Saw this in the paper today and thought I'd share with all the military buffs here (CC is also posting again), seems like the USS Enterprise (not star trek or space shuttle) entered port for the last time today. It was the worlds first nuclear powered aircraft carrier and participated in every major conflict since it was launched. Also had a bit role in pop culture having appeared in numerous TV shows and movies from Top Gun to Star Trek. The ship will not be turned into a museum because of the still sensitive nuclear tech and designs.
Quote:
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.
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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.
One of the great ships and historic due to its name.
It was the first of an amazing breed of aircraft carriers in this case that allowed America to project power around the world.
I think the Enterprise is the oldest active commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy, I think the oldest is the wooden hulled Constitution.
I know its the eighth ship to bear the name, and there isn't another Enterprise in the future.
Its also sad that they can't turn the ship into a museum because they have to defuel and remove the reactors which will take out a massive amount of the boat and preserving the rest will be expensive.
A history of ships named Enterprise including the boat that changed WW2 the Yorkton class fleet aircraft carrier that was the first to usher in night operations at sea and the space shuttle
In 1989, I had the pleasure of seeing the Enterprise. We passed by on the Nimitz freeway on a family trip to Disneyland. To this day I remember it being a very impressive ship.
I love that pictures but its a little short on Enterprises.
There have been two enterprises in the Continental Navy
1775 a sloop of war class burnt to avoid capture
1776 Schooner class
6 in the American Navy
1799 Brig Clas vessel involved in the battle against the Barbary pirates and fired the first shots of the Barbary war
1831 Schooner class sail sold
1874 Sloop Class sail sold
1917 motorized patrol boat class
1938 Yorktown Aircraft carrier - remains the most decorated ship in U.S.naval history
1961 Enterprise class - first nuclear aircraft carrier
Other
Steam boat that participated in the battle of New Orleans, proved that Steamboats were practical
A civil war spotters balloon
First shuttle orbitor
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My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
i think it's pretty safe to assume there will always be a ship with the name USS Enterprise in the US military. it's a great tradition and such easy PR
USS Enterprise to be decommissioned Dec 1st
