America (CVA 66) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE KEEL WAS LAID 9 JANUARY 1961

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THE BID WAS WON ON 25 NOVEMBER 1960 When a United States Naval vessel leaves her homeport for an extended overseas deployment there usually is a cruise book made up to tell the story of the ship, and the crew. The purpose of the cruise book is to perpetuate mem- ories of events and experi- ences for the men who lived them. This is Amer- ica ' s story. We want you to follow the America in her trials and tribulations, and if you will, become a part of her first crew in the chapters to come. I received my orders to report to the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company to be- come the Prospective Com- manding Officer of the AMERICA CVA-66. My duties were to supervise the outfitting of the ship and to prepare her for commissioning.

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CONSTRUCTION Production time was saved in that the super- structure, or island, was built in the center of the ship allowing freedom of movement of the large cranes. At the same time, the sponsons, which support the superstructure, were being constructed. f ► i wJ9 n Ht -1 •4 1 ■ HIP WAV NSM - x. ... -4 » J: Of ! r V JT-. l - •- -.•lfc . - ' B ' iMCL . BHBHM r ■» v A ! 3 | , tip • Iff !M ?sa§=£ rTi ' ■-., ■ l» 1 M ■ I V