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| USS Constellation decommissioned |
| 2003-08-07 |
| With the order, "De-man the USS Constellation," the huge aircraft carrier known affectionately as "The Connie" was decommissioned today in a ceremony at the North Island Naval Air Station. The ship, which took part in eight combat deployments over 41 years of service after surviving a series of construction accidents, was labeled "America’s Flagship" by former President Ronald Reagan. It is scheduled to be mothballed next month in Bremerton, Wash. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Escondido, who was an ace fighter pilot while serving aboard the ship, told the audience that parts of the Connie will be installed on its replacement, the USS Ronald Reagan. "It’s like a mother who passes DNA on to her daughter," Cunningham said during an often tearful speech. "The Connie indeed does live." Homeported in San Diego for its entire active career, the Constellation deployed off Vietnam seven times during the 1960s and ’70s. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Constellation-based warplanes flew more than 1,500 sorties and dropped more than a million pounds of ordnance. The ship returned its crew and fliers to their homes on June 2. The Connie deployed 21 times overall, mostly in peacetime operations. Next week, a tugboat will tie up to the aircraft carrier and begin the two- week journey to Bremerton. Crew members have been reassigned to a variety of other posts. The air wing will deploy aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The Reagan is scheduled to arrive in San Diego sometime next year. Rest easy, Connie. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #3 As a kid growing older (but not up, of course) here in San Diego, I played on a little league team sponsored by the Constellation in the early 70's. They even gave us a tour of it while tied up at North Island - verrrry cool, and all the sailors were really supportive, a lot coming out to root for our team. Sad knowing that she'll be decommissioned, but fond memories |
| Posted by: Frank G 2003-8-7 8:00:40 PM |
| #2 With the exception of national treasures like the Constitution or Britian's Victory it is the fate of all naval vessels to face either the wreckers yard or to used as a target vessel. To her present and former crew Vaya con Dios and thank you. |
| Posted by: Someone who did NOT vote for William Proxmire 2003-8-7 7:40:50 PM |
| #1 The Connie is one of several older aircraft carriers heading into mothballs. I'm sure the Kitty will be next, providing funding for a follow-on is approved. Many of these older carriers have had their lifetime extended twice to three times the original estimate, but there's still a lack of space, a lack of the new necessities of combat (NBC, counter-terror, etc.) capabilities of carriers designed for a single task, now being asked to do yoeman duties in dozens of different areas. Modern aircraft carriers are awesome! If you ever get the chance to visit one, do so. Imagine a floating city, complete with airport, and 6000 "citizens". A hat-tip not only to those who have served on the Connie, but to every sailor who has ever served on any US carrier! |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2003-8-7 4:58:05 PM |