USS AMERICA tribute

[brnflipping]

Nicely done, JollyrogerDOC!

I was also a corpsman stationed aboard the USS America in 1977-79.

I'm curious how you acquired and accumulated the images on this video???

Brings back alot of memories of youth.

[Jollyrogerdoc]

Surfing around the net for a lot of them. Other are ones I just aquired.

[MithraisAugustus]

Now muster the 100 man provision working party...expedite the mustering of the 100 man working party. Fuck, that sucked. Did anyone ever actually DO the roving patrol on the ship or did we ALL just go back to whatever space and play video games?

[MithraisAugustus]

AE 3. AIMD/WC 620. She was home.

[David308]

Best ship I ever served on. AX1 in IM3 Div

[Navyordy73]

I served on Her from 1992-1996.....Weapons Department, Ordnance Control and G-3 Division. She was a great Ship and I enjoyed my tour...I enjoyed the shipmates and long lasting friends I made...Fair Winds and Following Seas......

[daveantd1971]

it is sad the navy used this ship as a test target i served on the america from 89 to 92 i was going to renlist and stay on longer but had to get out we was in dry dock at the time i got out i left and never looked back and now i wish i did that was a good ship i was in A div. i gotout do to death in family and that was the last prace that i seen my family member alive

[ibceptor]

I was on from 93-decom, I miss that ship! never thought I would hear myself say that about any navy ship, but she was different!

[Jollyrogerdoc]

Hey I was VF-84 Corpsman on that cruise on TR!

[tomwilber1]

I did a family day cruise on her when she was almost new in '67. This is the last carrier my father launched from when he was shot down in '68. I did a med deployment on TR and we relieved AMERICA in '89. I sure do wish AMERICA was still around. Fine ship...proud memories.

[jdgfanatic]

Love this song. Proud to be American!!! GOD BLESS UNITED STATES of AMERICA!

[FISHINGBEAR63]

I served Aboard Her From 80 to 83 Did the ditch and too many ports to recall.. Im Gonna Miss Her.. She was my first and Last Carrier. What a way to go. They should of Turned her into a Museum..

[UPSD70m4]

the uss jfk was going to be a nuke falttop too

[jacobkurti]

is she a kitty hawk class ship or not?

[Jollyrogerdoc]

I know her as a modified Kitty Hawk. She was supposed to be nuke but budget cuts changed that.  So design was different for nuke but changed back.

[kvhpkh]

"You're lookin good America!!!"

[rickcee]

Smoked a lot of pot on her in 1970 on Yankee Station. Too bad they had to drop kick the bitch.

[rickcee]

My boat in 1969. RIP, baby.

[FroggyOne2]

Served aboard Her from Jan 82 to May 83 with VA-34, Navy Corpsman

[EmoLuver423]

This one is the one that makes my heart sink with her. From the days of the dry dock to setting out to sea for Northern wedding. Getting my shellback card on her. All the ports, Doing the ditch. Returning to pier 12 Bring the mail on board with the damm C1A pig that leaked all the time. Capt. Leeds and his wife LtJg. Those are the days to remeber CVA-66. I have to go look at the cruise books for 4 tours on her. I miss that ship and the friends I meet there too. R.I.P miss A we all miss you.

[keepingfit]

Good Memories..EM2 EE04 84 - 88..

[SSUnitedStateslife]

GOD BLESS AMERICA

[yamaha789]

why did they do that to the best ship

[Bati1307]

it wasn't our best ship it's sad to see it go but it was sad to see enterprise go to and it did something greater it made so we can develope the best aircraft carriers in the world the nimitz and it helped us with our new fleet of aircraft carrier the X-21's most advanced carriers in the world it's legacy is this it helped us build a great group of carriers now it's helped with making of the best carriers in the world

[duckarnie62]

And for all that care

all the EW's names are still on the angle iron in the module

EWC here

[duckarnie62]

EWC here 1994-1996

She was a proud ship The big dog

Good crew

Good ship F*** you now turn two

And of course Capt. Sugs

[Navyordy73]

Good ole Benny Suggs......The Big Dog was awesome....AO1(AW) 1992-1996

[mkl62]

I served on the America from October 9, 1986, until my discharge on April 24, 1990. I was an AK and served in S-6 Division. I went through the entire yard period, work-ups in 1988, then the NATO & Med/IO deployments in 1989. It was a good experience.

