VA-95 Deployments And The Aircraft Carriers We Served On
A floating fortress of aerial might, an aircraft carrier stands as a formidable warship, serving as a mobile airbase upon the vast seas. With its expansive flight deck and comprehensive facilities, it boasts the capacity to accommodate, arm, deploy, and recover aircraft with seamless efficiency. Often hailed as the flagship of a naval fleet, its presence empowers maritime forces to wield power projection and air supremacy across the globe, free from the constraints of local airfields for conducting aerial operations.
Types of U.S. Aircraft Carriers
The Navy has had several types of aircraft carriers, often with different mission parameters.
- CVA (Attack Aircraft Carrier)
- CVB (Large Aircraft Carrier)
- CV (Aircraft Carrier) In 1975, the U.S. Navy simplified the carrier designations—CV, CVA, CVAN, CVB, CVL—into CV for conventionally powered carriers
- CVL (Light Aircraft Carrier) Light aircraft carriers typically have a complement of aircraft only one-half to two-thirds the size of a full-sized fleet carrier. A light carrier was similar in concept to an escort carrier in most respects; however, light carriers were intended for higher speeds to be deployed alongside fleet carriers, while escort carriers were typically relatively slow and usually defended equally slow convoys, as well as providing air support during amphibious operations
- CVE (Escort Aircraft Carrier) Also known as “jeep carrier” or “baby flattop” in the USN. They were typically half the length and a third the displacement of larger fleet carriers, more-lightly armed and armored, and carried fewer planes. Escort carriers were most often built upon a commercial ship hull, so they were cheaper and could be built quickly. This was their principal advantage as they could be completed in greater numbers as a stop-gap when fleet carriers were scarce.
- CVS (Antisubmarine Aircraft Carrier) The CVS was type of small aircraft carrier whose primary role is as the nucleus of an anti-submarine warfare hunter-killer group. This type of ship came into existence during the Cold War as a development of the escort carriers used in the ASW role in the North Atlantic during World War II.
- CVN (Aircraft Carrier (Nuclear Propulsion)) CVN’s are the carriers with nuclear propulsion
Carrier Classes
This list covers the carrier classes our squadron served on until our de-comissioning.
Langley Class: 1 ship (CV 1)
Lexington Class: 2 ships (CV 2 and 3)
Ranger Class: 1 ship (CV 4)
Yorktown Class: 2 ships (CV 5 and 6)
Wasp Class: 1 ship (CV 7)
Hornet Class: 1 ship (CV 8)
Essex Class 24 ships; CV 9 through 21, 31 through 35, 37 through 40, 45, and 47.
Independence Class: 9 ships, CVL 22 through 30
Midway Class: 3 ships, CVB 41 through 43.
Saipan Class: 2 ships, CVL 48 and 49.
Enterprise Class: 1 ship, CVAN-65.
Forrestal Class: 4 ships, CVA 59 through 62.
Kitty Hawk Class: 4 ships, CVA 63, 64, 66 and 67.
Nimitz Class: 9 ships, CVN 68 through 77.
Gerald R. Ford Class: CVN 78 through 82.
From our early Torpedo Twenty days to our last days as Green Lizards, we’ve deployed on 7 different carrier classes and 14 different aircraft carriers. Here they are in order:
CV-6 USS Enterprise
Christened in the year 1936, the Enterprise emerged as the seventh illustrious bearer of the name within the esteemed annals of the United States Naval fleet. As the lone representative of the Yorktown-class carriers and one of merely three American carriers commissioned prior to the tumult of World War II to endure the harrowing conflict’s fury, her legacy stands as a testament to resilience and valor, alongside the Saratoga and Ranger. She earned 20 battle stars, the most for any U.S. warship in World War II
Throughout the theater of war against Japan, the Enterprise became synonymous with triumph, eclipsing her contemporaries by participating in a multitude of pivotal engagements. A paragon of bravery, she garnered an unprecedented tally of 20 battle stars, the highest accolade bestowed upon any American warship during the war, securing her status as the most decorated vessel of World War II.
Dubbed the “Big E” in acknowledgment of her formidable stature, the Enterprise, designated CV 6, etched her name into history through her indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve. Amidst the crucible of World War II, she etched her saga of heroism across the annals of naval warfare, earning laurels for her pivotal roles in engagements such as Midway, Guadalcanal, Leyte Gulf, and the audacious Doolittle Raid on Tokyo.
Despite enduring the grim toll of conflict, including sustaining three direct hits during the Battle of Guadalcanal, which claimed the lives of 74 souls and wounded 95 others, her resilience remained unyielding. Notably, during the Battle of Santa Cruz Island on October 26, 1942, the Enterprise gallantly absorbed the Hornet’s aircraft after the latter’s abandonment, underscoring her unwavering commitment to the cause.
