Editing USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) (section)

==Service history==

===1961 to 1964===
[[File:USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) and USS Turner Joy (DD-951) refueling from USS Kawishiwi (AO-146) on 23 April 1964.jpg|thumb|''Kitty Hawk'' and the destroyer {{USS|Turner Joy|DD-951|2}} refuel from {{USNS|Kawishiwi|T-AO-146|2}} in 1964]]

Following shakedown in the Western [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]], ''Kitty Hawk'' departed [[Naval Station Norfolk]], [[Norfolk, Virginia]] on 11 August 1961. After a brief stop at [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil, where she embarked the Secretary of the [[Brazilian Navy]] for a demonstration during an exercise at sea with five Brazilian destroyers, the attack carrier rounded [[Cape Horn]] on 1 October. She steamed into [[Valparaíso]], Chile, on 13 October and then sailed two days later for [[Peru]], arriving in [[Callao]] on 20 October where she entertained the President of Peru. At [[Naval Base San Diego|San Diego]], Admiral [[George Whelan Anderson Jr.|George W. Anderson]], [[Chief of Naval Operations]], landed on her deck 18 November to witness [[antisubmarine]] demonstrations by {{USS|Henry B. Wilson|DDG-7|2}} and {{USS|Blueback|SS-581|2}}, a [[Terrier missile]] demonstration by {{USS|Topeka|CLG-8|2}} and air demonstrations by ''Kitty Hawk''.

''Kitty Hawk'' entered [[San Francisco Naval Shipyard]] on 23 November 1961 for alterations. Following operations out of San Diego, she sailed from San Francisco on 13 September 1962. ''Kitty Hawk'' joined the [[United States Seventh Fleet]] on 7 October 1962, relieving {{USS|Midway|CV-41|2}} as the [[flagship]].

After participating in the Philippine Republic Aviation Week Air Show, ''Kitty Hawk'' steamed out of [[Manila]] Harbor on 30 November 1962 and welcomed Admiral [[Harry D. Felt]], Commander in Chief, [[United States Pacific Fleet]], for a demonstration of modern naval weapons on 3 December. The ship visited Hong Kong early in December and returned to Japan, arriving at Yokosuka on 2 January 1963.

In conjunction with Commander, Carrier Division Seven, ''Kitty Hawk'' carried out several exercises in January and February 1963.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/s62-m63.pdf |title=Aviation Historical Summary, USS Kitty Hawk, OPNAV Form 5750-2, 30 September 1962 – 30 March 1963 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref> On 4 January 1963, Operation Checkertail saw ''Kitty Hawk'' and three other attack aircraft carriers launch practice airstrikes against the Okinawa Air Defense Command. From 27 January – 2 February 1963, 'Picture Window III' saw 'foreign aircraft' intercepted and visually identified in the Northern Japan area. Though the official ship's papers released in 2011 do not identify the nationality, the 'foreign aircraft' in question were likely from the Soviet [[Far Eastern Military District]] or [[Soviet Naval Aviation]]. From 16–19 February 1963, Exercise 'Red Wheel' was conducted around Southern Japan also under the direction of Commander, Carrier Division Seven. It aimed to improve the [[United States Seventh Fleet]]'s ability to conduct conventional and nuclear warfare while maintaining defense against air and submarine attack. It also aimed to evaluate the capability of 'the HUK [Hunter-Killer] Group' to protect two CVA Task Groups. During these exercises, the ship visited [[Kobe]], [[Beppu]], and [[Iwakuni]] before returning to San Diego on 2 April 1963.

[[File:Pacific Fleet Exercises from the USS Kitty Hawk with Governor Brown.jpg|thumb|250px|President Kennedy and [[Pat Brown|Governor Brown]] of California review a fleet demonstration aboard ''Kitty Hawk'' on 6 June 1963]]
On 6 June 1963, President [[John F. Kennedy]], with top civilian and military leaders, boarded ''Kitty Hawk'' to witness a carrier task force weapons demonstration off the California coast. Addressing the men of the task group from ''Kitty Hawk'', President Kennedy told them that, as in the past, control of the seas still means security, peace, and ultimate victory. He later wrote to president and Madame [[Chiang Kai-shek]] who had witnessed a similar demonstration onboard {{USS|Constellation|CV-64}}: "I hope you were impressed as I was, on my visit to ''Kitty Hawk'', with the great force for peace or war, which these mighty carriers and their accompanying escorts provide, helping to preserve the freedom of distant nations in all parts of the world."

An F-4B Phantom II, aircraft no.401, while assigned to VF-114, made the ship's 16,000th trap on 17 August 1963.<ref name="DANFS"/>

Film director [[John Frankenheimer]] filmed shots for the movie ''[[Seven Days in May]]'' on board the vessel in 1963.

Following a series of strike exercises and tactics reaching along the California coast and off Hawaii, ''Kitty Hawk'' again sailed for the Far East. While approaching Japan, she learned an assassin had shot President Kennedy. Flags were at half-mast as she entered [[United States Fleet Activities Sasebo|Sasebo Harbor]] on 25 November 1963, the day of the President's funeral, and, as senior ship present, she had the sad honor of firing memorial salutes. After cruising the [[South China Sea]] and ranging to the Philippines in readiness operations with the 7th Fleet, she returned to San Diego on 20 July 1964.

