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Navy Decommissions Constellation
Covered yesterday, but what the heck?The Navy bid farewell Thursday to the USS Constellation, the aircraft carrier that President Reagan dubbed Americaâs Flagship, in a solemn ceremony at the Navy base that has been the shipâs home for most of its nearly 42 years of service. Some of the 60,000 sailors and officers who served on the Constellation over the years gathered in the shipâs massive shadow at Naval Air Station North Island to witness the decommissioning. "Today is a day to be proud," said Capt. John W. Miller, the last of the Constellationâs 30 commanding officers. A Navy band played, the shipâs bell tolled and two 40mm cannons boomed out a 19-gun farewell salute. Three F/A-18s that had flown night operations from the Constellation in Iraq roared overhead in formation. Following Navy tradition, the shipâs executive officer, Cmdr. Dave Maloney, ordered all sailors off the ship. The shipâs colors and the commissioning pennant that flew over the flight deck were lowered. Miller then signed the final entry in the shipâs log: "7 August, 2003. USS Constellation CV64 decommissioned and deck log closed." The carrier returned from its 21st and final voyage in June after taking part in the war with Iraq. It will head next month to a ship graveyard in Bremerton, Wash. The $4.6 billion USS Ronald Reagan, the Navyâs newest nuclear-powered carrier, is expected to take the place of the steam-fired Constellation in Coronado next year. The number of carriers in the Navyâs fleet will remain unchanged at 12. Good ship and people. Thanks guys. Posted by: Steve White 2003-08-08 |
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