By the culmination of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on November 15, the Enterprise had emerged as a harbinger of destruction, contributing to the sinking of 16 enemy vessels and the damaging of eight more. Following a meticulous overhaul throughout much of 1943, the Big E once again graced the theater of war, pioneering carrier-based night fighter operations in the Pacific on November 26, 1943.
Yet, even amidst her triumphs, she endured the relentless onslaught of war, succumbing to the ravages of a kamikaze strike on May 14, 1945, which claimed the lives of 14 brave souls and wounded 34 others.
With her illustrious service drawing to a close, the Enterprise, adorned with countless accolades and memories of valor, embarked on her final journey. Retiring to the hallowed halls of the New York Naval Shipyard on January 18, 1946, she underwent the solemn rite of inactivation before her decommissioning on February 17, 1947. A poignant chapter in maritime history concluded as the most decorated vessel in U.S. naval annals bid farewell, eventually finding repose in the annals of history following her sale on July 1, 1958.
Laid down: 16 July 1934
Launched: 3 October 1936
Commissioned: 12 May 1938
Class and type: Yorktown-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 21,000 tons standard – 32,060 tons full load
Length: 761 ft (232.0 m) waterline, 827 ft 5 in (252.2 m) overall length
Beam: 95 ft 5 in (29.1 m) waterline, 114 ft 2 in (34.8 m) overall width
Draft: 25 ft 11.5 in (7.9 m)
Speed: 32.5 knots (60.2 km/h; 37.4 mph)
Range: 12,500 nmi (23,200 km; 14,400 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Complement: 2,217 officers and men (1941)
Aircraft carried: 96 aircraft maximum, 80-90 average on board
VT-20 Deployments on the USS Enterprise
Torpedo Twenty deployed on the Enterprise 16 Aug 1944 – 23 Nov 1944 as part of Carrier Air Group 20 with the Grumman TBM-1C Avenger.
CVA-16 USS Lexington
The illustrious USS Lexington (CV/CVA/CVS/CVT/AVT-16) stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of American naval prowess, a beacon of resilience and honor amidst the tempest of World War II. Born amidst the crucible of conflict, she was originally slated to bear the moniker Cabot, yet fate intervened, and she was christened in honor of the valiant USS Lexington (CV-2), lost in the crucible of battle, thus becoming the sixth in a storied lineage to carry the name, a tribute to the hallowed Battle of Lexington.
Commissioned into service in the chill of February 1943, Lexington emerged as a formidable force in the Pacific Theater, her prow cutting through the waves as she spearheaded countless campaigns. At the helm stood Admiral Marc Mitscher, with Lexington proudly serving as his flagship, guiding the Fast Carrier Task Force through the crucible of Pacific battles. Decorated with 11 battle stars and the esteemed Presidential Unit Citation, her valor and sacrifice echoed across the vast expanse of the ocean.
Post-war, Lexington’s story continued, her hull rejuvenated and her purpose redefined. In the early 1950s, she was reborn as an attack carrier (CVA), her arsenal primed for a new era of conflict. Later, she transitioned seamlessly into the role of an antisubmarine carrier (CVS), her mission evolving with the changing tides of warfare. Across the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific, her presence was felt, yet it was in the tranquil waters of Pensacola, Florida, where she found her true calling, serving as a training carrier (CVT) for nearly three decades.
In 1991, after a lifetime of service unparalleled in her class, Lexington bid farewell to active duty, her legacy secure as the longest-serving Essex-class ship. Yet, her story was far from over. Donated for preservation, she found her final berth as a museum ship in Corpus Christi, Texas, her decks echoing with the footsteps of those who came before. In 2003, her significance was immortalized as she was designated a National Historic Landmark, a testament to her enduring legacy.
While her sister ships Yorktown, Intrepid, and Hornet may bear lower hull numbers, Lexington’s place in history remains unmatched. Laid down and commissioned earlier, she stands as the oldest surviving fleet carrier in the world, a symbol of courage and perseverance for all who dare to sail the seas.
