The USS Enterprise (CVN-65):
A Pioneer of Naval Aviation
The USS Enterprise (CVN-65), nicknamed the "Big E," holds a storied place in U.S. naval history as the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
Commissioned on November 25, 1961, at Newport News, Virginia, it represented a leap forward in maritime technology, enabling extended operations without the need for frequent refueling.
Built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, the ship's keel was laid on February 4, 1958, and it was launched on September 24, 1960, at a cost of $451.3 million.
As the lead vessel of its class, Enterprise was originally planned as one of six, but escalating costs led to the cancellation of the others, making it unique in design and capability.
At 1,123 feet long after a refit—making it the longest naval vessel ever built—Enterprise displaced 93,284 long tons fully loaded. Its beam measured 132.8 feet at the waterline, with a draft of 39 feet.
Powered by eight A2W nuclear reactors driving four shafts, it achieved speeds of 33.6 knots and an unlimited range, limited only by crew endurance and supplies.
This propulsion system was revolutionary, featuring more reactors than any other carrier and allowing for 20-25 years between refuelings.
The ship could accommodate up to 5,828 personnel, including a crew of about 3,000 and an air wing of 1,800.
Its flight deck supported up to 90 aircraft, typically 60-plus, launched via four steam catapults. Armament evolved over time, starting minimal but later including Sea Sparrow missiles, Phalanx CIWS, and RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles for defense.
Advanced sensors like the SCANFAR phased-array radar (later replaced) and electronic warfare systems enhanced its operational edge.
Enterprise's early service was marked by high-stakes engagements. In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, it enforced a naval quarantine as part of Task Force 135, showcasing its rapid deployment capabilities.
By 1965, it joined the Vietnam War, launching thousands of combat sorties, including a record 165 in one day. Tragedy struck in 1969 with a devastating flight deck fire that killed 27 sailors and injured 314, caused by an exploding rocket.
The 1970s saw continued Vietnam involvement, including Operation Linebacker II in 1972 and the evacuation of Saigon via Operation Frequent Wind in 1975, where it flew 95 sorties.
It also deployed to the Indian Ocean during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War and provided disaster relief in Mauritius after Typhoon Gervaise.
The 1980s brought new challenges. In 1986, Enterprise transited the Suez Canal to support Operation El Dorado Canyon, the U.S. bombing of Libya.
It participated in Operation Earnest Will in 1988, escorting Kuwaiti tankers in the Persian Gulf, and Operation Praying Mantis, striking Iranian targets.
The 1990s focused on post-Cold War operations: enforcing no-fly zones in Bosnia (Operation Joint Endeavor) and Iraq (Operation Southern Watch) in 1996, and leading strikes during Operation Desert Fox in 1998, where it launched 297 sorties and dropped nearly 692,000 pounds of ordnance.
A 1998 flight deck crash involving an EA-6B Prowler and S-3 Viking claimed four lives.
Entering the 21st century, Enterprise played a pivotal role in the Global War on Terror. Following the September 11 attacks, it supported Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001, flying 660 missions and dropping over 829,000 pounds of ordnance.
In 2003-2004, as part of Carrier Strike Group 12, it backed Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom with over 3,500 sorties.
Deployments in 2006 and 2007 saw similar support, with thousands of combat missions and precision strikes. Its final deployment in 2011 involved 2,241 combat sorties in the Arabian Sea, including transits through the Strait of Hormuz.
Non-combat incidents, such as crew losses in 2007 and 2011, underscored the risks of service.
After 25 deployments and 51 years, Enterprise was inactivated on December 1, 2012, at Naval Station Norfolk. Decommissioning followed on February 3, 2017, after defueling its reactors at Newport News Shipyard under a $745 million contract.
At inactivation, it was the third-oldest commissioned U.S. Navy vessel, behind USS Constitution and USS Pueblo.
Its legacy includes pioneering nuclear propulsion, influencing subsequent carrier designs, and earning numerous awards, such as the Navy Unit Commendation.
The Enterprise name endures with CVN-80, the third Ford-class carrier, under construction at Newport News. As of August 2025, it's delayed, with delivery now projected for July 2030 due to construction challenges.
This new vessel will continue the tradition of innovation, honoring the "Big E's" enduring impact on naval power.
Nautical Mile Magazine
