The Current Situation, The Next Steps, How You Can Help (Now)

Make this vision a reality!
An aerial view of the proposed site placement of the USS John F. Kennedy in Coddington Cove.

Thank you for your patience as we sort out our options and work to develop an action plan going forward.

At a board meeting yesterday, we concluded the following:

USS JFK in RI
A rendering of the USS JFK at her new home (TBD). It stands to reason that if we can identify an appropriate mooring site on property not owned by the Navy, we will be in a strong position to argue for the return of JFK to donation status.

The fat lady hasn’t sung yet.

We still have a couple of cards to play, and until we have exhausted ALL our options we want to hold back from any massive email or letter-writing campaign.

When and if we do launch a public appeal to top Navy leadership and our representatives in Congress, it must be positive.

The last thing we want to do is alienate the very people who have the power to give us what we want. At the appropriate time we will provide talking points to help you craft those messages.

To further explain the situation as we see it:

  1. There are two separate (but very related) issues in play here, and two different commands within the Navy dealing with those issues. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) controls the disposition of the ship, while Naval Facilities Command (NAVFAC) controls the real estate—and the piers.
  2. The way we read the tea leaves, NAVFAC’s decision not to allow us access to Pier 2 in Coddington Cove causes NAVSEA to believe we don’t have a site to berth the ship—thus the potential move toward scrapping JFK.
  3. It stands to reason that if we can identify an appropriate mooring site on property not owned by the Navy, we will be in a strong position to argue for the return of JFK to donation status.
  4. We need 60 days to review those alternatives. The engineering analysis involved will cost money, so we are setting up a separate fund just to cover those expenses. If everyone on this page were to donate $50 to this year-end appeal, we would be well-positioned to do the work necessary to justify a reconsideration by the Navy.

[button type=”churchope_button” url=”https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7M5HKNQNV2NMQ” target=”on” button_color_fon=”#d50b10″ ]Donate to the Engineering Fund Today[/button]

Please consider a year-end tax-deductible contribution to the Engineering Fund. In the meantime, we are working tirelessly to locate another mooring spot for “Big John”. We have come this far, we are not giving up now!

–Frank Lennon

30 comments

  1. 1986-1987 AZ AIMD words can’t describe the 100 million dollar experience onboard and in ports.
    Med cruise, President Regan onboard 4th of July in NY, St.Thomas, we even pulled up to the pier in port Everglades Fort Lauderdale for Spring Break. Skipper took one for the team for that! Defense of our Freedoms on Big John was always work hard play hard. Bullock / Benish what up. The citizens need JFK to see and board to understand the work and might envolved to defend Freedom we all share

  2. I was a plank owner on CVA67. I love in Grand Rapids Mi. I worked in the message center of the ship. Many friend, Bruce Hipp,John Mullhall,Ned Gauther,and Cylde from Atlanta Ga. Would love to here from any of them.

  3. Proud to have served on this great ship. Ships Company, CR Division from 1971-1973. I hope she gets a new home so I can visit her one more time.
    Petty Officer 3rd class Jerry Hobbs

  4. My dad served on the John f Kennedy in the 60”s I believe. Did any one here ever serve with John m Combs jr. from Kentucky/Tennessee/Ohio? He had family and lived in all 3 states. Would love to gather more information about his military days from ones who served with him. He and my mom have both passed away so his stories he would tell us are gone with him. Please contact me. Ttshell5@yahoo.com

  5. The USS John F Kennedy was my first duty station (1980-1981). I was ship’s company working on jet engines and in-flight refueling systems in the AIMD jet shop. I reminisce all the time about watching the F-14s flying off the carrier deck with full afterburners, especially at night. I eventually transferred off the ship to be an AW in a P-3 squadron based out of Barbers Point, Hawaii. I would love to be able to show my family around the only ship I was stationed on.

  6. Why would you not consider a location in Boston near the JFK library? Wouldn’t that make more sense? It would also eliminate the issue with the Navy. Seems may be time to pursue other location sites. stop wasting your time and money with that location.