Laid down: 15 July 1941
Launched: 23 September 1942
Commissioned: 17 February 1943
Decommisioned: 8 November 1991
Class and type Essex-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 27,100 long tons (27,500 t) (standard), 36,380 long tons (36,960 t) (full load)
Length: 820 feet (249.9 m) (wl), 872 feet (265.8 m) (o/a)
Beam: 93 ft (28.3 m)
Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Range: 14,100 nmi (26,100 km; 16,200 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement: 2,600 officers and enlisted men
Aircraft carried: 36 × Grumman F6F Hellcat, 36 × Douglas SBD Dauntless, 18 × Grumman TBF Avenger
VT-20 Deployments on the USS Lexington
Torpedo Twenty deployed on the Lexington 23 Nov 1944 – 02 Feb 1945 as part of Carrier Air Group 20 with the Grumman TBM-1C Avenger.
CVA-47 USS Philippine Sea
The USS Philippine Sea (CV/CVA/CVS-47, AVT-11) emerges from the annals of naval history as a formidable presence among the celebrated Essex-class aircraft carriers, bearing the distinguished honor of being the first to pay homage to the decisive Battle of the Philippine Sea. Her keel, laid down in the wake of World War II, bore witness to the dawn of a new era in maritime might, launched into existence on 5 September 1945 under the auspices of the Governor of Kentucky’s wife.
Amidst the ebb and flow of her illustrious career, Philippine Sea traversed the vast expanses of the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas, her prow cutting through both calm waters and tempestuous storms. From these distant shores, she embarked on a historic voyage to Antarctica as part of the daring Operation Operation Highjump, etching her name among the frozen landscapes of the southernmost continent.
Yet, it was on the tumultuous Korean Peninsula where her valor truly shone. As the drums of war resounded once more, Philippine Sea answered the call, dispatching her aircraft in staunch support of United Nations ground forces. From the crucible of the Battle of Pusan Perimeter to the historic Inchon Landings and the Second Battle of Seoul, her wings of freedom soared high, casting shadows over the battlefield below. Through the trials of surprise Chinese offensives and the harrowing Chosin Reservoir Campaign, she stood steadfast, earning nine battle stars for her unwavering service across three tours of duty.
In the twilight of her service, Philippine Sea found solace in the harbors of San Diego and San Francisco, her decks bearing witness to the comings and goings of countless deployments to the Far East. Redesignated as an anti-submarine warfare carrier, she remained a stalwart guardian of the seas until her decommissioning on 28 December 1958, marking the end of an era.
Though her hull may have been consigned to the scrapyard in 1970, the legacy of the USS Philippine Sea endures, a testament to the courage and sacrifice of all who sailed upon her storied decks, forever etched into the annals of naval history.
Laid down: 19 August 1944
Launched: 5 September 1945
Commissioned: 11 May 1946
Decomissioned: 28 December 1958
Class and type: Essex-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 27,100 long tons (27,500 t) standard
Length: 888 feet (271 m) overall
Beam: 93 feet (28 m)
Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Complement: 3448 officers and enlisted
Aircraft carried: 90–100 aircraft
VA-95 Deployments on the USS Philippine Sea
VA-95 deployed on the USS Philippine Sea 15 Dec 1952 – 14 Aug 1953 as part of Carrier Air Group 9 with the Douglas AD-4/L Skyraider
CV-12 USS Hornet
The USS Hornet (CV/CVA/CVS-12) stands as a proud testament to American naval ingenuity and valor, a stalwart among the Essex-class aircraft carriers forged in the crucible of World War II. With her completion in the waning months of 1943, she embarked upon a journey destined for the annals of history, joining the vaunted ranks of the Fast Carrier Task Force, the vanguard of the United States Navy’s offensive might in the Pacific Theater.
From the sun-drenched shores of the Pacific to the distant horizons of New Guinea, Palau, and Truk, Hornet’s thunderous engines roared as she spearheaded daring attacks against Japanese strongholds. Amidst the cauldron of conflict, she etched her name in the annals of valor, her decks bearing witness to the fierce battles of the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign, including the storied Battle of the Philippine Sea, where the skies erupted in a symphony of destruction, earning the moniker “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.”
As the tides of war shifted, Hornet remained an indomitable presence, her prow slicing through the waves in the Philippines Campaign and the Volcano and Ryukyu Islands campaign. Yet, amidst her triumphs, she faced the wrath of nature, battered by a relentless typhoon in June, forcing her to retreat to the safety of her homeland for much-needed repairs.
With the cessation of hostilities, Hornet’s mission evolved, participating in Operation Magic Carpet, ferrying troops homeward bound. Temporarily consigned to reserve status in 1946, she was thrust back into action during the crucible of the Korean War, undergoing extensive modernization to accommodate the dawn of jet-propelled aircraft.
Throughout the tumult of the 1960s, Hornet continued to serve, albeit in a minor role in the Vietnam War and as a pivotal player in the Apollo program, retrieving the intrepid astronauts of Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 upon their triumphant return from the lunar surface.
