The United States Navy’s Unconventional Sale of Decommissioned Aircraft Carriers
In an unprecedented move, the United States Navy has recently finalized an unconventional deal, selling two retired aircraft carriers to a scrap dealer for a mere one cent apiece. This groundbreaking transaction, orchestrated with International Shipbreaking Limited (ISL), involves the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS John F. Kennedy, both of which have languished in disuse for several years.
Historically, the Navy has engaged ISL’s services for the towing and dismantling of decommissioned vessels, a process often accompanied by substantial expenses. However, this sale marks a departure from tradition, reflecting ISL’s potential for profit through recycling the carriers’ scrap iron, steel, and non-ferrous metal ores.
The agreement to proceed with the sale was sanctioned by the Naval Sea Systems Command, a subdivision of the US Navy responsible for the oversight of such matters. ISL’s track record includes the responsible disposal of other vessels like the USS Ranger, USS Constellation, and USS Independence.
The illustrious USS Kitty Hawk, commissioned in 1961 at the Philadelphia Naval Yard, has a storied history, having served during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War. After faithfully serving its country for decades, it was decommissioned in 2017 and has since remained moored at a Naval facility in Bremerton, Washington.
The USS John F. Kennedy, commissioned in Newport News, Virginia in 1968, is a distinct variant of the Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier, boasting unique hull features compared to its counterparts from the same era. It gained prominence through its deployment in the Gulf War before its decommissioning in 2009. Presently, it is stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Yard.
Both carriers were designed with the capacity to accommodate numerous military aircraft, underscoring their strategic significance during their active service years.
Chris Green, the Senior Manager at ISL, anticipates that the meticulous process of recycling these colossal vessels will take several months. The complexity of naval engineering, particularly concerning the USS John F. Kennedy, demands a cautious approach. Green indicated that employees involved in the recycling efforts will undergo rigorous background checks conducted by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, a process that could span from a few weeks to up to half a year. The timeline for the USS JFK’s dismantling remains uncertain due to these procedural intricacies.
Interestingly, once the carriers are in the hands of the scrap dealer, veterans will not be permitted to walk through the hallowed decks that they once navigated during their service. Nevertheless, ISL has expressed its intention to honor the former crew members of the USS Kitty Hawk and the USS John F. Kennedy with a commemorative observance once the carriers arrive at port. This gesture acknowledges the carriers’ historical importance and the dedicated individuals who served aboard them.
In conclusion, the sale of these decommissioned aircraft carriers for a nominal price of one cent each marks a remarkable departure from tradition for the US Navy. As these vessels begin their transformation from military giants to scrap material, they leave behind a legacy that will be remembered through both the recycled materials that will find new life and the commemorative observances for the veterans who once called them home.