===1965 to 1972===
[[File:A-6A VA-75 landing on USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) 1968.jpeg|thumb|left|An [[Grumman A-6 Intruder|A-6 Intruder]] from [[Second VA-75 (U.S. Navy)|VA-75]] traps aboard ''Kitty Hawk'' during her 1967-68 deployment to Vietnam]]
''Kitty Hawk'' was overhauled in [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard]], then trained along the western seaboard. She sailed from San Diego on 19 October 1965, for Hawaii thence to [[U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay|Subic Bay]], Philippines, where she prepared for combat operations off the coast of [[Vietnam]].

''Kitty Hawk'' returned to San Diego in June 1966 for overhaul and training until 4 November 1966, when she again deployed to serve in waters of Southeast Asia. Scenes from the 1966 [[Walt Disney]] comedy ''[[Lt. Robin Crusoe, U.S.N.]]'' were filmed aboard the warship.

''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at Yokosuka, Japan on 19 November to relieve ''Constellation'' as flagship for Rear Admiral [[David C. Richardson (admiral)|David C. Richardson]], Commander [[Task Force 77 (U.S. Navy)|Task Force 77]]. On 26 November, ''Kitty Hawk'' departed Yokosuka for [[Yankee Station]] via Subic Bay. On 5 December, aircraft from ''Kitty Hawk'' began their around-the-clock missions over North Vietnam. About this time ''Kitty Hawk'' — already accustomed to celebrities as guests – entertained several prominent visitors: [[William Randolph Hearst Jr.]]; [[Bob Considine]]; [[Billy Graham|Dr. Billy Graham]]; [[Nancy Sinatra]] and [[John Steinbeck]], among others. She remained in the Far East, supporting the U.S. in Southeast Asia until departing Subic Bay on 28 May 1968. Steaming via Japan, the carrier reached San Diego on 19 June and a week later entered the [[Long Beach Naval Shipyard|naval shipyard]] at [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]] for maintenance. ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to San Diego on 25 August and began a rigorous training program to prepare her for future action.

''Kitty Hawk'' was awarded the [[Presidential Unit Citation (United States)|Presidential Unit Citation]] for exceptionally meritorious and heroic service from 23 December 1967 to 1 June 1968, which included the [[Tet Offensive]], while participating in combat operations in Southeast Asia, and the Navy Unit Meritorious Commendation for exceptionally meritorious service from 15 January 1969 to 27 August 1969 while participating in combat operations in Southeast Asia and contingency operations in Northeast Asia. Both awards noted that the officers and men of the ''Kitty Hawk'' displayed undaunted spirit, courage, professionalism, and dedication to maintain their ship as a fighting unit under the most arduous operating conditions to enable her pilots to destroy vital military targets in [[North Vietnam]] despite intense opposition and extremely adverse weather conditions.

While on deployment from November 1967 to June 1968, ''Kitty Hawk'' experienced a fire in while in port at Subic Bay and went to [[general quarters]] for 51 hours. On 16 January 1968 year, a [[Grumman C-1 Trader|C-1A Trader]] swerved off the wet deck. Four personnel aboard were lost along with the aircraft and could not be recovered.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency |url=https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000BTkVEAW |access-date=2022-05-01 |website=dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil}}</ref> After a deployment from November 1968 to June 1969, ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to San Diego for a month and then went to Puget Sound shipyard in September 1969 for dry dock.

On 12 October 1972 during the [[Vietnam War]], ''Kitty Hawk'' was en route to her station in the [[Gulf of Tonkin]] when [[USS Kitty Hawk riot|a race riot]] involving more than 200 sailors broke out. Nearly 50 sailors were injured in this widely publicized incident.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/r/report-by-special-subcommittee-disciplinary-problems-us-navy.html |title=Report by the Special Subcommittee on Disciplinary Problems in the US Navy |author=United States House Committee on Armed Services |date=2 January 1973 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2019|author-link=United States House Committee on Armed Services }}</ref> This incident spread racial violence to other US Navy ships, such as the aircraft carrier [[USS Constellation (CV-64)|USS ''Constellation'']] and the replenishment ship [[USS Hassayampa|USS ''Hassayampa'']]. Tensions among the crews resulted in a Congressional inquiry into discipline in the Navy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Faram |first=Mark |date=2017-02-28 |title=Race riot at sea — 1972 Kitty Hawk incident fueled fleet-wide unrest |url=https://www.navytimes.com/military-honor/black-military-history/2017/02/28/race-riot-at-sea-1972-kitty-hawk-incident-fueled-fleet-wide-unrest/ |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=Navy Times |language=en}}</ref>

