Summary and Key Points: The USS Constellation (CV-64) was a Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier that served the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 2003. As the last non-nuclear carrier deployed by America, Constellation played a significant role in multiple conflicts, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the early stages of the Global War on Terrorism.

-The carrier, affectionately known as "Connie," was instrumental in providing air support and conducting airstrikes during these conflicts.

-After four decades of service, Constellation was decommissioned in 2003, marking the end of an era for the Kitty Hawk-class carriers.

USS Constellation: Vietnam War Hero to America's Flagship

The early phase of the Cold War was a rich time for America’s aircraft carrier force. Constant innovations and developments kept the carriers competing with the Soviets to dominate the high seas. 

The Navy designed multiple classes of carriers. One such was the Kitty Hawk class – the last non-nuclear carrier that America ever deployed. 

A Special Flat Top

USS Constellation (CV-64) was a Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier that served from 1961 all the way to 2003. During its service, CV-64 carried a crew of 3,500 officers and enlisted men. She displaced 81,000 tons and was powered by four Westinghouse steam turbines, eight 1200 psi boilers, and four shafts. The propulsion system could drive it up to 280,000 shp. The carrier had a beam of 130 feet, a draft of 39 feet, and a top cruising speed of 34 knots. 

CV-64 was capable of carrying up to 90 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and helicopters. It armed RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles and 20 mm Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems. Originally this boat was built to carry the “Terrier” SAM system. 

Unique Service in Vietnam

When the Vietnam War erupted, USS Constellation (or, “Connie,” as her crew affectionately called her) was on site. During the Gulf of Tonkin crisis, Connie deployed warplanes to provide crucial air cover for the two U.S. Navy destroyers, USS Maddox and Turner Joy, that had reportedly been attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats. Shortly thereafter, Constellation was ordered to retaliate against North Vietnamese targets.

Warplanes from Constellation likely fired the first shots in what would become America’s War in Vietnam. 

In 1966, Constellation laid an aerial siege to North Vietnam. Constellation targeted the flow of men and war supplies coming from the north to elements fighting the U.S. military on the ground in South Vietnam. 

In fact, Constellation’s airwing made history when an F-4B aircrew belonging to Fighter Squadron 161 successfully downed a Soviet-made MiG-17. 

In 1967, her aircrew accounted for four MiG kills in aerial combat. One doesn’t normally think of the Vietnam War as a war between air forces. But it was, and Connie was in the thick of it. 

Connie’s Last Years

After going on to serve in Desert Storm, her final years would be spent in the early phases of America’s post-9/11 Global War on Terrorism. Connie supported America’s initial engagement against the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan. The great ship would go on to support the invasion of Iraq in 2003. She was designated a “night carrier” and remained on-station throughout the major ground combat phase of the Iraq War. 

In fact, Connie’s airwing conducted 1,500 sorties and delivered over 1.7 million pounds of ordnance. 

In August of 2003, Constellation would be decommissioned. 

Today, all Kitty Hawk-class carriers have finished their service. America’s carrier fleet today includes only nuclear-powered boats, consisting mostly of the Nimitz class, with the Gerald R. Ford class slowly coming online.

In 1981, then-President Ronald Reagan dubbed Constellation “America’s flagship.” That flagship is long gone now, but she will never be forgotten.

Author Experience and Expertise: Brandon J. Weichert

Brandon J. Weichert, a National Interest national security analyst, is a former Congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst who is a contributor at The Washington Times, the Asia Times, and The-Pipeline. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His next book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine, is due October 22 from Encounter Books. Weichert can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

All images are Creative Commons or Shutterstock. 

From the Vault

Russia Freaked Out: Why the U.S. Navy 'Unretired' the Iowa-Class Battleships

Battleship vs. Battlecruiser: Iowa-Class vs. Russia's Kirov-Class (Who Wins?)