USS Kitty Hawk’s Dramatic Homeport Voyage: Aerial Bow View of the Aircraft Carrier Carrying Cars at Sea in 1983

On January 30, 1983, the iconic aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) embarked on a striking journey from Bremerton, Washington, to San Diego, California, following a major overhaul at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Captured in a stunning aerial bow view, the carrier sailed through the Pacific, marking a critical transition to its new homeport.

What made this voyage particularly memorable was not just the sight of one of the most powerful warships of its time cruising through the waters, but the unusual cargo it carried: cars. During the homeport change, personal vehicles of crew members were transported aboard the ship—a rare sight on a carrier primarily designed to transport aircraft. This arrangement came with an unusual safety proviso: in the event of any fires aboard the carrier, the cars would have been dumped overboard to safeguard the ship and its crew.

The USS Kitty Hawk, with a distinguished service history, was no stranger to unique challenges, but this journey stood out as a symbolic transition from one phase to another. With the safety protocols in place and the crew’s readiness to jettison the vehicles if necessary, it was a voyage that combined practical necessity with the operational might of a U.S. Navy supercarrier.

This 1983 journey not only highlighted the logistical challenges of such a massive vessel but also showcased the adaptability of both the ship and its crew. Today, this moment remains a fascinating chapter in the storied legacy of the USS Kitty Hawk.