The real problem here goes back to the Clinton admin (what a surprise). Cutbacks resulted in the demise of the SLEP program. USS America (CV66) never did get a SLEP and both she and the JFK could have had more service life if maintained properly.
But it became a chicken or the egg deal. Clinton didn't want to fund enough aircraft and personnel to fit out the air wings, so why SLEP the ships?
America was in bad shape under Poppy Bush and Cheney. In mid 1993 she had major issues including being ran twice to the MED & IO and in August 93 she departed for a third MED/IO in three years. Upon return to NORVA she had a serious boiler room explosion and was towed cold iron to NNSY. I'll post the details later this evening. I've got to step out for a while. JFK should be an active reserve carrier status used for training. Keep the JFK we may well need it.