Big E
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Concord, CA
She has returned to her home port.
ABOARD THE USS ENTERPRISE – The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ended its remarkable career at sea on Sunday when it pulled into its home port for the final time after participating in every major conflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
The USS Enterprise began shutting down its eight nuclear reactors almost as soon as it arrived at its pier at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, where thousands of cheering family members and friends welcomed the ship home from its 25th and final deployment after nearly eight months at sea. The ship will never move on its own power again and will eventually be scrapped in Washington state, making its final voyage a sentimental one for those who have sailed aboard "The Big E."
Copies of the ship's daily newspaper, "The Shuttle," were in short supply as sailors looked for memorabilia to take with them. Countless personal photos were taken by sailors throughout the ship as it approached shore.
"It's exceptionally emotional and exceptionally satisfying," Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander of the Enterprise Strike Group, said as Naval Station Norfolk came into view and his sailors manned the rails.
However, Carter is the first to say that the Enterprise's final deployment was anything but a sentimental victory lap. The ships' fighter planes flew more than 2,200 combat sorties and dropped 56 bombs in Afghanistan while supporting U.S. and international ground troops. In a show of force to Iran, the ship also passed through the strategic Strait of Hormuz 10 times, a figure that Carter said is more than double the typical amount.
The Enterprise has been a frequent traveler to the Middle East over its career. It was the first nuclear-powered carrier to transit through the Suez Canal in 1986, and it was the first carrier to respond following the Sept. 11 attacks, changing course overnight to head to the Arabian Sea.
An entire room on the ship serves as a museum to its history, which includes a large photo of the burning Twin Towers placed in a timeline that wraps around a wall.
The Navy will officially deactivate the Enterprise on Dec. 1, but it will take several more years for it to be decommissioned as its reactors are taken out. About 15,000 people are expected to attend the deactivation ceremony, which will be its last public ceremony after several days of tours for former crew members.
Those who have served on the ship have a unique camaraderie. It is the second-oldest ship in the Navy after the USS Constitution, and its age has frequently shown. Sailors who work on the Enterprise have a saying: "There's tough, then there's Enterprise tough."
Things frequently break down, and spare parts for a ship that's the only one in its class aren't made anymore.
"She's just old, so you got to work around her," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Danielle Almaraz, an electronic technician. "We have to make our own parts sometimes because it just doesn't exist."
Those deployed on the Enterprise knew life wouldn't be easy at sea, a fact highlighted last year when former commanding officer Capt. Owen Honors was fired for airing raunchy videos that he said were intended to boost morale. During a hearing in which Honors was trying to avoid being kicked out of the Navy, he and his lawyers frequently referenced the difficult conditions on board. Honors was found to have committed misconduct, but ultimately allowed to stay in the service. He is retiring in April.
Some of the ship's original crewmembers from 51 years ago -- known as plank owners -- were among the 1,500 civilians who joined the Enterprise for its last two days at sea, known as a Tiger Cruise.
"This is the end of an era that I helped start, so I was just honored that the captain invited me on board. There's no way I'd turn that down," said original crew member Ray Godfrey of Colorado Springs, Colo.
The aircraft carrier is the eighth U.S. ship to bear the name Enterprise, with the first one being confiscated from the British by Benedict Arnold in 1775. Current sailors and alumni like Godfrey are lobbying to have a future carrier also named Enterprise. The ship's crew created a time capsule to be passed along to each Navy secretary until a new ship carries its name.
Other memorabilia on the ship, such as a pair of black fuzzy dice that hang in the ship's tower that were donated by the film crew of the 1986 Hollywood blockbuster movie "Top Gun," will be stored by the Naval History and Heritage Command.
ABOARD THE USS ENTERPRISE – The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ended its remarkable career at sea on Sunday when it pulled into its home port for the final time after participating in every major conflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
The USS Enterprise began shutting down its eight nuclear reactors almost as soon as it arrived at its pier at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, where thousands of cheering family members and friends welcomed the ship home from its 25th and final deployment after nearly eight months at sea. The ship will never move on its own power again and will eventually be scrapped in Washington state, making its final voyage a sentimental one for those who have sailed aboard "The Big E."
Copies of the ship's daily newspaper, "The Shuttle," were in short supply as sailors looked for memorabilia to take with them. Countless personal photos were taken by sailors throughout the ship as it approached shore.
"It's exceptionally emotional and exceptionally satisfying," Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander of the Enterprise Strike Group, said as Naval Station Norfolk came into view and his sailors manned the rails.
However, Carter is the first to say that the Enterprise's final deployment was anything but a sentimental victory lap. The ships' fighter planes flew more than 2,200 combat sorties and dropped 56 bombs in Afghanistan while supporting U.S. and international ground troops. In a show of force to Iran, the ship also passed through the strategic Strait of Hormuz 10 times, a figure that Carter said is more than double the typical amount.
The Enterprise has been a frequent traveler to the Middle East over its career. It was the first nuclear-powered carrier to transit through the Suez Canal in 1986, and it was the first carrier to respond following the Sept. 11 attacks, changing course overnight to head to the Arabian Sea.
An entire room on the ship serves as a museum to its history, which includes a large photo of the burning Twin Towers placed in a timeline that wraps around a wall.
The Navy will officially deactivate the Enterprise on Dec. 1, but it will take several more years for it to be decommissioned as its reactors are taken out. About 15,000 people are expected to attend the deactivation ceremony, which will be its last public ceremony after several days of tours for former crew members.
Those who have served on the ship have a unique camaraderie. It is the second-oldest ship in the Navy after the USS Constitution, and its age has frequently shown. Sailors who work on the Enterprise have a saying: "There's tough, then there's Enterprise tough."
Things frequently break down, and spare parts for a ship that's the only one in its class aren't made anymore.
"She's just old, so you got to work around her," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Danielle Almaraz, an electronic technician. "We have to make our own parts sometimes because it just doesn't exist."
Those deployed on the Enterprise knew life wouldn't be easy at sea, a fact highlighted last year when former commanding officer Capt. Owen Honors was fired for airing raunchy videos that he said were intended to boost morale. During a hearing in which Honors was trying to avoid being kicked out of the Navy, he and his lawyers frequently referenced the difficult conditions on board. Honors was found to have committed misconduct, but ultimately allowed to stay in the service. He is retiring in April.
Some of the ship's original crewmembers from 51 years ago -- known as plank owners -- were among the 1,500 civilians who joined the Enterprise for its last two days at sea, known as a Tiger Cruise.
"This is the end of an era that I helped start, so I was just honored that the captain invited me on board. There's no way I'd turn that down," said original crew member Ray Godfrey of Colorado Springs, Colo.
The aircraft carrier is the eighth U.S. ship to bear the name Enterprise, with the first one being confiscated from the British by Benedict Arnold in 1775. Current sailors and alumni like Godfrey are lobbying to have a future carrier also named Enterprise. The ship's crew created a time capsule to be passed along to each Navy secretary until a new ship carries its name.
Other memorabilia on the ship, such as a pair of black fuzzy dice that hang in the ship's tower that were donated by the film crew of the 1986 Hollywood blockbuster movie "Top Gun," will be stored by the Naval History and Heritage Command.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
The Big E decommissioning ceremony:
U.S. Navy - live streaming video powered by Livestream
10 minutes ago, via live message at the ceremony, Secretary of the Navy announced that CVN-80 will be USS Enterprise
Defense.gov News Release: Navy
U.S. Navy - live streaming video powered by Livestream
10 minutes ago, via live message at the ceremony, Secretary of the Navy announced that CVN-80 will be USS Enterprise
Defense.gov News Release: Navy
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
It is mind boggling just how large an aircraft carrier really is.
They are "Cities Afloat" and have everything that a shore side base does, but in smaller scale
(Except onbase quarters for the family)
I can't help looking at the young shave-tail sailor saluting next to the Captain, and wondering if he truly realizes what a momentous occasion he is a part of...
What a way to start out at sea, though
~May his next ship be absolutely amazing
*Though the metal of a hull may be scrapped - the pride always remains
~AT1/AW/INST Dutch J. (ret'd)
They are "Cities Afloat" and have everything that a shore side base does, but in smaller scale
(Except onbase quarters for the family)
I can't help looking at the young shave-tail sailor saluting next to the Captain, and wondering if he truly realizes what a momentous occasion he is a part of...
What a way to start out at sea, though
~May his next ship be absolutely amazing
*Though the metal of a hull may be scrapped - the pride always remains
~AT1/AW/INST Dutch J. (ret'd)
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
Drum Roll. . . . . please. . . . .
According to this report, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus - - - CVN-80 will be named USS Enterprise!
US Navy's Ford-class aircraft carrier to be named Enterprise - Brahmand.com
US Navy's Ford-class aircraft carrier to be named Enterprise - Brahmand.com
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
~THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN, so long as we can build a thing like "ENTERPRISE"
first
*But I warn you: Times and technology are both advancing
We should take measures to see that we are not overtaken
NEVER SUFFER ANOTHER WALKER OR CLINTON!!!
~And both Japan and Isreal are nations we ought to rethink our confidence in
Both are very interested in anything they can take away and/or sell...
*That is not paranoia in my view, it is an honest estimate of economic trends
first
*But I warn you: Times and technology are both advancing
We should take measures to see that we are not overtaken
NEVER SUFFER ANOTHER WALKER OR CLINTON!!!