[cv66eoow]

Served in MP division from 89 to 95. Looking back after a 20-year retirement, AMERICA was definitely my best tour!. Great ship, and a Great crew.

I consider that 6 years the highlight of my career, and caught myself tearing up watching this vid.

[SSUnitedStateslife]

R.I.P USS AMERICA save the SS United

States

[jrsusmc]

thank you very much for this, i served aboard the roosevelt(cvn-71)during the first gulf war and my 1/2 brother served on the kitty hawk(cv-63)during nam and the 4 carrier photo is great! ps my dad army ww2,my 1/2 brother navy nam,and me marines g1, made for grest thanksgiving dinner conversation

[sparksdeuce66]

I served on the "Grey Lady" from 1969-1970 and did the 1970 WESTPAC deployment. I was, formerly, the Preservation Officer for the USS America Museum Foundation, and we fought the good fight to save her. The day she cast off her lines for the last time, I was talking to my wife on the cell phone, and she said that I sounded like I was watching an old friend's funeral.

There will never be another AMERICA. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Old Girl.

Greg Moore

Former RM2, CR Division

1969-1970

[wakinyan1954]

greg, she was a great lady. i served onboard during desert storm. was the best time of my life. she was old, neglected, but served us well. she should have been saved as a tribute to the naval service. god bless all!

[reizul]

Served aboard the 66 in '66, met my wife in '66 (still together), now I'm 66...I never thought I would be around to witness such a disrespectful fate delivered upon such a Gallant Vessel....

[flajaxbound]

i was aboard America in 93-95. i was in 3mmr. you have to love us snipes. i got off of her 2days before her last med cruise.

[Married2aMARINE]

My husband was deployed aboard THE AMERICA in the early '70's w/the Marine detachment for her Med. cruise. He was aide to the Admiral and took great pride in saying he served aboard her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

[seventhvette]

I deployed about CVA-66 for a Med & a West Pac Cruise. I went aboard with VA-86 during 1971 and 1972. She was a grand lady indeed, so sorry to see her at the bottom.

[wolfgirl140]

My husband served on the "big dawg" from 1992-'96,where he served as an ABF. Both of us have many great memories from those days,including our first child being born on the 95/96 med! we made many wonderful friends,and I thank you for this tribute... she is missed.

[texasfld]

It brings back some memories! I served one tour of duty on her in 1979,I was in squadron VA 195 the Dambusters A-7 corsairs out of Lemoore,CA. I was an AME and was TAD up on the flight deck as a liquid OX crew..some really good times..would like to hear from old mates!

[wakinyan1954]

she was my first carrier experience and for desert storm. love that find lady! fair winds and following seas! wish we could have had her as a museum! kent ewing...you were awesome skipper!

[thrash2deth]

maritime quest site has the final pics of her goin down of the coast

[thrash2deth]

I served on her 82-86..v-4 air dept..fleets finest fuelers!!!!!!i"ll miss her!!!!of course

we played Neil Diamond after every un-rep too!!!!

[ibceptor]

I was on there from 1993 until Decom, one of the last left to go. IC2 in FWD IC Shop.

I loved our Malta stop on our last cruise!!

[EdHura]

I served the USS America during outfitting in Newport News, VA (Late 1964 to commissioning), then as part of the commissioning crew in Jan. 1965, and through the end of my enlistment in Nov 1966.  I was saddened to hear of her fate. But, from what I have read, she did not go down easily. Demolition teams had to strike the final blow.

