John F. Kennedy (CV-67) Headed to Final Resting Place in Texas
January 17, 2025 – The Navy’s Philadelphia Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility has sent another decommissioned vessel on its final voyage, marking the next step in its dismantling process. The John F. Kennedy (CV-67), a hulking remnant of its once-active service life, began its journey shortly before 9 a.m. as tugs carefully maneuvered it down the Delaware River. The operation required precision, ensuring the massive structure remained stable and secure as it approached open water. Once the hulk reached its designated point, it was attached to a tow line connected to the Laney Chouest, a specialized towing vessel. Together, the two ships set off toward the Atlantic Ocean, bound for Brownsville, Texas.
The USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), nicknamed “Big John,” was the last conventionally powered aircraft carrier built for the U.S. Navy. Commissioned on September 7, 1968, she served as a flagship for the Atlantic Fleet and participated in numerous operations, including Desert Storm and humanitarian missions. The Kennedy featured an angled flight deck, capable of supporting modern jet aircraft, and symbolized American naval power during the Cold War. After nearly 40 years of service, she was decommissioned on March 23, 2007.
Brownsville has become a leading center for ship recycling in the United States, known for its environmentally responsible practices. The ship will undergo dismantling at one of the region’s specialized facilities, where its components will be salvaged, repurposed, or recycled. This process is a vital part of the Navy’s efforts to manage its inactive fleet sustainably, ensuring retired vessels are disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations.
The journey from Philadelphia to Brownsville represents a final chapter in the ship’s lifecycle, which likely spanned decades of service. While its operational duties are over, the ship’s dismantling will recover valuable materials such as steel and other metals, contributing to industrial supply chains and minimizing waste.
This transition underscores the Navy’s commitment to responsible stewardship of its resources, balancing operational needs with environmental and fiscal responsibility. By sending decommissioned ships to recycling facilities, the Navy not only reduces environmental impact but also supports job creation in communities like Brownsville, which rely on the ship recycling industry.
As the Laney Chouest guides the vessel to its final destination, the operation serves as a reminder of the life cycle of military assets and the importance of sustainable practices in managing the legacy of naval service.
