USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Final Foreign Water Fleet Deployment

Part 6 of 6 (4 November 2012)

 

A Sailors tale of his Tour of duty in the U.S. Navy (August 1977 to February 1983) Operation Evening Light and Eagle Claw - 24 April 1980

 

Book - ISBN NO.

978-1-4276-0454-5

EBook - ISBN NO.

978-1-329-15473-5

 

 

Operations Evening Light and Eagle Claw (24 April 1980) Iran and Air Arm History (1941 to 1980)

 

Book ISBN NO.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

EBook ISBN NO.

978-1-329-19945-3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Final Foreign Water Fleet Deployment

 

Part 1 of 6 (10 February to 26 March 2012)

Part 2 of 6 (27 March to 12 May 2012)

Part 3 of 6 (12 May to 18 July 2012)

Part 4 of 6 (19 July to 21 September 2012)

Part 5 of 6 (22 September to 3 November 2012)

Part 6 of 6 (4 November 2012)

 

 

“On 4 November 2012, USS Enterprise (CVN-65) with CVW-3, Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 embarked arrrived Naval Station, Norfolk, Virginia, with Captain William C. Hamilton, Jr., as Commanding Officer, ending her 11^th Mediterranean Sea deployment (19^th & 20^th voyage), operating with the 6^th Fleet, en route to the Mediterranean Sea through the Atlantic operating with the Navy's Fleet Forces Command to the Mediterranean Sea, making her 18^thSuez Canal transit, on her 18^h Red Sea and Gulf of Aden voyage en route to her 13^th Arabian Sea deployment as part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces in support of her 4^th Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and theater security cooperation efforts designed to maintain regional stability in international waters around the globe and her 6^th Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the "military response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, commencing on 7 October 2001, on her 7^thArabian/Persian Gulf deployment and 8^th aerial Arabian/Persian Gulf deployment via the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf, operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5^th Fleet, operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5^th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain in July 1995, moving ashore in Bahrain in 1993, while their former head quarters, USS LA SALLE departed for overhaul and reassignment, and the 5^th Fleet, reactivated with operational control of the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea, while U.S. Naval Forces Central Command operational control extends to the Indian Ocean following the war with Iraq (Operation Desert Storm), with the Commander, 7^th Fleet, serving as naval component commander for Central Command, with the beginning of Operation Southern Watch. The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group consists of approximately 5,500 Sailors and Marines. For Enterprise, the Navy's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the deployment represents the culmination of more than 50 years of distinguished service. Commissioned in 1961, the Enterprise is both the largest and oldest active combat vessel in the Navy. Enterprise's age, however, does not impact its effectiveness. Throughout its storied history, Enterprise has played a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, and was one of the first Navy assets deployed following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The importance of the role Enterprise has played in both national and naval history is a fact not lost on the Sailors and Marines currently aboard the ship. "The crew is very mindful that we are following the legacy of the more than 200,000 Sailors who have come before us during the last 50 years," said Hamilton. "It's the Sailors of this great warship, and the Sailors that have served aboard “Big E” over the past half-century that have established the legacy she enjoys." Enterprise was designed in the late 50's for a 25-year lifespan, and the Nimitz-class carriers were designed for 50 years. "To effectively double the service life of a ship as complex as Enterprise speaks volumes about the design strengths of the world's first nuclear-powered carrier, the Navy's commitment to cost effectiveness, and our Sailors hard work and innovation throughout the last half-century to keep her going strong," said Hamilton. Enterprise is scheduled for deactivation and eventual decommissioning following its anticipated return later this year, marking the end of the carrier's legendary 50-plus years of service. When guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78) and the rest of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group departed Naval Station, Norfolk, Va. on 11 March 2012, the crew was prepared for their deployment. The crew had trained and prepared for many months to be able to provide maritime security, stability and an important naval presence in the U.S. 5^th and 6^th Fleet areas of responsibility. While getting underway from Naval Station Norfolk, Va. on 11 March 2012, Enterprise experienced extensive fouling to three of her four main engines and five of the ship's eight service turbine generators. Fouling occurs when any foreign debris gets built up in the impellers causing increased pressure on the main engines. It can be anything from small sea creatures to large pieces of trash sucked into the ship's systems creating a blockage. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Va. on 12 March 2012 for a scheduled deployment. Nitze, operating with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, is scheduled to work with coalition maritime forces focusing heavily on Maritime Security Operations and theater security cooperation efforts designed to maintain regional stability. Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) departed Norfolk Naval Station on 12 March 2012 on the ship's fourth deployment with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. A Sailor aboard Enterprise was recovered uninjured after falling overboard at 5:39 a.m. on 15 March 2013. The Sailor was recovered by an SH-60F Seahawk search and rescue helicopter from Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 11. The Sailor was working on the flight deck when the incident occurred. Several other Sailors working nearby witnessed the fall and immediately called for assistance. The HS-11 helicopter, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, was not airborne at the time of the incident, but quickly made preparations for takeoff in response to the man overboard call. Enterprise conducted a mass casualty drill on 17 March 2012, as part of a continued commitment to mission readiness. A mass casualty is any instance in which the level of casualties is greater than the medical department can support. As Sailors aboard USS Porter (DDG-78) continue across the Atlantic Ocean on 17 March 2012, they take advantage of the time during the transit to the 5^th and 6^th Fleet areas of operation to further hone their mission readiness. With a crew of about 300, Porter Sailors must be well-versed in all aspects of the ship's operations in order to maintain the highest level of readiness. Sailors assigned to Enterprise committed the remains of 11 veterans, including two former Enterprise Sailors, to their final resting place in the Atlantic Ocean during a burial at sea ceremony on 17 March 2012. Sailors aboard Enterprise conducted an ammunition upload for multiple weapons systems used in shipboard defense from 15 to 17 March 2012. Enterprise is equipped with two phalanx close-in weapons systems (CIWS), two NATO Sea Sparrow Missile Systems, and two rolling airframe missile (RAM) mounts. Medical Department Sailors aboard Enterprise conducted a ship-wide vaccination, or SHOTEX, while on deployment from 19 to 20 March 2012. The SHOTEX evolution allows a large percentage of the crew to quickly and efficiently receive the immunizations required for them to operate in the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility. The shots are part of an effort to keep Sailors healthy and mission ready at all times. During this SHOTEX, corpsmen administered vaccines for both small pox and anthrax. "Anthrax and small pox are mandatory vaccinations for uniformed personnel deploying to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility for more than 15 consecutive days," said Lt. Monica E. Hernandez, a medical administrative officer aboard Enterprise. Sailors aboard Enterprise hosted a material, maintenance and management assist (3MA) team on 22 March 2012 as they evaluated the ship's 3M program. The 3MA team consists of senior enlisted members ranging from chief petty officers to master chief petty officers from Commander, Naval Air Force's 3M training department. They are responsible for assessing Enterprise's 3M program and training Sailors to be more successful at 3M. Enterprise traversed rough seas and high winds while transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar on 23 March 2012. Although the passage was rescheduled for early in the morning, allowing Enterprise to transit with less traffic in the strait, weather conditions remained severe, making the transit challenging. “The wind can push you off course if it's strong enough and the waves and sea state are obviously going to be affected," said Quartermaster Seaman Robert J. Stallcup, a master helmsman, who was supervising and training junior quartermasters while piloting Enterprise through the strait. Enterprise entered the Mediterranean Sea on 24 March 2012. The commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, of the Royal Netherlands navy, visited Enterprise on 24 March 2012 as the ship began its participation in a passing exercise (PASSEX) conducted from 24 to 25 March 2012. The purpose of the PASSEX was to demonstrate that the assets of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group could effectively work with the SNMGs in the 6^th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) to accomplish the shared goal of maintaining the safety and security of the region's sea lanes. The SNMG 1 ships participating in the PASSEX were the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter - Commodore Ben Bekkering's flagship, the Spanish frigate ESPS Alvaro de Bazan, the German frigate FGS Rheinland-Pfalz and the Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown. The Standing NATO Maritime Groups, of which there are two, are a multinational, integrated maritime force made up of vessels from various allied countries. These vessels are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from participating in exercises to actually intervening in operational missions. These groups provide NATO with a continuous maritime capability for NATO Response Force (NRF) operations, non-NRF operations and other activities in peacetime and in periods of crisis and conflict. They also help to establish Alliance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support transformation and provide a variety of maritime military capabilities to ongoing missions. While aboard Enterprise, Bekkering met with Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, and briefly toured the United States' first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, currently on its final deployment. Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) completed a series of training evolutions with Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1 during a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the Mediterranean Sea from 24 to 25 March 2012. During the two-day exercise, nine ships from multiple navies were provided the opportunity to work together to promote communications, interoperability and partnership for the shared goal of maintaining the safety and security of the region's sea lanes. "PASSEX allows the Enterprise CSG to train with our coalition partners, build on relationships and maintain our interoperability," said Cmdr. Richard D. Brawley, surface operations officer for Carrier Strike Group 12. One of the evolutions conducted was a link exercise (LINKEX), which employed the Link-11 and Link-16 tactical data link systems to trade communications, intelligence and other data directly among all the ships in the exercise. The ships used these systems during an air-defense exercise to increase self defense and create a better situational awareness. The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) arrived in Villefranche, France on 25 March 2012 for a regularly-scheduled port visit. The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78) arrived in Palma, Spain on 26 March 2012 for a regularly scheduled port visit. The visits serves to continue U.S. 6^th Fleet efforts to build global maritime partnerships with European nations and improve maritime safety and security in the region.

