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USS Kitty Hawk CV-63(V)

Built by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation in 1955, the "super carrier" USS Kitty Hawk CV3 was launched 4 years later and commissioned in 1961. It is based at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, and is still in service. The Kitty Hawk weighs approximately 62,000 tons, is almost 1,100 feet long, is propelled by 8 steam boilers and 4 propellers, and can reach a speed of over 40 MPH. (This translates to 35 knots, or 65 kilometers per hour.) It can carry a total of 5634 servicemen and 85 aircraft, is armed with Sea Sparrow surface to-air missiles and can utilize 4 Anti-Missile/Aircraft Defenses. 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. She 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. During 2008, the Kitty Hawk will be replaced and returned to US for decommissioning.

Famous Guests and Outstanding Achievements

1961-The Kitty Hawk honored the Secretary of the Brazilian Navy and the President of Peru. 1963-President John F. Kennedy visited with top civilian and military leaders. (A short while later, the Kitty Hawk was required to fire memorial salutes for the slain leader, as she was the senior ship sailing into the Sasebo Harbor in Japan.) 1967-William Randolph Hearst, Jr., Dr. Billy Graham; and John Steinbeck were invited aboard.

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 aboard, 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 become the first Pacific Fleet carrier to hold the "CV" designation. At this time, a sonar analysis center and 10 new helicopter stations and was added. (At the time, she was the only carrier with an aircraft elevator that angled six degrees from her hangar deck to the flight deck.) In 1980, the Kitty Hawk and its crew made a cameo appearance in the movie The Final Countdown, and was filmed entering Pearl Harbor. In 1998, it assumed new duties as America's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, and 3 years later, 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 SS Kitty Hawk clearly has an intriguing history and had definitely earned its place in military history. It has 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 have been 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 a ship constructed before the 1970's, and was also utilized to prevent heat or electrical accidents. It was especially dangerous in the small, cramped spaces below decks, where men spent the majority of their time. Little exposure to fresh air and a lack of ventilation would not have helped matters, as if even a tiny amount of asbestos seeped into the air supply, it could have easily been circulated to the living quarters of the vessel. Anyone who worked on the Kitty Hawk during its years in active service, and who has noticed 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(V), or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Asbestos.com offers a free packet with more information. Enter your contact information in the form in the right column and we'll send a copy immediately.

Aircraft Carriers Index

USS America USS Antietam CV 36 K USS Antietam CV 36 USS Badoeng Strait CVE 116 USS Bairoko CVE 115 USS Bairoko CVE 115 USS Belleau wood CVL 24 USS Bennington CV 20 USS Bon Homme Richard CVa USS Boxer CV USS Bunker CV USS Cabot CVL 28 USS Constellation CV USS Coral Sea CV USS Corregidor CVE 58 USS Sable ix USS San jacinto CVL USS Saratoga CV USS Saratoga CV3 USS Shangri La

USS Cowpens CVL 25 USS Enterprise CV 6 USS Enterprise CVN USS Essex CV 9 USS Forrestal CV USS Franklin CV 13 USS Hancock CV 19 USS Hornet CV 12 USS Hornet CV 8 USS Independence C1 USS Independence CVL 22 USS Intrepid CV 11 USS Kearsage CV 33 USS Kearsage CV USS Kitty Hawk USS Sicily CVe USS Sitkoh bay USS Tarawa CV USS Ticonderoga CV USS Valley forge CV

USS Lake Champlain CV 39 USS Langley CV 1 USS Langley CVL 27 USS Lexington CV 16 USS Lexington CV 2 USS Leyte CV 32 USS Midway CV USS Oriskany CV USS Phillipine Sea CV USS Point cruz CVE USS Princeton CV USS Princeton CVL USS Randolph CV USS Ranger CV USS Rendova USS Wasp CV 18 USS Wasp CV 7 USS Wolverine IX 64 USS Yorktown CV 10 USS Yorktown CV 5

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