John F. Kennedy, Kitty Hawk, and Forrestal Class Aircraft Carriers-CV

Description: Aircraft carriers provide a wide range of possible response for the National Command Authority.

The Carrier Mission

  • To provide a credible, sustainable, independent forward presence and conventional deterrence in peacetime,
  • To operate as the cornerstone of joint/allied maritime expeditionary forces in times of crisis, and
  • To operate and support aircraft attacks on enemies, protect friendly forces and engage in sustained independent operations in war.

    Features: The aircraft carrier continues to be the centerpiece of the forces necessary for forward presence. Whenever there has been a crisis, the first question has been: "Where are the carriers?" Carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat, and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea; and engage in sustained operations in support of other forces.

    Aircraft carriers are deployed worldwide in support of U.S. interests and commitments. They can respond to global crises in ways ranging from peacetime presence to full-scale war. Together with their on-board air wings, the carriers have vital roles across the full spectrum of conflict.

    General Characteristics, John F. Kennedy

    Builders: Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Va.
    Power Plant: Eight boilers, four shafts, 280,000 total shaft horsepower
    Length, overall: 1052 feet (315.6 meters)
    Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters)
    Beam: 130 feet (39.6 meters)
    Displacement: 82,000 tons (full load)
    Speed: 30+ knots (34.5 miles per hour)
    Aircraft: Approximately 85.
    Ship: USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67); Mayport, Fla.
    Crew: Ship's Company: 3,117 - Air Wing 2,480
    Armament: Sea Sparrow missiles with box launchers, Three 20mm Phalanx CIWS
    Date Deployed: September 7, 1968

    General Characteristics, Kitty Hawk Class

    Builders:
    CV 63 - New York Ship Building Corp., Camden, N.J.
    CV 64 - New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, N.Y.
    Power Plant: Eight boilers, four geared steam turbines, four shafts, 280,000 shaft horsepower.
    Length, overall: 1062.5 feet (323.8 meters)
    Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters)
    Beam: 130 feet (39 meters)
    Displacement: Approx. 80,800 tons (72,720 metric tons) full load
    Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour)
    Aircraft: 85
    Ships:
    USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), San Diego, Ca.
    USS Constellation (CV-64), San Diego, Ca.
    Crew: Ship's Company: 3,150 - Air Wing: 2,480
    Armament:Sea Sparrow launchers, 3 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts
    Date Deployed: April 29, 1961 (USS Kitty Hawk)

    General Characteristics, Forrestal Class

    Builders: New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, N.Y.
    Power Plant: Eight boilers, four geared steam turbines, four shafts, 280,000 shaft horsepower
    Length, overall: 1,047 feet (319.13 meters)
    Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters)
    Beam: 129 feet (39.3 meters)
    Displacement: Approx. 79,300 tons
    Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour)
    Aircraft: Approximately 75
    Ships: USS Independence (CV 62), Yokosuka, Japan
    Crew: Ship's Company: 3,019 - Air Wing: 2,480
    Armament: Four NATO Sea Sparrow launchers, 3 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts
    Date Deployed: Oct. 1, 1955 (USS Forrestal)

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