Navy News, news from Iraq - Navy Times

JFK delayed en route to Philadelphia

The decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-John F. Kennedy, finally on its way to Philadelphia after leaving Norfolk Naval Station, Va., on Monday for a short tow up the coast, has been delayed at sea.

Originally scheduled to arrive Thursday, rough seas have delayed the ship getting to the City of Brotherly Love until Saturday at the latest.

Those wishing to get a glimpse of the carrier as it journeys up the Delaware River can watch from many locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey., including:

* Gov. Printz Park in Essington, Pa.

* Fox Point State Park in Wilmington, Del.

* Fort DuPont State Park, Del.

* New Castle Battery Park in New Castle, Del.

* Delaware City State Park, Del.

* Red Bank Battlefield Park, Red Bank, N.J.

The ship was originally scheduled to be towed to Philadelphia in August 2007, but was instead towed to Norfolk while the Navy dredged in the vicinity of Pier 4 to further increase the safety of the ship mooring process and the surrounding waterway.

Officials say the carrier will not be open for tours while in storage in Philadelphia because of security and safety concerns.