#33: USS America (CV-66)

The USS America (CVA/CV-66) was one of four Kitty Hawk-class supercarriers built for the United States Navy in the 1960s. Commissioned in 1965, she spent most of her career in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, but did make three Pacific deployments serving in the Vietnam War. She also served in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

America held the distinctions of being the last U.S. supercarrier built not named after a person, and being the first large aircraft carrier since Operation Crossroads in 1946 to be expended in weapons tests. In 2005, she was scuttled southeast of Cape Hatteras, after four weeks of tests, despite a large protest of former crew-members who wanted to see her instituted as a memorial museum. She was the largest warship ever to be sunk.

A left side view of a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft parked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66), 10/18/1984.  Like it? Buy it!

A starboard beam view of aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66) underway in Norwegian waters during Exercise OCEAN SAFARI '85, 10/01/1985.  Like it? Buy it!

An aerial starboard view of large harbor tugs assisting the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66) out of port, 08/01/1983.  Like it? Buy it!

A port quarter view of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) underway through the canal at the completion of a deployment in the Indian Ocean, 10/21/1981.  Like it? Buy it!

#32: USS Constellation (CV-64)

A series of pictures taken between 1979 and 2003.

A stern view of the Aircraft Carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) underway with ships of its battle group. Various aircraft are visible on deck, 10/08/1984.  Like it? See it framed!

A three-plane formation of US Marine Corps (USMC) F/A-18 Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Three Two Three (VMFA-323) conducts a flyover of the USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) aircraft carrier, during its decommissioning ceremony, 08/07/2003.  Like it? See it framed!

Low oblique port bow view of (front to back) the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64), a Mars class combat stores ship and the guided missile USS LEAHY (CG 16) underway, 12/01/1979.  Like it? See it framed!

A port view of the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) escorted by large harbor tugs as it returns to home port, 08/03/1988.  Like it? See it framed!

#31: USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)

A group based in Wilmington, North Carolina is lobbying to bring the ship to the city after decommissioning and her obligatory time as Ready Reserve Fleet asset in order to serve as a floating museum alongside the battleship North Carolina.  The navy will maintain Kitty Hawk in reserve until 2015, when the Gerald R. Ford is commissioned.

In January 2013, a group from Pensacola, Florida, which had originally wanted to obtain Forrestal, shifted its efforts to Kitty Hawk, due to that ship's superior condition.

The current campaign to obtain an aircraft carrier as a Pensacola museum follows a controversial campaign in the early 1990s, when a volunteer effort tried to get the USS Lexington (CV-16). That movement did not succeed, and the Lexington now operates as a museum in Corpus Christi, Texas.

US Navy (USN) Quartermaster (QM) SEAMAN (SN) Apprentice, Adam Leib, stands on the aft flight deck of the USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), while conducting routine flight operations in the South China Sea. A Military Sealift Command (MSC) HENRY J. KAISER CALSS: OILER (AO) can be seen underway in the background, 04/12/2001.  Like it? See it framed!

A straight down view of the flight deck of the USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), with a variety of its aircraft on the top deck, 04/03/2001.  Like it? See it framed!

The Royal Thai Naval vessel HTMS CHAKRI NARUEBET (CVH 911) operates along side the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), 04/03/2001.  Like it? See it framed!

The USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) conducting routine flight operations in the South China Sea. 04/03/2001.  Like it? Buy it!

#30: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) (also known by crew members as "the Big Stick" or within the navy simply as TR) is the fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Her radio call sign is Rough Rider, the name of President Theodore Roosevelt's volunteer cavalry unit during the Spanish-American War. She was launched in 1984, saw her first action during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, and is currently homeported at Newport News Shipyard, Virginia.

The US Navy (USN) Sailors man the rails of Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) as she leads a formation through the waters of the Persian Gulf with the Spanish Navy 100 Class Frigate ALVARO DE BAZAN (F101) [right] and the USN Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) during ALVARO DE BAZAN's departure from Carrier Strike Group 2 (CSG-2). CSG-2 is currently underway on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations (MSO), 12/03/2005.  Like it? See it framed!

