Scale: 1/700
Height: 8 1/2"
Model length: 17.95"
Base length: 20"
Code: SS700CV63 

The USS Kitty Hawk was named in honor of the Wright Brothers' historic flight. Now a handcrafted full-hull solid wood model ship of America's only forward-deployed carrier is available for the first time ever in precise 1/700 scale model. More than 18 inches long, this ship replica is carved by hand from mahogany wood and is heavily detailed with handcast resin and metal pieces. It comes ready to display on an elegant, handmade, furniture-finish 20-inch display base using hand-turned brass pedestals. A brass name plate completes the display. Overall the quality of this ship model of America's longest-serving conventionally-powered carrier would command a $800 retail value, but it is now available at our extremely low factory price.

This is not a mass-produced model ship. Each museum-quality ship replica is handcrafted by master modelers and will make a perfect gift or memento for the sailor, ship or military enthusiast. As such it is shipped to the customer in a heavy-duty carton box; the model itself is encased in a secure wood frame which will require some disassembly.  

USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), formerly CVA-63, is the second naval ship named after Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the site of the Wright brothers' first flight. With the decommissioning of USS Constellation (CV-64) in 2003, the Kitty Hawk became the first and last ship of her class. 

Kitty Hawk was laid down by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, New Jersey, 27 December 1956; and launched 21 May 1960, sponsored by Mrs. Neil H. McElroy; and commissioned 21 April 1961 at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Captain William F. Bringle in command. 

With the decommissioning of USS Independence (CV-62) on 30 September 1998 Kitty Hawk became the ship with the second longest active status in the Navy. (The USS Constitution sailing ship in Boston Harbor is 208 years old and still retained on active Navy status.) 

In 2008 Kitty Hawk will be replaced as the forward-deployed carrier in Yokosuka, Japan by the USS George Washington (CVN-73). The Kitty Hawk will then return to the United States for decommissioning - exact date unknown, but given the commitment to retain 11 active carriers, probably in line with the commissioning of the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77) 

With the decommissioning of USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) on 23 March 2007 Kitty Hawk became the only conventionally fueled aircraft carrier still in active service with the Navy. 

Until recently, she was one of only two aircraft carriers ever to be honored with flying the First Navy Jack (as of 2002, all U.S. Navy ships fly this jack).