CV-63 USS Kitty Hawk East of Suez Cruise Patch

CV-63 USS Kitty Hawk East of Suez Cruise Patch 5.00" x 3.50" Embroidered Patch with Iron-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and durable twill fabric, ensuring long-lasting color and strength.
Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using the most advanced embroidery machinery, guaranteeing intricate detail, sharp lines, and consistent quality every time.
Easy Iron-On Application: Features a heat-activated adhesive backing for quick, no-sew attachment. Simply position, iron, and press for a secure bond.
Versatile Use: Great for customizing cruise jackets, sea bags, or collector walls—made for proud Kitty Hawk sailors.
Durable and Washable: Built to withstand sea duty and shore wear alike without fading or fraying.

Formations & Origins
Commissioned in 1961, USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) was the lead ship of her class and one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in U.S. Navy history. Named after the location of the Wright brothers’ first flight, she was a symbol of American naval air power through the Cold War and into the 21st century. The “East of Suez” cruise patches refer to operations and deployments that took the carrier into the Indian Ocean and beyond, often symbolizing passage past the Suez Canal into the wider Asia-Pacific theater.

Notable Commanders
Over her decades of service, USS Kitty Hawk was commanded by a long line of respected officers, each responsible for leading thousands of sailors and aviators aboard a floating airbase. Among her notable COs was Admiral William Fallon, who later became Commander of U.S. Pacific Command and CENTCOM. Kitty Hawk's leadership maintained her readiness across some of the Navy's most challenging deployments.

Major Campaigns/Operations
Kitty Hawk’s "East of Suez" deployments often involved complex operations across the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and western Pacific. These cruises included:

• Vietnam War combat operations in the Gulf of Tonkin

• Operation Enduring Freedom launch support

• Deterrence and show-of-force missions during periods of regional instability in the Middle East and South Asia

• Joint exercises with allied navies in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Rim
  Her presence east of the Suez was a projection of U.S. strength in regions critical to oil flow and global commerce.

Specialized Role/Equipment
As a conventionally powered aircraft carrier, CV-63 hosted air wings that included F-14 Tomcats, F/A-18 Hornets, EA-6B Prowlers, and E-2 Hawkeyes. Her powerful aviation complement enabled strike missions, electronic warfare, surveillance, and humanitarian support. Kitty Hawk also carried Marine detachments and was often deployed for extended blue-water operations far from homeport.

Acts of Heroism
Throughout her storied service, Kitty Hawk’s crews responded to flight deck emergencies, sea rescues, and high-stakes combat operations with courage and precision. Countless flight crews launched into hostile skies from her decks, and sailors worked under pressure around the clock to maintain one of the most complex machines afloat. Her sailors’ sacrifices and efforts earned numerous awards and citations across decades of deployments.

Legacy & Notable Achievements
Decommissioned in 2009, Kitty Hawk was the last conventionally powered aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. Her "East of Suez" deployments represented not just strategic presence, but the sailor’s experience—weeks at sea, carrier ops, camaraderie, and pride. This patch honors those who served aboard her and sailed far from home to keep the seas secure and the skies guarded.