USS Yorktown CG48

The last 8-12 watch.

Ramsoft — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 22:36:00 -0600

3 Dec 2004, the morning of the USS Yorktown decommissioning. The last 8-12 watch. Hope someone kept the brow banner.

Proudly showing her Golden Anchor.

Ramsoft — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 23:01:00 -0600

03 Dec 2005, prior to the USS Yorktown decommissioning. The nation’s Jack flies high this morning while she proudly displays her Golden Anchor awarded for a remarkable retention rate. Note the bow anchor is removed and her anchor chain stands ready for towing.

Displaying all of her awards.

Ramsoft — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 23:06:00 -0600

03 Dec 2005, prior to the USS Yorktown decommissioning. The battle-cruiser displays an impressive set of awards as she ends her service to the United States.

Guns lowered

Ramsoft — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 23:35:00 -0600

03 Dec 2005, prior to the USS Yorktown decommissioning. All active Navy ships keep their guns aimed high for all to see. In preparation for her deactivation her guns were lowered as if she were bowing her head. This was especially hard for me to view for the first time.

A view of her last signal flags

Ramsoft — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 23:21:00 -0600

03 Dec 2005, prior to the USS Yorktown decommissioning. Just another view of her awards flying behind the forward mast along with the SOPA and CO disembarked signal flags.

Editorial Note: Prior to the ceremony the wind was quite strong. Just as the ceremony started, as seen in later pictures, the winds died down and the clouds disappeared. Could it be that Miss Mary was watching over us one last time?

Readied for storage

Ramsoft — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 23:27:00 -0600

03 Dec 2005, prior to the USS Yorktown decommissioning. Even with her vents covered and many of her antennas removed she still looked good.

Decom Crew Departing

Ramsoft — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 23:46:00 -0600

3 Dec 2004, USS Yorktown decommissioning crew filing off of her for the last time.

The flags are hauled down.

Ramsoft — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 22:51:00 -0600

03 Dec 2005, USS Yorktown decommissioning. The award flags are hauled down.

Commissioning Pendent is struck

Ramsoft — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 23:56:00 -0600

03 Dec 2005, USS Yorktown decommissioning. The Commissioning Pendent is struck (lowered) marking the end of service to the United States.

Watch is secured

Ramsoft — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 00:03:00 -0600

03 Dec 2005, USS Yorktown decommissioning. The Petty Officer Of the Watch stands down to deliver the ceremonial telescope to his Commanding Officer.

The last deck log (sort of)

Ramsoft — Thu, 17 Feb 2005 00:09:00 -0600

03 Dec 2005, USS Yorktown decommissioning. Photo of the last "Cleaned" deck log page. As all of us who stood this watch know, the clean log always lags behind the working log. This was the last clean page written as of the end of the decommissioning ceremony.

In Memoriam

Ramsoft — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 23:50:00 -0600

03 Dec 2005, just after the USS Yorktown decommissioning ceremony. In memory of the best sponsor a ship could have and a true American, the close out inspection stamps mark the end of an era. God bless Miss Marry, we miss you.