What colors are the hull and flight deck

The hull should be painted haze gray. Some companies market paint labeled with that name. I've also seen previous responses to similar questions that state, "Modern Haze Gray and Deck Gray are made by Model Master paints in Neutral Gray and Gunship Gray respectively with FS numbers matching".

The flight deck is primarily covered in a non-skid coating that , upon application, is almost black. But over time it becomes faded by the sun, sea and weather. It rarely ever gets as light as deck gray. Depending on how detailed you intend to paint, the extreme edges of the deck and the tie-down circles are not covered in non-skid and should be painted deck gray.

Thanks for the help. I' am in good shape I have those colors on hand, What about the island is the flight deck side painted black? Also do you know where I can get decals for the Kennedy, I' am mostly a plane guy

I mostly build planes, too. But I'm an old Navy guy and am getting back into ships as well.  Of all the carriers I've seen, that shot of the JFK is the only one I've ever seen with a black lower half of the island (and it may be very dark gray). She may have had this scheme for a short period. But I'd say that you'd be very safe to NOT use this scheme. As far as decals, 1/800 scale is tough, and getting a full carrier set is even tougher. Model shipwrights has a set in 1/700 scale (http://modelshipwrights.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=5902). You might be able to make these work.

THANKS  again

A quick search found a couple of photos of the JFK's island painted black below the level of the flag bridge, but I don't know the time frame.  Some more research could probably nail it down.

Over the years I've definitely seen Essex and Midway class ships painted that way.

Mark

1/800 is one of the oddball scales ... but in 1/700, if you can live with the difference, your best bet for that class of carriers is Starfighter Decals http://www.starfighter-decals.com/1700-de.html 

The above photo was found  on the net dated 1986 . does any know Why they did it? Many THANKS to all , appreciate the help and links looking forward to start building this weekend.

2nd TKS

The above photo was found  on the net dated 1986 . does any know Why they did it? Many THANKS to all , appreciate the help and links looking forward to start building this weekend.

I think it had something to do with how he died as the Kennedy was built just after JFK's assassination. And Kennedy was a Navy man in his youth and you know the Navy with their traditions.

BTW the Kennedy was the first Super Carrier to be named for a US President.

Islands were painted black on some ships in areas that would receive jet wash to "hide" the soot stains.