Enterprise was underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 24 to 27 March 2012. Enterprise hosted a reception during a regularly scheduled three-day port visit to Piraeus, Greece on 28 March 2012. The reception, which provided an opportunity for the U.S. and Greece to highlight the partnership between the two countries, was attended by the U.S. Ambassador to Greece Daniel Bennett Smith. "I think having this reception aboard Enterprise sets a standard for relations with our European partners," said Smith. "The love and connectivity of everyone here just makes it a wonderful visit for the crew." More than 900 Greek officials, Greek, European and U.S. military leadership, including Commander, U.S. 6^th Fleet, and USS Vicksburg (CG-69) Commanding Officer Capt. Logan Jones were in attendance. Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ECSG) Sailors and Marines helped support the organization Doctors of the World on 29 March 2012 as part of the Navy's people-to-people program, "Project Handclasp." Fifteen Sailors and Marines from Enterprise and Lt. Eddy Logan, guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg's (CG-69) command chaplain, teamed up to help those in need and foster a positive community relationship. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) departed Villefranche, France on 29 March 2012 after a regularly-scheduled port visit. During the visit, the crew was able to enjoy some French culture and unwind after a busy Atlantic Ocean transit. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) departed Villefranche, France on 29 March 2012 after a regularly-scheduled port visit. During the visit, the crew was able to enjoy some French culture and unwind after a busy Atlantic Ocean transit. "The culture was amazing," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Valerie Goldfarb. "All of the food I ate was delicious. It was great to try things I have never eaten, or even heard of, before." The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) departed Civitavecchia, Italy on 30 March 2012, after concluding a regularly-scheduled port visit. The visit served to continue U.S. 6^th Fleet efforts to build global maritime partnerships with European nations and improve maritime safety and security in the region, while also giving the crew an opportunity to discover the rich culture of the region. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78) departed Palma de Mallorca, Spain on 30 March 2012, concluding the first port visit of the ship's current deployment. While in port, Porter's crew got a chance to sample the local culture and cuisine, while also giving a little back to the community of Palma. Enterprise and guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) departed Piraeus, Greece on 31 March 2012, following a scheduled three-day port visit. While in Piraeus from 28 to 30 March 2012, Sailors from Enterprise and Vicksburg enjoyed liberty ashore, took tours of the major historical sites of Athens coordinated by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and took some time to sample the local cuisine and do some shopping. Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Sailors and Marines also participated in several community relations (COMREL) projects, ranging from a basketball tournament with the Hellenic Naval Academy basketball team to visits to SOS Village, a home for underprivileged children, and a local medical clinic. Vicksburg donated approximately 1,500 medical items to the clinic, ranging from adhesive bandages to cold wraps and other supplies, which Sailors and Marines then sorted through and packed into boxes, while others cleared space for more donations. Enterprise entered the Mediterranean Sea on 31 March 2012. Chief petty officers (CPO) assigned to Enterprise held a ceremony celebrating the 119^th birthday of the Chief Petty Officers on 1 April 2012, while underway in the U.S. 6^th Fleet area of responsibility. The celebration provided the chiefs' mess with an opportunity to come together to honor, celebrate and learn about the history of the CPO rank. "Today we gather here to pay homage to 119 years of the chief petty officer," said Senior Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Mark Farley. "What better place than the chiefs' mess aboard Enterprise as she sails on her final deployment defending freedom and our way of life." Chiefs from all departments gathered to listen to the words of Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, recollecting time he spent learning from the chief's mess. Enterprise and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 arrived in the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) on 3 April 2012. Prior to arrival in theater, the Enterprise CSG successfully completed a robust training cycle, where the crew was presented with various scenarios and situations they might face while deployed. These exercises involved simulated Maritime Security Operations, counter-piracy operations, and theater security cooperation engagements. Enterprise CSG joins the Abraham Lincoln CSG to support the combatant commander's operational requirements, while ensuring security and stability in the U.S. 5^th Fleet AOR. Enterprise entered the Mediterranean Sea on 31 March 2012, transiting the Suez Canal, her 18^th transit since her commission on 20 November 1998 and entered the Red Sea on 4 April 2012. Guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with Egyptian Navy corvette ship El Suez (F941) on 6 April 2012. During the PASSEX, Egyptian officers were embarked aboard Nitze to observe, as well as to help communicate with El Suez. The PASSEX gave each ship the opportunity to guide the other in a series of coordinated division tactical maneuvers. Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) completed its annual Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fundraiser on 6 April 2012. The fundraising took place throughout the month of March and the first week of April, raising a total of $37,647.00. Enterprise was underway in the Red Sea from 5 to 6 April 2012, passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and entered the Gulf of Aden on the 2^nd”. The Bab-el-Mandeb (variously transliterated Mandab or Mandib, and with article "el-" given also as "al-", with or without connecting dashes) meaning "Gate of Scars" in Arabic (باب المندب), is a strait located between Yemen, on the Arabian Peninsula (northeast), Djibouti and Eritrea, north of Somalia, in the Horn of Africa (southwest), that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean (southeast). It is sometimes called the Mandab Strait in English. Enterprise entered the Arabian Sea on 7 April 2012. Sailors and Marines attended an Easter Sunday sunrise service aboard Enterprise on 8 April 2012. Sailors of many different religious backgrounds gathered on the flight deck to observe the Easter Sunday celebration led by Cmdr. John Owen, Enterprise Command Chaplain. Guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78) arrived in the Gulf of Aden on 8 April 2012, to join with Combined Maritime Forces, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. CTF 151, a multi-national, mission-based task force based in Bahrain, conducts counter-piracy operations in the Southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. As  reported  on 8 April 2012, the command Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) representative aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) witnessed firsthand how a sexual assault impacted the life of one young female Sailor. Chief Information Systems Technician Megan C. Gibbs spoke about how the young Sailor had been frightened of the repercussions should anyone found out, and she was embarrassed that it had happened. She didn't know who to turn to, and worst of all, she didn't think anyone would believe her. Sailors and Marines of the Jewish faith came together to celebrate Passover Seder aboard Enterprise on the evening of 11 April 2012. Cmdr. Joel D. Newman, a Rabbi from Naval Base Coronado, visited Enterprise and hosted the Seder in the commanding officer's in-port cabin. "Passover is a holiday that lasts eight days," said Newman. "During the Passover holiday, there is a special service that takes place in the home, which, in this case, is the ship. That service is called the Passover Seder." Enterprise steamed through the Arabian Sea on the 7^th to the North Arabian Sea operating from 8 to 12 April 2012 en route to the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. As reported on 15 April 2012, Enterprise is conducting training and promoting the Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign throughout the month of April. Enterprise Sailors are focusing on the awareness and prevention of sexual assault in support of the overall DoD theme, "Hurts One, Affects All." "We're completely invested in this program," said Enterprise Executive Officer Capt. Greg Huffman. Enterprise steamed through the Arabian Sea on the 7^th to the North Arabian Sea operating from 8 to 12 April 2012 en route to the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, entering the Persian Gulf on 16 April 2012. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters visited Enterprise on 16 April 2012. UFC superstars Rich Franklin and Keith Jardine toured “Big E” during the ship's final deployment to meet U.S. Sailors and Marines, sign autographs and give a grappling demonstration. While onboard, Jardine and Franklin enlisted the help of a Sailor and several Marines, assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, during a demonstration of wrestling moves and jiu-jitsu techniques. They also answered questions from those observing in the crowd. As reported on 16 April 2012 “as Enterprise continues its participation in Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), one group of Sailors onboard are particularly invested in the training and education of the crew to prevent incidents of sexual assault. This group consists of Enterprise's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) representatives, and for them, SAAM is a year-round effort. Each department onboard Enterprise has an appointed SAPR representative and, although these representatives are helping guide the training occurring aboard Enterprise this month, their mission doesn't end when SAAM concludes on 30 April 2012. The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and celebrity guests visited Enterprise as part of a United Service Organization (USO) tour on 17 April 2012. Adm. James A. "Sandy" Winnefeld and a group of celebrities thanked the Sailors and Marines aboard the ship for their service by bringing them a break from the rigors of carrier life. Joining the vice chairman on the USO tour were comedian/actor Anthony Anderson, former Major League Baseball pitcher Randy "The Big Unit" Johnson, performer Jason "Wee-Man" Acua, TV and film actor Dennis Haysbert, Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders Allyson Traylor, Brittany Evans and Kelsi Reich and former "American Idol" contestants Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young. Sailors assigned to Enterprise completed a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE-6) on 18 April 2012. During the RAS, Enterprise took on supplies, such as food, mail and fuel, among other necessities, essential to the ship's mission and crew morale. Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) conducted weeklong combined operations with French anti-air destroyer FS Cassard (D-614) from 16 to 21 April 2012. The operations were designed to leverage cooperative relationships to safeguard the region's vital links to the global economy. Cassard is deployed from its homeport of Toulon, France and is operating in the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of operations in concert with Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. Enterprise and guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) conducted integrated mission training with French navy anti-aircraft destroyer Cassard (D-614) and British navy air defense destroyer HMS Daring (D-32) in the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility on 21 April 2012. The naval forces conducted training to strengthen the crews' tactical proficiency and ability to integrate effectively during Maritime Security Operations and theater security cooperation engagements. "This is essentially a passing exercise (PASSEX) and an opportunity to work with the French and British navies," said Cmdr. Richard Brawley, operations officer for Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. "Cassard has conducted a lot of the air defense duties for us." Daring participated in the PASSEX for five days with tactical control of Daring transferring to Enterprise for two days. By transferring tactical control, the Enterprise's staff determined the British navy ship's movements and operations. During the remainder of the training, Daring acted as an independent operator. "We integrated Daring into gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, and air defense exercises," said Brawley. During the integrated mission training, Enterprise and Vicksburg exchanged liaison naval officers (LNOs) with Cassard to support communication between the leadership of all the ships. Each LNO is a subject matter expert for their ship. As Earth Week kicked off around the world on 22 April 2012, guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) followed suit with a concerted effort to minimize the ship's footprint. James E. Williams limits waste, conserves water, and properly disposes of their hazardous material to preserve the integrity of the world's oceans. Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78) celebrated Earth Day 2012 while deployed to the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) on 22 April 2012. The ship hosted an Earth Day barbecue that offered Sailors a chance to relax, while reflecting on the ship's environmental conservation efforts. Sailors and Marines assigned to Enterprise observed Earth Day on 22 April 2012. Throughout the year, Enterprise does its part to protect the environment through daily practices that minimize the ship's environmental impact without affecting mission readiness. Sailors aboard Enterprise work with materials potentially harmful to the environment, known as hazardous material (HAZMAT), which needs to be disposed of in a safe manner, with minimal or no effect on the environment. "Plastics, paints and solvents are the most common materials we have aboard that are harmful to the environment," said Chief Logistics Specialist Donald B. Jones, leading chief petty officer of the HAZMAT division. "These materials are saved until we get back to shore, where they can be recycled or disposed of at the proper shore facility." ily waste generated aboard Enterprise is disposed of in the same manner. Enterprise's system ensures that residual engineering oily liquids are reused or disposed of properly by shore facilities when the ship returns to homeport. Enterprise was underway in the Persian Gulf from 16 to 23 April 2012. Enterprise made a port of call at Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 24 to 27 April 2012 and then entered the Persian Gulf en route to the North Arabian Sea, transiting the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman between 27 and 28 April 2012, entering the North Arabian Sea on 28 April 2012 Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 began flying combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) on 1 May 2012. Through these missions, the Navy and Marine Corps squadrons aboard Enterprise are providing direct support to coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan. he missions include close-air support, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and airborne command and control. In Afghanistan, these missions degrade terrorist activities, diminish Taliban influence and improve security, which leads to stability and economic prosperity. CVW-1 spent months preparing for these missions, and is ready to join coalition forces in the region. Enterprise joins the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the region. Thus far, Abraham Lincoln has flown more than 1,400 sorties, totaling more than 8,700 flight hours in support of coalition efforts in Afghanistan, according to the Lincoln's Public Affairs Office. Over the course of May 1, their first day supporting OEF, CVW-1 aircraft flew 29 sorties. Enterprise should fly approximately 170 OEF sorties per week. Commander U.S. 5^th Fleet reported U.S. Navy aircraft have averaged about 5,000 close-air support missions per year in support of OEF, since 2009. As they did in 2011, Enterprise and CVW-1 will directly contribute to that total in 2012. During last year's deployment to the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility, Enterprise and CVW-1 supported OEF with a total of 1,450 combat sorties. As reported on 2 May 2012, “Sailors assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze's (DDG-94) Supply Department are doing their part to improve energy efficiency while underway during the ship's current deployment. Supply Department is leading the battle for energy efficiency while operating at sea. Every day, Sailors on board use some form of paper product. From toilet paper to printer paper, the most commonly used products on the ship are also the most environmentally friendly. "All of our consumable paper products are made from recycled materials," said Lt. Cmdr. Colin Engels, Nitze's supply officer. Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) performed a replenishment at sea (RAS) with Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Suppy (T-AOE-6) on 3 May 2012. A RAS can occur when two ships get close enough to transfer supplies and fuel while steaming. Vicksburg participates in a RAS approximately once a week. "The importance of [RAS] cannot be overstated," said Lt. j.g. Shannon K. Bencs, food service officer aboard Vicksburg. "We take on parts, fuel, mail and food." During the average RAS, Vicksburg takes on approximately $30,000.00 to $40,000.00 worth of food and approximately 1,400 pounds of mail. "[A RAS] is also a great opportunity for us to offload plastic waste and broken parts," said Bencs. "We couldn't get by with just re-supplying from port visits." The Checkmates of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 held an airborne change of command ceremony in the skies over deployed aircraft carrier Enterprise on 7 May 2012. Cmdr. John Bixby relieved Cmdr. James A. McCall as commanding officer (CO), as both flew in F/A-18F Super Hornets, assigned to VFA-211. They read their orders, with McCall giving the final flight lead to Bixby as they flew over Enterprise. Step Afrika!, the world's first professional dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping, visited Enterprise during the carrier's final deployment, on 11 May 2012. Step Afrika! performed for the crew and promoted an understanding of, and appreciation for, stepping, a type of dance during which the body is used as an instrument to create intricate rhythms and sounds through a combination of footsteps, claps and the spoken word. Members of the Step Afrika! percussive dance group performed on guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) on 12 May 2012 during their current Navy Entertainment-sponsored tour. Step Afrika!, based in Washington D.C., performed on Vicksburg and aircraft carrier Enterprise following recent performances in the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility. Enterprise was underway in the North Arabian Sea from 28 April to 12 May 2012. CVW-1 launched first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. Enterprise entered the Strait of Hormuz on 16 May 2012 and Gulf of Oman, entering the Persian Gulf on the 17^th, underway in the Persian Gulf from 17 to 19 May 2012. Enterprise pulled in for a port of call at Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain on 20 May 2012. Sailors assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) volunteered for a community engagement event during a port visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain on 23 May 2012. The engagement took place at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) center, a non-profit school that specializes in teaching children, ages three to 17, who have special needs. Enterprise began phase one of its Midshipman Summer Cruise Training Program on 25 May 2012, and will host a total of three phases before the program concludes on 15 August 2012. Nine midshipmen, representing Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) programs from the University of Michigan, North Carolina State University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, University of Mississippi and The Citadel, are aboard Enterprise for their summer cruise. Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) completed a regularly scheduled port visit to Bahrain on 28 May 2012. Sailors had the chance to explore the rich culture in Bahrain, while continuing U.S. 5^th Fleet efforts to foster regional partnerships with locals in the country. Forty Sailors, including 20 new petty officers, were frocked on the flight deck of guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78) on 28 May 2012 after being selected to advance to the next rank. Porter's crew assembled on the flight deck to watch their shipmates, wearing their new crows and chevrons, receive their official frocking letters presented by the ship's commanding officer. Enterprise made a port of call at Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain from 20 to 27 May 2012 and then entered the Persian Gulf on the 28^th. As reported on 4 June 2012. Sailors and Marines aboard Enterprise commemorated the 70^th anniversary of the Battle of Midway with a ceremony conducted early in the morning on 4 June 2012, a fitting tribute given the ship's close ties to the battle. The previous USS Enterprise (CV-6) and her air wing played a vital role in the pivotal World War II battle that took place from 4 to 7 June 1942. The Battle of Midway is widely regarded as the turning point of the war in the Pacific. Enterprise received the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Environmental Quality Award on 5 June 2012, in recognition of the carrier's environmental protection programs and initiatives during fiscal year 2011. Lt. Caity Bourgoine received the award on behalf of Enterprise at a ceremony held at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington D. C. Lt. Robin M. Schubauer, Enterprise's assistant safety officer and afloat environmental protection coordinator, said the CNO Environmental Quality Award is given every year and it alternates between "big decks" and "small decks." Enterprise advanced 253 Sailors to petty officer 3rd class during a ceremony held in the ship's hangar bay on 8 June 2012. Sailors were individually recognized by Capt. William C. Hamilton Jr., the commanding officer (CO) of Enterprise, and CMDCM(AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff, the ship's command master chief (CMC). Each Sailor received a frocking letter from the CO and a third class petty officer coin from the CMC. Forty-four Sailors assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) were advanced to the next rank in a frocking ceremony on the ship's flight deck on 9 June 2012. The six first class, 15 second class and 23 third class petty officers were advanced from their previous ranks after attending a five-day petty officer indoctrination course. Enterprise was underway in the Persian Gulf from 28 May to 9 June 2012, en route to the North Arabian Sea, transiting the Strait of Hormuz (4^th transit while on her deployment) and Gulf of Oman and then entered the North Arabian Sea on 11 June 2006. Sailors and Marines aboard Enterprise came together in the ship's hangar bay on 16 June 2012, to recognize hospital corpsmen and to celebrate the 114^th birthday of the Navy's Hospital Corps. The event was organized by the medical staff to give the 4,600 Sailors and Marines aboard an historic overview of the Hospital Corps and to acknowledge, "the only enlisted corps in the Navy." "We want to let everyone know that we are proud of what we do," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Lestary Tiana Plair, Enterprise Hospital Corps celebration committee chairperson. Sailors assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) performed a burial at sea ceremony on 16 June 2012. Twenty-one Sailors and civilians were laid to rest during the ceremony, the first of its kind during Vicksburg's deployment. Burial at sea is a longstanding tradition in the Navy, and peacetime burial at sea has been commonplace since after World War II. A burial at sea may be requested through the Department of Decedent Affairs and a specific ship may be requested. The first day of summer may not be until June 20 but, for the Sailors and Marines of Enterprise, the season seemed to be in full swing as the carrier held a "steel beach" picnic on 14 June 2012, on