A Nimitz-class supercarrier, the Dwight D. Eisenhower, or Ike, was commissioned in 1977 in Newport News, Virginia. Assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, she was deployed to the Mediterranean Sea.
Ike participated in the following operations since her first deployment:
Response to the Iran hostage crisis
Eight deployments and one of the longest peacetime deployment
Collided with a Spanish coal ship that was anchored in the harbor while trying to dock at Norfolk Naval Station
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti
Operation Southern Watch and Deny Flight
Deployed in 2007 to cover those striking Al-Qaeda targets with ships from the Task Force countries
Battle group exercises off the coast of Iran
Deployed to the Arabian Sea to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom
Anti-piracy operations
Ike has earned several awards and honors over the duration of her service:
Battle “E” eight times to signify battle efficiency
Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award
Navy Unit Commendations twice
Navy Expeditionary Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Atlantic Fleet Retention Excellence Award