A ship is not just a hunk of steel sitting in the water. It has a soul, the soul of a great lady. SHE has a heart, and anyone who served on her is a part of her. I am a part of three ships; USS Nimitz (CVN-68), USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69).
For six months after decommissioning, USS John F. Kennedy was tied up at a pier here at Norfolk Naval Station. As I work on the ships I had to see it on a daily basis and I felt like a little of me was dying when looking at Kennedy.
I also had the opportunity to go on board USS Enterprise (CVN-65) just prior to her decommissioning to remove some equipment. To me it was sad watching a ship die.
I’ve also toured the USS Yorktown (CV-10) in Charleston. It’s the creepiest place I’ve ever been. Below decks, no sound but your own footsteps.
All together I served 10 years on MY three ships, lived 24/7 on the first two (got married between JFK and Ike). I love those ships, and I love my Navy.
served for 6 years. I salute you.