVW-9 deployed again as flagship for Battle Group Bravo. ''Kitty Hawk'' and CVW-9 combined to set a standard for operations, completing their second consecutive fatality-free deployment.
In August 1985, People Magazine printed an article stating that Kitty Hawk's missiles and jet parts were illegally smuggled into Iran, at that time considered a hostile nation, as revealed by Kitty Hawk's Petty Officer Robert W Jackson.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sailor Robert Jackson Blows the Whistle on the Kitty Hawk, Then Gets Piped Ashore for Safety|url=https://people.com/archive/sailor-robert-jackson-blows-the-whistle-on-the-kitty-hawk-then-gets-piped-ashore-for-safety-vol-24-no-8/|access-date=2020-08-20|website=PEOPLE.com|language=EN}}</ref> Later, the FBI arrested seven suspects involved in this smuggling scheme,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Times|first=New York|title=FBI ARRESTS 7TH IN NAVY SMUGGLING CASE|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1985-07-23-0310400290-story.html|access-date=2020-08-20|website=OrlandoSentinel.com|date=23 July 1985 |language=en-US}}</ref> an event related to what was later known as the Iran-Contra scandal.
CVW-9 crews logged more than 18,000 flight hours and 7,300 arrested landings. At the same time ''Kitty Hawk'' maintained her catapults and arresting gear at 100 percent availability.
In 1986, during pre-cruise exercises, one Airman was killed during flight operations when he was struck by an aircraft while checking "elongs" during a launch.
''Kitty Hawk'' bid farewell to San Diego on 3 January 1987, as the ship departed her home port of 25 years and set out on a six-month world cruise. During the circumnavigation, ''Kitty Hawk'' and CVW-9 again showed their commitment to safety by conducting a third fatality-free deployment. ''Kitty Hawk'' spent 106 consecutive days on station in the Indian Ocean and was again awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its service. The world cruise ended at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on 3 July. Six months later, ''Kitty Hawk'' began a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) overhaul. ''Kitty Hawk'' emerged from the yards on 2 August 1990. The overhaul was estimated to have added 20 years of service to the ship. The Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department was also awarded the Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet Departmental Excellence Award, the Black "E" for this deployment.
=== 1991 to 1998 === With the return of CVW-15 to its decks, ''Kitty Hawk'' began its second deployment around "the Horn" of South America to her original home port of San Diego on 11 December 1991, performing Gringo-Gaucho with the Argentine Naval Aviation<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Setiembre 1991 |url=https://www.iri.edu.ar/revistas/revista_dvd/revistas/R2/R2CRO.html |journal=Revista de Relaciones Internacionales |volume=2}}</ref> and paying a visit to Mar del Plata<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cuando una "ciudad flotante" amarró en Mar del Plata |url=https://www.lacapitalmdp.com/cuando-una-ciudad-flotanteamarro-en-mar-del-plata/ |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=Diario La Capital de Mar del Plata |language=es-ES}}</ref> during the transit.
On 1 August 1992, ''Kitty Hawk'' was appointed as Naval Air Force Pacific's "ready carrier". The ship embarked Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5; Commander, Destroyer Squadron 17 and CVW-15 for three months of work-ups before deploying to the Western Pacific on 3 November 1992. While on deployment, ''Kitty Hawk'' spent nine days off the coast of Somalia supporting U.S. Marines and coalition forces involved in Operation Restore Hope. In response to increasing Iraqi violations of United Nations sanctions, the ship rushed to the Persian Gulf on 27 December 1992. Just 17 days later, ''Kitty Hawk'' led a joint coalition offensive strike against designated targets in southern Iraq.