A lot of memories; mostly good. Given the chance, I would serve her again.

Ed Hura (ETR2) Plank Owner

[sinking1]

Wow, a girl from the UK saying Hi to all who sailed. My memory of the America is short, yet long. I lived in Mallorca, on a couple of her tours. And, had the privilege of meeting and working with many, I hope we made your tour a little easier.

God Bless,

Paula from Palma.

[wakinyan1954]

thank you, paula. and yes you and others did. i love Palma! the people, the sites, the clubs. blessings!

[sinking1]

Hi Michael (wakinyan1954), did I have the pleasure of meeting you?

[flatfourme]

I made three cruises(1981-1984)aboard America while serving in VAW-123(E2-C's)out of Norfolk, VA. We were the first super carrier to ever transit the Suez Canal in 1981. At the time, I was young and couldn't wait to get out of the Navy (I served 6 years), but now I look back with a lot of pride and have only pleasant thoughts about my time aboard that great ship. God Bless America!

[Jollyrogerdoc]

Hey there Screwtop! We were on board at the same time. Not for long but...

[FISHINGBEAR63]

Howdy there I also served during that time Attached to the Waist Cats

[Scott062671]

Thanks very much...brought a few tears to my eye. I served her in the first gulf war..91 to 93. Young and nieve at points..but not enough to know what I was doing and proud of where I was. She was my home for 2 years. My 13 year daughter and I just watched this...thanks again for bringing up fond memories.

[OBXYANKEES]

Hey Scott, i was there from 91 to 94 and also young and nieve IM-4 DIV in AIMD, man looking at this video almost brought tears to my eyes cause of the memories i had onboard good times and bad times mainly good though

[Jeffcv66]

Just wanted to say hi. I was an old shipmate of the America. I too was attached to AIMD IM-4 Division. Just wanted to know if the shop had changed any over the years. Later on I was stationed on the America's sister ship The Kennedy. The America didn't deseve her final resting place. She should have been made a museum. Just like the Kennedy should. They stood their watch and the men and women who served on them stood proudly.

AS2

[jgregoire687]

I have long missed my days aboard the America. I was in CVIC from 86-90. Would not have wanted to be anywhere else ( at least stationed while aboard CV-66) two trips to the Yards, the Med, IO and cutting holes in the ocean just outside the Gulf. So many memories of good guys and good times. Thanks for bringing it back

Jerry

[MCMan85]

Kinda sad that the rest of the Kitty Hawks and Forrestals are likely going to be scrapped or sunk after serving our country for so many years.

[cdubois13]

Does anyone know whe and how this ship was sunk?And where did they sink her?

[Nickieohio]

Gr8 video. My Brother~In~Law Lt. Barry Brockway retired from the Navy this year and a few years back he was on that ship over in Iraq...Thanks what a Gr8 Country you serve..I will keep you all in my prayers... :)

[manfromlox]

God Bless my sweet lady. May her strenth live in her countrymen, and may they never forget her sacrifices. The ocean splits where the Big Dog Sits!

[nydino]

She is gone only from the books but she lives on in our hearts and souls for those who served with her. I will never forget seeing her pull into Norfolk and knowing my squadron VA64 would soon be aboard her. Joe Alessi VA 64 1965 - 1967

[jdjoens]

Came onboard with VF 142 and the first F-14's Spent alot of time on her deck as a Plane Captin from 75-77

[Cimager]

I served on her 67-68, First Nam Cruise. Yr. before she rescued the crew mates off of the USS Liberty. The America did us proud. QM-3 when I left.

[timzveri]

Any chance you knew a corpsman named Gerry Zarneke? He would've been on at that time.  He was my father.

