Posted on 11/25/2010 10:29:21 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Carrier Enterprise turns 49 on Thanksgiving Day
Credit: U.S. Navy
The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise during sea trials earlier this year.
by US Navy News 13NEWS / WVEC.com Posted on November 25, 2010 at 1:00 PM
NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Norfolk-based aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) is celebrating its 49th birthday on this Thanksgiving Day.
The strike group is currently in port undergoing preparations for an upcoming deployment.
During its commissioning, then Secretary of the Navy John B. Connally Jr. called the Big E a worthy successor to the seventh Enterprise, which was the most decorated ship in World War II. In his remarks, Connally said Enterprise will reign for a long, long time as "queen of the seas.".
Former Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Jack Kepics was there that historic day and remembers it vividly.
"There was a chilly breeze that blew through the hangar bay as about 3,000 of us stood in ranks shivering in our dress blues," said Kepics. "Despite the dreary weather, the atmosphere was very festive, and a sense of pride beamed from every Sailor and officer as we stood and listened to the commissioning speeches." .
"Big E", as the crew affectionately named her, is the largest aircraft carrier to ever be built. One of a kind, Enterprise stretches 1,123 feet and weighs 73,858 tons. Enterprise is the only ship to ever house eight nuclear reactors.
"This is significant because we are still operating as efficiently as we did 49 years ago," said USS Enterprise Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Keith Oxley. "Roughly 250,000 Sailors have served aboard Enterprise in her 49-year tenure, and we are carrying on that legacy.".
The ship's first mission was to track and measure the flight of Mercury 'Friendship 7'. Big E's efforts culminated May 5, 1962 when Cmdr. Alan B. Shepard, Jr., became the first American to break the barrier of the Earth's atmosphere and ascend 116.5 miles in the Mercury capsule.
Big E has played a role in almost every major conflict since her commissioning. From the Cuban Missile Crisis, through multiple tours off Yankee Station in the Vietnam conflict, cold war tensions, and culminating with it's rapid response on 9/11, Enterprise has been there to answer the nation's call time and again.
"I've been in the Navy for 25 years, and I cannot recall a ship that has been as active for this period of time," said Oxley. "I came to Enterprise for the sole reason of helping this fine ship to the very end of its life and also to be part of its history and heritage.".
Throughout Enterprise's naval career, it has earned many accolades and distinguished itself honorably time and time again. Enterprise has played a vital role in establishing sea power for the U.S. in the past and, with its upcoming deployment, will continue to do so into the future.
This sentiment reaffirms the tradition and level of excellence that Enterprise Sailors have shown throughout the vessel's history. The legend will continue to grow as it looks forward to its 50th birthday next year.
Enterprise Carrier Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.
The Big E is the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and with the exception of USS Constitution, is the oldest commissioned warship in the Navy. CVN-65 is the eighth U.S. ship bearing the name Enterprise and was commissioned Nov. 25, 1961.
“To boldly go where no man has gone before ...”
Wow — next year will be a heck of a time for the Enterprise!
What a storied history with much more to come, I’ll bet.
We must find the nuclear wessels!
I have an idea, drop this goofy name of naming aircraft carriers after Presidents (I don’t mind Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Reagan and Bush), but come on the Navy needs a ship named Enterprise...
Whatever happened to the WWII Enterprise? Is she still around?
Scrapped in 1958.
May God bless this ship, the sailors and the seas upon which she sails.
Our air craft carriers and Navy just never cease to amaze me. You have to be in awe of their capabilities and what they do for our nation. They give us the ability to project our power anywhere on the globe, almost on demand. Truly a result of the American Exceptionalism; the concept of which seems to be so elusive for our “president” and liberals as a whole.
Yeah. Isn't that a travesty.
The most decorated ship in WWII.
Fighting in 20 of the 22 major Pacific battles.
My dad served on her for 3 years 2 months sacrificing to keep America free.
Thanks Dad. RIP
Thanks CV6. RIP
http://www.cv6.org/
I served on a CVL.. Uss San Jacinto, cvl-30. it
was scrapped at Long Beach in early 60’s. Jake
God bless you and thank you for your service.
The last of her physical remains:
http://www.cv6.org/remember/default.htm
The last of her spirit:
http://www.cv6.org/
RIP CV6
Here, here!
I served on board the Rabger ubtil I went to nuke power school in MareIsland
Ranger, until
my nephew is currently serving on the big E. it was sort of ironic that he got stationed on the Enterprise when his whole family are Star Trek fanatics.
THis is SO cool. I just finished watching a video about this ship:
http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/sn/show.do?show=130371
Then I find this thread! Yea!
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