''Kitty Hawk'' set sail on her 17th deployment 24 June 1994, to provide a stabilizing influence operating in the Western Pacific during a time of great tension in the Far East, particularly concerning North Korea. This was the last cruise for CVW-15, VF-51, VF-111 both flying the F-14 Tomcat, VA-52 flying the A-6E SWIP Intruder, VAW-114 flying the E-2C Hawkeye and VS-37 flying the S-3B Viking. During the cruise, the Carrier led the first ASW persecution of both the Han Class and Oscar II Class Submarine<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kitty Hawk II (CVA-63)|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/kitty-hawk-cva-63-ii.html|access-date=2020-11-07|website=NHHC|language=en-US}}</ref>(Most likely the Oscar II was K-442<ref>{{Cite web|title=Oscar II class|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/oscar2.htm|access-date=2020-11-07|website=www.ww2.dk}}</ref>). During the ASW hunt of the Han Class Submarine of the PLA Navy, a standoff ensued between the United States and PRC leading to several PLAAF fighter aircraft flying near Kitty Hawk's S-3 Viking ASW aircraft from VS-37. Eventually, both sides backed down.
In 1995, ''Kitty Hawk'' embarked airwing transitioned to CVW-11, marking a change to a single F-14 squadron, and 3 F/A-18 squadrons.<ref name="Former crewmember, with VFA-94">Former crewmember, with VFA-94.</ref>
''Kitty Hawk'' began her 18th deployment, this time with CVW-11, in October 1996. During the six-month underway period, the ship visited ports in the Persian Gulf and Western Pacific. The carrier made a rare visit to Hobart, Tasmania as well as being only the second carrier to ever stop in Manama, Bahrain.<ref name="Former crewmember, with VFA-94"/> ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to San Diego 11 April 1997, immediately beginning a 15-month, $110 million overhaul, including three months in dry dock in Bremerton, from January to March 1998.
===1998 to 2008=== thumb|''Kitty Hawk'' (right) relieves {{USS|Independence|CV-62|2}} at Pearl Harbor as the 7th Fleet forward-deployed carrier thumb|A navy petty officer supervises sailors performing a flight deck scrub down on board ''Kitty Hawk'' in August 2005 thumb|right|An F/A-18C on the forward elevator on board ''Kitty Hawk'' [[File:USS Kitty Hawk at Yokosuka.jpg|thumb|right|''Kitty Hawk'' docks at the U.S. navy base in Yokosuka, Japan]]
''Kitty Hawk'' departed San Diego on 6 July 1998, to assume new duties as America's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier from {{USS|Independence|CV-62|2}}. ''Kitty Hawk'' also welcomed aboard Carrier Air Wing 5, operating from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. ''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at her new operating location of U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, on 11 August 1998.
With the decommissioning of ''Independence'' on 30 September 1998, ''Kitty Hawk'' became the second-oldest active warship in the US Navy and was authorized to fly the First Navy Jack.
''Kitty Hawk'' set sail for a planned three-month underway period on 2 March 1999, which included Exercise Tandem Thrust off Guam. Following the exercise, the ''Kitty Hawk''/CVW-5 team was ordered to the Persian Gulf to enforce the No-Fly Zone over Southern Iraq. CVW-5 pilots flew more than 8,800 sorties in 116 days, including 1,300 combat sorties, dropping more than 20 tons of ordnance. On the return trip to Japan, ''Kitty Hawk'' made port visits to Fremantle, Western Australia, and Pattaya, Thailand. ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to Yokosuka on 25 August 1999. She was again underway to the Sea of Japan on 22 October to participate in Exercises Foal Eagle and AnnualEx 11G.
On 11 April 2000, ''Kitty Hawk'' departed Yokosuka, Japan, for routine local area operations and participated in Exercise Cobra Gold with the navies of Singapore and Thailand. ''Kitty Hawk'' participated in Exercise Foal Eagle in Fall 2000 and deployed again in March 2001 for a Spring underway period with a historic stop. On 22 March, ''Kitty Hawk'' became the first aircraft carrier to ever moor pier-side in Singapore, as the ship visited the brand new Changi Pier, located at the Republic of Singapore Navy's Changi Naval Base. On 29 April, shortly after a visit to Guam, ''Kitty Hawk'' celebrated 40 years of active service as the ship and crew sailed south to participate in Exercise Tandem Thrust 2001 with the Australian and Canadian navies. The ship returned to Yokosuka on 11 June 2001.