In 1970, Hornet’s storied career came to a close, yet her legacy endures. Designated both a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark, she found new purpose as the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, California, opening her hallowed decks to the public in 1998, ensuring that the spirit of her gallant crew lives on for generations to come.
Laid down: 3 August 1942
Launched: 30 August 1943
Commissioned: 29 November 1943
Decomissioned: 15 January 1947
Class and type: Essex-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 27,100 long tons (27,500 t) (standard), 36,380 long tons (36,960 t) (full load)
Length: 820 feet (249.9 m) (wl), 872 feet (265.8 m) (o/a)
Beam: 93 ft (28.3 m)
Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Range: 14,100 nmi (26,100 km; 16,200 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement: 2,600 officers and enlisted men
Aircraft carried: 36 × Grumman F4F Wildcat, 36 × Douglas SBD Dauntless, 18 × Grumman TBF Avenger
VA-95 Deployments on the USS Hornet
VA-95 deployed on the USS Hornet 11 May 1954 – 12 Dec 1954 as part of Carrier Air Group 9 with the Douglas AD-6 Skyraider
CVG-34 USS Oriskany
The USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34), emerged as a notable addition to the post-World War II roster of aircraft carriers for the United States Navy, belonging to the esteemed Essex-class lineage. Its namesake, the Battle of Oriskany from the Revolutionary War, imbued the vessel with a legacy of valor and historic significance.
Oriskany’s narrative unfolds uniquely compared to her sister ships. Originally conceived as a “long-hulled” variant within the Essex-class (debated by some as a distinct class, the Ticonderoga class), her construction encountered a hiatus in 1946 following the cessation of World War II. However, a transformative metamorphosis awaited her as she underwent conversion to the contemporary SCB-27 (“27-Charlie”) design, ultimately achieving commissioning in 1950. This revised incarnation set the stage for the modernization of fourteen other Essex-class carriers, marking Oriskany as the culmination of her class.
Throughout her operational tenure predominantly in the Pacific theater until the 1970s, Oriskany etched her legacy with bravery and service, earning accolades including two battle stars for her contributions during the Korean War and an impressive ten stars for her indomitable presence in the Vietnam War. However, amidst her illustrious journey, tragedy struck in 1966 when one of the most harrowing shipboard fires since World War II engulfed Oriskany due to the accidental ignition of a magnesium flare, claiming the lives of forty-four courageous souls.
Laid down: 1 May 1944
Launched: 13 October 1945
Commissioned: 25 September 1950
Class and type: Essex-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 30,800 long tons (31,300 t)
Length: 888 ft (271 m)
Beam: 129 ft (39 m) overall
Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Range: 14,100 nmi (26,100 km; 16,200 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Crew: 2,600 officers and enlisted men
Aircraft carried: 91–103 aircraft
VA-95 Deployments on the USS Oriskany
VA-95 deployed on the USS Oriskany 11 Feb 1956 – 13 Jun 1956 as part of Carrier Air Group 9 with the Douglas AD-6 Skyraider, WestPac
CV-14 USS Ticonderoga
The illustrious USS Ticonderoga (CV/CVA/CVS-14) emerged as a stalwart among the famed Essex-class aircraft carriers, a proud testament to American naval ingenuity and valor during the crucible of World War II. Steeped in history, she bore the mantle as the fourth US Navy vessel to proudly carry the name, harkening back to the heroic capture of Fort Ticonderoga in the annals of the American Revolutionary War.
Commissioned into service in the crucible of May 1944, Ticonderoga swiftly carved her legacy amidst the tumultuous Pacific Theater of Operations, her bow slicing through the ocean spray as she earned five battle stars through unwavering resolve and valor.
Though the echoes of war eventually faded, Ticonderoga’s story continued, marked by a steadfast commitment to duty and service. Modernized and rejuvenated in the early 1950s, she transitioned seamlessly into an attack carrier (CVA), and later evolved into an indomitable antisubmarine carrier (CVS). While the curtain fell before her reappearance in the Korean War, she emerged as a towering presence in the crucible of the Vietnam conflict, earning accolades aplenty, including three Navy Unit Commendations, one Meritorious Unit Commendation, and an impressive array of 12 battle stars.
Distinguished by her unique design, Ticonderoga stood apart from her Essex-class brethren, boasting a lengthened hull to accommodate formidable bow-mounted anti-aircraft guns. This innovation set her apart, paving the way for subsequent carriers to embrace this “long-hull” design, forever immortalized as the herald of the revered Ticonderoga class.