[PSYCH1911]

She was my first ship in the Navy. I came aboard in 1980 and stayed for three years. The pictures are those I have to remeber her. Great days with her and some of the best ports over my years in the navy. Had 7 Carriers after but, She will always be my fisrt. I miss that ship. C-1 Cod crew. Cod on deck with mail

[DutchKenMan]

1966-1967 ASB shop Rvah12 great ship

[DutchKenMan]

she was a good ship 1966-1967

[klscott23]

I was on here from 1989-1992 (during Operation Desest Storm)within the Air Department. Overall she was a great ship. I will miss here. ABH3 / SK3 Scott

[1964farris]

I loved this ship I served on America! From 1984- 1988, as a Ship Servicemen, I got to know alot of great amazing people. Would like to say hello to all who served on there with me. SH3 Farris.

[FtGeno]

I served aboard in Operations from '87 - '91 and remember her well. Goodbye fair lady, you are missed.

[Uniq12u]

Helped take the Big Dawg on her Last Romp, Weps G-1. She was one used up, neglected ship by the time she limped back home. For many of us who served on board, our blood is literally on that ship. Sorry AMERICA, we tried our best to save you. Thanks for the memories.

[koaheart]

Great Compilation, although I still have my own personal photo's and cruise book. I 1st boarded her in 1989 and left 1992. I was assigned to the Fire Department, and we kept busy every single day. God bless all who served wih me. Find your old shipmates at togetherweserved . com

[gododgers05]

If anybody remembers or knows the name Commander Charles R Brokaw tell me- he served on it for a long time and he's my great uncle- he inspired me to join the Civil Air Patrol and now i'm trying to get accepted into the Naval Acadmey.

Cadet Airman First Class Brokaw

[timzveri]

Amazing. Very nice tribute. My father was on board I believe from 65-69. He's not with us anymore, but he was ostensibly proud to have served on her.

This may be odd, but my father passed when I was young . Would any of you on here that were on this ship during these times remember a corpsman with the name of Gerry Zarneke? Would love to know how he was back in his youth.

[Jollyrogerdoc]

Check out the web sit uss america . org, you have a better chance there.

[acaciastree1]

I served aboard the America from 1982-1984. I was with the Marine Detachment and used to play that song over the 1MC when we broke away from refueling or resupplying. It still raises the hair on the back of my neck. I'll never forget my adventures aboard her. A great ship and a fantastic crew.

[Jollyrogerdoc]

Semper Fi, I was a corpsman and you guys used the bulkhead/sick bay back door to make the turn on security alerts. More than once the door flew open!

[acaciastree1]

Good memories, all. I had all four of my widsom teeth pulled on that ship. I remember waking up in sick bay. You guys took good care of me. Thanks and God bless.

[duckarnie62]

LOL I trying to think if I know you I was EWC from 1994 to 1996 use to hang out with doc there

[Jollyrogerdoc]

I was 83-85

[duckarnie62]

dam but i also knew a jollydoc thats why i was thinking

[Jollyrogerdoc]

I was also the corpsman for VF-84 Jolly Rogers

[duckarnie62]

small world

[PIGGIES22]

saludos tu estuvistes en el uss america en 1.983. yo estuve abordo en mayo de 1.984 como visitante de la armada venezolana. en 1.984 el uss america visito venezuela.saludos!!

[koaheart]

DC3 Fire-Dept 89-91

[wambiekins45]

I am a plank owner of that wonderful ship AMERICA ! I was 20 yrs.old when I boared her and I`m now 62 ! The memories of my shipmates and the great times we had serving on her still remains fresh on my mind ! Wonderful Video ! My nick name was Rubes and I was in the V-2 Division !

[MRCOOGANS]

As she was being towed out to her doom, USS America's soul wept in disbelief. "Loyal crew. Where are you? Answer the call. To stations! Where are my squadrons? Who are these strange ships all around me? They are not friends. Who are they? We are heading out to sea. Where is my Battlegroup? What? Fools! What are they doing? I AM THE USS AMERICA!! I WAS BUILT TO DEFEND THE NATION!  No. Not me. Oh my God. NO!!!!!! No."

