John F Kennedy (CV 67) - Naval Cruise Book

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MISSION USS JOHN F. KENNEDY is an important element of the fleet and our national policy. Her mission is to support and defend the interests of our nation whenever and wherever needed, both in peace and war. President John F. Kennedy ushered in a new policy, designed to meet the challenge o f accommo- dation to the rapid changes in world conditions with a wider range of options than that offered by the atomic bomb — the policy of FLEXIBLE RESPONSE. The inherent mobility, freedom of action and staying power offered by the oceans of the world, have given the Navy a prominent role in the execution of this policy. Flexibility, mobility, the option to concentrate or disperse as required, the freedom to roam over the world at will, to go and stay or to appear here one day and there the next, to take our bases with us when we go, to do this above and below the seas — these are the unique qualities that made the sharp edge sword to this new policy, with the attack carrier at its point. The flag of the Soviet Navy flies over the oceans of the world. Sooner or later the United States will have to understand it no longer has mastery of the seas. dmiral of the Soviet Fleet S.G. Gorshkov The success of the aircraft carrier striking forcet lies in its self-sufficiency and mobility, and iti unique power punch which can be applied wherevei and whenever needed ... it offers an extra measure of international independence, for no other allied nation need be involved in any carrier operation not share the responsibility for any actions. ADM Joseph J. Clark. USN (RET) (photo) Soviet warships, the K 4 SHIN DOG 660. on patrol off the coast of Lebanon: the city of Beirut in the background.