John F. Kennedy Signed ‘USS Oriskany’ Photograph as President, with Commemorative ‘Presidential Visit’ Mug

Color semi-glossy 9.25 x 7.5 photo of President John F. Kennedy speaking aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) on June 6, 1963, signed on the original mount in ink as president, “For Captain Trum – with esteem and best regards, John F. Kennedy.” Framed to an overall size of 13.5 x 12. Included with the photograph is a custom commemorative ceramic mug made for Kennedy’s June 6, 1963 visit, measuring 3.5″ tall, with a raised gilt naval aviator insignia, gilt lettering reading “USS ORISKANY-CVA-34” and “6 JUNE 1963,” and “J.F.K.” on the reverse; finished with a gold-glazed handle and rim and a blue-glazed interior. In fine condition, with slight fading to the image and some faint toning to the mount; the mug bears overall crazing to the white glaze, with some wear to the gilt decoration.

President Kennedy's visit to the Oriskany came on the first day of a multi-day trip to western states, during which he also toured the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, observed a fleet demonstration aboard the carrier operating off the California coast, and was then helicoptered to the USS Kitty Hawk to watch flight operations before continuing the next day to the Naval Ordnance Test Station at China Lake. Herman J. Trum, the photograph's recipient, had assumed command of the Oriskany in March 1963 and remained her commanding officer through the visit. The stop preceded, by just days, two of the defining addresses of Kennedy's presidency: his American University commencement speech on nuclear disarmament and his televised address on civil rights, both delivered the following week.