1
Discussions / US Navy Finally Decommissions "The Big E"
« on: February 05, 2017, 02:44:09 PM »
The real-life version of Starsector's Astral super-carrier has finally been decommissioned after being taken out of service several years ago. 'Tis a sad day, but read on to find a glimmer of hope for the illustrious name Enterprise...
But the best news is:
Related Video:
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideoDVIDS.asp?id=49&story_id=98707
Enterprise CVN-65 is the only naval ship ever built with eight nuclear reactors for her propulsion plant. The Nimitz-class carriers have only two reactors each. Enterprise's unprecedented and unique power design is the cause of one of her nicknames, "Eight Reactors, None Faster".
Quote
Famous aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) , was decommissioned during a ceremony held in the ship's hangar bay, Feb. 3 . The ceremony not only marked the end the ship's nearly 55-year career, it also served as the very first decommissioning of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Capt. Todd Beltz, commanding officer of the Enterprise, addressed the ship's company, former commanding officers and distinguished visitors and spoke of where the true spirit of "The Big E" comes from. "For all that Enterprise represents to this nation, it's the people that bring this ship to life," said Beltz. "So as I stand in this ship that we all care so much about, I feel it's appropriate to underscore the contributions of the thousands of sailors and individuals that kept this ship alive and made its reputation. We are 'The Big E.'"
Enterprise was the eighth commissioned US naval vessel to carry the name. It was also the only ship of the Enterprise-class nuclear-powered carriers - six ships were planned, but only the first was built. It was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding Co. - largest drydock in the western hemisphere - and was christened Sep. 24, 1960, by Mrs. Bertha Irene Franke, wife of former Secretary of the Navy William B. Franke. The ship was put to sea in 1961 and safely steamed more than 1 million nautical miles on nuclear power over its entire career of more than half a century.
CVN-80, a Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, is scheduled to begin construction in 2018, be delivered by 2025, and be in operation by 2027. She is tentatively slated to be named the USS Enterprise and will replace the USS Nimitz, lead ship of the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers and currently the oldest US Navy aircraft carrier still in service.
But the best news is:
Quote
At her inactivation ceremony, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced in his taped message that the next Ford-class carrier, CVN-80 would indeed be named Enterprise. Steel from the Enterprise will be used to construct that next USS Enterprise (CVN-80)
Related Video:
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideoDVIDS.asp?id=49&story_id=98707
Enterprise CVN-65 is the only naval ship ever built with eight nuclear reactors for her propulsion plant. The Nimitz-class carriers have only two reactors each. Enterprise's unprecedented and unique power design is the cause of one of her nicknames, "Eight Reactors, None Faster".