[yamaharider112]

Wow... You should be shot for saying that.

[MRCOOGANS]

Shot?

The ship didn't want to die. She put up a tough fight at the end. Her soul was made up of all of those who had ever served aboard her.

Get it.

[MRCOOGANS]

Of all the ships to sink as a target, the Navy chooses the namesake of our proud nation! How long does it take to build a supercarrier these days? 5 years? Why in a time of war are we sinking our own carriers, closing military bases, and shutting down hospitals?

[boatstaylor]

A wonderful tribute to the America. I was with the America Battlegroup in 96 during Op. Shart Guard.. I'll never forget seeing her in the distance..

[bodazaphfa]

Fair winds and following seas my lady.

[gododgers05]

my great uncle had a squadron of F-14's on the America and held the rank of Commander. he also went to the navy's TOPGUN school. good tribute, thanks

[Jeffcv66]

I got a tattoo dedicated to the USS America CV-66. Its of the bow with an american flag across it. Outside was used from the Americas ship patch and around the outside it says GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. My fist ship brough back so many fond memories on her

[kermitcv66]

Awesome video, i served onboard the America from 1987-1990 in s-5 division. for the first two years onboard she was in portsmouth,V.A. under a total overhaul. we worked like dogs to get her built and the NAVY just throws her away.. it broke my heart. i have allot of patches and photos from all the squadrons. being a wardroom cook and all. would share to a good cause. just e-mail me. still keep in touch with old shipmates it was the best times of our lives and we didn't even know it!

[lesphilip]

Thanks for the video montage. I was stationed about The Lady in 1969 and I must say after all the emails going on the America site, it has been a tasking job just reading the heartfelt feelings of her.

A lot of us hoped she would have been spared and become a living memorial. Her fate was not in our hands. Thank you to all our shipmates who made her the ship she was. A true warrior who fought to the end. God Bless America.

[min5684]

VERY GOOD My friend, I was on the America in the late

80's . So many memories!!! very well done.

[Jeffcv66]

They Navy can call The USS Gerald R Ford CVN-78 what they want but I will consider it the next generation of carrier and the real USS America. She gave so much for that carrier to be named anything else.

[Devenomer]

I was onboard for her last Med cruise in 1996. I was an AD3 for VS-32. My first experience with America was catching a trap and after the COD was parked they lowered the cargo door and I saw two F-14's on deck with nothing but blue behind them. Man, I will never forget that scene. I slept directly under cat 1's water brake. Farewell to a true commander of the sea!

[alexandermakrianis]

This brings a renewed sense of pride in me. I served on the America in 1995/6 as my first duty station and was on the last cruise. I had some great times while on board and the deployment was the highlight of my enlistment. Great tribute!!

[billhamrick]

Really awesome brought back lots of memories was with VF-102 Deployed on board in the 80's

[csafox]

Thanks for the tribute. I helped build her in 1965 at the Newport News Shipyard. I was glad to hear that it was hard to sink her.

[gab403]

Almost 4 yrs of my life were spent on this great ship.65 to 69 It was also a safe ship with very few accidents. I am proud to have served

[uctmarine]

my best friend's father was the cheif engineer on this ship. LTCDR Tim Willmott.

[Jeff1CV66]

We need everyone's help please go to USS America Carrier Veterans Association and sign the patition. I think now that CVN-78 IS being named USS GERALD R FORD that they are going to try for CVN-79 to be NAMED USS AMERICA

[jonmoody1]

MY Father was On the USS AMERICA CV-66 1965-1969 Im pround to have a father how served on the Nations Flag Ship Love the video good pictures God Bless our troops lets brang them home safe

[Jeff1CV66]

I would like to say very well done Jolleyroger. It is a fitting tribute to the greatest ship that was in the Navy. Uss America was my first duty station from 1976 to 1979. Good bye old girl you will now live on where it counts most in my heart

[Jeff1CV66]

When We were on liberty you could see her sitting in the harbor and feel safe knowing you were close to home. I never felt that when I was stationed on two other carriers. I guess it was knowing that she was part of me and you were part of her. "Fair winds and Following seas" old girl. You now live on threw your crews. For 31.5 years you protected us.

