International Shipbreaking Limited, LLC (ISL) did not purchase the USS Kitty Hawk and USS John F Kennedy as has been inaccurately reported. ISL is providing a recycling service to the US Navy at the... lowest cost possible to the US taxpayer (1cent). The US Navy still owns both vessels and we will never have title. ISL contract requires complete recycling of the ships and does not allow for any visitors onboard or inside the facility during recycling operations.
ISL has completed recycling of Ex-Constellation (CV 64), Ex-Ranger (CV 61) and Ex-Independence (CV 62). We funded a memorial for all three Carriers at a local veterans park and facilitated the sale of two propellers from the USS Independence that are currently on display at a beautiful park on South Padre Island, TX.
ISL is planning to have challenge coins minted from Brass removed from these ships and cut 3"x5" ship sections so veterans could have one last piece. I estimate that these items will be available in April 2023.
At the end of each Navy project (last section removed) we hold a ceremony where I talk about the ship’s history and all of our employees stop work for a moment of silence. I personally make sure that our recycling operations are as respectful as possible to the men and women who served our country onboard these mighty ships.
Ex-Kitty Hawk has departed PSNS and is currently in route to our facility at the Port of Brownsville, Texas ETA May 2022.
We do not currently have an ETD or ETA for the Ex-John F Kennedy.
ISL will be hosting a public arrival ceremony for both ships and additional details will be posted on this Facebook page when ceremony arrangements have been made.
