Keel Laid: July 14, 1952
           Launched: December 11, 1954
           Commissioned: October 1, 1955
           Decommissioned: September 11, 1993

           Builder: Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, VA.
           Propulsion system: four 70,000 shp Steam Turbines, 
            four shafts, 260,000 shp (194 MW)
           Length, overall: 1067 feet (325 meters)
           Flight Deck Width: 238 feet (72.5 meters)
           Beam: 130 feet (40 meters)
           Draft: 37 feet (11.2 meters)
           Displacement: approx. 81,101 tons full load
           Speed: 30+ knots
           Planes: approx. 85
           Crew: Ship: 2,900 Air Wing: 2,480
           Armament: 
           - three Mk 29 NATO Sea Sparrow launchers 
           - three 20mm Phalanx CIWS Mk 15