===1973 to 1977===
From January through July 1973, ''Kitty Hawk'' changed [[home port]]s from San Diego to San Francisco. ''Kitty Hawk'' moved into dry dock on 14 January 1973. Work began to convert the ship from an attack (CVA) to a multi-mission carrier (CV). The "CV" designation indicated that ''Kitty Hawk'' was no longer strictly an attack carrier, in that [[anti-submarine warfare]] would also become a major role. ''Kitty Hawk'' became the first Pacific Fleet carrier to carry the multi-purpose "CV" designation. The conversion consisted of adding ten new [[helicopter]] calibrating stations, installing [[sonar]]/[[sonobuoy]] readout and analysis center and associated equipment, and changing a large portion of the ship's operating procedures. One of the significant equipment/space changes in the conversion was the addition of the Anti-Submarine Classification and Analysis Center (ASCAC) in the [[Combat Information Center|CIC]] area. ASCAC worked in close conjunction with the [[anti-submarine warfare]] aircraft assigned aboard [[CVW-11|Carrier Air Wing 11]]. The Engineering Department underwent a significant change in its propulsion plant during the yard period. The Navy Standard Oil (black oil) fuel system was completely converted to Navy Distillate Fuel. The Air Department added several significant changes to the flight deck, including enlarging the [[jet blast deflector]]s (JBD) and installing more powerful catapults to handle the new [[Grumman]] [[F-14 Tomcat]], which ''Kitty Hawk'' was due to receive for its next deployment. Enlarging JBD#1 meant the No. 1 Aircraft Elevator had to be redesigned, making ''Kitty Hawk'' the only carrier at the time having an aircraft elevator that tracked from the hangar deck to the flight deck angling out 6°. ''Kitty Hawk'' moved out of dry dock on 28 April 1973, and the next day, on her 12th birthday, she was named a Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier (CV).
[[Image:USS Kitty Hawk Sydney.jpg|thumb|View of the ''Kitty Hawk'' from the [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney]]]]

After much-needed upgrades and modifications to ''Kitty Hawk''{{'}}s systems, she departed Hunters Point navy shipyards in San Francisco to begin "sea trial" exercises and then made a short three-day layover in Pearl Harbor for some crew R&R. She then departed for the South China Sea. However, while en route, during routine maintenance to the ship's fuel oil systems in the No. 1 machinery room on 11 December 1973, a flange gasket failed in one of the fuel transfer tubes of [[Jet fuel|JP5 jet fuel]] that pass through Number 1 engine room. Jet fuel was sprayed, atomized, and ignited, and the ship went to General Quarters for nearly 38 hours. Due to the massive amounts of thick black smoke, the crew was ordered topside to the flight deck until the fire could be controlled and the smoke cleared. Because two and then three of the ship's four propulsion systems had to be shut down during the fire, ''Kitty Hawk'' began to list about 7 degrees portside. As a result, many of the aircraft were moved starboard to balance the ship until the fire was finally brought under control and two propulsion systems restored. ''Kitty Hawk'' then headed toward the Philippines, where she ported in Subic Bay until the ship's damage could be assessed, and repairs could be made, but there would be three days of waiting before reaching port. Six enlisted sailors died in the fire: FR Michael Deverich, FR Linn Schambers, FR Kevin Johnson, FA Alan Champine, Samuel Cardenas, and FA Joseph Tulipana. Thirty-four sailors were treated for smoke inhalation and several minor injuries, and one sailor for a broken wrist reported. The bodies of those men who died in the fire were escorted home by members of their respective Divisions for burial.

As a result of the deaths of the six crew members, on 10 January 1974, an investigation was ordered by Rear Admiral [[Donald C. Davis]], Commander of Carrier Group 1 and Senior Officer onboard ''Kitty Hawk'' designated as his flagship. Although initial reports lay blame to one of the six men who perished in the tragic fire, upon conclusion of the investigation filed by the Department of the Navy, Commander Seventh Fleet, several opinions on causes were noted within the investigation, which included but were not limited to the Fourth Endorsement on Captain [[Kenneth L. Shugart]], USN. The investigative report of 10 January 1974, section 3, paragraph 3 stated, "The replacement of the defective gasket in the strainer cover assembly by Fireman Apprentice Kevin W. Johnson (deceased) reflected, in the words of the investigating officer, poor judgment and unsound maintenance practices." Further, "Fireman Apprentice Johnson was therefore negligent in the performance of his duties." However, in consonance with the investigating officer, the opinion is expressed that under the circumstances, the maintenance deficiencies noted herein constitute simple, rather than culpable, negligence."

In light of the efforts made by all six navy personnel, FA Cardenas, Champine and Tulipana, and FR Deverich, Schambers and Johnson assigned to the machinery room on 11 December 1973, who all died during the suppression efforts, "It has administratively been determined each were posthumously awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for their heroic devotion to duty in fighting the fire which is the subject of this investigative report."<ref>Department of the Navy investigative report by Captain Kenneth L. Shugart, U.S. Navy; First hand accounts by BTFN ET Rieth-USS Kitty Hawk 1973-1974; and ''Kitty Hawk Flyer News'' article Thursday 13 December 1973 Vol. 12, Number 28 JO3 Jeff Starke, PAO.</ref>

''Kitty Hawk'' stayed busy throughout the mid-1970s with numerous deployments to the Western Pacific and involvement in a large number of exercises, including [[RIMPAC]] in 1973 and 1975. ''Kitty Hawk'' departed San Diego on 8 March 1976, and on 12 March entered dry dock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in [[Bremerton, Washington]], to commence a US$100 million complex overhaul, scheduled to last just more than 12 months. This overhaul configured ''Kitty Hawk'' to operate with the F-14 and [[S-3 Viking|S-3A "Viking"]] aircraft in a total CV sea control mode. This included adding spaces for storage, ordnance handling, and maintenance facilities for the two aircraft. Also included in the work package were more efficient work areas for airframes and a repair facility for ground support equipment, and the addition of avionics support capability for the S-3. The ship also replaced the Terrier Surface-to-Air missile system with the [[NATO]] [[AIM-7 Sparrow|Sea Sparrow]] system and added elevators and modified weapons magazines to provide an increased capability for handling and stowing the newer, larger air-launched weapons. ''Kitty Hawk'' completed the overhaul in March 1977 and departed the shipyard on 1 April of that year to return to San Diego. After a six-month pre-deployment workup, ''Kitty Hawk'' departed [[NAS North Island]] 25 October 1977<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/archives/command-operation-reports/ship-command-operation-reports/k/kitty-hawk-cv-63-ii/1977.pdf |title=USS Kitty Hawk Command History for 1977 |date=6 April 1978 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref> for another [[Western Pacific Ocean]] deployment and returned 15 May 1978.