US Navy (USN) Sailors wait to depart the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) at its homeport of Naval Station (NS) Norfolk, Virginia (VA). The USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT was on a six-month combat deployment, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, 03/11/2006.  Like it? See it framed!

The US Navy (USN) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) passes under the Friendship Bridge during the ship's transit through the Suez Canal. The 100-mile Suez Canal connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, 02/15/2006.  Like it? See it framed!

An aerial stern view of the US Navy (USN) Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) underway off the coast of Virginia (VA), 05/19/2005.  Like it? See it framed!

#29: USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier in the service of the United States Navy. The ninth ship of her class,  she is named in honor of former President Ronald Reagan, President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Upon her christening in 2001, she was the first ship to be named for a former president still living at the time.

As of May 2012 the ship is operationally part of Carrier Strike Group Nine and administratively under the command of Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific/Commander, Naval Air Forces. The two administrative titles actually refer to one command carrying out two functions.

Aerial bow view of the US Navy (USN) Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), the newest and most technologically advanced carrier in the Navy, entering San Diego harbor for its homeporting celebration at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), California (CA) officially joining the US Pacific Fleet, 07/23/2004.  Like it? Buy it!

The US Navy (USN) Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) makes a port call in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emerits (UAE), 03/15/2006.  Like it? Buy it!

The US Navy (USN) Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS MCCAMPBELL (DDG 85) comes alongside the USN Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) for a routine fueling at a in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).2006 USS McCampbell (DDG 85) comes alongside USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) for a routine fueling at a (FAS). Reagan is currently deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the region. MSO t the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and..., 05/05/2006.  Like it? Buy it!

A U.S. Navy T-45A Goshawk trainer aircraft, piloted by USN LT. j.g. Rob Prince, makes an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) on Oct. 18, 2006. The event marked the 20,000th'trap'aboard the Navy's newest Nimitz Class aircraft carrier. The REAGAN is currently conducting training squadron carrier qualifications off the coast of Southern California. 10/19/2006.  Like it? Buy it!  

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#28: USS Nimitz (CVN-68)

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is a supercarrier of the United States Navy, and the lead ship of its class. One of the largest warships in the world, it was laid down, launched and commissioned as CVAN-68 but was redesignated CVN 68 (nuclear-powered multimission aircraft carrier) on 30 June 1975 as part of the fleet realignment.

The ship was named for World War II Pacific fleet commander Chester W. Nimitz, who was the navy’s third fleet admiral. Nimitz had its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk until 1987, when it was relocated to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Following its Refueling and Complex Overhaul in 2001, its homeport was changed to NAS North Island in San Diego, California. The home port of Nimitz was again moved to Everett, Washington, in 2012. This move is expected to save the Navy $100 million.

The US Navy (USN) Aircraft Carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) underway in the Persian Gulf conducting routine operations. The Nimitz Strike Group is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment and is participating in Maritime Security Operations MSO), 07/29/2005.  Like it? Buy it!

An U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet aircraft assigned to the"Sunliners"of Strike Fighter Squadron 81, lands aboard the U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). The USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) is currently underway off the coast of Calif., conducting sea trials after successfully completing a six-month Planned Incremental Availability period. 08/30/2006.  Like it? Buy it!

A U.S. Navy Crew Member assigned to the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, inspects an SH-60F Seahawk helicopter before flight operations aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). The USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) is currently underway conducting composite training unit exercise off the coast of Southern Calif., 10/13/2006.  Like it? Buy it!

The US Navy (USN) Aircraft Carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) underway near Orote Point, which marks the entrance to Apra Harbor, Guam (GU). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is visiting Naval Base Guam (GU) for a scheduled port visit and is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism, 06/18/2005.  Like it? Buy it!

