The legendary aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy ( CV-67 ) made her final voyage on February 2, when she entered the Brownsville, Texas, Ship Channel for decommissioning at the International Shipbreaker facility. This arrival marks the close of an era for a ship that served the U.S. Navy with distinction for nearly 40 years.
The farewell to the iconic aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy
Under a clear sky, hundreds of people gathered on South Padre Island to witness the final voyage of the USS John F Kennedy . Attendees included Navy veterans, families and naval history enthusiasts. Richard Makowiec, a former sonar technician who served in the Navy for six years, stressed the importance of recycling ship materials rather than letting them sit idle.
The Port of Brownsville is important as a destination for ships of this quality. The steel used was of high quality and the labor found here is highly skilled. As hard as it is to say, I would rather see it cut up and reused in other projects than left lying on the bottom of the sea.
Makowiec said.
The USS John F. Kennedy, commissioned in 1968 and decommissioned in 2007, witnessed significant moments in American military history. Its farewell generated mixed emotions among veterans who served on board, such as Richard Mullen, John Fitzgerald, and Mark Gimla, who fondly recalled their experiences on the aircraft carrier between 1989 and 1993.
One of my greatest memories was when I came out of training and learned about these ships, but the moment you get in a taxi and look at this ship for the first time, it’s simply incredible, you’ll never imagine what I felt and how big that ship was.
John Fitzgerald, Navy veteran.
Brownsville, a historic center for ship recycling
The Port of Brownsville has established itself as the premier destination for the dismantling of retired U.S. Navy vessels. Since 2014, six aircraft carriers have been recycled at the port, including the USS Forrestal, USS Constellation and USS Kitty Hawk. With more than 85% of the U.S. military ship recycling market, the port supports hundreds of jobs in the region and contributes to the local economy by reusing valuable materials.
For many, the arrival of the USS John F. Kennedy represents the end of a chapter, but also the continuation of its legacy through responsible recycling . As the ship is decommissioned, its steel will continue to be used in new construction, ensuring its history is not lost to time.
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Source and photo: Port of Brownsville
