Image: USS Constellation decommissioning ceramony

Description: Naval Air Station North Island, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2003) -- Sailors aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) render honors with the playing of the National Anthem during the decommissioning ceremony for Constellation. The ceremony, held at Naval Air Station North Island, marked the end of the carrier's nearly 42 years of service to the nation. During Constellation’s commissioned service, she completed 21 deployments and most recently completed combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Constellation, decommissioned in San Diego at the Naval Air Station North Island, will be towed to Bremerton, Wash., where she will remain in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Constellation is the second oldest aircraft carrier in the Navy and one of only three remaining conventionally powered aircraft carriers in its arsenal.
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