USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

History of Enterprise Number (CVN-65)

This modernized version of the World War II-era aircraft carrier entered service in 1961 with eight A2W reactors, making it the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Born to lead a class of six, budget constraints limit types to one instance.

Nonetheless, the Enterprise has been a soldier for over 4 years and was part of many events during and after the Cold War.

The design of the USS Enterprise followed the traditional guidelines that emerged during and after World War II, with the huge sloping flight deck projecting to port and the superstructure projecting to starboard. The 93,500-ton ship can accommodate nearly 5,700 personnel (including crew and officers), the size of a small city. Defensive weapons were initially limited due to balloon costs, but this was later corrected by adding Phalanx CIWS elements and RAM launchers to complement the Sea Sparrow air defense system.

About 90 aircraft provide the necessary offensive strikes and focus on interceptors and fighter jets, electronic warfare and anti-submarine aircraft, and search, rescue and transport systems. Other notable items on board include four hangar lifts (3 to starboard and 1 to port) and four steam-powered catapults.

After an understandably long trial period, Enterprise was deployed as a deterrent during the Cuban Missile Crisis and cut off further access to the island for Soviet supplies. After the conflict subsided, the ship spent some time in Mediterranean waters and was soon deployed to the Vietnam War, where battle after battle was waged against Viet Cong positions. An accident on deck during the conflict forced the Enterprise to dock at Pearl Harbor for repairs, killing 27 people.

After the repair, she was again used in support of the war.

After the war, the Enterprise underwent extensive refit between January 1979 and March 1982. Incorporated changes include a revised superstructure, improved radar system and mast.

It also received a ready supply of excellent Grumman F-14 Tomcat series interceptors, becoming the first U.S. airline to do so.

The Enterprise will set out again, this time actively participating in Operation Mantis' attacks on Iranian targets. Support the additional service of the Philippine government against the rebels through Operation Classic Resolve. Another involvement of the Enterprise is through Bosnia to enforce the no-fly zone there. In 1998, the Enterprise Air Group had another accident when a Grumman EA-6B Prowler rammed a Lockheed S-3 Viking on the flight deck, killing three of the four Prowler pilots lost their lives.

A month later, the Enterprise will resume operations against Iraqi targets in the Gulf through Operation Desert Fox.

Several more stations were added a few years later, and the legendary Enterprise was involved in support of US operations involving the invasion of Afghanistan, flying some 700 sorties in total. Later, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Enterprise was called to invade Iraq.

Enterprise has guest roles in the Hollywood films The Hunt for Red October and Top Gun. The Enterprise was affectionately known as the "Big E," a nickname for the original Enterprise during World War II. The Enterprise completed a circumnavigation of the globe in March 1990, sailing some 43,000 miles, before settling in Norfolk, Virginia. She is currently docked at the Newport News Shipyard, where she is on an 18-month residency.

She is scheduled to be replaced by USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in 2015. So her future remains to be seen, whether the business will remain an expensive floating museum or be recycled as scrap.

In any case, the business name will no doubt be reinstated at a later date. This legendary name is passed from one generation of sailors and pilots to the next.

Regardless, the Enterprise's crew and pilots will remember the Enterprise for the determination she instilled during one of the toughest years of a nation's existence.

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