#27: USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)

The mission of John C. Stennis and her embarked Air Wing (CVW-9) is to conduct sustained combat air operations while forward deployed in the global arena. The embarked Air Wing consists of eight to nine squadrons. Attached aircraft are Navy and Marine F/A-18 Hornet, EA-6B Prowler, MH-60R, MH-60S, and E-2C Hawkeye.

The Air Wing can engage enemy aircraft, submarines, and land targets, or lay mines hundreds of miles from the ship. John C. Stennis's aircraft are used to conduct strikes, support land battles, protect the Battle Group or other friendly shipping, and implement a sea or air blockade. The Air Wing provides a visible presence to demonstrate American power and resolve in a crisis. The ship normally operates as the centerpiece of a Carrier Battle Group commanded by a flag officer embarked upon John C. Stennis and consisting of four to six other ships.

John C. Stennis's two nuclear reactors give her virtually unlimited range and endurance and a top speed in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h, 34.5 mph). The ship's four catapults and four arresting gear engines enable her to launch and recover aircraft rapidly and simultaneously. The ship carries approximately 3 million US gallons (11,000 m³) of fuel for her aircraft and escorts, and enough weapons and stores for extended operations without replenishment. John C. Stennis also has extensive repair capabilities, including a fully equipped Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, a micro-miniature electronics repair shop, and numerous ship repair shops.

For defense, in addition to her Air Wing and accompanying vessels, John C. Stennis has NATO RIM-7 Sea Sparrow and Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) surface-to-air missile systems, the Phalanx Close-in Weapons System for cruise missile defense, and the AN/SLQ-32Electronic Warfare System.

Starboard side view of the US Navy (USN) Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) departing Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), California (CA), heading for her new homeport at Bremerton, Washington (WA). The STENNIS and its crew of over 2,500 Sailors and their families are moving as part of the regular rotation of carriers throughout the fleet. San Diego was the home for the STENNIS and her crewmembers for six years, 01/05/2005.  Like it? Buy it!

US Navy (USN) Pilots assigned to the "Vikings" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), sit in the cockpit of their EA-6B Prowler aircraft while flight deck crewmembers prepare their aircraft for nighttime flight operations aboard the USN Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier, USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74), while the ship is underway in the Pacific Ocean conducting carrier qualifications, 03/16/2006.  Like it? Buy it!

A U.S. Navy Flight Deck Director guides a Carrier Airborne Early warning Squadron 112 (VAW-112,"Golden Hawks") E-2C Hawkeye all-weather, early warning aircraft onto the catapult prior to it launching from the deck of the Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) on Jan. 22, 2007, while the STENNIS and Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) are conducting carrier qualifications of the coast of Southern California prior to transiting west to bolster security in the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication SPECIALIST 3rd Class Jon Hyde) (Released), 01/22/2007.  Like it? Buy it!

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) sits anchored off the coast of Fremantle, Australia, during a scheduled port visit, while on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean, 09/29/2004.  Like it? Buy it!

#26: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) is the eighth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, named after the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman. The ship's callsign is Lone Warrior, and she is currently homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

Harry S. Truman was launched on 14 September 1996 by Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia, and commissioned on 25 July 1998 with Captain Thomas Otterbein in command. President Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker, and other notable attendees and speakers included Missouri Representative Ike Skelton, Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan, Secretary of Defense William Cohen and Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton.

Harry S. Truman was initially the flagship of Carrier Group Two and, beginning 1 October 2004, of Carrier Strike Group Ten.

Beginning in 2001, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Battle Group participated in Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Deny Flight, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Summer Pulse '04, and NATO Operation Medshark/Majestic Eagle '04.

A port stern view of the US Navy (USN) Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier, USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) as it transits through the Straits of Gibraltar into the Atlantic Ocean (AOC) on the way to participate in a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) joint maritime, multi-national exercise, 10/31/2004.  Like it? Buy it!