the ship's flight deck. The day's festivities included activities such as sumo suits, jousting, mini pools, water guns, trike races and a driving range (with bio-degradable golf balls). Grills run by the carrier's Mustang Association were churning out hot dogs, burgers and chicken while bands and DJ's, "moved the crowd." Aviation ordnancemen (AO) assigned to Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 came together on 22 June 2012 for a photo on the flight deck spelling out the name of a young boy diagnosed with terminal cancer. The commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic visited Enterprise from 21 to 22 June 22012 while the ship was underway in the Arabian Sea supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch arrived aboard Enterprise to hear firsthand from Sailors about how well they are able to execute their mission and to identify any concerns or challenges they face while deployed. Branch met with officers, chiefs and junior enlisted Sailors in an effort to better understand issues at all levels. Enterprise is a national treasure," said Branch. "I'm glad to come out here, see you and be able to share in some of your glory on this deployment." After arriving aboard the “Big E,” Branch was greeted by the visit's hosts, Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ENTCSG), Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr., commanding officer of Enterprise, and Capt. Jeffrey L. Trent, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1. Shortly after his arrival, Branch conducted an all-hands call in the ship's hangar bay where he addressed the crew. "Enterprise has been around for nearly half of naval aviation's history and you continue to make good news happen all the time," said Branch. "To be on this 50-plus year-old warship, out here supporting Carrier Air Wing 1 and doing the job you guys are doing day in and day out, every day, under very tough conditions, and meeting the mark every day is just phenomenal." Guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) arrived in Victoria, Seychelles, for a port visit on 24 June 2012. The visit serves as an opportunity for the crew to relax after being at sea for more than a month. Enterprise was underway in the North Arabian Sea from 11 to 29 June 2012, entering the Persian Gulf through Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz (5 ^th transit while on her deployment) and then entered the Persian Gulf on the 30^th for a port of call at Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates from 1 to 4 July 2012 and then entered the Persian Gulf. The "Cooks From the Valley" organization treated Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) to more than 400 pounds of Prime-USDA, New York steaks on 4 July 2012. Walter Fisher, a member of "Cooks From the Valley," arrived aboard James E. Williams to offer his thanks and express his appreciation for the crew. Members of the non-profit organization "Cooks from the Valley" volunteered their time and resources to treat the Sailors and Marines aboard Enterprise to steaks hot off the grill while the ship was underway in the Arabian Gulf on 5 July 2012. The volunteers purchased, transported, cooked and served more than 5,000 New York strip steaks in an effort to boost crew morale and show appreciation for the dedicated service of the Sailors and Marines of the "Big E." Cmdr. Ryan Keys relieved Cmdr. Edgardo "Cheech" Moreno as commanding officer (CO) of the Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 11 Dragonslayers in an airborne change-of-command ceremony in the skies above deployed Enterprise on 6 July 2012. The ceremony began on the flight deck as Moreno addressed the crew of HS-11, offering his appreciation and gratitude to the squadron he had led. "You are my family," said Moreno. "I have nothing but love and respect for all of you." Service members aboard Enterprise formed a Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) committee aboard the ship on 10 July 2012. CSADD is a peer-to-peer mentoring program geared toward assisting Sailors in making positive decisions in all areas of their lives. The program was originally created for those in ROTC, JROTC and similar programs. However, it quickly spread throughout the Navy and is now a resource for all Sailors. Five Sailors from Enterprise visited Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFG-339) for a scheduled cross-training event on 11 July 2012. The event, which followed a visit by Charlottetown Sailors to Enterprise in May, promoted improving communication, interoperability and partnership between navies with a shared goal of providing maritime security. As reported on 12 July 2012, “Sailors assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) passed their deployment's halfway point the first week of July. This marks a significant milestone in the 20-year-old cruiser's final deployment. Enterprise was underway in the Persian Gulf from 5 to 11 July 2012, en route to the North Arabian Sea via the Strait of Hormuz (6^th transit while on her deployment) and entered the Gulf of Oman on 12 July 2012 and the North Arabian Sea on the 13^th. The aircraft carrier Enterprise conducted a mass casualty drill on 13 July 2012 as part of a continued commitment to mission readiness. A mass casualty is any instance in which the level of casualties is greater than the Medical Department alone can support. "This could be anywhere from 10 to 100 people," said Lt. Darcy Guerricagoitia, Enterprise's nurse. "It depends on the injuries, resources and personnel available. It enables us to exercise and evaluate the ship's response during a mass casualty scenario." During a mass casualty, there are four levels of casualties used by Medical personnel to categorize the injured who are then taken to one of four corresponding triage stations. Sailors and Marines aboard aircraft carrier Enterprise celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the ship's hangar bay on 18 May 2012. Celebrated across the nation during May, Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month is a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders living in the U.S. Enterprise's Multicultural Heritage Committee (MCHC) was responsible for planning and hosting the observance as the aircraft carrier continues its final deployment. The observance focuses on this year's theme: "Striving for Excellence in Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion." Guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) hosted Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 (MDSU-1), Company 1-5, as they conducted a salvage survey of a mooring buoy found adrift in the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility on 18 July 2012. DSU-1 was tasked by Commander, Task Force (CTF) 56 to conduct the survey, a visual and photographic inspection above and below water, as the buoy poses a navigational hazard to nearby vessels. A mid-deployment safety stand-down was held aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) on 19 July 2012. The purpose of the stand-down was to address any safety issues that may be prevalent throughout the ship, including the common dangers, stresses, fatigue and complacencies Sailors and Marines deal with while on deployment. Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) raffled care packages sent by the Family Readiness Group (FRG) on 19 July 2012. Twenty-five boxes filled with gifts ranging from $15 to $130, donated by spouses of the crew and the Family Readiness Group (FRG), were raffled to Sailors to raise money for the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) homecoming celebration for Vicksburg later this year. As people across the U.S. recognize the month of May as Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95), celebrated and educated the crew on AAPI culture and history while underway on 20 May 2012. Enterprise played host to the "Messlords," a group of popular restaurant owners from 18 to 20 July 2012, giving the chefs an opportunity to tour the legendary ship, and to meet with and cook alongside the crew. Sponsored by Navy Entertainment, the group of business-owning chefs have traveled to multiple forward-deployed military installations, have been featured on the Food Network and are renowned for their culinary skills. Their visit to the “Big E” however, presented the chefs with a thrill different from that associated with being on television. As reported on 26 July 2012, twenty-one crew members from Enterprise took a carrier on board delivery (COD) flight to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) today to reunite with family members currently serving aboard Ike. Crew members from Enterprise toured the Ike and seized the opportunity to spend time with family members and spouses they had not seen for nearly five months. "Twenty-one of the twenty-two passengers aboard the COD had family members aboard Eisenhower," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Cheri R. Snaza, the leading chief petty officer of Enterprise's Medical Department. "They ranged from spouses, brothers, sisters and cousins to uncles and nephews." U.S. Coast Guard advanced interdiction team (AIT) 12-07, assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Deployable Operation Group, embarked guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) to augment the ship's visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team on 26 July 20112. Comprised of Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) South and Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) New York, AIT 12-07 is an experienced maritime interdiction team proficient in maritime boarding, international law, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. U.S. Navy Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) participated in a series of training exercises with Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFH-339) on 27 July 2012. The exercise included a short term crew exchange which sent Nitze Sailors to Charlottetown while Nitze hosted Charlottetown Sailors. The exercise offered a glimpse into the operations of a different ship performing a similar mission in the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility. Sailors and Marines aboard Enterprise held a Caribbean Island Heritage Celebration in the ship's hangar bay on 29 July 2012. Enterprise's Multicultural Heritage Committee (MCHC) was responsible for planning and hosting the observance aboard the “Big E” as the carrier continued its final deployment. A Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Master Mobile Training Team (MMTT) visited Enterprise in the Arabian Sea to provide training to command leadership from 31 July to 31 August 2012 as the ship continued its final deployment. On 3 August 2012, marks the 50^th anniversary of the first deployment of Enterprise, and historians recently discovered the actual number of deployments is higher than commonly reported. Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus visited Enterprise in the Arabian Sea from 6 to 7 August 2012, as the carrier continued its final deployment. Enterprise Sailors and Marines, currently deployed to the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility, used this opportunity to welcome Mabus to the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Following his arrival on the carrier's flight deck, Mabus was greeted by Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ENTCSG) and Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr., Enterprise's commanding officer. Mabus was then escorted to the ship's navigation bridge and primary flight control before moving to the hangar bay where he addressed more than 3,000 Sailors and Marines gathered for an all-hands call. Guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) rescued 10 mariners from their burning vessel in the Gulf of Oman on 8 August 2012. The mariners - who claim to be Iranian - are being well cared for, receiving medical treatment and awaiting transport to Enterprise, which is coordinating the repatriation efforts. Enterprise steamed from the North Arabian Sea after completing operations conducted from 13 July to 6 August 2012, operating in the Arabian Sea from 6 to 7 August 2012, transiting the Strait of Hormuz ((7^th transit of her deployment) and and entered the Gulf of Oman on 9 August 2012 en route to the Persian Gulf. As reported on 10 August 2012, aboard Enterprise, a sense of pride and dedication is an easily recognizable attribute of those who serve on the Navy's oldest active warship. However, a little-known program is proof the enduring legend of Enterprise reaches many not actively serving aboard. This program serves as evidence that the “Big E's” legacy is known far and wide among military personnel and civilians alike. The program involves the flying of flags sent to the ship by individuals. After being flown, the flags are sent back to the requestors with certificates stating when and for whom they were flown. he ceremonial flag initiative, coordinated by Enterprise's Navigation Department, has been extremely successful. As reported on 10 August 2012, Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) held cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training on 27 July 2012. CPR training is held every two weeks, and Sailors are encouraged to become qualified. "I believe that Sailors should be CPR qualified," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Clayton Duke, who runs Vicksburg's CPR training program. "Whether you are in the field, on a ship or on shore, you may need to resuscitate someone. Enterprise pulled in for a port of call at Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain on 10 August 2012. Sailors from guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG-77) are assisting the crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78) to recover from damage sustained in a collision with a large Japanese-owned merchant vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on 12 August 2012. Porter transited under its own power to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, and is now pierside for assessment and repair. O'Kane, moored nearby, is offering meals, showers, and temporary berthing to Porter Sailors while they conduct repairs. As reported on 13 August 2012, the crew of guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) has remained focused on maintaining a high level of fitness throughout the final scheduled deployment. Enterprise made a port of call at Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain from 10 to 13 August 2012 and then entered Persian Gulf. The vice chief of naval operations (VCNO) and Navy Total Force/Manpower, Personnel, Education and Training (MPT&E) fleet master chief visited Enterprise on 14 August 2012 as the ship continued its final deployment. Adm. Mark Ferguson and Fleet Master Chief (SW/AW/SCW) Scott A. Benning visited Enterprise as a part of an ongoing tour during which they are visiting and thanking Sailors deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Following their arrival aboard the “Big E,” Ferguson and Benning were greeted by Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group and Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr., Enterprise's commanding officer, before embarking on a tour of the ship. During his visit aboard the Navy's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Ferguson stressed the importance of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group's (ECSG) role in ensuring that the sea lanes remain open to trade and commerce in the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 held an aerial change of command ceremony in the skies above the aircraft carrier Enterprise on 15 August 2012. Capt. Robert D. Boyer relieved Capt. Jeffrey L. Trent as Commander. During the ceremony, Boyer flew in an F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, while Trent flew in an E2-C Hawkeye, assigned to the Screwtops of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123. The "Red Rippers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 held an aerial change-of-command ceremony in the skies above Enterprise on 16 August 2012. Cmdr. Marcus Lopez relieved Cmdr. Daniel Sullivan as commanding officer. During the ceremony, Sullivan and Lopez flew F/A-18F Super Hornets. After both aviators read their orders, Sullivan gave the formation lead to Lopez, symbolically turning over the squadron to his relief. The USO in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, hosted a barbecue for Sailors assigned to guided-missile destroyers USS Porter (DDG-78) and USS O'Kane (DDG-77) on 16 August 2012. The picnic was coordinated by USO employees and volunteers while Porter is pierside in Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for assessment and repair following a collision with a large Japanese-owned merchant vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on 12 August 2012. Enterprise was underway in the Persian Gulf from 14 to 21 August 2012, pulling in for a port of call at Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates on 22 August 2012. As reported on 24 August 2012, though its primary arsenal lies in the squadron aircraft embarked aboard Enterprise, the ship is also equipped with both small arms and crew-served weapons. The gunner's mates (GMs) aboard Enterprise are responsible for these weapons and systems. They clean these weapons, maintain them, train crewmembers on their usage, and finally man the .50 caliber gun mounts and M-240 machine guns during special evolutions. Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) departed Bahrain on 24 August 2012 following a regularly-scheduled port visit. The visit helped to continue U.S. 5^th Fleet effort building global maritime partnerships with Middle Eastern nations and improving maritime safety and security in the region. Enterprise made a port of call at Jebel Ali, United Arab from 22 to 25 August 2012 and then entered the Persian Gulf, en route to the North Arabian Sea via the Strait of Hormuz (8^th transit while on her deployment) and the Gulf of Oman, entering the North Arabian Sea on 27 August 2012. As reported on 28 August 2012, “Sailors aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) have been staying connected to their families through the ship's United Through Reading program. United Through Reading is a non-profit public benefit organization founded in 1989 with the purpose of uniting deployed service members with their families back home. As reported on 28 August 2012, Members of USS Enterprise's Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) organization recently took some time out of their various operational commitments to answer a few pieces of mail. While underway on its final deployment (based on more then a month or two or three or four), Enterprise received dozens of letters from the students of Enterprise Elementary School in Enterprise, Fla. These letters were then distributed to Sailors throughout the ship, including members of “Big E's” CSADD and the First Class Petty Officers Association, who later took the time to write the students back during one of the organization's meetings. The Enterprise to Enterprise connection was not lost on those answering the mail. Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) hosted a group of nationally-renowned cartoonists during a USO-sponsored visit to the cruiser on 30 August 2012. The cartoonists included Jeff Keane, creator and illustrator of The Family Circus; Rick Kirkman, creator and illustrator of Baby Blues; Dave Coverly, creator and illustrator of Speed Bump; and, Sam Viviano, art director for MAD Magazine. The visit marked the second USO-sponsored tour to come to Vicksburg and included several hours where the visiting artists were able to interact with Sailors and even create personal drawings of their characters as well as caricatures of some of the service members. A Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Master Mobile Training Team (MMTT) visited Enterprise in the Arabian Sea to provide training to command leadership from 31 July to 31 August 2012 as the ship continued its final deployment. Sailors and Marines aboard Enterprise got the chance to meet a group of distinguished artists from the National Cartoonists Society during a USO-sponsored tour from 29 August to 1 September 2012. "We are here to draw for (the Sailors and Marines), hopefully bring some smiles to their faces and bring a little bit of home," said Tom Richmond, an artist for NOW, Marvel Comics and MAD Magazine, and one of six cartoonists on the tour. While aboard, the cartoonists toured the aircraft carrier, observed flight operations, met with budding cartoonists from the crew and drew caricatures and personalized cartoons for hundreds of Sailors and Marines. The visitors all came to know each other through the National Cartoonists Society and for the last several years have worked with the USO to come out to ships and bases and show their support for forward-deployed troops. As reported on 1 September 2012, Machinery Repairmen (MR) aboard Enterprise feel a certain prestige in their rating because its rich history translates into valuable experience. The MR rating book says, "Perform organizational intermediate maintenance on assigned equipment and support other ships requiring the skillful use of our lathes, milling machines, boring mills, grinders, power hacksaws, drills, drill presses and other machining tools portable machinery and hand tools and measuring instruments found in the machine shop." On Sept. 11, 2001, people around the world watched in shock and horror as the television showed people jumping and falling from the World Trade Center buildings as plumes of smoke rose and debris smothered downtown New York City. People also watched as smoke bellowed from the west side of the Pentagon and watched as news channels reported another plane crashing into a field in Pennsylvania after the passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 attempted to regain control. When most Americans rolled out of bed Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, 2001, it probably never crossed any of their minds that the entire geopolitical world would be shaken to its very core that day. The terrorist attacks that occurred in New York City and Washington, D.C. 11 years ago changed the world, and the effects of those attacks were felt in the hearts of Americans around the globe. On the 11^th anniversary of the attacks, Sailors and Marines aboard aircraft carrier Enterprise took time to honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, in a ceremony held in the carrier's hangar bay, a fitting tribute given the “Big E's.” history. The Navy Chief is an institution molded over decades by the deeds of great men and women and, on this day, another milestone was reached. The last 49 Chief Petty Officers ever to be forged on the deck plates of the world's first and finest aircraft carrier, Enterprise, were officially welcomed to the Chief's Mess during a pinning ceremony conducted on 14 September 2012 in the legendary carrier's hangar bay. The induction process is arduous and shrouded in secrecy to all but those who have joined the order of the Navy Chief. What is visible to all, however, is the time and effort these selectees put into becoming the cornerstones of tomorrow's Navy. Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) began induction of four new chief selectees on 1 August 2012. The chief petty officer induction process, which began this week for selectees, culminates in a pinning ceremony aboard Vicksburg on 14 September 2012. Chief induction is meant to train selectees in their new tier of leadership as well as provide mentorship. It has been a tradition since the creation of the rank of chief petty officer in 1893. New chief petty officers were pinned in a ceremony aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) on 14 September 2012. The chief petty officer induction and training process, which began six weeks ago for selectees, helped prepare the new chiefs for their new tier of leadership. Sailors aboard Enterprise occupied the ship's forward and aft mess decks on 20 September 2012 as they took part in the final Navy-wide advancement exam administered aboard the "Big E." As Enterprise continued its support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility, 473 eligible junior Sailors gathered in the early morning hours to participate in the E-4 advancement exam, which was facilitated by the ship's Educational Services Office (ESO). U.S. Navy Sailors, assigned to the 'Grandmasters' of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 46, and the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) conducted training in firearms safety and familiarization on 21 September 2012. Vicksburg and HSL-46 Sailors trained with Sig Sauer M11 semi-automatic pistols for the purposes of familiarization and safety. "It keeps Sailors familiar with movements and tactics," said Ensign Christopher Anderson, gunnery officer aboard Vicksburg. "The more we practice, the better we get." Enterprise was underway in the North Arabian Sea from 27 August to 7 October 2012, entering the Gulf of Aden and transited the Bab al Mandeb strait, a strategically important strait, 27 km (17 mi) wide on the 8^th en route to the Red Sea. Enterprise has been the first to do a lot of things. The "Big E" was the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the first carrier to respond to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. On April 29, 1986, Enterprise did something that no other nuclear-powered carrier had ever done - she transited the Suez Canal, the world's largest man-made canal, adding another first to an already long list of accomplishments. The 1986 transit brought Enterprise back into the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in 22 years, as she shifted homeports from Alameda, Calif., back to Norfolk, Va., where she was originally commissioned in 1961. Twenty-six years later, on 12  October 2012, the "Big E" passed through the Suez Canal for the final time as she transitioned from the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) to U.S. 6^th Fleet AOR, entering the Mediterranean Sea for the last time. The transit marks the beginning of the last leg of the carrier's historic and final deployment, after seven months of operations at sea. The Suez Canal is a 120-mile long, 79-foot-deep canal that runs through Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, allowing mariners to transit from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and vice versa. Because the canal is so shallow and narrow, the transit puts the skills of even the most seasoned helmsman to the test, as the canal was not originally designed to accommodate ships the size of an aircraft carrier. In fact, the evolution usually takes anywhere from 14-20 hours to complete. Enterprise was underway in the Red Sea from 9 to 11 October 2012, completed operations in the U.S. 5^th Fleet area of operations on 1 November 2006, making her 19^th Suez Canal transit since her commission on the 12^th, standing into the Mediterranean Sea and entered the 6^th Fleet AOR on the 13^th. Enterprise did its part in celebrating the Navy's 237^th birthday with its own unique flare on 13 October 2012. For over 200 years, the United States Navy has stood the watch as the shield of the republic. It has protected the country and its interests around the world. Enterprise Sailors celebrated the Navy's 237^th birthday the "Big E" way. Amelia Chappell, the fitness boss aboard "Big E," coordinated with Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) to put together a fun exercise event for the crew. The event took place in the hangar bay both in the morning and at night to give everyone a chance to participate. Each Sailor taking part in the event was asked to do 237 push ups and 237 curl-ups to honor the Navy's birthday. The Enlisted Junior Sailor Organization (EJSO) hosted the traditional cutting of the Navy's birthday cake. The Chief's Mess also participated by helping serve the cake. Enterprise was underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 13 to 15 October 2012, entering the Strait of Messina on the 15^th. Enterprise anchored off the coast of Naples, Italy, for its final port visit following seven months at sea on 16 October 2012 and by the 17^th headed back to the Mediterranean Sea via the Strait of Messina. The visit serves to demonstrate the Navy's commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 6^th Fleet Area of Responsibility and to help strengthen the already positive relationship between the U.S. and Italy. Guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) and guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG-78) arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, for a regularly-scheduled port visit on 17 October 2012. The visit serves to continue U.S. 6^th Fleet efforts to build global maritime partnerships with European nations and improve maritime safety and security in the region. Sailors and Marines from Enterprise and guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) volunteered at Centro Laila during a scheduled port visit to Naples, Italy on 17 October 2012. Centro Laila was started 28 years ago by the parents of Gisele Luciano, the center's current director. Sailors and Marines from Enterprise and guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) volunteered at a monastery while in port in Naples, Ital y on 18 October 2012. Eleven Sailors from various departments aboard the "Big E" and Nitze aided in light gardening and the pruning of olive trees in preparation for the upcoming harvest at the Abbey of San Vincenzo.  Sailors and Marines from Enterprise and guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG-94) volunterered at the Mission of Charity Men's Shelter and the Mission of Charity Women's Shelter in Naples, Italy on 19 Octobe 2012. The Mission of Charity visit marked the final scheduled community outreach event in a foreign port for the "Big E," as Enterprise is scheduled to be inactivated later this year. As reported on 21 October 2012, the Grandmasters of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46, Detachment Six, also known as the "Big Irons", are nearing the end of their recent deployment aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69) with record numbers. The "Big Irons" of Det. 6 have been on station with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ENTCSG) throughout the strike group's deployment. The detachment's primary role has been to provide nighttime surface surveillance and control as well as anti-terrorism force protection and logistics support to the strike group. Enterprise anchored off the coast of Naples, Italy from 17 to 22 October 2012 underway in the Mediterranean Sea from 20 to 22 October 2012. As reported on 22 October 2012, “in 1962, a brand-new aircraft carrier, Enterprise, visited Naples, Italy, for the first time. Times were different then. The United States was in the midst of a massive arms build-up with the Soviet Union, while involvement in Vietnam was beginning to escalate. A band from Liverpool, England, called The Beatles, began blowing up airwaves across the U.S. and the entire world. It was Enterprise's first deployment. The newly-christened carrier was deployed to the U.S. 6^th Fleet area of operations to take part in several NATO exercises with partner nations. Enterprise was underway in the Strait of Gibraltar on 23 October 2012, entering the Atlantic on the 24^th. Enterprise Weapons Department completed the historic carrier's final ammunition offload in the Eastern Atlantic from 24 to 26 October 2012. During the offload, 3,348,000 pounds of ordnance and ammunition were transferred from Enterprise to Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ships USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE-9) and USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE-2). Enterprise was underway in the Atlantic from 27 to 30 October 2012. Enterprise made a port of call at Mayport, FL. from 31 October to 1 November 2012, with Friends and Family members embarked for a Tiger Cruise en route to Naval Station, Norfolk, Virginia from 1 to 4 November 2012. Ports of call include: Piraeus, Greece; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain; Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates; anchored off the coast of Naples, Italy and Mayport. CVW 1 Squadrons include: the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 flying the FA-18F Super Hornet; the “Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 flying the FA-18F Super Hornet; the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86 flying the FA-18C; the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136 flying the FA-18C; the “Thunderbolts” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 flying the FA-18C (N) Hornet,the “Dragonslayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 flying the SH-60 Seahawk; the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 flying the EA-6B Prowler; the “Screwtops” of VAW-123 flying the E-2C NP Hawkeye; the “Maulers” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 32 (*1) flying the S-3B Viking; and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 flying the C-2A Greyhound. Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group is comprised of Enterprise, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG-69), and guided-missile destroyers USS Porter (DDG-78), USS Nitze (DDG-94), and USS James E. Williams (DDG-95). Her 31^st Foreign Water Fleet Deployment (FWFD) since her commission November 25, 1961 with Captain V. P. de Poix in command (11 March to 4 November 2012)” (Ref. 1-Enterprise, 72, 76, 362H, 1270 & Story Number: NNS120311-02 - Release Date: 3/11/2012 3:16:00 PM - From Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affaire, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS121014-04 - Release Date: 10/14/2012 11:34:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex R. Forster, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS PORTER, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120317-10 - Release Date: 3/17/2012 11:51:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Heath Zeigler, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120313-31 - Release Date: 3/13/2012 10:18:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS NITZE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120314-09 - Release Date: 3/14/2012 3:25:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel J. Meshel, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS, At sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120315-04 - Release Date: 3/15/2012 9:11:00 AM - From Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120319-18 - Release Date: 3/19/2012 10:07:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Randy J. Savarese, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120318-01 - Release Date: 3/18/2012 9:30:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS PORTER, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120317-11 - Release Date: 3/17/2012 11:56:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter Melkus, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120320-20 - Release Date: 3/20/2012 9:21:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120324-04 - Release Date: 3/24/2012 10:41:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Heath Zeigler, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120323-09 - Release Date: 3/23/2012 3:21:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Jesse L. Gonzalez, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120326-01 - Release Date: 3/26/2012 5:42:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Randy J. Savarese, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120326-04 - Release Date: 3/26/2012 5:52:00 AM - From Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120326-02 - Release Date: 3/26/2012 5:46:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Steve Smith, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120326-12 - Release Date: 3/26/2012 5:15:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton, Enterprise Strike Group Public Affairs, VILLEFRANCHE, France (NNS), Story Number: NNS120326-13 - Release Date: 3/26/2012 5:16:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, PALMA, Spain (NNS), Story Number: NNS120330-01 - Release Date: 3/30/2012 5:29:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Harry Andrew D. Gordon, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, PIRAEUS, Greece (NNS), Story Number: NNS120402-09 - Release Date: 4/2/2012 5:33:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Britney Epps, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, ATHENS, Greece (NNS), Story Number: NNS120402-14 - Release Date: 4/2/2012 1:20:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, VILLEFRANCHE, France (NNS), Story Number: NNS120402-14 - Release Date: 4/2/2012 1:20:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, VILLEFRANCHE, France (NNS), Story Number: NNS120331-05 - Release Date: 3/31/2012 4:37:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel J. Meshel, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120331-06 - Release Date: 3/31/2012 4:44:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, PALMA DE MALLORCA, Spain (NNS), Story Number: NNS120402-08 - Release Date: 4/2/2012 5:31:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120402-03 - Release Date: 4/2/2012 5:11:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120404-05 - Release Date: 4/4/2012 12:58:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Harry Andrew D. Gordon, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120418-30 - Release Date: 4/18/2012 10:29:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS NITZE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120409-16 - Release Date: 4/9/2012 9:42:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nick C. Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120409-11 - Release Date: 4/9/2012 9:14:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory A. Pickett II, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120411-01 - Release Date: 4/11/2012 5:34:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, GULF OF ADEN (NNS), Story Number: NNS120408-01 - Release Date: 4/8/2012 1:44:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel J. Meshel, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120414-03 - Release Date: 4/14/2012 6:28:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory White, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120415-01 - Release Date: 4/15/2012 3:26:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kristin L. Grover, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120419-17 - Release Date: 4/19/2012 1:42:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Harry Andrew D. Gordon, Enterprise Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120416-09 - Release Date: 4/16/2012 3:38:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kristin L. Grover, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120418-16 - Release Date: 4/18/2012 5:06:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff A. Willadsen Enterprise Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120423-07 - Release Date: 4/23/2012 5:50:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory White, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120510-17 - Release Date: 5/10/2012 2:47:00 PM  - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nick C. Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120510-16 - Release Date: 5/10/2012 2:46:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120428-15 - Release Date: 4/28/2012 2:02:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel J. Meshel, USS James E. Williams Public Affairs, ARABIAN GULF (NNS), Story Number: NNS120428-12 - Release Date: 4/28/2012 8:36:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, GULF OF ADEN (NNS), Story Number: NNS120427-05 - Release Date: 4/27/2012 10:18:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120506-08 - Release Date: 5/6/2012 11:59:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120502-05 - Release Date: 5/2/2012 12:57:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS NITZE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120506-02 - Release Date: 5/6/2012 8:21:00 AM - Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nick C. Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120508-27 - Release Date: 5/8/2012 4:30:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120512-01 - Release Date: 5/12/2012 12:40:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Harry Andrew D. Gordon, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120513-08 - Release Date: 5/13/2012 9:41:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nick C. Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120608-19 - Release Date: 6/8/2012 3:47:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nick C. Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS), Story Number: NNS120625-08 - Release Date: 6/25/2012 3:14:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy Savarese, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120601-10 - Release Date: 6/1/2012 10:05:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nick C. Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS), Story Number: NNS120531-12 - Release Date: 5/31/2012 2:03:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex R. Forster Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS PORTER, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120604-04 - Release Date: 6/4/2012 12:34:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Britney N. Epps, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120608-02 - Release Date: 6/8/2012 5:37:00 AM - Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory White, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120610-04 - Release Date: 6/10/2012 7:12:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120611-04 - Release Date: 6/11/2012 10:55:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick C. Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120617-04 - Release Date: 6/17/2012 9:44:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gregory White, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120626-05 - Release Date: 6/26/2012 11:44:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120616-02 - Release Date: 6/16/2012 11:06:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy J. Savarese, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120624-04 - Release Date: 6/24/2012 9:54:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy J. Savarese, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120622-06 - Release Date: 6/22/2012 10:54:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class(SW) Kristin L. Grover, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120627-03 - Release Date: 6/27/2012 5:37:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, VICTORIA, Seychelles (NNS), Story Number: NNS120706-04 - Release Date: 7/6/2012 11:54:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel J. Meshel, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120709-11 - Release Date: 7/9/2012 3:18:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory Pickett, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120706-05 - Release Date: 7/6/2012 12:47:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120713-01 - Release Date: 7/13/2012 4:48:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gregory White, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120720-15 - Release Date: 7/20/2012 11:43:00 AM - By Lt.j.g. Brynn Olson, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120712-07 - Release Date: 7/12/2012 11:40:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS Vicksburg, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120714-02 - Release Date: 7/14/2012 9:07:00 AM - Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120522-17 - Release Date: 5/22/2012 4:21:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory White, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120723-09 - Release Date: 7/23/2012 1:07:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Meshel, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120720-05 - Release Date: 7/20/2012 11:34:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heath Zeigler, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120721-07 - Release Date: 7/21/2012 9:16:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120523-08 - Release Date: 5/23/2012 7:39:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel J. Meshel, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120723-02 - Release Date: 7/23/2012 6:02:00 AM - From Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120726-06 - Release Date: 7/26/2012 1:20:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120730-03 - Release Date: 7/30/2012 1:21:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Meshel, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, GULF OF OMAN (NNS), Story Number: NNS120801-03 - Release Date: 8/1/2012 5:13:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS NITZE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120730-24 - Release Date: 7/30/2012 8:20:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120803-03 - Release Date: 8/3/2012 4:52:00 AM - By USS Enterprise Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120806-14 - Release Date: 8/6/2012 3:04:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120808-14 - Release Date: 8/8/2012 6:39:00 PM - From Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120810-17 - Release Date: 8/10/2012 10:21:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy J. Savarese, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120810-04 - Release Date: 8/10/2012 4:36:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120816-16 - Release Date: 8/16/2012 12:56:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex R. Forster, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS O'KANE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120813-08 - Release Date: 8/13/2012 2:47:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120814-04 - Release Date: 8/14/2012 1:48:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120815-04 - Release Date: 8/15/2012 2:43:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120817-02 - Release Date: 8/17/2012 5:13:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120820-07 - Release Date: 8/20/2012 8:21:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex R. Forster, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, JEBEL ALI, United Arab Emirates (NNS), Story Number: NNS120824-13 - Release Date: 8/24/2012 10:36:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120902-01 - Release Date: 9/2/2012 12:11:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS), Story Number: NNS120828-01 - Release Date: 8/28/2012 6:58:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120828-22 - Release Date: 8/28/2012 10:39:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory Pickett, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120905-02 - Release Date: 9/5/2012 7:42:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120801-12 - Release Date: 8/1/2012 3:04:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120901-05 - Release Date: 9/1/2012 10:28:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brooks Barstow Patton, Jr., Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120901-04 - Release Date: 9/1/2012 10:15:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy J. Savarese, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120913-07 - Release Date: 9/13/2012 12:59:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel J. Meshel, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120911-13 - Release Date: 9/11/2012 2:03:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120914-15 - Release Date: 9/14/2012 1:46:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy J. Savarese, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120806-12 - Release Date: 8/6/2012 2:41:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120915-10 - Release Date: 9/15/2012 2:57:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120920-17 - Release Date: 9/20/2012 12:11:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Robert Guerra, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS120926-02 - Release Date: 9/26/2012 12:10:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS121015-04 - Release Date: 10/15/2012 8:04:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS121014-05 - Release Date: 10/14/2012 11:34:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Heath Zeigler, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS121019-01 - Release Date: 10/19/2012 7:12:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Steve Smith, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS121019-02 - Release Date: 10/19/2012 7:13:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS121022-03 - Release Date: 10/22/2012 9:18:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy J. Savarese, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, NAPLES, Italy (NNS), Story Number: NNS121022-10 - Release Date: 10/22/2012 1:20:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jared King, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, NAPLES, Italy (NNS), Story Number: NNS121022-01 - Release Date: 10/22/2012 9:06:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, NAPLES, Italy (NNS), Story Number: NNS121021-02 - Release Date: 10/21/2012 10:36:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nick Scott, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS), Story Number: NNS121022-05 - Release Date: 10/22/2012 10:40:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) & Story Number: NNS121028-01 - Release Date: 10/28/2012 11:17:00 AM - By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS)).

