USS America CV/CVA-66: A Legacy of "Don't Tread on Me"

Introduction

The USS America (CV/CVA-66) was a long-serving and storied aircraft carrier in the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1965 and decommissioned in 1996, the ship had a rich history that spanned over three decades, participating in numerous critical operations and conflicts. The carrier's motto, "Don't Tread on Me," harkens back to the Revolutionary War era and embodies the spirit of defiance and determination that characterized the ship's service. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the USS America and the significance of its motto, focusing on the key events and operations that defined the ship's legacy.

The Birth of the USS America and Its Motto

The USS America was the third Kitty Hawk-class aircraft carrier, laid down on January 9, 1961, and launched on February 1, 1964. The ship was commissioned on January 23, 1965, under the command of Captain Lawrence Heyworth Jr. The carrier's motto, "Don't Tread on Me," was derived from the Gadsden flag, which was designed by American general and statesman Christopher Gadsden in 1775 during the Revolutionary War. This historical motto served as a reminder of America's unwavering resolve to defend freedom and independence, reflecting the USS America's commitment to the same principles.

USS America under construction at Newport News in 1961.

Vietnam War: Upholding the Motto in Combat

During the Vietnam War, the USS America played a vital role in the U.S. Navy's operations. Deployed to the conflict in 1968, the carrier would complete three combat tours, with its aircraft flying thousands of sorties in support of ground forces and engaging in air-to-air combat against North Vietnamese fighters. The USS America's combat operations in Vietnam demonstrated the ship's commitment to its motto, "Don't Tread on Me," as it served as a formidable force projection platform and a symbol of American resolve.

An F-4B Phantom of VF-33 waiting to be launched from America during her 1967 Mediterranean cruise.

The Cold War and Beyond: A Symbol of American Power

Throughout the Cold War, the USS America continued to serve as a testament to the "Don't Tread on Me" spirit, conducting numerous deployments and participating in major naval exercises. The carrier played a key role in demonstrating American military strength and deterrence against the Soviet Union and other potential adversaries. During this period, the USS America also provided support for various crisis response missions, including the evacuation of American citizens from Lebanon in 1976 and the response to the hijacking of the Achille Lauro in 1985.

USS America transiting the Suez canal, 1981.

Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm: A Pivotal Role in the Gulf War

The USS America's unwavering commitment to its motto was perhaps most evident during the Gulf War, as it participated in both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Serving as the flagship of its battle group, the carrier played a pivotal role in projecting American airpower in the region, launching thousands of sorties against Iraqi forces in Kuwait and Iraq. The USS America's efforts in the Gulf War contributed significantly to the coalition's overwhelming success, once again affirming the enduring spirit of "Don't Tread on Me."

Four U.S. Navy carriers form "Battle Force Zulu" following the Persian Gulf War; USS America (bottom right) cruises with USS Midway (top left), USS Theodore Roosevelt (top right) and USS Ranger (bottom left)

Decommissioning and Legacy

After more than three decades of service, the USS America was decommissioned on August 9, 1996. Despite its decommissioning, the legacy of the carrier and its motto, "Don't Tread on Me," live on in the annals of U.S. naval history. The ship's crew, aircraft, and contributions to numerous conflicts and missions stand as a testament to the unwavering determination and resilience embodied in its motto.

Revival of the Name: USS America (LHA-6)

The spirit of "Don't Tread on Me" and the legacy of the USS America have been revived with the commissioning of the USS America (LHA-6) in 2014. This new amphibious assault ship bears the same name as its predecessor and continues the tradition of upholding American values and projecting power around the world. While not an aircraft carrier, the USS America (LHA-6) is designed to support a variety of missions, including the deployment of Marine Expeditionary Units and the operation of aircraft such as the F-35B Lightning II. This new incarnation of the USS America serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the original carrier and its iconic motto.

Conclusion

The USS America CV/CVA-66 and its motto, "Don't Tread on Me," hold a special place in the history of the United States Navy. For over three decades, the carrier served as a symbol of American power and determination, participating in numerous conflicts and missions that shaped the world. From the skies over Vietnam to the waters of the Persian Gulf, the USS America and its crew steadfastly upheld the spirit of their motto, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to defending freedom and protecting American interests. Today, the legacy of the USS America lives on in its namesake, the USS America (LHA-6), ensuring that the spirit of "Don't Tread on Me" continues to resonate throughout the U.S. Navy and beyond.