US Navy (USN) Cargo Handlers and Plane Directors watch as SA-330 Puma helicopter delivers sling loads of cargo and supplies onto the flight deck of the USN NIMITZ CLASS: Aircraft Carrier USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). CVN 75 and Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW 3) are currently on a six-month deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, 01/17/2003.  Like it? Buy it!

US Navy (USN) Commander (CDR) Jeremy W. Gillespie, Ships Safety Officer, observes a rainbow following a successful morning of flight deck training during General Quarters (GQ) drills, held aboard the USN NIMITZ CLASS: Aircraft Carrier USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). CVN 75 and Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW 3) are currently on a six-month deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, 02/25/2003.  Like it? Buy it!

A starboard bow view of the US Navy (USN) Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier, USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) as it transits through the Straits of Gibraltar into the Atlantic Ocean (AOC) on the way to participate in a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) joint maritime, multi-national exercise. 10/31/2004.  Like it? Buy it!

#25: USS George Washington (CVN-73)

USS George Washington (CVN-73) is a United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ("supercarrier"), the sixth carrier in the Nimitz class and the fourth US Navy ship named after George Washington, the first president of the United States. She was built by Newport News Shipbuilding and was commissioned on 4 July 1992.

The US Navy (USN) Nimitz class Aircraft Carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) passes by the USN Iowa class Battle Ship USS WISCONSIN (BB 64), near downtown Norfolk during her transit down the Elizabeth River from Norfolk Naval Station to Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia (VA), 02/25/2003.  Like it? Buy it!  

Planes from Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN (CVW 17) fly in a tight formation over the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), 07/19/2000.  Like it? Buy it!  

Aerial view of a US Navy (USN) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft launching from the flight deck of the US Navy (USN) NIMITZ CLASS: Aircraft Carrier, USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). Embarked Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) and CVN 73 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, 04/22/2004.  Like it? Buy it!

Aerial bow-on view of the Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) steaming on a high speed run in the Atlantic Ocean, 09/28/2002.  Like it? Buy it!  

#24: USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) ("Ike") is a nuclear powered aircraft carrier currently in service with the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1977, the ship is the second of the ten Nimitz-class aircraft carriers currently in service, and is the first ship named after the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. The vessel was initially named simply as USS Eisenhower, much like the lead ship of the class Nimitz, but the name was changed to its present form on 25 May 1970. The carrier, like all others of her class, was constructed at Newport News Shipbuilding Company in Virginia, with the same design as the lead ship, although the ship has been overhauled twice to bring her up to the standards of those constructed more recently.

Since commissioning, Dwight D. Eisenhower has participated in deployments including Operation Eagle Claw during the Iran hostage crisis in 1980, as well as the Gulf War in the 1990s, and more recently in support of US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The U.S. Navy Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier, USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) (foreground), and the Military Sealift Command Sirius Class, Combat Stores Ship USNS SPICA (T-AFS 9) conduct a Replenishment At Sea exercise on December 16, 2006. The U.S. Navy Ticonderoga-Class Guided Missile Cruiser, USS ANZIO (CG 68) is visible in the background. The Eisenhower and embarked Carrier Air Wing 7 are underway in the Persian Gulf on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations. 12/16/2006.  Like it? Buy it! 

The USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) eases into the port of Jabel Ali, United Arab Emirates, to begin a port visit in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH 2000, 07/15/2000.  Like it? Buy it!

Aerial port view of the the U.S. Navy Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) as it steams across the waters of the Arabian Sea on Nov. 15, 2006. EISENHOWER is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations in the region. 11/14/2006.  Like it? Buy it!

An aerial view of the US Navy (USN) NIMITZ CLASS: Aircraft Carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) showing Sailors gather on the flight deck to spell out "IKE 2000" referring to their successful deployment to the Mediterranean Sea in the new millennium. CVN 69 is underway in the Mediterranean Sea while on a routine six-month deployment, 08/01/2000.  Like it? Buy it!