As her storied career drew to a close, Ticonderoga underwent myriad modifications, her name whispered alongside the legendary Hancock class in the hallowed halls of the Naval vessel register. Yet, her legacy endures as a testament to the unwavering courage and sacrifice of all who served aboard her, a shining beacon of American naval prowess for generations to come.
Laid down: 1 February 1943
Launched: 7 February 1944
Commissioned: 8 May 1944
Decommissioned: 1 September 1973
Class and type: Essex-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 27,100 long tons (27,500 t) standard
Length: 888 feet (271 m) overall
Beam: 93 feet (28 m)
Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Complement: 3448 officers and enlisted
Aircraft carried: 90–100 aircraft
VA-95 Deployments on the USS Ticonderoga
VA-95 deployed on the USS Ticonderoga 16 Sept 1957 – 25 Apr 1958 as part of Carrier Air Group 9 with the Douglas AD-6 Skyraider, WestPac
CV-61 USS Ranger
The seventh USS Ranger (CV/CVA-61) emerged as a pioneering vessel within the illustrious Forrestal-class supercarriers, a quartet crafted for the United States Navy during the dynamic 1950s. While all vessels in this class boasted angled decks, Ranger distinguished herself as the inaugural US carrier designed from inception with this innovative feature.
Entering service in 1957, Ranger carved an indelible path across the Pacific theater, notably during the Vietnam War, where her valor earned her an impressive tally of 13 battle stars. As her tenure waned, she ventured into the realms of the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, expanding her strategic reach.
In 1993, Ranger gracefully concluded her service, finding her harbor at Bremerton, Washington, until March 2015, when she embarked on her final journey to Brownsville for decommissioning. The meticulous process reached fruition in November 2017, marking the poignant end of a storied chapter in naval history.
Laid down: 2 August 1954
Launched: 29 September 1956
Decomissioned: 10 July 1993
Class and type: Forrestal-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 56,300 long tons (57,200 t) light, 81,101 long tons (82,402 t) full load
Length: 1,046 ft (319 m)
Beam: 130 ft (40 m) waterline, 249 ft 6 in (76.05 m) extreme
Speed: 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph)
Complement: 3,826 officers and men.
Aircraft carried: 70–90
VA-95 Deployments on the USS Ranger
VA-95 deployed on the USS Ranger 06 Feb 1960 – 30 Aug 1960 as part of Carrier Air Group 9 with the Douglas AD-7 Skyraider, WestPac
VA-95 deployed on the USS Ranger 11 Aug 1961 – 08 Mar 1962 as part of Carrier Air Group 9 with the Douglas AD-7 Skyraider, WestPac
VA-95 deployed on the USS Ranger 09 Nov 1962 – 14 Jun 1963 as part of Carrier Air Group 9 with the Douglas AD-6/7 Skyraider, WestPac
VA-95 deployed on the USS Ranger 05 Aug 1964 – 06 May 1965 as part of Carrier Air Wing 9 with the Douglas A-1H/J Skyraider, WestPac/Vietnam
CVA-11 USS Intrepid
The USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11), renowned as The Fighting “I”, stands tall among the 24 illustrious Essex-class aircraft carriers forged during the crucible of World War II for the United States Navy. An emblem of American naval prowess, she embodies resilience and valor, epitomizing the spirit of her namesake.
Commissioned into service in the crucible of August 1943, Intrepid was the fifth Essex-class aircraft carrier to be launched and swiftly became a linchpin in pivotal Pacific Theater campaigns, notably etching her mark in the annals of history during the decisive Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Following the cessation of hostilities, Intrepid, though briefly decommissioned, was swiftly rejuvenated, emerging anew in the early 1950s as an attack carrier (CVA), heralding a new era of naval dominance. Through meticulous modernization, she morphed seamlessly into an antisubmarine carrier (CVS), her prow slicing through Atlantic waters as a stalwart guardian of freedom.
In her second incarnation, Intrepid not only patrolled the tumultuous Atlantic but also answered the call of duty in the crucible of the Vietnam War. However, her service transcended earthly bounds as she played a pivotal role as the recovery vessel for both Mercury and Gemini space missions, etching her legacy among the stars.
Despite her valor and tenacity, Intrepid faced her fair share of trials, earning her the monikers “Decrepit” and “the Dry I” due to bouts of misfortune and extensive repairs. From enduring torpedo strikes to braving the onslaught of Japanese kamikaze aircraft, Intrepid weathered the storm, emerging resolute and unyielding.