On 17 October 2000, and again on 9 November 2000, ''Kitty Hawk'' was buzzed by a group of Russian warplanes in the Sea of Japan, which proceeded to take pictures of the reaction on deck. General Anatoly Kornukov, then Russian air force's commander in chief, stated that the Russian warplanes managed to evade ''Kitty Hawk''{{'}}s antiaircraft defense system and that "In the pictures, you can clearly see the panic on deck."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-nov-16-mn-52886-story.html |title=Russians Cocky Over U.S. Encounter |first1=Robyn |last1=Dixon |first2=Paul |last2=Richter |date=16 November 2000 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=25 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307122537/http://articles.latimes.com/2000/nov/16/news/mn-52886 |archive-date=7 March 2014}}</ref>
In October 2001, ''Kitty Hawk'' deployed to the North Arabian Sea for the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ship served as an afloat forward staging base for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.komonews.com/news/38754527.html |title=Alums sad at USS Kitty Hawk's last goodbye |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=31 January 2009 |website=KOMO News |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016050758/http://www.komonews.com/news/38754527.html |archive-date=16 October 2015}}</ref> with a reduced air wing.
In April 2002, ''Kitty Hawk'' was underway for her scheduled spring training. Along with a Guam port call, the spring underway included port visits to Singapore and Hong Kong, where the crew celebrated ''Kitty Hawk''{{'}}s 41st birthday. In the fall of 2002, ''Kitty Hawk'' was training in the Western Pacific. ''Kitty Hawk'' and her battle group combined with U.S. Air Force units and elements of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force to conduct AnnualEx 14G in the waters surrounding Japan. Later, the ship and her crew made a port visit to Hong Kong.
thumb|left|''Kitty Hawk'' is maneuvered into the water following the completion of her five-month maintenance period in 2003
On 11 September 2002, all US Navy ships were ordered to fly the First Navy Jack. The ship once again departed Yokosuka on 23 January 2003 for a routine training mission,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ships/carriers/histories/cv63-kittyhawk/cv63-kittyhawk.html |title=A Brief History of Aircraft Carriers – USS ''Kitty Hawk'' (CV 63) |date=2 June 2003 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416033850/http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ships/carriers/histories/cv63-kittyhawk/cv63-kittyhawk.html |archive-date=16 April 2009}}</ref> but a short time later, orders were received to transit to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to support the Global War on Terrorism and to prepare for future contingencies. ''Kitty Hawk'' was soon involved in Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom in the North Persian Gulf. Although the cruise was originally intended to be short, the ship served 110 continuous days at sea. ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to Yokosuka on 6 May 2003, immediately entering an extensive drydock period, or drydocking ship's restricted availability (DSRA), that lasted until October of that year.
In 2005 ''Kitty Hawk'' participated in the inaugural edititon of Exercise Talisman Saber.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/talisman_sabre/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050713122123/http://www.defence.gov.au/talisman_sabre/|title=Talisman Sabre|publisher=Department of Defence|date=2005|archive-date=13 July 2005}}</ref> In October 2006, ''Kitty Hawk'' and her escort warships were undergoing exercises near Okinawa, and a Chinese ''Song''-class submarine shadowed the group then surfaced within {{convert|5|mi|km|abbr=on}} of the group on 26 October 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/news/a18094/a-chinese-submarine-stalked-an-american-aircraft-carrier/ |title=A Chinese Submarine Stalked an American Aircraft Carrier |first=Kyle |last=Mizokami |date=6 November 2015 |website=Popular Mechanics |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref> It was considered to be quite rare for Chinese subs to operate that far from their home ports on the mainland, though with this incident that may be changing. Reports claim that the submarine had been undetected until it surfaced.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2006/nov/13/20061113-121539-3317r/ |title=China sub secretly stalked U.S. fleet |last=Gertz |first=Bill |date=13 November 2006 |newspaper=The Washington Times |access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2007/01/red_china_red_lines.asp |title=Red China & Red Lines |last=Goldfarb |first=Michael |date=12 January 2007 |magazine=The Weekly Standard |access-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106195804/http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2007/01/red_china_red_lines.asp |archive-date=6 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/164/documentid/3652/history/3,2360,656,164,3652 |title=Iran, China Intent on Countering Navies |last=Howland |first=Jonathan |date=18 January 2007 |website=JINSA Online |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624124553/http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/164/documentid/3652/history/3,2360,656,164,3652 |archive-date=24 June 2008}}</ref> In 2009, Timothy J. Keating, commander of the United States Pacific Command, commented on the issue, stating that the carrier was "in a very relaxed posture. If there were some heightened state of tension, we would, believe me, we would not let them get that close."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/26/inside-the-ring-20218668/ |title=Inside the Ring: China intelligence gaps |last=Gertz |first=Bill |date=26 February 2009 |newspaper=The Washington Times |access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref>
On 11 January 2007, ''Kitty Hawk'' entered a scheduled period of maintenance in Yokosuka, her place being taken by {{USS|Ronald Reagan|CVN-76|2}} which made an unscheduled deployment three weeks later. This refit is "smaller than the one the ship completed [in 2006]",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27365 |title=Kitty Hawk Enters Maintenance Period |last=Reinhardt |first=Matthew |date=19 January 2007 |website=U.S. Navy, USS Kitty Hawk Public Affairs |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114164259/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27365 |archive-date=14 January 2009}}</ref> which took six months.
