Ex-USS JFK to leave Philadelphia Navy Yard for Texas

After 39 years of distinguished service and 16 years stationed in Philadelphia, the USS John F. Kennedy is set to embark on its final voyage to Texas for dismantling. Residents along the Delaware River can witness the historic aircraft carrier as it begins this significant journey, marking the end of an era.

Key Takeaways:

  • The decommissioned USS John F. Kennedy is leaving the Philadelphia Navy Yard after 16 years.
  • The aircraft carrier served in US Navy missions worldwide for over 39 years.
  • The ship will be dismantled upon arrival in Brownsville, Texas.
  • Residents can view the ship as it travels along the Delaware River into the Atlantic Ocean.
  • A new aircraft carrier named after JFK is set to enter service this year.

A Historic Departure from Philadelphia

Big changes are underway at the Philadelphia Navy Yard as the former USS John F. Kennedy prepares to leave its South Philadelphia home. The decommissioned aircraft carrier, which has been moored at the Navy Yard since 2007, will begin its final journey to Brownsville, Texas, on Wednesday.

Nearly Four Decades of Service

Commissioned in the late 1960s, the USS John F. Kennedy conducted US Navy missions worldwide for more than 39 years. As a flagship of naval operations, it played a pivotal role in various maritime engagements and was a symbol of American naval prowess.

Decommissioning and Philadelphia Stay

The military decommissioned the ship in 2007, marking the end of its active service. Since then, it has been a prominent fixture at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, serving as a reminder of the nation’s naval history and legacy.

The Final Journey to Texas

Now, the storied vessel is set to make its last voyage. “Once it reaches the Gulf Coast of Texas, crews will dismantle the Kennedy,” notes the original report from 6abc. The process will bring closure to the ship’s long-standing chapter in naval history.

A Sight to Behold Along the Delaware

Residents and enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to see the massive ship as it makes its transit along the Delaware River, through the Delaware Bay, and into the Atlantic Ocean. This event offers a rare chance to witness a piece of naval history in motion.

The Legacy Continues with a New USS JFK

While the old USS John F. Kennedy heads toward its final destination, a new chapter begins. “One of America’s newest aircraft carriers has been named after JFK and will enter service this year,” the report states. This new vessel ensures that the legacy of its namesake lives on in modern naval operations.

Closing a Chapter in Naval History

The departure of the USS John F. Kennedy from Philadelphia marks the end of an era. As the ship sets sail one last time, it leaves behind a legacy of service and a storied past that will be remembered for generations to come.