thedrifter
08-09-03, 05:11 AM
USS Constellation decommissioned
SIGNONSANDIEGO NEWS SERVICES
12:08 p.m., August 7, 2003
CORONADO – 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.
About 5,000 people attended the ceremony, sitting in a temporary grandstand set up on the dock, including many who built the flattop and others who served on the ship.
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."
Near the end of the ceremony, the order was given to "De-man the USS Constellation," prompting the remaining sailors aboard to disembark. Colors and the commissioning pendant were removed.
Finally, the Officer of the Deck handed his log to Capt. John "Fozzie" Miller, after making a final entry of "decommissioned."
Miller was presented with a Legion of Merit during the ceremony.
"Today is a day to be proud, not a day for mixed emotions," the captain said.
Construction of the ship at the New York Naval Shipyard was marred by an explosion and fire which killed 50 and injured 150 on Dec. 19, 1960. Two men were killed in other construction accidents, and four sailors and civilian workers died in a fire during sea trials.
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.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20030807-1208-connie.html
Sempers,
Roger
:marine:
SIGNONSANDIEGO NEWS SERVICES
12:08 p.m., August 7, 2003
CORONADO – 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.
About 5,000 people attended the ceremony, sitting in a temporary grandstand set up on the dock, including many who built the flattop and others who served on the ship.
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."
Near the end of the ceremony, the order was given to "De-man the USS Constellation," prompting the remaining sailors aboard to disembark. Colors and the commissioning pendant were removed.
Finally, the Officer of the Deck handed his log to Capt. John "Fozzie" Miller, after making a final entry of "decommissioned."
Miller was presented with a Legion of Merit during the ceremony.
"Today is a day to be proud, not a day for mixed emotions," the captain said.
Construction of the ship at the New York Naval Shipyard was marred by an explosion and fire which killed 50 and injured 150 on Dec. 19, 1960. Two men were killed in other construction accidents, and four sailors and civilian workers died in a fire during sea trials.
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.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20030807-1208-connie.html
Sempers,
Roger
:marine: