OK, the Tamiya 1/350 CVN 65 it is. Some choices:
Paint and colors.
I like Testors ModelMasters because you can usually find it anywhere so those are the colors I will reference. These are enamels and I will give you some acrylic choices at the end. The official hull and island colors are stated to be FS 26270 Neutral gray. Most sources state this is a bit dark and I agree so I mix one part white to two parts 26270 (btw, 26270 is a semi gloss. You will not find it. Use 36270 which is flat. Same color; different reflectance). For the flight deck a lot of people use FS 36081, Engine Prep Gray. A darker gray to give that "right out of the yard look." Some have tried FS 36183, Gunship gray for the flight deck and horizontal surfaces but I think this is too light for the flight deck. You can try a few mixes as a weathered flight deck does get lighter and "muddier" over time. For the other horizontal steel decals, Gunship Gray works fine. For the red portion of the hull below the waterline I like old Testors square bottle dark red, # 1104. Not as bright or vibrant as their 1103 red. Once again you can experiment as below the waterline red is generally a maroon/crimson / burgundy color of red.. Your choice. Flight deck insignias, markings etc are combinations of yellow, white, orange and red, depending on the marking. I do not know if Tamiya supplies flight deck marking decals so if you have to paint these are the colors. Conversely, an outfit known as Starfighter Decals provides a decal sheet for the flight deck. It is a bit expensive at $35 but worth it as he makes good stuff. Visit his site as he has lots of stuff. I will not comment on aircraft colors as I hate doing aircraft and best to follow the kit instructions, espec if they reference FS numbers.
I am not an acrylic guys, but here are some suggestions as to vendors; Vallejo, Life Color and a new firm called Tru Color as acrylic examples. There may be others.
Photo etch.
Three suppliers produce excellent sets: Gold Medal Models, Tom's Model Works and White Ensign Models. A side note, White Ensign Models went out of business several years ago but Tom's Model works has picked up their line. Tom has maintained the original White Ensign Models website so go there.. I would look at what is offered, decide what you plan to do and choose accordingly. No doubt some sets are more inclusive than others but then again you do not want to spend money on parts you will nor end up using.
Websites
Both Steelnavy.com and Modelwarships.com have galleries and featured articles involving the build of CVN 65 so you may want to visit these sites if you are not already familiar with them.
Hopefully this will get you up and running.
Scott.