#23: USS Carl D. Vinson (CVN-70)

The USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) is the third United States Navy Nimitz class supercarrier and is named after Carl Vinson, a Congressman from Georgia, in recognition of his contributions to the US Navy. The ship was launched in 1980, undertook its maiden voyage in 1983, and underwent Refueling and Overhaul between 2005 and 2009. Carl Vinson's callsign is "Gold Eagle".

Besides deployments in Operation Desert Strike, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Enduring Freedom, the Carl Vinson was involved in a number of notable events. The body of Osama bin Laden was disposed of in 2011 from the deck of the Carl Vinson, and that same year, on Veterans Day, it played host to the first NCAA basketball game on an aircraft carrier, between North Carolina and Michigan State.

An aerial stern view of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) approaching Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Various types of aircraft are parked along the flight deck of the ship, 11/14/1984.  Like it? Buy it!

Aerial port quarter view of the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), with the guided missile destroyer USS CALLAGHAN (DDG 994) to starboard approaching the Golden Gate Bridge, 10/12/1985.  Like it? Buy it!

A Port side view of the US Navy (USN) Nimitz Class: Aircraft Carrier, USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) underway in the Straits of Gibraltar as she makes her way to the Atlantic Ocean, 07/19/2005.  Like it? Buy it!

The Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flies down the port side of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) on a simulated reconnaissance flight headed by Command Carrier Group One (CVG-1). The flight is the Predator's first maritime mission with a carrier battle group and provided "near real-time" infrared and color video images of the ship during the flight. The Predator was launched from San Nicholas Island, 12/05/1995.  Like it? Buy it!

#22: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), is the fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the United States Navy. It is the second Navy ship to have been named after former President Abraham Lincoln. Her home port is Norfolk, Virginia, and she is a member of the United States Atlantic Fleet. She is administratively responsible to Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic, and, operationally, she is currently the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Nine and host to Carrier Air Wing Two.

A view of the island structure aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) as seen from the ship's port quarter, 11/24/1989.  Like it? Buy it!

An aerial port quarter view of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) approaching its future homeport. The LINCOLN is the first aircraft carrier to tie up at the new pier in Everett. The ship is scheduled to change homeport's from NAS Alameda, California to Everett in late 1996, 10/28/1994.  Like it? Buy it!

The US Navy (USN) Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) leads a formation of ships and submarines, from the USN and the navies of seven other countries, during a photo exercise to commemorate the last day of Exercise RIM OF THE PACIFIC 2006 (RIMPAC 2006), the worlds largest biennial maritime exercise in the Pacific Ocean (POC) involving military forces from the United States (USA), Australia (AUS), Canada (CAN), Chile (CHL), Japan (JPN), Peru (PER), the Republic of Korea (KOR), and the United Kingdom (UK), 07/25/2006.  Like it? Buy it!

A bow-on view of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) underway at high speed. The ship is taking part in WestPac '93, 06/01/1993.  Like it? Buy it!

#21: USS Independence (CV-62)

The fifth USS Independence (CV/CVA-62) is a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. She was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal-class of conventional-powered Supercarriers. She entered service in 1959, with much of her early years spent in the Mediterranean Fleet.

Independence made a single tour off the coast of Vietnam in 1965 during the Vietnam War, and also carried out airstrikes against Syrian forces during the Lebanese Civil War and operations over Iraq during Operation Southern Watch, the enforcement of the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Independence was decommissioned in 1998 after 39 years of active service.

A starboard quarter view of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62), left, the fast combat support ship USS DETROIT (AOE-4), center, and the British frigate HMS SCYLLA (F-71) as the carrier is refueled by the support ship during a NATO exercise, 11/18/1979.  Like it? Buy it!

An aerial port quarter view of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) underway, 04/04/1979.  Like it? Buy it!

A port bow view of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) underway, 01/19/1979.  Like it? Buy it!

A port beam view of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) underway, 04/14/1988.  Like it? Buy it!