 

121201-N-KQ416-200 - NORFOLK (Dec. 1, 2012) - Attendees observe the inactivation ceremony of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65). Enterprise was commissioned in 1961 and is scheduled to celebrate her inactivation, Dec. 1, after 51 years of service. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary S. Welch/Released)

 

USS Enterprise to Inactivate After 51 Years of Service

 

“After 51 years of distinguished service, USS Enterprise (CVN-65) will inactivate on 1 December 2012, in a ceremony to be held at Norfolk Naval Station, in Norfolk, Va.

The inactivation ceremony will be the last official public event for the ship, and will serve as a celebration of life for the ship and the more than 100,000 Sailors who served aboard. Details of the actual ceremony are still being finalized; however, numerous dignitaries and thousands of veterans of the ship are expected to attend the event.

Commissioned on November 25, 1961, the eighth ship to bear the illustrious name Enterprise, the "Big E" was the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

A veteran of 25 deployments (30 Foreign Water Fleet Deployment-EQNED Note) to the Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean, and the Middle East, Enterprise has served in nearly every major conflict to take place during her history. From the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 to six deployments in support of the Vietnam conflict through the Cold War and the Gulf Wars, Enterprise was there. On Sept. 11, 2001, Enterprise aborted her transit home from a long deployment after the terrorist attacks, and steamed overnight to the North Arabian Sea. Big 'E' once again took her place in history when she launched the first strikes in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom” (Ref. Story Number: NNS120918-20 - Release Date: 9/18/2012 5:18:00 PM - From Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs, NORFOLK (NNS)).

 

Enterprise, Navy's First Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier, Inactivated

 

“Nearly 12,000 past and current crewmembers, family and friends attended the inactivation of USS Enterprise (CVN-65) on 1 December 2012, at Naval Station, Norfolk, Virginia. Enterprise, the world's first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, recently completed its 25^th and final deployment (30^th Foreign Water Fleet Deployment-EQ NEEDF Note) and returned to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Naval Station for a scheduled inactivation, held prior to the ship's terminal offload program and subsequent decommissioning. The inactivation ceremony was the last official public event for the ship, and served as a celebration of life for the ship and the more than 100,000 Sailors who served aboard.

The Chief of Naval Operations, the Commander of United States Fleet Forces, nine of twenty-three prior commanding officers, many decorated war heroes, and thousands of Enterprise veterans attended the event. "Enterprise is a special ship and crew, and it was special long before I got here" said Captain William C. Hamilton, Jr., the twenty-third and final commanding officer, during the ceremony. "Before I took command of this ship, I learned the definition of 'enterprise', which is 'an especially daring and courageous undertaking driven by a bold and adventurous spirit.'

 

Fifty-one years ago, this ship was every bit of that definition." "Here we are 51 years later," he continued, "celebrating the astonishing successes and accomplishments of this engineering marvel that has roamed the seas for more than half the history of Naval Aviation. Daring, courageous, bold, and adventurous indeed." In honor of that spirit, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, in a video message played at the ceremony, announced that the name Enterprise will live on as the officially passed the name to CVN-80, the third Ford class carrier and the ninth ship in the U.S. Navy to bear the name.

 

Commissioned on November 25, 1961, the eighth ship to bear the illustrious name Enterprise, the "Big E" was the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. A veteran of 25 deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean, and the Middle East, Enterprise has served in nearly every major conflict to take place during her history. From the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 to six deployments in support of the Vietnam conflict through the Cold War and the Gulf Wars, Enterprise was there. On September 11, 2001, Enterprise aborted her transit home from a long deployment after the terrorist attacks, and steamed overnight to the North Arabian Sea. Big 'E' once again took her place in history when she launched the first strikes in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

More than 100,000 Sailors and Marines have served aboard Enterprise during its lifetime, which has included every major conflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis. It has been home ported in both Alameda, Calif., and Norfolk, Va., and has conducted operations in every region of the world” (Ref. Story Number: NNS121201-03 - Release Date: 12/1/2012 2:41:00 PM - From USS Enterprise Public Affaire, NORFOLK (NNS)).

 

“USS Enterprise (CVN-65) will be replaced by USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), construction beginning on 3 January 2007 at Northrop Grumman Corp.'s Newport News shipyard. An amendment added to the National Defense Authorization Act for 2007 proposes that Gerald R. Ford, the first ship in the CVN-78 class, be named for the 38^th president "Gerald Ford" on 16 June 2006.  Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and the Program Executive Officer (PEO) held a signature and awards ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard to commemorate the certification of Gerald R. Ford specifications on 5 September 2006. The official naming ceremony of the Gerald R. Ford the first aircraft carrier in the Ford class of carriers was held on 16 January 2007. The Navy awarded Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding a $5.1 billion contract to begin construction of Gerald R. Ford on 10 September 2008. Gerald R. Ford keel laying and authentication ceremony on 14 November 2009. The final keel section, 680-metric-ton, 60-foot-tall lower bow unit was joined to the other keel sections and was the last major section of Gerald R. Ford installed on 24 May 2012. A time capsule was welded inside the flight deck control room of Gerald R. Ford on 11 July 2013. Gerald R. Ford while in Dry Dock 12 was flooded to float on 11 October 2013. A christening ceremony for Gerald R. Ford was held at Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News on 9 November 2013. Gerald R. Ford is scheduled to be delivered to the US Navy in September 2015” (Ref. 76).

 

 

130620-N-ZZ999-101 - NORFOLK (June 20, 2013) - The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65) makes its final voyage to Newport News Shipbuilding. The first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be dismantled at the shipyard prior to the scheduled commissioning of the next aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80). (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Huntington Ingalls Industries by John Whalen/Released)

 

Enterprise Makes Final Trip to Newport News Shipyard

 

“USS Enterprise (CVN 65) made her final voyage to the Newport News Shipyard on 20 June 2013.

The ship, nearly six months into her dismantling process, was moved by tugboat on the James River to Newport News Shipyard with almost 150 Newport News Shipbuilding and Huntington Ingalls Industries shipbuilders aboard.

"The main purpose of bringing the Enterprise up here is to defuel and deactivate her. This is the only shipyard capable of this," said Denis Geary, who works in the radiological controls department at Newport News.

The move marks one of Enterprise's final trips underway and is expected to be the last opportunity for shipbuilders and crew to ride the ship.

Shirley Langston was part of the original planning for the ship.

"I worked on the “Big E” from the beginning- it was my first project 55 years ago. It's sad to see her go, but we are all proud of what she's done."

Throughout Enterprise's 51-years in service, many of the career shipbuilders riding the ship worked on Enterprise during her scheduled maintenance periods.

Henry Deese, an engineering analyst at the shipyard, talked about his time working on Enterprise. "Working on the ship from the beginning and following it throughout its life had been rewarding. I was part if the team that started it and I'm part of the team that will finish it. It's sad to see Enterprise go when it's the first, last, and only one of its kind, but that's life."

Captain William C. Hamilton, Jr., Enterprise's commanding officer, monitored the ship's progress from the navigation bridge. "It's sad to see a ship with such a history taken apart and the Sailors leave, but we are looking forward to commissioning the next Enterprise. Right now our focus is the safety of our Sailors and shipyard workers as we take the ship on this underway and continue the dismantling process."

Enterprise's keel was laid at Newport News Shipbuilding in 1958 and she was commissioned November 25, 1961. The ship was formally inactivated at a ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk December 1, 2012. The announcement that the next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, CVN-80, will be called Enterprise was made at this ceremony” (Ref. Story Number: NNS130620-13 - Release Date: 6/20/2013 2:45:00 PM - From USS Enterprise Public Affairs, NORFOLK (NNS)).

 

HII received a $745 million contract to inactivate the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The ship was towed to Newport News Shipbuilding on June 20. Photo by Ricky Thompson. The ship was towed from Naval Station Norfolk to NNS on June 20 under the existing planning contract. NNS will defuel the ship's eight reactors and prepare Enterprise for its eventual transit to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. The work is scheduled to complete in August 2016. More than 1,000 employees will supp” (Ref. © 2014 Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.).

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