In the annals of naval history, few ships have made an impact as profound as the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the United States Navy’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Launched on September 24, 1960, and commissioned on November 25, 1961, the USS Enterprise earned its place as a titan of the seas, charting a course for future naval capabilities and setting the stage for the advancements that define modern carriers.

Dubbed the “Big E,” the Enterprise was a ship of firsts, embodying innovation and power. It boasted eight nuclear reactors, propelling it to speeds exceeding 35 knots without the need for conventional refueling. Its capability to house an impressive 85 aircraft revolutionized the scale of naval aviation operations.

The ship not only demonstrated the U.S. Navy’s technical prowess but also its strategic agility during pivotal moments in history, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Enterprise participated in the naval blockade, a tense standoff that showcased the ship’s strategic value. Its nuclear task force, dubbed Operation Sea Orbit, circumnavigated the globe in 1964 without refueling, cementing the Enterprise’s role as a symbol of American naval power.

The “Big E” was also the first nuclear-powered ship to engage in combat during the Vietnam War, emphasizing the carrier’s role in projecting force and supporting U.S. military objectives.

Disasters and conflict tested the Enterprise’s resilience. Notably, in 1969 an onboard explosion led to the loss of 28 crew members and the injury of 343 others. Despite this tragedy, the Enterprise showcased an exceptional capacity for swift recovery.

Its robust design allowed it to continue its service for decades, through Cold War tensions and into the post-9/11 era, where it supported operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

However, the march of time did not bypass this stalwart of the seas. Decommissioned in 2017, the Enterprise’s journey did not end. The vessel now faces a pioneering yet complex dismantlement process, marking yet another first in its storied existence.

Unlike its predecessors, the nuclear nature of the Enterprise requires a unique approach to dismantling. The Navy, instead of using its own facilities, has turned to the commercial industry, a move that is expected to save millions of dollars and set a precedent for future nuclear-powered carrier disposals.

This decision underscores the Navy’s understanding that the dismantling of such a formidable ship cannot be business as usual. The process of inactivating and disposing of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers has necessitated the creation of a new office within the Navy, dedicated solely to this task.

The dismantlement, set to begin in 2025 and projected to continue through 2029, will likely inform the fates of successors like the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS Eisenhower (CVN-69).

Though the Enterprise may no longer cut through ocean waters, its name will sail on. Honoring this leviathan’s legacy, the third Gerald R. Ford-class carrier, CVN-80, has been christened with the same storied name, ensuring that the spirit of the “Big E” endures into the twenty-first century and beyond.

The inactivation and disposal of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) demonstrate an evolution not just of technology but of policy, capturing the imagination of military tech and politics enthusiasts.

The dismantlement of the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is not just a task—it’s a shift in how the mightiest of naval vessels bow out of service, a process that upholds environmental responsibility while honoring past service and anticipating the future of naval power. The ongoing story of the USS Enterprise continues to resonate with those fascinated by military strategy, technological advancements, and the enduring legacy of naval history.

Relevant articles:
– Enterprise: The Navy’s First ‘Nuclear’ Aircraft Carrier Was a Game Changer, The National Interest
– USS Enterprise (CVN, United States Navy (.mil)
– Uncharted waters: Navy navigating first, Breaking Defense
– Sept. 24, 1960: First Nuclear Carrier, USS Enterprise, Launched, WIRED