Enterprise has the distinction of being both the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the longest carrier in the world. Launched in 1960 and Commissioned in 1961, it’s the oldest vessel still in use in the U.S. Navy Fleet. Known as “Big E,” she’s due to be decommissioned in 2013.
Due to cost, she is the only ship in her class and the only one to have more than two nuclear reactors aboard.
Over her long and impressive career, she has participated in the following:
Tracking for the Friendship 7 space capsule that orbited the earth
Formed part of the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis
Operation Sea Orbit to sail the world
As part of 7th Fleet, launched aircraft and sorties to fight the Viet Cong
Task Force 71 –protection of reconnaissance patrols over international waters
Sent sorties for attacks on South Vietnam
Intimidation of the Navy of India during the Indo-Pakistani War
Disaster relief for Typhoon Gervaise on Mauitius Island.
Operation Frequent Wind for the evacuation of contingencies in Vietnam
Numerous WESTPAC deployments
Various operations in the Middle East
Training exercises with the British Royal Navy
Enterprise is scheduled for decommissioning in 2013. The decommissioning process is expected to take longer than with previous carriers, due to the nuclear reactors.