USS ENTERPRISE ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA

ABC | 11-09-01 | dfu

[doug from upland]

Well other time zones, I'm about to watch two hours of the ENTERPRISE. How was it in the other time zones???

[hawkeyeBetsy]

Yes, she has a long proud history, but she also carries the name of ANOTHER ship that was decomissioned and scrapped.

That mark in history is a shame, too. The most decorated ship in WWII, reduced to scrap in 1959. They needed to raise $2 million in the period of a few months to save it.

I disagree with you that it's just a piece of steel. So would just about every sailor in the U.S. Navy.

[B-Chan]

That old barge will last forever.

(Well, at least Main Machinery Room #4 will. I know, because I lubed and painted a good deal of it...)

B-chan
Former MM3, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65)

[hut1hut2]

"Big E" completed a SLEP overhaul/Refueling in '95. This was intended to extend her life 20-30 years.

Does it make economic sense to keep her commissioned? The overhaul money has been spent. As long as it is cheaper to operate Enterprise than construct a new carrier, the answer is yes.

A peice of equipment can be rebuilt many times. You replace all the parts subject to wear. When does your computer wear out? How many times can you replace the hard drive or motherboard? Equipment can be replaced and upgraded almost infinitely.

Another thing to consider: Ask a squid how often he has taken apart a valve or pump or other piece of equipment. Or chipped and painted a bulkhead whether it needs it or not. These ships are generally well cared for.

[Blood of Tyrants]

I was also in the Navy. VAQ-140 out of Whidbey Island, Washington. Served aboard the USS John F. Kennedy in '86. She was 18 years old then and was starting to look old. Ask any sailor that has served aboard a 40 year old ship about the problems with electrical, plumbing, and other things. You will find that they would much prefer to serve aboard a new ship.

The JFK is in the reserves and the USS America has already been retired and is 3 years younger than the Enterprise. The MAIN reason that the Enterprise is still on active duty is because she is a nuke. If she weren't, she would have long been decomissioned.

[MarketR]

We who live in the "hinterlands" i.e. Chicago, know little about the great capital ships of our navy, save pictures and articles written about them. Some, however, have had the opportunity to experience, in person what one of these magnificent ships look like and "feel" like.

I am one of those lucky ones. I have one picture of an aircraft carrier in my mind. When I hear the words I see only one ship in my minds eye.

U.S.S. Enterprise.

I can still see the majesty and feel the power of that ship as it sat in Alameda(sp?) when I visited San Fransico over 20 years ago.

[hut1hut2]

What is it with you guys? It is a ship. An inanimate object that is wearing out. Just how long do think she will be seaworthy? How many times can a turbine be rebuilt?

Stop trolling!!

[hut1hut2]

(Well, at least Main Machinery Room #4 will. I know, because I lubed and painted a good deal of it...)

Er, was it pushing #1 and pulling 2 and 3?

[colorado tanker]

I happened to be in Virginia last April and watched the Big E battle group sail out. It was truly an awesome experience for this landlubber. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine at that time what the Enterprise's ultimate mission would be. Welcome home, well done.

[B-Chan]

At the time I served in her, ENTERPRISE had eight nuclear reactors. Each RX drove four steam generators; eight steam generators each fed into the four Westinghouse turbine systems that drove the four screws that drove the ship. Each of the four turbines (and gearboxes) was located in a space called a Main Machinery Room. I worked in #4 MMR, port side amidships.

It's hot and noisy down there.

[B-Chan]

ENTERPRISE website

[hut1hut2]

I was referring to a sign that was posted above the ladder to the MMR from "the flats".

It may have been in #2, with similar wording.

It's hot and noisy down there.

EOS and RCER were cool and quiet.

Free the Nukes!

[Al B.]

The Big E's fighter wings are landing at Oceana now. It's on Fox.

[B-Chan]

Heh! I don't remember seeing that sign, but it is funny!

To be honest, I spent as little time in the reactor spaces as I could...

[Jay W]

Yes, she has a long proud history, but she also carries the name of ANOTHER ship that was decomissioned and scrapped.

More than one other ship in history had that name!

And, she also carries the name of a starship yet to be built....

[goodieD]

You might have, except last nite, my hubby and I realized at the same time that it was our wedding anniversary..LOL! Since we figured it out too late to do anything yesterday, we are celebrating tonite! If anyone wishes, however, I will drop off my "Honk If You Love America" sign, and perhaps a couple of chairs for y'all?

[mtngrl@vrwc]

Hey, what's going on? I wasn't invited.

You are always invited to our once a week peacenik counter-protest in Fresno which is being held every Friday as long as the peaceniks show up.

Anytime you would like to join us, we would love to have you!

[Beep]

Ping. Will I see you tonight?

Not me, unfortunately. Nashville still , despite all my begging and selfish prayer, hasn't moved a single inch closer to FResno! (Waaaahhhhhh!!)

However, my suspicions and worst fears have been realized. Our sailor is no longer fighting on the front lines, and is -- in fact -- home now! The USS Vinson will be leaving for home soon as well. We'll need to find a name of a soldier/sailor -- who is STILL THERE! -- and who is willing to serve as a point of contact! I have three or four leads. AFVetGal -- you have any kinda pull in this area? Our "stuff" needs to be sent out to some homesick troops ASAP!! That is a full-time job for this weekend, and (hopefully) the first part of next week! Otherwise, I'll keep on keepin' on til we've got our guy, or gal!

Fear not! God is with us!! A wee bit o' prayer wouldna be hurtin' us any atall, neither! *G*

;-}

Hope you all are having a FReepin' good time on FReeper Island tonight!! Can't wait to hear about it when you have time to post!!

Mucho FReepy Hugs,
Sharon

[Jen]

We'll need to find a name of a soldier/sailor -- who is STILL THERE! -- and who is willing to serve as a point of contact!

Yes, ma'am! I can deliver to you the name and mailing address of one Navy reservist who is serving in Bahrain. He is a teacher who works with my sister and I've chatted with him by email. I just bought a bunch of stuff today that I'm sending him in a care package, so he knows to expect a box of stuff from me. I'm sure he'd be delighted to get more stuff from FReepers and share with his buddies.

I'll FReepmail the name and address and will let him know to expect more packages!

[Jen]

You have FReepmail!