===1979 to 1998===
In May 1979, the ship teamed up with [[Carrier Air Wing Fifteen|Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15)]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.seaforces.org/usnair/CVW/Carrier-Air-Wing-15.htm |title=CVW-15 Carrier Air Wing 15 CARAIRWING FIFTEEN - US Navy |website=Seaforces Online - Naval Information |publisher=seaforces.org |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref> for another Western Pacific deployment. Her duties included search and assistance operations to aid [[Boat people#Vietnamese boat people|refugees in small boats]] fleeing the [[Socialist Republic of Vietnam]].

During that deployment, ''Kitty Hawk'' also offered contingency support off the coast of [[Korea]] following the assassination of [[Republic of Korea]] President [[Park Chung Hee]]. The deployment was then extended {{frac|2|1|2}} months to support contingency operations in the North Arabian Sea during the [[Iran hostage crisis]]. For their actions in the region, ''Kitty Hawk'' and CVW-15 were awarded the [[Navy Expeditionary Medal]].
[[File:Kitty Hawk Sydney 02.JPG|thumb|''Kitty Hawk'' docked in Sydney harbor]]
[[File:Kitty Hawk Sydney 01.JPG|thumb|The dual [[close-in weapon systems]] ([[Phalanx CIWS|Phalanxs]]) at the stern of ''Kitty Hawk'']]

''Kitty Hawk'' had a [[cameo appearance]] in the 1980 movie ''[[The Final Countdown (film)|The Final Countdown]]'', standing in for {{USS|Nimitz|CVN-68|2}}. On her way home from her Western Pacific deployment, ''Kitty Hawk'' was filmed entering [[Naval Station Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor]] with the crew [[manning the rail]]s as the ship passed the [[USS Arizona Memorial|USS ''Arizona'' Memorial]]. (At the time of the filming, ''Nimitz'' was still an Atlantic Fleet, vice Pacific Fleet, aircraft carrier.) ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to San Diego in late February 1980 and was also awarded the [[Meritorious Unit Commendation]] and the Naval Air Force Pacific [[Battle Efficiency Award|Battle Efficiency "E" Award]] as the best carrier in the Pacific Fleet.

In April 1981, ''Kitty Hawk'' left San Diego for her thirteenth deployment to the Western Pacific. Following the cruise, the crew was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal for the rescue of Vietnamese refugees in the [[South China Sea]].

In January 1982, ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to Bremerton for another year-long overhaul. Following the comprehensive upgrade and a vigorous training period with [[CVW-2|Carrier Air Wing 2]], ''Kitty Hawk'' deployed in 1984 as the flagship for Battle Group Bravo. ''Kitty Hawk'' logged more than {{convert|62000|mi|km|abbr=on}} <!-- nautical or statute? --> on this deployment and remained at "Station Gonzo" in the north [[Arabian Sea]] for more than 60 consecutive days.

In March 1984, ''Kitty Hawk'' participated in "Team Spirit" exercises in the [[Sea of Japan]]. The Soviet [[Victor class submarine|Victor-class]] nuclear attack [[submarine]] [[Soviet submarine K-314|''K-314'']] shadowed the task group. On 21 March 1984, at the end of the Sea of Japan part of the exercise, ''K-314'' surfaced directly in front of ''Kitty Hawk'', time was 22:05, too dark and far too close for ''Kitty Hawk'' to see and avoid the resulting collision, with minor damage to the aircraft carrier, and significant damage to the Soviet submarine. At the time of the accident, ''Kitty Hawk'' is estimated to have carried several dozen nuclear weapons, and ''K-314'' probably carried two nuclear torpedoes. ''Kitty Hawk'' was thereafter considered the first antisubmarine carrier weapon and a red submarine was painted on her island near the bridge but was ordered removed upon return to home port North Island San Diego, CA.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/22/world/soviet-sub-and-us-ship-collide.html |title=Soviet Sub and U.S. Ship Collide |first=Richard |last=Halloran |date=22 March 1984 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalhistory.org/2011/03/21/soviet-sub-collides-with-uss-kitty-hawk-21-march-1984 |title=Soviet Sub Collides with USS Kitty Hawk, 21 March 1984 |date=21 March 2011 |website=Naval History Blog |publisher=[[U.S. Naval Institute]] |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref>

''Kitty Hawk'' went to the U.S. Naval Base at [[Subic Bay]] in the [[Philippines]] for repairs. A piece of one of ''K-314''{{'}}s propellers was embedded in ''Kitty Hawk''{{'}}s bow, as were some chunks of the Soviet [[Anechoic tiles|anechoic coating]], from scraping along the side of the submarine. The result was an "accidental" intelligence coup for the U.S. Navy.

The ship returned to San Diego on 1 August 1984. Seven months later, ''Kitty Hawk'' was awarded another Battle Efficiency "E" Award.

In July 1985, ''Kitty Hawk'' and [[CVW-9]] deployed again as flagship for Battle Group Bravo. ''Kitty Hawk'' and CVW-9 combined to set a standard for operations, completing their second consecutive fatality-free deployment.

