The decommissioned aircraft carrier, ex-America (CV 66) departed the Navy’s Inactive Fleet Facility April 19 for its final and vital mission as a live-fire test and evaluation, and weapons effect platform for the next generation aircraft carrier. The events will consist of a variety of comprehensive tests above and below the waterline. “These tests will allow invaluable data to be collected to be used by naval architects and engineers to improve the design and survivability of the nation’s future aircraft carrier fleet," said Rear Adm. Dennis M. Dwyer, program executive officer for carriers. The third Navy ship to carry the name, USS America, CV 66 sailed the world’s oceans for more than 30 years as a symbol of freedom and democracy. From the day America was commissioned Jan.