On 5 July 2007, ''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at Sydney, Australia, for six days of shore leave after participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre.
On 21 September 2007, ''Kitty Hawk'' pulled into Yokosuka, Japan, after a four-month summer deployment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/ |title=Kitty Hawk returns from summer deployment |website=USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008201106/http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/ |archive-date=8 October 2007}}</ref>
In November 2007, ''Kitty Hawk'' and other US Navy ships participated in the joint military exercise Malabar, in the Bay of Bengal. Other nations that took part were Australia, Japan, Singapore and host nation India. Later that month, ''Kitty Hawk'' was scheduled to dock at Hong Kong for Thanksgiving.<ref name=APNov23>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Japan-US-Warships-Barred.html |title=After Snub by China, Sailors Celebrate |date=23 November 2007 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=23 November 2007}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> However, China denied entry to ''Kitty Hawk'' and the rest of her carrier group. China then reversed its position based on humanitarian grounds but by that time, ''Kitty Hawk'' was too far away to dock in time for the holiday. The cause of the Chinese refusal remains unclear.<ref name=CNN>{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/11/23/hongkong.us.warships.ap/ |title=U.S. commander 'perplexed' by China's refusal of warship visit |agency=Associated Press |date=23 November 2007 |website=CNN |access-date=23 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071126084720/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/11/23/hongkong.us.warships.ap/ |archive-date=26 November 2007}}</ref>
''Kitty Hawk'' was deployed off the coast of China along with two other ships during the Taiwan election on 20 March 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-taiwan-crriers/u-s-carriers-sent-toward-taiwan-before-election-idUSN1934158120080319 |title=U.S. carriers sent toward Taiwan before election |date=19 March 2008 |website=Reuters |access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref> After the elections, she entered Hong Kong for the last time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=3903262 |title=Troops', Families' Holiday Reunion Ruined |date=19 February 2009 |website=ABC News |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref>
On 28 May 2008, ''Kitty Hawk'' departed Japan for the last time, to be replaced in Japan by ''George Washington''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,359065,00.html |title=USS Kitty Hawk, Navy's Oldest Active Ship, Leaves Japan to Be Decommissioned |date=28 May 2008 |website=Fox News |access-date=19 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020051540/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,359065,00.html |archive-date=20 October 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, during ''George Washington''{{'}}s transit of the Pacific Coast of South America en route to the planned turnover with ''Kitty Hawk'' in Hawaii, a major fire broke out that led to ''Washington'' diverting to San Diego for repairs. This led to the US Navy retaining ''Kitty Hawk'' in Hawaii to take part in the RIMPAC 2008 exercises in June and July.<ref name="starbulletinRIMPAC">{{cite news |url=http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/04/news/story11.html |title=Kitty Hawk remains in Hawaii for RIMPAC |last=Kakesako |first=Gregg K. |date=4 July 2008 |newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-date=11 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011175130/http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/04/news/story11.html }}</ref> On 7 August 2008, ''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at NAS North Island.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20080807-1347-bn07kitty.html |title=''Kitty Hawk'' makes last visit to North Island |last=Liewer |first=Steve |date=7 August 2008 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812074920/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20080807-1347-bn07kitty.html |archive-date=12 August 2008}}</ref>
===Retirement=== [[File:USS Kittyhawk at Pearl Harbor.JPG|thumb|''Kitty Hawk'' in port at Pearl Harbor after participating in RIMPAC exercises in place of the damaged ''George Washington'']] [[File:USS KittyHawk CV-63 InacShips 1.2017.jpg|thumb|In February 2017, Ex-USS ''Kitty Hawk'' moored at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard]] On 1 December 2005, the United States Navy announced that ''George Washington'' would replace ''Kitty Hawk'' in 2008 as the forward-deployed carrier in Japan and it would also assume host carrier duties for forward-deployed Carrier Air Wing 5.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=21248 |title=USS ''George Washington'' to Replace USS ''Kitty Hawk'' as U.S. Navy's Forward Deployed Carrier |date=2 December 2005 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025231742/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=21248 |archive-date=25 October 2006}}</ref>
