Keel Laid: August 2, 1954
           Launched: September 29, 1956
           Commissioned: August 10, 1957
           Decommissioned: July 10, 1993

           Builder: Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News, VA.
           Propulsion system: four 70,000 shp Steam Turbines
           Length, overall: 1046 feet (319 meters)
           Flight Deck Width: 249 feet (76 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