[Non-Sequitur]

I doubt that the Kittyhawk will be far behind. Maintenance budgets are getting axed left and right to pay for Iraq.

[Jeff Head]

There's alot of talk about reducing to 10 CSGs...that would be another downsizing mistake IMHO, particularly in light of the Chinese buildup.

[fredhead]

The Navy is getting the George Washington ready for homeport move to Yokosuka, to replace the Kitty Hawk. Took a while to get the Japanese to accept a NUKE carrier.

Hampton Roads is lamenting the loss of the KW and the JFK, it is said that we will lose two carriers, one to Japan, one to Mayport, FL.

BTW, according to this official site,

http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org9-4.htm

number of Navy ships has not been this low since 1937.

[cva66snipe]

I doubt that the Kittyhawk will be far behind. Maintenance budgets are getting axed left and right to pay for Iraq.

She won't be around long. But here is something interesting. She out lasted all in her class namesake including and the lone newer JFK class KENNEDY. Kennedy will go out before her.