In March 2007, the Navy announced that Captain Todd Zecchin, the captain responsible during the decommissioning of {{USS|John F. Kennedy|CV-67|2}}, had been tasked with overseeing the decommissioning of ''Kitty Hawk''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/23/AR2007032300290.html |title=Carrier USS Kennedy Decommissioned |last=Word |first=Ron |date=23 March 2007 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref>
''Kitty Hawk'' left Yokosuka on 28 May 2008 to begin the decommissioning process.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/28/japan.kitty.hawk.ap/index.html |title=USS ''Kitty Hawk'' says Sayonara |date=28 May 2008 |website=CNN |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531030825/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/28/japan.kitty.hawk.ap/index.html |archive-date=31 May 2008}}</ref> However, on 22 May, a fire seriously damaged ''George Washington'', causing the ship to go to San Diego for repairs. ''Kitty Hawk'' participated in the RIMPAC exercise near Hawaii in ''George Washington''{{'}}s place. The turnover between the two carriers was postponed and took place in August.<ref name="starbulletinRIMPAC"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Damaged Aircraft Carrier To Stay In Port For Repairs |last=Liewer |first=Steve |date=21 June 2008 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}</ref> After the turnover, ''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at Bremerton, Washington in September and was informally retired on 31 January 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kitty Hawk Ceremony To Be Held Saturday |date=28 January 2009 |newspaper=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008694101_webkittyhawk31m.html |title=2,000 say goodbye to USS Kitty Hawk |last=Clarridge |first=Christine |date=1 February 2009 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |access-date=19 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307144906/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008694101_webkittyhawk31m.html |archive-date=7 March 2009}}</ref> ''Kitty Hawk'', the USN's last diesel-fueled aircraft carrier, was finally decommissioned on 12 May 2009.<ref name="USN45202">{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45202 |title=Navy Decommissions USS Kitty Hawk |date=12 May 2009 |website=U.S. Navy, Kitty Hawk Public Affairs |access-date=13 May 2009 |archive-date=20 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320020918/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45202 }}</ref>
==Post decommissioning== [[File:Final Voyage of the Kitty Hawk-17.jpg|thumb|''Kitty Hawk'' being towed past the southern tip of South Padre Island, Texas, by tugboat ''Michele Foss'' on 31 May 2022.]] thumb|''Kitty Hawk'' being towed in the Brownsville Ship Channel on 31 May 2022. As the last conventional American aircraft carriers to be decommissioned, ''Kitty Hawk'' and {{USS|John F. Kennedy|CV-67|2}} were the last two carriers suitable for conversion into museum ships. Nuclear carriers, such as {{USS|Enterprise|CV-65|2}} and the {{sclass|Nimitz|aircraft carrier|4}}, require extensive disassembly to remove their nuclear reactors during decommissioning, leaving them in an unsuitable condition for donation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/10/22/enterprise-nimitz-class-carriers-wont-be-museums.html |title=Enterprise, Nimitz-Class Carriers Won't Be Museums |first=Michael Welles |last=Shapiro |website=Military.com |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref>
After ''Kitty Hawk'' was decommissioned, groups based in Wilmington, North Carolina<ref name="USN45202"/><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060125/NEWS/60124035/1015/news01 |title=New ship coming in? |first=Patrick |last=Gannon |date=25 January 2006 |newspaper=Star-News |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928042110/http://www.wilmingtonstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060125%2FNEWS%2F60124035%2F1015%2Fnews01 |archive-date=28 September 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1225520/ |title=Ex-Sailors' Dream Is USS Kitty Hawk Moored in Wilmington |date=6 March 2007 |website=WRAL-TV |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref> and Pensacola, Florida<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.citizen-times.com/article/DP/20130131/NEWS12/301310021/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628213218/http://www.citizen-times.com/article/DP/20130131/NEWS12/301310021/ |archive-date=2013-06-28 |title=Kitty Hawk |date=January 2013 |newspaper=Asheville Citizen-Times}}</ref> lobbied to acquire the ship after her release from the Navy Inactive Ships Program.