Following her second retirement in 1974, Intrepid found new purpose as a beacon of history, transforming into a museum ship in 1982. Anchored as the cornerstone of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex in the vibrant heart of New York City, she stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the men and women who served aboard her, ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
Laid down: 1 December 1941
Launched: 26 April 1943
Commissioned: 16 August 1943
Decommissioned: 15 March 1974
Class and type: Essex-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 27,100 long tons (27,500 t) (standard), 36,380 long tons (36,960 t) (full load)
Length: 820 feet (249.9 m) (wl), 872 feet (265.8 m) (o/a)
Beam: 93 ft (28.3 m)
Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Range: 14,100 nmi (26,100 km; 16,200 mi) at 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Complement: 2,600 officers and enlisted men
Aircraft carried: 36 × Grumman F4F Wildcat, 36 × Douglas SBD Dauntless, 18 × Grumman TBF Avenger
VA-95 Deployments on the USS Intrepid
VA-95 deployed on the USS Intrepid 04 Apr 1966 – 21 Nov 1966 as part of Carrier Air Wing 10 with the Douglas A-4B Skyhawk, WestPac/Vietnam
CVA-38 USS Shangri-La
The christening of the vessel marked a bold departure from the conventional naming conventions prevalent at the time. Typically, aircraft carriers bore names derived from battles or preceding US Navy ships. However, following the historic Doolittle Raid, launched from the aircraft carrier Hornet, President Roosevelt, in response to a curious journalist, famously dubbed the launching point as “Shangri-La,” invoking the mythical realm from James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon.
Commissioned in 1944, Shangri-La embarked on a distinguished journey across the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II, garnering two esteemed battle stars. Following the war’s cessation, akin to her sister ships, she underwent a period of decommissioning before undergoing modernization in the early 1950s, subsequently rejoining naval service as an attack carrier (CVA).
Her operational scope extended across both the Pacific and Atlantic/Mediterranean theaters for numerous years, and in a testament to her adaptability, she was later redesignated as an anti-submarine carrier (CVS) in the twilight of her service. Notably, earned two battle stars for World War II service and three battle stars for service in the Vietnam War.
Laid down: 5 January 1943
Launched: 24 February 1944
Commissioned: 15 September 1944
Decommissioned: 30 July 1971
Class and type: Essex-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 27,100 long tons (27,500 t) standard
Length: 888 feet (271 m) overall
Beam: 93 feet (28 m)
Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Complement: 3448 officers and enlisted
Aircraft carried: 90–100 aircraft
VA-95 Deployments on the USS Shangri-la
VA-95 deployed on the USS Shangri-La 15 – Nov 1967 04 Aug 1968 as part of Carrier Air Wing 8 with the Douglas A-4B Skyhawk, WestPac/Vietnam
CV-67 USS John F. Kennedy
The USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), previously known as CVA-67, stands as a singular embodiment of excellence within her class, proudly representing the epitome of an aircraft carrier in the United States Navy. Distinguished as a supercarrier, she emerges as a variant of the esteemed Kitty Hawk class, marking the culmination of conventionally powered carriers in naval construction, as subsequent vessels embraced nuclear propulsion technology.
Commissioned in 1968, her christening pays homage to the esteemed legacy of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. Initially designated as a CVA for fixed-wing attack carrier, her role evolved, leading to a reclassification as a CV, denoting her status as a fleet carrier.
Following an illustrious tenure spanning nearly four decades, the curtains closed on John F. Kennedy’s active service on August 1, 2007. She now rests at the NAVSEA Inactive Ships On-site Maintenance facility in Philadelphia, formerly the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. For a brief period until late 2017, she stood as a potential museum and memorial, awaiting the embrace of a qualified organization. However, the Navy’s decision in late 2017 to revoke her “donation hold” status sealed her fate for dismantling.
In the wake of her retirement, the baton of maritime supremacy passes to the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), symbolizing the continuation of a proud legacy. Laid down in July 2015, launched in October 2019, and poised to commence service in 2025, this successor epitomizes the Navy’s unwavering commitment to innovation and strength on the high seas.
Laid down: 22 October 1964
Launched: 27 May 1967
Commissioned: 7 September 1968
Decommissioned: 23 March 2007
Type: Aircraft carrier
Displacement: 60,728 tons light, 82,655 tons full load, 21,927 tons deadweight
Length: 1,052 ft (321 m) overall, 990 ft (300 m) waterline
Beam: 252 ft (77 m) extreme, 130 ft (40 m) waterline
Height: 192 ft (59 m) from top of the mast to the waterline
Speed: 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph)[6]
Capacity: 5,000+
Complement: 3,297 officers and men (without jet commands & crews)
Aircraft carried: 80+
VA-95 Deployments on the USS John F. Kennedy
VA-95 deployed on the USS John F. Kennedy 05 Apr 1969 – 21 Dec 1969 as part of Carrier Air Wing 1 with the Douglas A-4C Skyhawk Med.
