Uss John F. Kennedy

USS John F. Kennedy Philadelphia Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), fondly known as “Big John,” holds a distinguished place in American naval history and Philadelphia’s maritime heritage. Commissioned in 1968 as the last conventionally powered aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, the Kennedy was a vital force in global operations for nearly four decades. Although the ship was decommissioned in 2007 and dismantled after leaving Philadelphia in early 2025, its story continues to inspire visitors and veterans alike. This comprehensive guide explores the carrier’s history, legacy, and how you can engage with Philadelphia’s rich naval traditions, even though the ship itself is no longer accessible (HullNumber.com; Alert 5; CBS News Philadelphia; Navy Emporium).

A bow view of aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) with guided missile destroyer USS Richard E. Byrd (DDG-23) and frigate USS W. S. Sims (FF-1059) operating in the Mediterranean Sea

Crew from Naval Audiovisual Center filming motion picture footage on aircraft elevator aboard USS John F. Kennedy CV 67

Crewman and family moving away from the pier where aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) is moored at Naval Air Station Norfolk

A landing signal officer and assistant aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY monitoring deck with light waveoff switches

Partial right side view of an Attack Squadron 72 A-7E Corsair aircraft with desert camouflage parked on USS John F. Kennedy flight deck

A port bow view of ships in Carrier Battle Group Eight underway off the coast of Lebanon including aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy CV 67 nuclear-powered

A starboard bow view of ships in Carrier Battle Group Eight underway off the coast of Lebanon including replenishment oiler USS Kalamazoo (AOR 6)

Starboard bow view of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) underway in the Caribbean Sea

A starboard quarter view of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) during the International Naval Review in New York Harbor

Starboard view of aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) approaching Naval Station Norfolk after Persian Gulf deployment during Operation Desert Storm

stern view of aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy moored in New York Harbor

Technician splicing wires in Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department on USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier during Fleet Ex 1-90

Sailor operating an M2 .50-caliber machine gun guided by a telephone talker during a Quick Draw drill aboard USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier

An A-6E Intruder aircraft is launched from the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) with six A-6E Intruder and one EA-6B Prowler parked on deck edge

E-2C Hawkeye aircraft launching from USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier during Fleet Exercise 1-90

E-2C Hawkeye aircraft launched from USS John F. Kennedy during NATO Exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION 1986 in Mediterranean Sea

E-2C Hawkeye aircraft launched from USS John F. Kennedy during NATO Exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86 with an EA-6B Prowler in position

EA-6 Prowler aircraft being towed on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy during NATO Exercise DISPLAY DETERMINATION '86

F-14A Tomcat aircraft arresting landing on USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier during Fleet Exercise 1-90

F-14A Tomcat aircraft launching from USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier

F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 32 preparing to land on USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier flight deck during Fleet Exercise 1-90

Aerial view of the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) aircraft carrier battle group underway in the Atlantic Ocean with 18 ships in formation

Aerial view of the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier battle group underway in the Atlantic Ocean

Elevated view of the flight deck aboard USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier with an E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft and an F-14A Tomcat fighter jet

RMS Queen Elizabeth II entering Boston Harbor passing USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 aircraft carrier

Aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) underway at sea

Aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) docked at port with city skyline in background

USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) aircraft carrier at sea

Aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) at sea

Captain Jerry O. Tuttle commanding officer USS John F. Kennedy CV 67 May 1977 to November 1978

Machinist's Mate 1st Class Gary Church holding his two daughters after coming ashore from aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy at Naval Air Station Norfolk Virginia USA

Starboard side view of US Navy Aircraft Carrier USS John F. Kennedy underway in the Arabian Sea

Line drawings of USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier CVA-67 1974

USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 ship crest designed by Rear Admiral Earl P. Yates

USS Seattle transferring fuel to USS John F Kennedy during underway replenishment at sea

USS Kennedy aircraft carrier arrival in Norfolk, Virginia with Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Jeanette Moore reunited with husband

Phone talker watches USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier refueling at sea during underway replenishment

USS Seattle crew transporting ammunition to USS John F. Kennedy during underway replenishment in the Atlantic Ocean

USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier alongside USS Seattle support ship in Atlantic Ocean during underway replenishment

USS Enterprise and USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carriers transferring ammunition side by side in the Atlantic Ocean

Sailors from USS Vicksburg in formation alongside USNS Guadalupe during replenishment at sea

USNS Guadalupe transferring fuel to USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier in Arabian Gulf during replenishment at sea

USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier being relieved by USS Harry S. Truman in Persian Gulf

USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier at sea

Historical Overview
Design and Specifications
Service Highlights
Decommissioning and Final Voyage
Visiting Philadelphia’s Naval Heritage Sites
Visitor Information, Accessibility, and Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Legacy of the USS John F. Kennedy
Call to Action
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Overview

The USS John F. Kennedy was authorized as a significant advancement in American naval power during the Cold War. Built at Newport News Shipbuilding, her keel was laid on October 22, 1964, launched on May 27, 1967, and commissioned on September 7, 1968, with Caroline Kennedy serving as sponsor (HullNumber.com). The ship was named in honor of the 35th President of the United States, himself a notable naval officer in WWII (Navy History).