By March 2017, the USS ''Kitty Hawk'' Veterans Association had raised $5 million in pledges to preserve the aircraft carrier as a museum ship. Members sought to donate $15,000 in memorabilia for display if it came to fruition.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/2017/03/15/group-wants-make-kitty-hawk-into-museum/99212664/|title=Group wants to make Kitty Hawk into museum|last=Friedrich|first=Ed|date=15 March 2017|newspaper=Kitsap Sun|access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref>
After President Donald Trump gave a speech on board {{USS|Gerald R. Ford}} and promised to build a 12-carrier navy,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/03/02/aboard-ford-trump-promises-12-carriers-record-navy-growth.html |title=Aboard Ford, Trump Promises 12 Carriers, Record Navy Growth |first=Hope Hodge |last=Seck |date=2 March 2017 |website=Military.com |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref> US Navy officials extended ''Kitty Hawk''{{'}}s stay in the reserve inactive fleet and considered the possibility of recommissioning her to help with the buildup.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/11316/us-navy-looking-at-bringing-retired-carrier-uss-kitty-hawk-out-of-mothballs |title=US Navy Looking At Bringing Retired Carrier USS Kitty Hawk Out Of Mothballs |first=Tyler |last=Rogoway |date=8 June 2017 |website=The War Zone |publisher=The Drive |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328215051/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/11316/us-navy-looking-at-bringing-retired-carrier-uss-kitty-hawk-out-of-mothballs }}</ref>
On 20 October 2017, ''Kitty Hawk'' was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/2017/11/28/uss-kitty-hawk-veterans-devastated-aircraft-carrier-headed-scrapyard/836475001/ |title=USS Kitty Hawk veterans devastated the aircraft carrier is headed for the scrapyard |first=Julianne |last=Stanford |date=28 November 2017 |newspaper=Kitsap Sun |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref> and on 25 October 2017, the Navy announced its intentions to dispose of her by scrapping.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/2017/10/24/former-uss-kitty-hawk-disposed-dismantling/795128001/|title=Former USS Kitty Hawk to be disposed of by dismantling|date=24 October 2017|website=Kitsap Sun|access-date=28 March 2019}}</ref>
On 9 March 2021, ''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard to be put in dry dock and have the hull scraped of marine life before being towed to her final destination.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Media/News/SavedNewsModule/Article/2524361/ex-kitty-hawk-cv-63-dry-docks-at-psns-imf/|title=Ex-Kitty Hawk (CV 63) dry docks at PSNS & IMF|publisher=navsea.navy.mil|date=4 March 2021|access-date=1 May 2021}}</ref>
On 6 October 2021, ''Kitty Hawk'' and ''John F. Kennedy'' were sold for one cent each to International Shipbreaking Limited.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Colson|first=Thomas|title=The US Navy sold 2 obsolete aircraft carriers to scrap dealers for 1 cent each|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/us-sells-2-aircraft-carriers-1-cent-each-2021-10|access-date=2021-10-06|website=Business Insider|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Trevithick|first=Joseph|title=The Navy's Last Conventionally Powered Aircraft Carriers Have Been Sold For Literal Pennies|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42643/the-navys-last-conventionally-powered-aircraft-carriers-have-been-sold-for-literal-pennies|access-date=2021-10-07|website=The War Zone|publisher=The Drive|language=en|archive-date=10 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010140456/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/42643/the-navys-last-conventionally-powered-aircraft-carriers-have-been-sold-for-literal-pennies}}</ref>
On 15 January 2022, ''Kitty Hawk'' left the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, under tow, en-route to Brownsville, Texas, for scrapping. As she is too big to transit the Panama Canal, she went instead by way of the Straits of Magellan.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Farley|first=Josh|title=Aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk departs Bremerton for Texas dismantling|url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2022/01/15/old-carrier-uss-kitty-hawk-departs-bremerton-texas-dismantling/6534565001/|access-date=2022-01-15|website=Kitsap Sun|language=en-US}}</ref>
On 31 May 2022, ''Kitty Hawk'' arrived in Brownsville, Texas, for scrapping.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Carrier USS Kitty Hawk Arrives in Brownsville for Dismantling|url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/carrier-uss-kitty-hawk-arrives-in-brownsville-for-dismantling|access-date=2022-06-02|language=en-US}}</ref> Scrapping was mostly complete by early 2024, as shown by aerial footage posted online.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kitty Hawk Flyover 3/23/24 (YouTube, user @michaelfarrell3446)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYZ5sCBuqkY|access-date=2024-04-15|language=en-US}}</ref>
