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Farewell to the "CONNIE"
 Sailors aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) lower the colors for the last time during the ship's decommissioning ceremony. The ceremony, held at Naval Air Station North Island, marked the end of the ship's nearly 42 years of service to the nation. During Constellation’s commissioned service, she completed 21 deployments and most recently completed combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Constellation, decommissioned in San Diego at the Naval Air Station North Island, will be towed to Bremerton, Wash., where she will remain in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Constellation is the second oldest aircraft carrier in the Navy and one of only three remaining conventionally powered aircraft carriers in its arsenal. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Charles E. Alvarado. (RELEASED)  Sailors aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) render honors with the playing of the National Anthem during the decommissioning ceremony for Constellation.  Sailors aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) lower the colors for the last time during the ships decommissioning ceremony.  Capt. John Miller, Commanding Officer of USS Constellation (CV 64), presents the opening remarks during the ship’s decommissioning ceremony.  Sailors aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) render honors with the playing of the National Anthem and color guard presentation during the ship’s decommissioning ceremony.  Sailors aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) man the rails during the ship’s decommissioning ceremony. The ceremony, held at Naval Air Station North Island, marked the end of the carriers nearly 42 years of service to the nation.  Sailors disembark USS Constellation (CV 64) during the ship’s decommissioning ceremony.  A three-plane formation of F/A-18 Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Three Two Three (VMFA-323) conducts a flyover of USS Constellation (CV 64) during the ships decommissioning ceremony.  USS Constellation (CV 64) Commanding Officer, Captain John W. Miller, is presented the ships Commissioning Pennant by Command Master Chief Mark D. Hayes during the ships decommissioning ceremony.
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