USS Kitty Hawk CV-63

Built by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in 1955, the "super carrier" USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 was launched four years later and commissioned in 1961. It is based at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan and is still in service. The carrier can carry a total of 5,634 servicemen and 85 aircraft. This naval ship was the second one named after the city of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and is the last active ship of her class.

The vessel holds the second longest active status in the Navy, after the USS Constitution, and is the Navy's only conventionally fueled aircraft. For a temporary period, the Kitty Hawk was one of the two aircraft carriers permitted to fly the First Navy Jack. In 2008, the Kitty Hawk was replaced and returned to the United States for decommissioning.

Famous Guests and Outstanding Achievements

In 1961, the Kitty Hawk honored the Secretary of the Brazilian Navy and the President of Peru. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited with top civilian and military leaders. In 1966, the Kitty Hawk received the Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation for "undaunted spirit, courage, professionalism and dedication" for its destruction of military targets in North Vietnam during adverse weather conditions. For its actions during the Iran hostage crisis in the North Arabian Sea, the Kitty Hawk was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal.

In 1966, Kitty Hawk received the Navy's Meritorious Unit Commendation for "undaunted spirit, courage, professionalism and dedication" for its destruction of military targets in North Vietnam during adverse weather conditions. For its actions during the Iran hostage crisis in the North Arabian Sea, the Kitty Hawk was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal. It was again awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 1980, and that year was designated as Naval Air Force Pacific Battle Efficiency "E", the best carrier in the Pacific Fleet. During 1981, the Kitty Hawk's action regarding the rescue of Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea earned it the Navy Expeditionary Medal once again, as well as the Humanitarian Service Medal. It displayed three fatality-free deployments, and upon its mission in the Indian Ocean in 1987, received yet another Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Notable Publicity

During the Vietnam War in 1972, a racial brawl broke out on board, which involved over 100 sailors, almost 50 of which were injured. The Kitty Hawk was converted from an attack carrier to a multi-mission carrier in 1973, and thus became the first Pacific Fleet carrier to hold the "CV" designation.

In 1998, it assumed new duties as America's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. Three years later, it became the first aircraft carrier to be moored pier-side at the brand new Changi Pier of the Republic of Singapore Naval Base. After the September 11th attacks in 2001, the Kitty Hawk was deployed to the North Arabian Sea for Operation Enduring Freedom and was enlisted to serve as a base for U.S. Special Forces. One of its last missions was in 2003, when it assisted with the project Iraqi Freedom in the North Persian Gulf.

The USS Kitty Hawk served the United States well during several international uprisings and was held in high esteem across the globe. The sailors aboard were surely proud to be associated with such a respected vessel, and probably worked hard in their duties to maintain her status. Unfortunately, they may not have been aware that in doing so they were probably exposed to asbestos.

This toxic material was used as insulation in many ships constructed before the 1970s and was also utilized to prevent fire or electrical accidents. It was especially dangerous in the small, cramped spaces below decks where men spent the majority of their time. Anyone who has worked on the Kitty Hawk and are now feeling unusual physical symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible. They are also advised to consider getting advice from professionals who are expert in the matters of asbestos exposure.

If you were exposed to asbestos while serving on the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a free informational packet.

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