Share memories aboard the USS John F. Kennedy

[CommunityEditor]

Join our virtual log:

The aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy is on its final cruise after more than 38 years at sea. Thousands of sailors have walked its deckplates. Share your memories aboard the CV-67.

Also: Watch 'Big John' arrive in Boston.

[JEFF15]

I remember the day I checked onto the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY CV-67 like it was yeaterday. Shortly after checking onboard we left for Boston for the Tall Ship show and review. The time inport at home was a total of 82 days in 1983 before we left for Rio. It was onboard the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67. I spent 3 days going around Rio and seeing JFK sitting in the harbor. Plus being a shellback and crossing the equator again was another expierence I will not forget. After our cruise to South America it was time to head for the Med for our 83-84 deployment . Sitting off Beirut Lebanon for many months. The most remembered is the many months at sea and very few port visits. 0ut of all of the skippers I have had I think Capt. Gary F. Wheatley was the best there was. He kept us informed of everything going on and when busisness was done it was time for port visit or time to go home. I can remember coming back from England and Capt Wheatley got a no no message from his boss because we were trying to get back earlier then we were suppoes too. But out of all the years the Kennedy protected us she deserves a time to rest. I truely hope that the Kennedy clan will save this great ship and help preserve her and make her into a floating museum. If nothing more then for respect of President Kennedy. I truely hope the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 doesn't end up like another great ship the USS AMERICA CV-66 on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

Jeff Burleson

[TOONPANGER]

The JFK changed my life forever. The biggest event in the ship's history, and no one ever mentions it. The night of Nov 22nd, 1975, yes Nov 22nd, it happened. The ship I was on, USS Belknap CG-26, collided head-on with the carrier. It was terrible. It was a cursed ship. Why doesn't anyone remember this?
Richard Preston

[GSF66]

I was on the 92-93 deployment in the med and although we didn't make many stops between
France and northern Italy for the whole cruise, I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world.

Who could forget the many meals in a row where all we had were chicken pattys...lol

That cruise was on of the best times of my life.

I was working for Buddy Stores and lived on deck. I miss that old ship and have since I left it.

Anyone remember all the Fireman Mitchell fun we had?....LOL

Hope to hear from you shipmates!!!

Gary

[lbarnett48]

I served on board the JFK in 1970. I was a member of the crew when we made the firat trip into Boston. Since I live in the Boston area I made it a point to go on board during its last visit to Boston.

I have many fond memories of my time on the Kennedy, (which back then its unofficial nickname was "the Slack Jack"), Our Med cruise; Athens, Malta, Barcelona just to name a few. We sure did have some fun.

We spent hours swapping music with all the stereo equipment we bought at the Nato base in Naples.

It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and one that I'll never forget.

My sincere hope is that they turn this great ship into a museum maybenext to the Kennedy Librayr in Boston harbor.

Len