CV-43 USS Coral Sea
USS Coral Sea (CV/CVB/CVA-43), a Midway-class aircraft carrier, was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named for the Battle of the Coral Sea. She earned the affectionate nickname “Ageless Warrior” through her long career. Initially classified as an aircraft carrier with hull classification symbol CV-43, the contract to build the ship was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding of Newport News, Virginia, on 14 June 1943.
She was reclassified as a “Large Aircraft Carrier” with hull classification symbol CVB-43 on 15 July 1943. Her keel was laid down on 10 July 1944 in Shipway 10. She was launched on 2 April 1946 sponsored by Mrs. Thomas C. Kinkaid and commissioned on 1 October 1947 with Captain A.P. Storrs III in command.
Before 8 May 1945, the aircraft carrier CVB-42 had been known as USS Coral Sea; after that date, CVB-42 was renamed in honor of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the late President, and CVB-43 was named the Coral Sea.
The Coral Sea was one of the last U.S Navy carriers to be completed with a straight flight deck, with an angled flight deck added on during later modernizations. All subsequent newly built U.S Navy carriers have had the angled deck included as part of the ship’s construction.
Laid down: 10 July 1944
Launched: 2 April 1946
Commissioned: 1 October 1947
Decommissioned: 26 April 1990
Class and type: Midway-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 45,000 long tons (45,722 t) (standard), 60,000 long tons (60,963 t) (full load)
Length: 899 ft 9 in (274.24 m) wl, 967 ft 8 in (294.94 m) oa
Beam: 113 ft (34 m) waterline, 136 feet (41 m) flight deck
Speed: 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph)
Range: 15,000 nmi (28,000 km; 17,000 mi) at 15 kn (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Complement: 4,104 officers and men
Aircraft carried: Up to 130 (World War II), 65-70 (1980s)
VA-95 Deployments on the USS Coral Sea
VA-95 deployed on the USS Coral Sea 09 Mar 1973 – 08 Nov 1973 CVW-15 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
VA-95 deployed on the USS Coral Sea 05 Dec 1974 – 02 Jul 1975 CVW-15 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6A & KA-6D WestPac
VA-95 deployed on the USS Coral Sea 15 Feb 1977 – 05 Oct 1977 CVW-15 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
CV-66 USS America
The USS America (CVA/CV-66) emerged as a formidable member of the illustrious Kitty Hawk-class supercarriers, standing proud among her peers within the United States Navy’s formidable fleet forged in the 1960s. Stepping into service in 1965, her operational footprint primarily graced the waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, punctuated by three significant deployments to the Pacific theater during the Vietnam War. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the Persian Gulf War’s operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, showcasing her versatility and global reach.
America etched her name in history as the first sizable aircraft carrier since Operation Crossroads in 1946 to be utilized in weapons tests, a testament to her enduring service and contribution to naval advancements.
Despite fervent opposition from former crew members advocating for her preservation as a memorial museum, she met her fate in 2005, succumbing to scuttling southeast of Cape Hatteras following a rigorous four-week barrage of tests. In her final act, she claimed the title of the largest warship ever consigned to the depths, a poignant closure to a chapter of maritime excellence.
aid down: 9 January 1961
Launched: 1 February 1964
Commissioned: 23 January 1965
Decomissioned: 9 August 1996
Class and type: Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 61,174 long tons (62,156 t) (light), 83,573 long tons (84,914 t) (full load)
Length: 990 ft (300 m) (waterline), 1,048 ft (319 m) overall
Beam: 248 ft (76 m) extreme, 129 ft (39 m) waterline
Speed: 34 kn (39 mph; 63 km/h)
Complement: 502 officers, 4684 men
Aircraft carried: about 79
VA-95 Deployments on the USS America
VA-95 deployed on the USS America 13 Mar 1979 – 22 Sep 1979 CVW-15 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, Med
VA-95 deployed on the USS America 14 Apr 1981 – 12 Nov 1981 CVW-15 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, Med/IO
CVN-65 USS Enterprise
The USS Enterprise (CVN-65), previously designated as CVA(N)-65, stands as a retired icon within the United States Navy’s prestigious lineage of aircraft carriers. Inaugurating a new era of naval propulsion in 1958, she held the distinction of being the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, proudly joining the distinguished lineage of vessels bearing the illustrious name Enterprise, earning her the affectionate moniker “Big E,” reminiscent of her esteemed World War II predecessor.