In August 1985, People Magazine printed an article stating that Kitty Hawk's missiles and jet parts were illegally smuggled into Iran, at that time considered a hostile nation, as revealed by Kitty Hawk's Petty Officer [[Robert W Jackson]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sailor Robert Jackson Blows the Whistle on the Kitty Hawk, Then Gets Piped Ashore for Safety|url=https://people.com/archive/sailor-robert-jackson-blows-the-whistle-on-the-kitty-hawk-then-gets-piped-ashore-for-safety-vol-24-no-8/|access-date=2020-08-20|website=PEOPLE.com|language=EN}}</ref> Later, the FBI arrested seven suspects involved in this smuggling scheme,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Times|first=New York|title=FBI ARRESTS 7TH IN NAVY SMUGGLING CASE|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1985-07-23-0310400290-story.html|access-date=2020-08-20|website=OrlandoSentinel.com|date=23 July 1985 |language=en-US}}</ref> an event related to what was later known as the [[Iran-Contra]] scandal.

CVW-9 crews logged more than 18,000 flight hours and 7,300 arrested landings. At the same time ''Kitty Hawk'' maintained her catapults and arresting gear at 100 percent availability.

In 1986, during pre-cruise exercises, one Airman was killed during flight operations when he was struck by an aircraft while checking "elongs" during a launch.

''Kitty Hawk'' bid farewell to San Diego on 3 January 1987, as the ship departed her home port of 25 years and set out on a six-month world cruise. During the circumnavigation, ''Kitty Hawk'' and CVW-9 again showed their commitment to safety by conducting a third fatality-free deployment. ''Kitty Hawk'' spent 106 consecutive days on station in the Indian Ocean and was again awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its service. The world cruise ended at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard on 3 July. Six months later, ''Kitty Hawk'' began a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) overhaul. ''Kitty Hawk'' emerged from the yards on 2 August 1990. The overhaul was estimated to have added 20 years of service to the ship. The Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department was also awarded the Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet Departmental Excellence Award, the Black "E" for this deployment.

With the return of CVW-15 to its decks, ''Kitty Hawk'' began its second deployment around [[Cape Horn|"the Horn"]] of South America to her original home port of San Diego on 11 December 1991, performing [[Gringo-Gaucho]] with the [[Argentine Naval Aviation]]<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Setiembre 1991 |url=https://www.iri.edu.ar/revistas/revista_dvd/revistas/R2/R2CRO.html |journal=Revista de Relaciones Internacionales |volume=2}}</ref> and paying a visit to [[Mar del Plata]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cuando una "ciudad flotante" amarró en Mar del Plata |url=https://www.lacapitalmdp.com/cuando-una-ciudad-flotanteamarro-en-mar-del-plata/ |access-date=2023-08-27 |website=Diario La Capital de Mar del Plata |language=es-ES}}</ref> during the transit.

On 1 August 1992, ''Kitty Hawk'' was appointed as Naval Air Force Pacific's "ready carrier". The ship embarked Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 5; Commander, Destroyer Squadron 17 and CVW-15 for three months of work-ups before deploying to the Western Pacific on 3 November 1992. While on deployment, ''Kitty Hawk'' spent nine days off the coast of [[Somalia]] supporting [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marines]] and coalition forces involved in [[Operation Restore Hope]]. In response to increasing [[Iraq]]i violations of United Nations sanctions, the ship rushed to the [[Persian Gulf]] on 27 December 1992. Just 17 days later, ''Kitty Hawk'' led a [[January 1993 airstrikes on Iraq|joint coalition offensive strike against designated targets in southern Iraq]].

''Kitty Hawk'' set sail on her 17th deployment 24 June 1994, to provide a stabilizing influence operating in the Western Pacific during a [[1994 North Korean nuclear crisis|time of great tension in the Far East]], particularly concerning [[North Korea]]. This would be the last cruise for [[VA-52 (U.S. Navy)|VA-52]] flying the A-6E SWIP Intruder. During the cruise, the Carrier led the first [[Anti-submarine warfare|ASW]] persecution of both the [[Type 091 submarine|Han Class]] and [[Oscar-class submarine|Oscar II Class Submarine]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kitty Hawk II (CVA-63)|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/k/kitty-hawk-cva-63-ii.html|access-date=2020-11-07|website=NHHC|language=en-US}}</ref>(Most likely the Oscar II was [[Russian submarine Chelyabinsk (K-442)|K-442]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Oscar II class|url=http://www.ww2.dk/new/navy/oscar2.htm|access-date=2020-11-07|website=www.ww2.dk}}</ref>). During the ASW hunt of the Han Class Submarine of the [[People's Liberation Army Navy|PLA Navy]], a standoff ensued between the United States and [[China|PRC]] leading to several [[People's Liberation Army Air Force|PLAAF]] fighter aircraft flying near Kitty Hawk's [[Lockheed S-3 Viking|S-3 Viking]] ASW aircraft from [[VS-37]]. Eventually, both sides backed down.