[srwilks]

This made me (dare I say it) HOMESICK. I spent from '75 to '79 on her and it only took me about 6 months to realize it was home (for a while.) My best and worst memories before my kids were on that ship...So many memories. I can't handle the end of this clip... and to think there was a time when I could not wait to get a way from her. I had nightmares regarding a certain Lt. for years after, but I do miss that haze-gray and underway.

[davy7navy]

Great Ship and crew. I was onboard 1982-1985, 1991-1992.

[1964farris]

I agree with you 100%, it was a great ship AND CREW, I was onboard from 1984-1988.

[oletar]

I stood on her decks on Jan.'65 and went back in '96 to see the last sailor leave that proud ship. She was mistreated from day one by the navy but BY God she was my ship and I'm proud of her.

[skyhawk175]

How could the AMERICA be a KENNEDY clase carrier when it was built before the KENNEDY? She was a KITTY HAWK class. I WAS ON HER FROM 76-79.

[drbones333]

As a crew member from "91-'93, I really enjoyed this! Particularly liked the Med Dept patch-still have the one I got from Capt Jerry Rogers, SMO

[SailorsCalypso]

My husband retires in three months and when he sees all the ships he knew when he first joined being decomed it gets him deep inside. He says you dont need to be staitioned on them to have a the name strike up past memories of them. He had frinds from Boot Camp on the AMERICA.

[PhantomOfTheEarWax]

kitty hawk class damn best class ever and not too old! she was only 24 years older than me =D

[drbones333]

Actually, America was a Kennedy-class carrier

[Navyordy73]

Man what????....she was build before the slack Jack..aka CV-67

[kenns9]

With all due respect, was she cut up or made a reef?

[jimmy37404]

No, she wasn't made a reef. She was sunk in deep water and her hull and tower were like I remembered it.

She was destroyed to get the measurements of stress from a deadly explosion and to see how long it would take to sink. 32 million dollrs was spent for this exersize.

[Jeffcv66]

Yea and after they did they had to scuttle her because she wouldn't sink

[Jeffcv66]

It was her last laugh at the Navy. Just like the old girl took a licking and kept on ticking.

[hubster35]

Great video!!! I also was on the America from 78-82. I still have my coffee mug with the ships emblem on it. I died when I saw the Gonzo Station patch. I still have all my patches, I also have the same pics of the ship going thru the canal. Those were some good days, and I miss them. Flew my little brother to Spain and he hopped on in Rota and came back on the Tiger Cruise. How cool it musta been to be 10 yrs. old and sailing on one of the best ships in the world.

[atkina]

Thank you, JollyRogerDoc. My dad was on the America back in the day, and my brother was with the crew who brought her down. I'm not ashamed to say that your tribute moved me to tears: of pride and of grief.

[nativestorm]

Im also a former crewmember of the America.thank you so much for posting this.

I was a hospital corpsman and I almost lost it when I saw the emblem on the hatchway of sickbay.

HM2............

[tomato46]

As a former crewmember of the USS AMERICA and President of the USS AMERICA CARRIER VETERANS ASSOCIATION, I applaud the effort that went into producing this video.

I hope the Navy gets to see this and uses it as a tool to guide them in naming the CVN78 the USS AMERICA

[Bati1307]

those things are gonna be awesome most advanced ships in the world it may not be here today but it's left it's legacy and will see that when the 1st CVN78 is done and I heard they were gonna name it Enterprise

[dhall63]

Awesome Video. Brings back memories from when I was stationed on the America in '81-'82.