It was also announced that the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan was donated one of the ship's anchors and several pieces of the flight deck for outside display. This will go on display in June 2024 with help of the USS Kitty Hawk Veterans Association.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Air Zoo receives historic 30-ton anchor from the USS Kitty Hawk |url=https://www.airzoo.org/news/posts/air-zoo-receives-historic-30-ton-anchor-from-the-uss-kitty-hawk |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=www.airzoo.org |language=en-us}}</ref>
==Awards and decorations== Awarded to ''Kitty Hawk'':<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kittyhawkvets.com/ship-awards|title=Ship's Awards|publisher=kittyhawkvets.com|access-date=15 January 2022|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115224517/https://www.kittyhawkvets.com/ship-awards}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://laststandonzombieisland.com/tag/carrier/|title=BATTLE CAT HEADED TO THE SCRAPPER, AND LIKELY A PARK IN SOUTH TEXAS|publisher=laststandonzombieidland.com|date=2 November 2017|access-date=15 January 2022}}</ref> {| style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" |colspan="4"| {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Ribbon, U.S. Navy Presidential Unit Citation.svg|width=103}} {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Joint Meritorious Unit Award-3d.svg|width=103}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=5|type=service-star|ribbon=U.S. Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=103}} |{{ribbon devices|number=2|type=service-star|ribbon=Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.svg|width=103}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Battle Effectiveness Award ribbon, 3rd award.svg|width=103}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=3|type=service-star|ribbon=Navy Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg|width=103}} |{{ribbon devices|number=2|type=service-star|ribbon=National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=103}} |{{ribbon devices|number=15|type=service-star|ribbon=Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg|width=103}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=16|type=service-star|ribbon=Vietnam Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=103}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Southwest Asia Service Medal ribbon (1991-2016), 1st award.svg|width=103}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg|width=103}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Global War on Terrorism Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=103}} |{{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|ribbon=Humanitarian Service Medal ribbon.svg|width=103}} |{{ribbon devices|number=17|type=service-star|ribbon=Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.svg|width=103}} |- |{{ribbon devices|number=9|type=service-star|ribbon=Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon.svg|width=103}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Vietnam gallantry cross unit award-3d.svg|width=103}} |{{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|ribbon=Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg|width=103}} |}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto; text-align:center;" |- | colspan=3| Presidential Unit Citation | colspan=3| Joint Meritorious Unit Award |- | colspan=2 | Navy Unit Commendation <br />with 5 stars | colspan=2 | Meritorious Unit Commendation <br />with 2 stars | colspan=2 | Navy E Ribbon <br />with 3 Battle 'E' Devices |- | colspan=2 | Navy Expeditionary Medal <br />with 3 stars | colspan=2 | National Defense Service Medal <br />with 2 stars | colspan=2 | Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal <br />with 15 stars |- | colspan=2 | Vietnam Service Medal <br />with 16 stars | colspan=2 | Southwest Asia Service Medal <br />with 1 star | colspan=2 | Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal |- | colspan=2 | Global War on Terrorism Service Medal | colspan=2 | Humanitarian Service Medal <br />with 1 star | colspan=2 | Sea Service Deployment Ribbon <br />with 17 stars |- | colspan=2 | Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon <br />with 9 stars | colspan=2 | Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation | colspan=2 | Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal |}
==See also== *List of aircraft carriers of the United States Navy *Stop Our Ship - USS Kitty Hawk - Antiwar campaign directed at the USS Kitty Hawk
==Notes== {{Notelist}}
==References== {{More footnotes needed|date=September 2008}} {{reflist|20em}}