Throughout its 39 years of active service, the Kennedy took part in 18 major deployments, supporting U.S. presence and operations across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and beyond. Its missions ranged from Cold War deterrence and the Yom Kippur War to Operation Desert Storm and, later, post-9/11 homeland defense (Alert 5; CBS News Philadelphia; Navy Emporium).

Design and Specifications

As the last conventionally powered supercarrier built for the Navy, the Kennedy represented a transitional era in naval engineering, bridging the Kitty Hawk-class and the Nimitz-class nuclear carriers (TVD Naval Warfare).

Key Specifications:

Displacement: 60,728 tons (full load)
Length: 1,052 feet
Beam: 252 feet
Draft: 36 feet
Propulsion: Steam turbines (conventional)
Air Wing: Up to 80 aircraft, including F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets

Unique onboard features included a special in-port cabin with wood paneling designed by Jacqueline Kennedy, linking the ship personally to the Kennedy family (Wikipedia).

Service Highlights

The Kennedy’s operational career was both dynamic and influential:

Cold War Operations: Frequent Mediterranean and NATO deployments, shadowed by Soviet vessels.
Middle East Engagements: Presence during the Yom Kippur War, Lebanon Crisis, and support after the Beirut barracks bombing.
Gulf War: Launched airstrikes during Operation Desert Storm.
Post-9/11: Provided air defense for the U.S. East Coast during Operation Noble Eagle.
Global Reach: Supported humanitarian missions and participated in joint exercises worldwide (Navy Emporium; Wildwood Video Archive).

Decommissioning and Final Voyage

Philadelphia Navy Yard Years

Decommissioned on March 23, 2007, the Kennedy was berthed at the Philadelphia Navy Yard for nearly 18 years (6ABC). During this period, it became a beloved local landmark and a point of pride for veterans and the community.

Final Departure and Scrapping

Efforts to preserve the Kennedy as a museum did not materialize due to logistical and financial constraints (Wildwood Video Archive). On January 16, 2025, the ship was towed from Philadelphia to Brownsville, Texas, for environmentally responsible dismantling. The journey was marked by public ceremonies and coverage, and even delayed briefly due to an osprey nesting on board (USNI News; Port of Brownsville).

Visiting Philadelphia’s Naval Heritage Sites

While you can no longer tour the USS John F. Kennedy, Philadelphia offers several outstanding sites to connect with naval history:

Independence Seaport Museum: Features exhibits on naval vessels, maritime history, and Philadelphia’s pivotal role in American seafaring.
Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial (Camden, NJ): Offers hands-on tours aboard the most decorated battleship in U.S. history.
The Navy Yard: A revitalized campus with historic buildings, green spaces, and periodic heritage events.
Penn’s Landing: A vibrant waterfront area with parks, events, river views, and seasonal festivities.

Visitor Information, Accessibility, and Tickets

Philadelphia Navy Yard:

Open to the public daily from dawn to dusk; access to former vessel berths is limited.
Grounds are wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and parking available.
No tickets required to explore public areas, but some events and museums may charge admission.

Independence Seaport Museum:

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.
Tickets: $10–$20 (discounts for seniors, veterans, and children).
Wheelchair accessible.

Travel Tips:

Use SEPTA buses, regional rail, or rideshare for convenient access.
Check official websites for updated hours, event listings, and accessibility services.
For special naval heritage events, consult local calendars and museum announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the USS John F. Kennedy open for tours?
A: No. The carrier was decommissioned in 2007, scrapped in 2025, and is no longer accessible to the public.

Q: Where can I learn about the Kennedy’s history?
A: Philadelphia’s Independence Seaport Museum and naval heritage exhibits offer rich information and artifacts.

Q: Are there guided tours of naval sites in Philadelphia?
A: Yes, guided tours are available at the Independence Seaport Museum and the Battleship New Jersey Museum. The Navy Yard also offers occasional heritage tours.

Q: Is the Navy Yard area accessible?
A: Yes, public areas and waterfront walkways meet accessibility standards.

Q: Can I view any parts of the Kennedy today?
A: Artifacts like Jacqueline Kennedy’s decorated cabin are displayed at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola (Wikipedia).

Legacy of the USS John F. Kennedy

The USS John F. Kennedy embodied American resilience, innovation, and global engagement. Her story continues through commemorative efforts, museum exhibits, and the commissioning of the new Ford-class USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) (Alert 5). Veterans and visitors alike honor her legacy by engaging with naval history and participating in educational programs.

Call to Action

Connect with Philadelphia’s vibrant naval heritage by visiting local museums, attending special events, and exploring the city’s historic waterfront. For up-to-date visitor information, download the Audiala app, follow our social media channels, and review related articles on maritime history and travel. Your interest helps keep the story of “Big John” alive for generations to come.