The Decommissioning Of The USS Enterprise

The Last Voyage (2013): The legendary USS Enterprise aircraft carrier has served as a constant reminder of American military power. After serving in every major conflict since the early 1960s it is now finally being decommissioned.

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"You go up on this flight deck, four and half acres of US sovereign territory, it can go wherever we need it to go without a permission slip." For five decades this giant war machine has patrolled the world's oceans, featuring in Hollywood blockbusters and engaging with every major conflict since the Cuban missile crisis. But as the world's conflicts change, so has technology, and now warships like the Enterprise are being replaced. "We're building an aircraft carrier right now that's going to be a technological leap that will be so much further advanced." For Eric Young, the ship's longest serving crewmember, it's an emotional farewell. "It's been a great ship. A great tour for me. There's a lot of history here."

SBS Australia – Ref. 5756

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[DinkleFarts]

Let's make sure that history never forgets the name: Enterprise.

[azshooter]

I had the honor of touring Big E, moored at San Diego in 1967, the same year I earned my Eagle Scout Rank. I rode an elevator from flight deck, down, saw machine shops and even the bowling alley. Although too young to serve aboard the Enterprise, I feel the brief visit left with me a part of the soul of the ship.
It was a heartbreak to hear of the decommissioning, but some small solace to know that steel from CVN 65 will be incorporated into the upcoming CVN 80.

[tgrrr]

I served as a reactor technician from 1967 to 1971 on the Big E with 4 deployments to Vietnam and even North Korea during the Pueblo incident. I regret only that I did not use the time to learn more than I did. A sad day when this iron beast sails no more.

[jonb]

The name ENTERPRISE shall never die. WE ARE LEGEND!

[ronmccon]

My father spent years on this great vessel when he was a young man and if it wasn’t for the Navy and the Uss Enterprise he would have never met my Mother.. He also took me to the decommissioning of this boat and it was then I realized this boat changed many life’s salute to all Servicemen and especially the men that were at the Naval base in Alameda (CVN-65)

[jp]

As a young sailor my brother served on this great carrier in its infancy and shared many stories with my husband and me. So sad to see it decommissioned.

[konradhutchins]

Such a magnificent ship with an incredible history.
As a Star Trek fan I can only echo a quote made by Jean-Luc Picard “History will never forget the name Enterprise”

[sotm]

I worked as a welder on this ship during an overhaul in Bremerton, Wa.

[francistalbot]

I am a nuclear engineer. This air craft carrier is old but still my favorite ship. Go Navy and Marines.

[judithstevenson]

My son was fortunate enough to serve aboard this magnificent vessel on her last voyage. As he was removing his gear for the last time, he took me aboard her for a small tour. I had a chance to see the windlass room (where the anchor chain is kept). The size of the links in that chain is mind blowing. I also got to sit in the Captain's command chair. This experience was, by far, one of the greatest of my life.

[mymrbrandon]

This ship is named after the legendary U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6) That fought in WW II, earning 20 Battle Honors, more than any ship in history.

[mikebell]

I served 2 West-Pacs onboard the Big E while assigned to VA-94 out of NAS Lemoore. She brought us home safe each time. Nothing but love and respect for this boat and all of my shipmates.

[infinitecanadian]

It is always sad to see an end to such a ship.

[Eyes-of-Horus]

When I was in the Navy the ship (I hate to call it that) I was on had been at Gitmo doing a shakedown cruise at the same time the "Big E" was there. I was in the radar gang at the time. At one point I was tracking a contact on the radar. The XO wanted me to keep track of it. I ran the number for several minutes and the XO asked what was happening. I told him the speed and he said, "That's ridiculous! Do it again." So I did and got the same speed. He went to the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) to check out the call signals. He got out the book with the listings of all the ships opened it up and said "Oh." It was the Enterprise. All I can say is that that huge floating city was running at freeway speeds during the speed run. (I think I can tell you at least that otherwise I'd have to kill you if I told you the exact speed.)


A couple of years later when we were in the Cuban Blockade we gave "token" fuel to the Enterprise. The mast of the ship I was on didn't even reach the flight deck. But what got me was when we broke away the "rooster tail" created by the churning of the screws as she went away was so big it could have sunk the ship. What got me was the Enterprise was out of sight within less than 15 minutes. The Big E was quite a ship.

[danmarinucci]

cvn65, thank you for your service young lady.

[lorenzomaximo]

Actually the old CVN-65 apparently will in part sail the Seas again . When CVN 80 is completed some of the steel from CVN 65 will be part of CVN 80. Sailed alongside her in the Tonkin Gulf during the Vietnam war on CVA 34 USS Oriskany. We were part of CTF 77 7th Fleet. Semper Fortis.

[wilhard]

I went aboard the Enterprise in 1967 during an "open house" at Pearl Harbor. Just going aboard I was struck by its size. Myself and a few friends who worked at CinCPac got a bit more of a tour not seen by the general public. The combat center was very cool. Going onto the bridge was mind blowing. Looking out on the flight deck was amazing. Sorry to see her retire but she gave us her all as did all of her crews. I look forward to the next Big "E" to be launched.

[WhisThDctr]

One of the highlights of my childhood was getting a chance to stand on the flight deck of the Enterprise in Norfolk, VA.

[JohnSmith-mkmh]

Have a very fond memory of this ship. I was the BMOW on the night President Nixon was piped over the 1mc, announcing the end of the Vietnam War. We were off the coast of Vietnam at that time.

[CAD-thqe]

Godspeed Enterprise! You did your job protecting the world.Rest in peace old girl.You deserve it!