The U.S.S. Independence is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that was decommissioned in 1998 after 32 years of service. It was the second ship of the Nimitz class, and its keel was laid down on September 15, 1970, at Newport News Shipbuilding. The Independence was commissioned on July 4, 1974, with Captain J.R. Chaisson in command.
The Independence measures 1,092 feet (332 meters) long and 133 feet (41 meters) wide at its widest point. It has a displacement of 97,000 tons when fully loaded and can accommodate a crew of 3200 personnel. The ship is powered by two nuclear reactors that enable it to reach speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h).
The Independence was designed for anti-submarine warfare and air defense missions and is equipped with an array of sensors and weapons systems to carry out these tasks. It has two Mk 29 Sea Sparrow launchers for short-range air defense, as well as two Phalanx CIWS mounts for close-in defense against missiles and aircraft. The ship also carries two SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters for anti-submarine warfare operations.
The Independence saw action during the 1991 Gulf War, where it served as part of the naval blockade of Iraq and launched airstrikes against Iraqi targets with its F/A-18 Hornets and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The ship also participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 before being decommissioned in 1998