  7. I served in 1 Main Machinery Room aboard USS John F Kennedy. I chose my duty station, turned down a billet on USS Enterprize to be there. I loved operating & maintaining the main engines and generator systems. There wasn’t a void, compartment, or space I didn’t get to know through our shipyard overhaul.
    It was fantastic to watch sunsets and sunrises at sea. Feeling the living rhythm & vibrations of the ship 24/7 becomes a permanent part of you. 30 years later, I still wake up from vivid dreams of walking around the decks, feeling the hum vibrate through my boondockers up my body, part of my whole being. I hope to still be able to show my kids & grandkids around Big John.
    Texas City Dyke or Galveston Island would be a perfect final anchorage for the USS John F Kennedy Air/Sea Museum!

  8. Has Boston Harbor right along side the JFK Library ever been considered? Namesake Carrier and Presidential Library together.

    Unprecedented

  9. I previously served on the USS Forrestal CV-59. I am from Boston Ma.
    I was saddened when my ship was scrapped as many of the men whom served on her.
    In think Boston would be a great choice considering the Kennedy’s are from Massachusetts.
    I think we can deal with the weather and adapt to it.
    Boston is a big tourist attraction for many people from all over the world.

  10. Served aboard “Big John” twice with Air Wing. Loved every minute of it. Now retired, I often reflect on those days. Have wondered for years what ever happened to Big John.
    As a very young child (toddler), I was completely mesmerized by President John F. Kennedy, the mere sound of his voice instantly drew my undivided attention. I could go on and on. Have always personally felt / hoped CV-67 would be moored adjacent to the JFK Library in Boston.
    But admittedly I have no idea of the logistics issues etc. etc. involved to do so. Stumbled onto this website and initially was very pleased. That is until I read further, “News” update; Sad News.
    I sincerely hope this endeavor comes to fruition. As a Navy “brat”, once lived in Rhode Island (Dad stationed at Quonset Point) and loved it! I have always wanted to go back. With the Big John as a museum piece in RI, I would be very motivated and have no excuse not to return!

  11. I was a ship’s company corpsman on board The Big John from 1980-1981. she was by far the best command I served during my time in the Navy. I certainly hope that she becomes a museum, it would be a big shame if she doesn’t.

  12. The USS John F Kennedy is moored at the pier at the southern most end of 16th St at the former Phila Naval Shipyard

    It’s not accessible for boarding—but it can be viewed from the pier

    It really needs to be saved—it’s the last of the Cold War “supercarriers” —and the last of the conventionally powered carriers

    I know we have the USS Midway in San Diego—but none of the huge carriers were saved (Forrestal, Saratoga, Ranger, Independence, Kitty Hawk, Constellation, Enterprise, America)

    They were the biggest ever built for there time (1000 feet plus) and there design has remained almost unchanged for the more modern Nimitz class—and they served from the 1950s thru the 2010s

    Save it—it was named after John F Kennedy after all!!!—and we don’t have a carrier museum on the east coast

    Leon J Guisburg AMS3 USN 1975-1979

  13. Am interested in knowing where the ship is now,and if it can be visited.my husband was part of the first crew when it was commissioned. He is now deceased.my sons and I want to walk the engine room floors where he worked.

    1. The USS JFK is currently located at the Navy’s inactive shipyard in Philadelphia, PA. Though no one is allowed on board, I believe it is visible from public areas.

  14. I previously served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga. I was a plank owner on the J.F.K.. I joined her in the pre-commissioning unit at Norfolk Naval Base in June of 1968. I was an illustrator draftsman (E-3 striker) assigned to the new Management Control Information Center. I wa. s proud and honored to be part of a brand new aircraft carrier and a brand new Naval program. I would hate to see this ship sold for scrap and end up like the “Sara”. The J.F.K. should become a museum as intended. If not in Rhode Island then maybe Norfolk located alongside another great ship, the U.S.S. Wisconsin BB-64. What could be more appropriate than to bring the J.F.K. back to the place and area where she was given birth and was first home ported. She was the first and last of her class and MUST BE SAVED.

  15. I served on JFK from ’78 to ’80 while assigned to HS-11 Dragonslayers. I have many, many fond memories my time on Big John. It would be a genuine shame for this repeated Gold Anchor winner to be scrapped.

  16. I was onboard the JFK from 1997-2000 as a Machinist Mate petty officer. I worked as the only female amist the 40 plus guys I served with. Nothing would give me more pleasure than seeing the JFK turned into a museum where I can take my two boys and show them where their mom worked hard for three years.

