Last week, a 60,000-pound anchor from the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA/CV-63), made its way across the country to its new permanent home at the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Center. This impressive artifact will be unveiled in time for the USS Kitty Hawk Veterans Association dedication event in June.   

Iconic elements of the USS Kitty Hawk, which is being dismantled by International Shipbreaking, Inc., have made their way from Brownsville, TX, to Kalamazoo, MI, thanks to the dedication and support of the USS Kitty Hawk Veterans Association. Several pieces of the mighty carrier’s deck and one of the ship’s massive anchors arrived Thursday, April 11. These unique artifacts will undergo restoration services over the 4-6 weeks. The anchor, which stands over 23 feet tall, will be the centerpiece of this new exhibition, permanently displayed at the front of the museum’s main building.  

As the world’s first guided missile carrier, this aircraft carrier was a significant vessel for aviation and naval history and was the first of three “Kitty Hawk Class” super carriers with the second longest service history of any U.S. supercarrier. The USS Kitty Hawk was active from 1961 to 2009 and remained on active duty from the Vietnam War to the War on Terror. This remarkable addition to the collection will further enhance the Sentinels at Sea exhibition found within the museum’s main gallery. 

Troy Thrash, President & CEO of the Air Zoo, said: “We’re beyond honored that the Air Zoo has been chosen as the new home to these incredible artifacts. The exhibition of the anchor and deck will launch intrigue and curiosity, allowing us to better tell the stories of incredible men and women who served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during its 48 years of service.”  

In addition to the anchor and decking, the Air Zoo is working to potentially receive several USS Kitty Hawk related artifacts from the USS Kitty Hawk Veterans Association and the Naval History and Heritage Command. Plans are in development for a new exhibit, incorporating these additional items, inside the Air Zoo in the following year.  

 To help offset costs, beyond those covered by the generous support of the USS Kitty Hawk Veterans Association, the Air Zoo is launching a fundraising campaign called Anchors Aweigh! Donations to this spring appeal can be made by visiting airzoo.org/usskittyhawk. Financial supporters will be recognized online and onsite.