In 1995, ''Kitty Hawk'' embarked airwing transitioned to CVW-11, marking a change to a single F-14 squadron, and 3 F/A-18 squadrons.<ref name="Former crewmember, with VFA-94">Former crewmember, with VFA-94.</ref>

''Kitty Hawk'' began her 18th deployment, this time with CVW-11, in October 1996. During the six-month underway period, the ship visited ports in the Persian Gulf and Western Pacific. The carrier made a rare visit to Hobart, Tasmania as well as being only the second carrier to ever stop in Manama, Bahrain.<ref name="Former crewmember, with VFA-94"/> ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to San Diego 11 April 1997, immediately beginning a 15-month, $110 million overhaul, including three months in dry dock in Bremerton, from January to March 1998.

===1998 to 2008===
[[File:USS Independence (CV-62) and Kitty Hawk (CV-63) at Pearl Harbor 1998.JPEG|thumb|''Kitty Hawk'' (right) relieves {{USS|Independence|CV-62|2}} at Pearl Harbor as the 7th Fleet forward-deployed carrier]]
[[File:KittyHawkScrub.jpg|thumb|A navy petty officer supervises sailors performing a flight deck scrub down on board ''Kitty Hawk'' in August 2005]]
[[File:Aircraft elevator USS Kitty Hawk.jpg|thumb|right|An F/A-18C on the forward elevator on board ''Kitty Hawk'']]
[[File:USS Kitty Hawk at Yokosuka.jpg|thumb|right|''Kitty Hawk'' docks at the U.S. navy base in [[Yokosuka, Kanagawa|Yokosuka, Japan]]]]

''Kitty Hawk'' departed San Diego on 6 July 1998, to assume new duties as America's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier from {{USS|Independence|CV-62|2}}. ''Kitty Hawk'' also welcomed aboard [[Carrier Air Wing 5]], operating from [[Naval Air Facility Atsugi]], Japan. ''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at her new operating location of [[U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka]], Japan, on 11 August 1998.

With the decommissioning of ''Independence'' on 30 September 1998, ''Kitty Hawk'' became the second-oldest active warship in the US Navy and was authorized to fly the [[First Navy Jack]].

''Kitty Hawk'' set sail for a planned three-month underway period on 2 March 1999, which included Exercise Tandem Thrust off [[Guam]]. Following the exercise, the ''Kitty Hawk''/[[CVW-5]] team was ordered to the Persian Gulf to enforce the [[No-Fly Zone]] over Southern Iraq. CVW-5 pilots flew more than 8,800 sorties in 116 days, including 1,300 combat sorties, dropping more than 20&nbsp;tons of ordnance. On the return trip to Japan, ''Kitty Hawk'' made port visits to [[Perth, Western Australia]], and [[Pattaya]], Thailand. ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to Yokosuka on 25 August 1999. She was again underway to the Sea of Japan on 22 October to participate in Exercises [[Foal Eagle]] and AnnualEx 11G.

On 11 April 2000, ''Kitty Hawk'' departed Yokosuka, Japan, for routine local area operations and participated in [[Cobra Gold|Exercise Cobra Gold]] with the navies of Singapore and Thailand. ''Kitty Hawk'' participated in [[Foal Eagle|Exercise Foal Eagle]] in Fall 2000 and deployed again in March 2001 for a Spring underway period with a historic stop. On 22 March, ''Kitty Hawk'' became the first aircraft carrier to ever moor pier-side in [[Singapore]], as the ship visited the brand new Changi Pier, located at the [[Republic of Singapore Navy]]'s [[Changi Naval Base]]. On 29 April, shortly after a visit to Guam, ''Kitty Hawk'' celebrated 40 years of active service as the ship and crew sailed south to participate in [[Exercise Talisman Saber|Exercise Tandem Thrust]] 2001 with the Australian and Canadian navies. The ship returned to Yokosuka on 11 June 2001.

On 17 October 2000, and again on 9 November 2000, ''Kitty Hawk'' was buzzed by a group of Russian warplanes in the [[Sea of Japan]], which proceeded to take pictures of the reaction on deck. General [[Anatoly Kornukov]], then Russian air force's commander in chief, stated that the Russian warplanes managed to evade ''Kitty Hawk''{{'}}s antiaircraft defense system and that "In the pictures, you can clearly see the panic on deck."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-nov-16-mn-52886-story.html |title=Russians Cocky Over U.S. Encounter |first1=Robyn |last1=Dixon |first2=Paul |last2=Richter |date=16 November 2000 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=25 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307122537/http://articles.latimes.com/2000/nov/16/news/mn-52886 |archive-date=7 March 2014}}</ref>

In October 2001, ''Kitty Hawk'' deployed to the North Arabian Sea for the beginning of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]. The ship served as an afloat forward staging base for the [[160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.komonews.com/news/38754527.html |title=Alums sad at USS Kitty Hawk's last goodbye |last=Friedrich |first=Ed |date=31 January 2009 |website=[[KOMO News]] |access-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016050758/http://www.komonews.com/news/38754527.html |archive-date=16 October 2015}}</ref> with a reduced air wing.

In April 2002, ''Kitty Hawk'' was underway for her scheduled spring training. Along with a Guam port call, the spring underway included port visits to Singapore and Hong Kong, where the crew celebrated ''Kitty Hawk''{{'}}s 41st birthday. In the fall of 2002, ''Kitty Hawk'' was training in the Western Pacific. ''Kitty Hawk'' and her battle group combined with U.S. Air Force units and elements of the [[Japan Maritime Self Defense Force]] to conduct AnnualEx 14G in the waters surrounding Japan. Later, the ship and her crew made a port visit to Hong Kong.

