Life Preserver From U.S.S. Oriskany
Artifact IDMO 63.1540
Object Type
Preserver, Life
Date
1945-1963
Medium
synthetic foam
DimensionsOverall Diam 19 1/2 in (49.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionWhite foam life preserver from the attack aircraft carrier USS Oriskany CV-34, knotted with hemp rope around edges that forms a star in center of hole.
Historical NotePresident John F. Kennedy was a guest aboard Oriskany on June 6, 1963 when she was docked in her home port of San Diego, CA. This life preserver was presented to President Kennedy on June 6, 1963 while on board the aircraft carrier. The President witnessed an operational readiness demonstration and observed Naval Tactical Data System (NDTS), an extremely compact electronic computing system. Oriskany was the first ship to employ this sophisticated system, which is still the most modern and capable of anti-warfare control systems.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
