Welcome our newest exhibit!

Iconic elements of the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA/CV-63), which is being dismantled by International Shipbreaking, Inc., in Brownsville, Texas, have made their way across the country to their new permanent home thanks the dedication and support of the USS Kitty Hawk Veteran’s Association, and International Shipbreaking, Inc. The Air Zoo is proud to take ownership of several pieces of the mighty supercarrier’s deck and one of its two massive anchors. The anchor, which stands over 18 feet tall has been permanently installed near the Air Zoo's main entrance.

As an incredibly significant vessel for both aviation and naval history, this aircraft carrier was the first of three “Kitty Hawk Class” supercarriers and had the second longest service history of any U.S. supercarrier (1961-2009), seeing action from the Vietnam War to the Global War on Terrorism.  The Kitty Hawk also served as the world's first guided missile supercarrier.  This remarkable additionto the collectionwill further enhance the Sentinels at Sea exhibition found within the museum’s main gallery. 

Troy Thrash, President & CEO of the Air Zoo, said: “We’re beyond honored that the Air Zoo has been chosen as the new home to these incredible artifacts. The exhibition of the anchor and deck will launch intrigue and curiosity, allowing us to better tell the stories of incredible men and women who served aboard the USSKitty Hawk during its 48 years of service.”  

As you might imagine, moving, restoring, and setting an 18 foot, 60,000-pound anchor and decking, is not an easy or inexpensive project, but the important history it documents, along with what it brings to the community and the Air Zoo experience is priceless. To help offset costs, beyond those covered by the generous support of the USS Kitty Hawk Veteran's Association, we seek your support of the project with a tax-deductible donation today.

Donors of $100 or more to the Anchors Aweigh! campaign are recognized online (below), and on-site at the Anchor.Donate now to add your name to the list!

Donate toAnchors Aweigh! Now

Watch the dedication ceremony, held on Monday, June 10 at 10:30am. More than 200 USS Kitty Hawk Veterans and community members were in attendance. Find event images and more on our Facebook page!

Special Thanks to Our

Anchors Aweigh! Donors 

Officers ($100-$249):

•  Robert Bassitt  •   In Honor of Paige Bender  •  William C. Burge  •  Michael & Ruth Bush  •  Glenn Carpenter •  In Honor of David Chandler  •  Nels Christensen  •  William Davidson Jr.  •  In Honor of SA Bryant Leroy Davis  •  In Honor of Wayne DeBroske  •  In Honor of Walter L. DePuy, Jr.  •  James Geary  • Dzintars R. Gendrikovs  • Owen Graves  •  Alrick Haase  & Family  •   Donald Jankowski   •  George Kyle  •  John Lander Jr.  •  Russell Newhouse  •  Wayne & Ann Nicolen  •  Charles Olsen  •  Thomas Olson  •  Rich Orth  •  Dahlia Pena-Thomas  •  Tom Sanctorum  •  John Schroeer  •  In  Honor of Robert M. Sims  •  In Honor of John D. & Edward C. Smith  • Mark Uidenich  •  Wilma VanLoo  •  Linda K. Wakefield  •  Ainslie B. Walter  •  In Honor of Greg Ward  •  Lance Weeda  •  Matthew Wilson •  Mrs. Clarence Wentzel  •  Jim & Bernie Wentzel  •  Irena Wentzel   •   Lee & Candy Wentzel  •   Dominic & Lisa Messina  •  Jason & Daniel Messina  • 

Lieutenants ($250-$499):

•  Dennis Case •  Larry Gilbert •  Judy Jolliffe  •  Terri Mucciante  •  Arlene Reitz  • Reed & Dawn Schilts •  Chris Slate  •  Darwin & Mary Wellington

Commanders ($500-$999):

•  David Thoms  •  Troy Thrash and Family

Captains ($1,000-$2,499):

•   First National Bank of Michigan  •  Michael Haley  •  Schupan  •  In Honor of Alyce & Clyde Shew, USN(Ret)   •  John VanderVen •

Admirals ($2,500+):

We are at $12,329* of our $25,000 goal.

Donate $100 or more to have your name, or an honoree, listed here.

*Total based on donations received by 5pm, 12/30/2024..

Exhibits

Exhibits

• USS Kitty Hawk Anchor
• A Homage to WWII Aircraft
• Featured Exhibit
• Daughter's of the Sky
• Hands On Exhibits
• Women in Air & Space
• Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight
• Alien Worlds And Androids
• Apollo 11
• D-Day 75
• Memories & Milestones
• Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame
• National Guadalcanal Memorial
• Planes, Principles, & Positivity: Remembering Pete Parish.
• Space: Dare to Dream