Distinguished by her imposing stature, Enterprise stretched an impressive 1,123 feet (342 m) in length, claiming the title of the longest naval vessel ever constructed. Originally envisioned as the flagship of a six-ship class, she remains the sole representative, a testament to her unparalleled capabilities. With a displacement of 93,284 long tons (94,781 t), she ranked as the third largest carrier class, following the Nimitz class and the Gerald R. Ford class. Aboard her decks, a dedicated crew of approximately 4,600 service members ensured her operational prowess.
Throughout her distinguished service, Enterprise carved her legacy as one of the oldest commissioned vessels in the United States Navy, trailing only behind the venerable USS Constitution and USS Pueblo at the time of her inactivation. After over 55 years of unwavering service, she ceased active duty on December 1, 2012, and received her official decommissioning on February 3, 2017, marking the end of an illustrious era. Her name lives on, adopted by the future Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-80), ensuring the continuation of her storied heritage.
Enterprise’s technological prowess extended beyond her nuclear propulsion, boasting an innovative eight-reactor design, a feature unparalleled among her peers. With four rudders enhancing her maneuverability and a hull reminiscent of a cruiser, she stood as a unique and formidable presence on the high seas, embodying the spirit of naval innovation and excellence.
Laid down: 4 February 1958
Launched: 24 September 1960
Christened: 24 September 1960
Decomissioned: 3 February 2017
Class and type Enterprise-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 93,284-long-ton (94,781 t) full load
Length: 1,123 ft (342 m) (after refit)
Beam: 132.8 ft (40.5 m) (waterline), 257.2 ft (78.4 m) (extreme)
Draft: 39 ft (12 m)
Air wing: 1,800 (250 pilots, and 1,550 support personnel)
Aircraft carried: Hold up to 90 60+ (normally)
VA-95 Deployments on the USS Entreprise
VA-95 deployed on the USS Enterprise 01 Sep 1982 – 28 Apr 1983 CVW-11 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, NorPac/WestPac/IO
VA-95 deployed on the USS Enterprise 30 May 1984 – 20 Dec 1984 CVW-11 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, WestPac/IO
VA-95 deployed on the USS Enterprise 15 Jan 1986 – 12 Aug 1986 CVW-11 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, World Cruise
VA-95 deployed on the USS Enterprise 25 Oct 1987 – 24 Nov 1987 CVW-11 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, NorPac
VA-95 deployed on the USS Enterprise 05 Jan 1988 – 03 Jul 1988 CVW-11 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, WestPac/IO
VA-95 deployed on the USS Enterprise 17 Sep 1989 – 16 Mar 1990 CVW-11 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, World Cruise
CVN-72 USS Abraham Lincoln
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) proudly stands as the quintessential embodiment of naval prowess, representing the fifth installment within the esteemed Nimitz-class lineage of aircraft carriers in the United States Navy. A tribute to the revered former President Abraham Lincoln, she carries the legacy of her namesake with distinction, marking the third vessel in naval history to bear his illustrious name.
Nestled within the picturesque confines of NAS North Island, San Diego, California, she finds her home port, nestled amidst the vibrant landscape of the United States Pacific Fleet. Administratively overseen by the Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, she assumes operational command as the esteemed flagship of Carrier Strike Group 3, providing a steadfast nucleus for Carrier Air Wing Nine.
Reinvigorated and revitalized, USS Abraham Lincoln embarked on a new chapter of service following the successful completion of her Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipyard, a monumental achievement commemorated on 12 May 2017. Charged with purpose and determination, she set sail once more on 1 April 2019, this time destined for the Middle East, assuming the prestigious role of flagship for Carrier Strike Group 12 and Carrier Air Wing Seven, entrusted with safeguarding vital interests and projecting power across distant horizons.
Laid down: 3 November 1984
Launched: 13 February 1988
Class and type: Nimitz-class aircraft carrier
Displacement: 104,300 long tons (116,800 short tons)[1][2][3]
Length: Overall: 1,092 ft (332.8 m)
Waterline: 1,040 ft (317.0 m)
Beam Overall: 252 ft (76.8 m)
Speed: Over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Range: Unlimited distance; 20–25 years
Complement: Ship’s company: 3,200, Air wing: 2,480
Aircraft carried: 90 fixed wing and helicopters
VA-95 Deployments on the USS Abraham Lincoln
VA-95 deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln 17 Sep 1989 – 16 Mar 1990 CVW-11 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, East Coast to West Coast transition
VA-95 deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln 1991 CVW-11 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, WestPac
VA-95 deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln 1993 CVW-11 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, WestPac
VA-95 deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln 15 Apr 1995 – 1995 CVW-11 as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 with the Grumman A-6E & KA-6D, WestPac