~And both Japan and Isreal are nations we ought to rethink our confidence in
Both are very interested in anything they can take away and/or sell...
*That is not paranoia in my view, it is an honest estimate of economic trends
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
Did I miss something? What's this got to do with anything stated here. Please explain.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
*Industrial Espionage
And also secrets given away - possibly
Yet it may be a "SLIP" or an incomplete thought on the part of that person....
I wonder about it too, it was oddly phrased
THIS IS THE WORLD WIDE WEB: Anything writ here is seen around the world, thus be aware of "COMSEC"
We don't really know who that is, do we?
BE CAREFUL
What is written on the world wide internet - is read by anyone and everyone
AND IT REMAINS...
"Beware Lad - all is not as it seems in this place..."
And also secrets given away - possibly
Yet it may be a "SLIP" or an incomplete thought on the part of that person....
I wonder about it too, it was oddly phrased
THIS IS THE WORLD WIDE WEB: Anything writ here is seen around the world, thus be aware of "COMSEC"
We don't really know who that is, do we?
BE CAREFUL
What is written on the world wide internet - is read by anyone and everyone
AND IT REMAINS...
"Beware Lad - all is not as it seems in this place..."
- ~Brynolff, of Riften
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 9
Did I miss something? What's this got to do with anything stated here. Please explain.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
I wouldn't want to see it sold off as "surplus" to China because it's too expensive to maintain in a historical setting in the U.S. It's spent it's life defending freedom and democracy around the world and to see it go over to the other side whether as surplus or as scrap to be refitted into a modern Chinese warship doesn't seem to me to be a fitting end to such a distinguished ship of the United States Navy. I don't think that would happen but if it's going to wind up as scrap I prefer to see that steel put to use in the good old USA. No offense intented.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Concord, CA
I wouldn't want to see it sold off as "surplus" to China because it's too expensive to maintain in a historical setting in the U.S. It's spent it's life defending freedom and democracy around the world and to see it go over to the other side whether as surplus or as scrap to be refitted into a modern Chinese warship doesn't seem to me to be a fitting end to such a distinguished ship of the United States Navy. I don't think that would happen but if it's going to wind up as scrap I prefer to see that steel put to use in the good old USA. No offense intented.
Second, she is nuclear which means we have to de-fuel her and then remove her reactors at PSNY for burial at Hanford.
There are two carriers, that have been sold just recently, the Indy (CV-62 Independence) and Connie (CV-64 Constellation), and will be scrapped in Texas I believe. Once they are cut up then the steel belongs to the ship breaker who then sells it for the best bid.
Government Teat-sucker
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach
I wouldn't want to see it sold off as "surplus" to China because it's too expensive to maintain in a historical setting in the U.S. It's spent it's life defending freedom and democracy around the world and to see it go over to the other side whether as surplus or as scrap to be refitted into a modern Chinese warship doesn't seem to me to be a fitting end to such a distinguished ship of the United States Navy. I don't think that would happen but if it's going to wind up as scrap I prefer to see that steel put to use in the good old USA. No offense intented.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 91
From: Concord, CA
Big E takes a short trip showing her haircut.
At the bottom is a cool video by the American Petroleum Institute back at the time the Big E was put into service. There are some great shots of the ship on the seas, the crew below decks and air ops. Crusaders, Skyhawks, a few Phantoms, a few Skywarriors, a Cougar and a Vigi flying past the steaming ship and some HUP-2 helos.
Big E Underway Again … For Dismantling
At the bottom is a cool video by the American Petroleum Institute back at the time the Big E was put into service. There are some great shots of the ship on the seas, the crew below decks and air ops. Crusaders, Skyhawks, a few Phantoms, a few Skywarriors, a Cougar and a Vigi flying past the steaming ship and some HUP-2 helos.
Big E Underway Again … For Dismantling
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 39,979
Likes: 1,512
From: Maine, Virginia
Thanks for posting Mike. She was all over the news here locally yesterday.
Watching a Naval vessel being decommissioned and dismantled is heart wrenching for me. In my career I served aboard seven (7) ships total, 3 submarines and 4 targets.
At the time of initial manning during pre-commissioning, she begins to take on a persona that is as much living and breathing as the sailors who control and maintain her.
She lives long and proud defending our way of life and then she dies after her duty is completed, and another living breathing ship assumes the watch.
Watching a Naval vessel being decommissioned and dismantled is heart wrenching for me. In my career I served aboard seven (7) ships total, 3 submarines and 4 targets.
At the time of initial manning during pre-commissioning, she begins to take on a persona that is as much living and breathing as the sailors who control and maintain her.
She lives long and proud defending our way of life and then she dies after her duty is completed, and another living breathing ship assumes the watch.
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