[[File:US Navy 031013-N-2101W-002 The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) gets underway after completing a successful five-month overhaul by Ship's Repair Force, Yokosuka, Japan.jpg|thumb|left|''Kitty Hawk'' is maneuvered into the water following the completion of her five-month maintenance period in 2003]]

On 11 September 2002, all US Navy ships were ordered to fly the [[First Navy Jack]]. The ship once again departed Yokosuka on 23 January 2003 for a routine training mission,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ships/carriers/histories/cv63-kittyhawk/cv63-kittyhawk.html |title=A Brief History of Aircraft Carriers – USS ''Kitty Hawk'' (CV 63) |date=2 June 2003 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416033850/http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/ships/carriers/histories/cv63-kittyhawk/cv63-kittyhawk.html |archive-date=16 April 2009}}</ref> but a short time later, orders were received to transit to the [[U.S. Central Command]] area of responsibility to support the [[War on Terrorism|Global War on Terrorism]] and to prepare for future contingencies. ''Kitty Hawk'' was soon involved in [[Operation Southern Watch|Operations Southern Watch]] and [[2003 invasion of Iraq|Iraqi Freedom]] in the North Persian Gulf. Although the cruise was originally intended to be short, the ship served 110 continuous days at sea. ''Kitty Hawk'' returned to Yokosuka on 6 May 2003, immediately entering an extensive drydock period, or drydocking ship's restricted availability (DSRA), that lasted until October of that year.

In 2005 ''Kitty Hawk'' participated in the inaugural edititon of [[Exercise Talisman Saber]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.gov.au/talisman_sabre/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050713122123/http://www.defence.gov.au/talisman_sabre/|title=Talisman Sabre|publisher=Department of Defence|date=2005|archivedate=13 July 2005}}</ref> In October 2006, ''Kitty Hawk'' and her escort warships were undergoing exercises near Okinawa, and a Chinese [[Song class|''Song''-class]] submarine shadowed the group then surfaced within {{convert|5|mi|km|abbr=on}} of the group on 26 October 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/news/a18094/a-chinese-submarine-stalked-an-american-aircraft-carrier/ |title=A Chinese Submarine Stalked an American Aircraft Carrier |first=Kyle |last=Mizokami |date=6 November 2015 |website=[[Popular Mechanics]] |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref> It was considered to be quite rare for Chinese subs to operate that far from their home ports on the mainland, though with this incident that may be changing. Reports claim that the submarine had been undetected until it surfaced.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2006/nov/13/20061113-121539-3317r/ |title=China sub secretly stalked U.S. fleet |last=Gertz |first=Bill |date=13 November 2006 |newspaper=[[The Washington Times]] |access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2007/01/red_china_red_lines.asp |title=Red China & Red Lines |last=Goldfarb |first=Michael |date=12 January 2007 |magazine=[[The Weekly Standard]] |access-date=11 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106195804/http://www.weeklystandard.com/weblogs/TWSFP/2007/01/red_china_red_lines.asp |archive-date=6 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/164/documentid/3652/history/3,2360,656,164,3652 |title=Iran, China Intent on Countering Navies |last=Howland |first=Jonathan |date=18 January 2007 |website=[[JINSA]] Online |access-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624124553/http://www.jinsa.org/articles/articles.html/function/view/categoryid/164/documentid/3652/history/3,2360,656,164,3652 |archive-date=24 June 2008}}</ref> In 2009, [[Timothy J. Keating]], commander of the [[United States Pacific Command]], commented on the issue, stating that the carrier was "in a very relaxed posture. If there were some heightened state of tension, we would, believe me, we would not let them get that close."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/26/inside-the-ring-20218668/ |title=Inside the Ring: China intelligence gaps |last=Gertz |first=Bill |date=26 February 2009 |newspaper=The Washington Times |access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref>

On 11 January 2007, ''Kitty Hawk'' entered a scheduled period of maintenance in Yokosuka, her place being taken by {{USS|Ronald Reagan|CVN-76|2}} which made an unscheduled deployment three weeks later. This refit is "smaller than the one the ship completed [in 2006]",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27365 |title=Kitty Hawk Enters Maintenance Period |last=Reinhardt |first=Matthew |date=19 January 2007 |website=U.S. Navy, USS Kitty Hawk Public Affairs |access-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114164259/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27365 |archive-date=14 January 2009}}</ref> which took six months.

On 5 July 2007, ''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at Sydney, Australia, for six days of shore leave after participating in [[Exercise Talisman Sabre]].

On 21 September 2007, ''Kitty Hawk'' pulled into Yokosuka, Japan, after a four-month summer deployment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/ |title=Kitty Hawk returns from summer deployment |website=USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) |access-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008201106/http://www.kittyhawk.navy.mil/ |archive-date=8 October 2007}}</ref>

In November 2007, ''Kitty Hawk'' and other US Navy ships participated in the joint military exercise [[Malabar (naval exercise)|Malabar]], in the [[Bay of Bengal]]. Other nations that took part were Australia, Japan, Singapore and host nation [[India]]. Later that month, ''Kitty Hawk'' was scheduled to dock at Hong Kong for Thanksgiving.<ref name=APNov23>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Japan-US-Warships-Barred.html |title=After Snub by China, Sailors Celebrate |date=23 November 2007 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=23 November 2007}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> However, China denied entry to ''Kitty Hawk'' and the rest of her carrier group. China then reversed its position based on humanitarian grounds but by that time, ''Kitty Hawk'' was too far away to dock in time for the holiday. The cause of the Chinese refusal remains unclear.<ref name=CNN>{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/11/23/hongkong.us.warships.ap/ |title=U.S. commander 'perplexed' by China's refusal of warship visit |agency=Associated Press |date=23 November 2007 |website=[[CNN]] |access-date=23 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071126084720/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/11/23/hongkong.us.warships.ap/ |archive-date=26 November 2007}}</ref>