  17. I’m saddened by what I hear…
    That JFK can’t use that pier….
    I was really hoping that She….
    Would become an attraction for all to see…
    It would be such a shame to lose Her now…
    I really do hope it will work out somehow….
    I know the Rhode Island group is working hard…
    To try and keep Her from going to that scrap yard…
    Let’s all hope and pray, that before We die, there will be a day…
    When We can walk The Decks again of our first JFK…

    Written by Mike Young. Plank owner

  18. Big John was my home from 1968 – 1972. I was in P-1 division and worked in 4MMR. I agree that a southern port would be a better location. I always thought the perfect fit would be the Kennedy Space Center. There is an established tourist base and the addition of a carrier museum bearing the Kennedy name would be the most logical choice provided there is ample space to fit such a large ship.

    1. Hey sangiovanni ran across your name on trying to save jfk 67 its been a long time glad your alive and i hope well.thanks for taken me to your uncles for xmas in 71 and72 send me a gmail.just to give you a heads up my son is a stand up comedian and lives in brooklyn look him up his name is jeff scheen l hope to here from you .

  19. As a New Englander I of course prefer any path that sees the JFK remaining in New England.

    Is Battleship Cove a possibility? Berthing the JFK in its namesake’s home state certainly sees desirable to me.

    Is there anywhere in Boston? Quincy? Portsmouth? Hyannis?

    I’m sure you’re looking at all this; keep up the good work!

  20. I too was ship’s company(76-79). Admiral Tuttle was my last Commanding Officer. I grew up with an admiration for Lt. Kennedy add so was proud of my assignment to the USS John F. Kennedy, and greatly regret leaving the Navy…and Big John. I now live back in Pensacola, Fl, the home of naval aviation, where the USS Lexington USED to be based as a training carrier, and the channel was dredged in order to acommadate a deeper draft carrier for training purposes upon the Lexington’s decommissioning…which we never received. Training has since been moved to Corpus Cristi and so the Lexington’s bearth lies unused. Where I would be MORE than proud to once again “serve” aboard her, as a volunteer…on weekend’s of course, since I still work a full time job. Just saying.

  21. I am a Plank Owner of JFK (1967-70) and served in the CS Division. I was on the bridge for her commissioning tasked with launching the U.S. flag (ensign). I’ll never forget the sight of the Blue Angels.soring overhead immediately, thereafter. Having the joy of sailing her down the James River and on to GITMO for her first time and on to the Med was a memorable experience.

    I think Joe Chmelik’s idea of a southern port makes a LOT of sense. I visited the USS Midway last May (2017) and was highly impressed with the success of that program and the number of volunteers, many “former” Navy pilots, and others that made that visit so smooth. The habitual inclement weather in New England would probably be very detrimental to any “above deck” displays and exhibits that are the hallmark of the Midway. I will make a (good-faith) contribution to the Engineering Fund in hopes that you are able to find a suitable/acceptable permanent mooring for JFK.

  22. “Big John” was my first ship in my 23 year career. Serving on board her from 1972-1975, CR Division. Arrived as a RMSA and transfered off as a RM2 for orders to Naval Communications Unit London UK in support of Commander in Chief US Naval Forces Europe. I feel Florida would be a better berth for the Kennedy. I know the history of the Kennedy family, but think of the volunteers and tourist that would be available to keep Big John alive! I am one of the over 1000 volunteers serving the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. With the number of retired military in the area and having the cruise ship terminal just on the next pier, makes it an ideal spot for visitors from all over the world. We are now averaging over a million visitors a year. Consider the climate too. Miami is pretty nice year round, but Rhode Island would be hampered by cold and snowy winters. Who will be available to shovel the snow off her decks? Think about it before it is too late…

    1. I totally agree with Joe! Yes, I served on Big John, got brother duty orders (yes, lived to regret too!) but she’s gotta be moved
      to a warmer climate, where she can be toured all season, not just spring, summer and some of fall (weather permitting). Boston
      was always my favorite choice due to the ships namesake. But let’s face it, Boston doesn’t have the nicest spring and falls. Too
      bad somewhere in Georgia or Florida isn’t available.

      I currently live in Virginia (yeah, didn’t think that would happen either) but i’d would travel to the NE or SE to visit my old ship!
      Plans on going to Philly to see the old girl and let her know, she’s not forgotten……

Leave a Reply to MM2 Brian Warren Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *