USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) Departs for Final Voyage to Texas for Scrapping

The former USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), affectionately nicknamed "Big John," embarked on its final journey on January 15, 2025, departing from the Philadelphia Navy Yard en route to Brownsville, Texas. This marks the end of an era for the iconic conventionally powered aircraft carrier as it heads to be dismantled.

Kennedy: A Storied History

Commissioned in 1968, the Kennedy was the last conventionally powered aircraft carrier built for the U.S. Navy. Over its nearly four decades of service, the ship completed 18 deployments, often operating in the Mediterranean and playing a crucial role during conflicts such as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Learn more about the ship's history here.

Years in Philadelphia

Following its decommissioning in 2007, the Kennedy was moved to the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 2008, where it remained until now. Efforts by advocacy groups, including the USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier Project, aimed to preserve the vessel as a museum. Unfortunately, these initiatives were ultimately unsuccessful.

Final Journey

The Navy awarded the scrapping contract to International Shipbreaking Ltd./EMR Brownsville, which agreed to dismantle the ship for a nominal fee of one cent. According to a statement from NAVSEA, the Kennedy’s final voyage will take it down the Delaware River and into the Atlantic Ocean before reaching the Gulf Coast of Texas. The trip is expected to last at least two weeks.

Reflections and Legacy

“Seeing her leave is bittersweet,” said Captain Mike Sullivan, a former commanding officer of the Kennedy. “She was a home away from home for so many sailors and a symbol of American strength.”

As the ship makes its final transit, former crew members and naval enthusiasts are sharing memories of the vessel's storied past. The Kennedy was not only a symbol of military power but also a testament to the resilience of the crews who served aboard her. For many, the ship's scrapping is a poignant reminder of changing times and advancing technology.

Impact on Philadelphia

The departure of the Kennedy also signals a shift for the Philadelphia Navy Yard, which continues to evolve as a hub for innovation and redevelopment. Local residents, many of whom have personal ties to the ship or its history, gathered to watch as the carrier left its berth for the last time. Local news coverage captured the scene.

Looking Ahead

While the Kennedy’s decommissioning and scrapping mark the end of its physical presence, its legacy will endure through the memories of those who served aboard and the historical accounts preserved by organizations like the USSJFK Museum Project.

The dismantling process in Brownsville will recycle thousands of tons of steel and other materials, underscoring the ship's continued service, albeit in a different form. For more details on the Kennedy's history and final journey, visit NAVSEAor Wikipedia.