¹⁄700

USS America CV66

USS America CV66...

USS America started off life in the Navy as the second ship in the Enterprise class. However since the cost of Enterprise was so high she was ordered as a Kitty Hawk Class carrier. Her keel was laid January 1, 1961 and she was commissioned January 23, 1965.

During her career she took part in actions around the globe fro the US Navy. She did three tours at Yankee Station off the coast of Vietnam earning her 5 battle stars. She became the first super carrier to transit the Suez Canal after it was enlarged to allow larger tankers.

During her time in service with the US Navy she took part in just about every large scale military action the US was involved with. She even tested the ability to land U2 spy planes on the deck of a large carrier.

I had the pleasure of sailing in her battle group on more than one occasion. We spent many an hour following her around the Virginia Capes while her pilots qualified landing on her. We fueled along side the oiler just about every time she came along side as well. We even helped protect her from a pack of prowling Soviet Bears.

Budget cuts brought her time in the Navy to an early end. She was retired in 1996 and spent almost ten years in mothballs until she was asked to serve her country again. This time however she would not return to port. She was sued for live fire exercises to test designs for new warships. Information from the damage she received will ensure that future US navy ships will be stronger.

On April 15 2005 she left for the tests which lasted almost 4 weeks. She was battered by missiles, underwater explosions, and even suicide attacks like that against the USS Cole. After taking punishment she was laid to rest by controlled scuttling charges. She served her country for 31 years as a fighting ship and went to rest with so many of her sisters at the bottom of the ocean.

A group of USS America veterans tried in vain to have the new carrier class named for her. Instead the USS American class will be LHA-6. USS America CV66 was the 5th ship to carry her countries name into battle.
- Jim Adams USS America Battle Group 1991-1992

USS America 1/720 Italieri...

The inspiration for the above came from the real reason we are here. MSW Crewmember Katseas Kostas sent in some nice pictures of his build of the old lady while she was out stretching her legs a little

A simple built with GMM's etched set used for the netting/antennas etc and new undercarriage to the planes.

A Hobby Boss sub next to the carrier gives a sense of size difference.

Photo Credit...