== Bibliography == * {{cite book|author1-last= Friedman|author1-first= Norman|editor1-last= Chesneau|editor1-first= Roger|year= 1995|chapter=United States of America|title= Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946|location= Annapolis|publisher= Naval Institute Press |isbn = 1-55750-132-7}}
==External links== {{Commons and category|USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)|USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20090414171250/http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/ Official website] * [http://www.kittyhawkvets.com/ USS ''Kitty Hawk'' Veterans Association] * {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20150904030552/http://www.yokosukabase.com/News/tabid/79/articleType/CategoryView/categoryId/65/USS-Kitty-Hawk.aspx USS ''Kitty Hawk'' News]}} * {{navsource|02/63}} * {{hlist|USS ''Kitty Hawk'' (CVA-63/CV-63) command histories – Naval History and Heritage Command * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1961.pdf 1961] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/s62-m63.pdf Sep 1962-Mar 1963] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/m63-s63.pdf Mar 1963-Sep 1963] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/s63-m64.pdf Sep 1963-Mar 1964] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/m64-s64.pdf Mar 1964-Sep 1964] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/s64-m65.pdf Sep 1964-Mar 1965] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/m65-s65.pdf Mar 1965-Sep 1965] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/o65-m66.pdf Oct 1965-Mar 1966] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/a66-s66.pdf Apr 1966-Sep 1966] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1966.pdf 1966] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1967.pdf 1967] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1968.pdf 1968] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1969.pdf 1969] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1970.pdf 1970] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1971.pdf 1971] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1972.pdf 1972] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1973.pdf 1973] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1974.pdf 1974] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1975.pdf 1975] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1976.pdf 1976] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1977.pdf 1977] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1978.pdf 1978] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1979.pdf 1979] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1980.pdf 1980] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1981.pdf 1981] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1982.pdf 1982] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1983.pdf 1983] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1984.pdf 1984] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1985.pdf 1985] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1986.pdf 1986] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1987.pdf 1987] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1988.pdf 1988] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1989.pdf 1989] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1990.pdf 1990] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1991.pdf 1991] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1992.pdf 1992] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1993.pdf 1993] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1994.pdf 1994] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1995.pdf 1995] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1996.pdf 1996] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1997.pdf 1997] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/2000.pdf 2000] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/2001.pdf 2001] * [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/2003.pdf 2003] }} * Leonard F. Guttridge, ''Mutiny: A History of Naval Insurrection,'' United States Naval Institute Press, 1992, {{ISBN|0-87021-281-8}} * {{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Tim |title=U.S. ships, barred from Hong Kong, now sail under China's nose |url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/latest-news/article24472828.html |website=McClatchy DC Bureau |access-date=23 September 2017}}
{{s-start}} {{s-bef|before={{USS|Independence|CV-62}}}} {{s-ttl|title=Oldest active combat ship of the United States Navy|years=1998–2009}} {{s-aft|after={{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65}}}} {{s-end}}
{{Kitty Hawk class aircraft carrier}} {{1984 shipwrecks}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kitty Hawk (Cv-63)}} Category:Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carriers Category:Ships built by New York Shipbuilding Corporation Category:1960 ships Category:Cold War aircraft carriers of the United States Category:Vietnam War aircraft carriers of the United States Category:Afghanistan War ships of the United States Category:Maritime incidents in 1984