''Kitty Hawk'' was deployed off the coast of China along with two other ships during the Taiwan election on 20 March 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-taiwan-crriers/u-s-carriers-sent-toward-taiwan-before-election-idUSN1934158120080319 |title=U.S. carriers sent toward Taiwan before election |date=19 March 2008 |website=Reuters |access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref> After the elections, she entered Hong Kong for the last time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=3903262 |title=Troops', Families' Holiday Reunion Ruined |date=19 February 2009 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref>

On 28 May 2008, ''Kitty Hawk'' departed Japan for the last time, to be replaced in Japan by ''George Washington''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,359065,00.html |title=USS Kitty Hawk, Navy's Oldest Active Ship, Leaves Japan to Be Decommissioned |date=28 May 2008 |website=[[Fox News]] |access-date=19 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020051540/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,359065,00.html |archive-date=20 October 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, during ''George Washington''{{'}}s transit of the Pacific Coast of South America en route to the planned turnover with ''Kitty Hawk'' in [[Hawaii]], a major fire broke out that led to ''Washington'' diverting to San Diego for repairs. This led to the US Navy retaining ''Kitty Hawk'' in Hawaii to take part in the [[RIMPAC|RIMPAC 2008]] exercises in June and July.<ref name="starbulletinRIMPAC">{{cite news |url=http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/04/news/story11.html |title=Kitty Hawk remains in Hawaii for RIMPAC |last=Kakesako |first=Gregg K. |date=4 July 2008 |newspaper=[[Honolulu Star-Bulletin]] |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-date=11 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011175130/http://starbulletin.com/2008/07/04/news/story11.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 7 August 2008, ''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at [[NAS North Island]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20080807-1347-bn07kitty.html |title=''Kitty Hawk'' makes last visit to North Island |last=Liewer |first=Steve |date=7 August 2008 |newspaper=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]] |access-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812074920/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20080807-1347-bn07kitty.html |archive-date=12 August 2008}}</ref>

===Retirement===
[[File:USS Kittyhawk at Pearl Harbor.JPG|thumb|''Kitty Hawk'' in port at [[Naval Station Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor]] after participating in [[RIMPAC]] exercises in place of the damaged ''George Washington'']]
[[File:USS KittyHawk CV-63 InacShips 1.2017.jpg|thumb|In February 2017, Ex-USS ''Kitty Hawk'' moored at [[Puget Sound Naval Shipyard]]]]
On 1 December 2005, the United States Navy announced that ''George Washington'' would replace ''Kitty Hawk'' in 2008 as the forward-deployed carrier in Japan and it would also assume host carrier duties for forward-deployed Carrier Air Wing 5.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=21248 |title=USS ''George Washington'' to Replace USS ''Kitty Hawk'' as U.S. Navy's Forward Deployed Carrier |date=2 December 2005 |website=U.S. Navy |access-date=21 February 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061025231742/http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=21248 |archive-date=25 October 2006}}</ref>

In March 2007, the Navy announced that Captain Todd Zecchin, the captain responsible during the decommissioning of {{USS|John F. Kennedy|CV-67|2}}, had been tasked with overseeing the decommissioning of ''Kitty Hawk''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/23/AR2007032300290.html |title=Carrier USS Kennedy Decommissioned |last=Word |first=Ron |date=23 March 2007 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=19 February 2019}}</ref>

''Kitty Hawk'' left Yokosuka on 28 May 2008 to begin the decommissioning process.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/28/japan.kitty.hawk.ap/index.html |title=USS ''Kitty Hawk'' says Sayonara |date=28 May 2008 |website=CNN |access-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531030825/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/28/japan.kitty.hawk.ap/index.html |archive-date=31 May 2008}}</ref> However, on 22 May, a fire seriously damaged ''George Washington'', causing the ship to go to San Diego for repairs. ''Kitty Hawk'' participated in the [[RIMPAC]] exercise near Hawaii in ''George Washington''{{'}}s place. The turnover between the two carriers was postponed and took place in August.<ref name="starbulletinRIMPAC"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Damaged Aircraft Carrier To Stay In Port For Repairs |last=Liewer |first=Steve |date=21 June 2008 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune}}</ref> After the turnover, ''Kitty Hawk'' arrived at Bremerton, Washington in September and was informally retired on 31 January 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kitty Hawk Ceremony To Be Held Saturday |date=28 January 2009 |newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008694101_webkittyhawk31m.html |title=2,000 say goodbye to USS Kitty Hawk |last=Clarridge |first=Christine |date=1 February 2009 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |access-date=19 February 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307144906/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008694101_webkittyhawk31m.html |archive-date=7 March 2009}}</ref> ''Kitty Hawk'', the USN's last diesel-fueled  aircraft carrier, was finally decommissioned on 12 May 2009.<ref name="USN45202">{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45202 |title=Navy Decommissions USS Kitty Hawk |date=12 May 2009 |website=U.S. Navy, Kitty Hawk Public Affairs |access-date=13 May 2009 |archive-date=20 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320020918/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=45202 |url-status=dead }}</ref>