Enterprise Finishes Her Trek....
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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Enterprise Finishes Her Trek....
Storied aircraft carrier returns home for last time
ABOARD THE USS ENTERPRISE - The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ended its remarkable career at sea on Sunday when it pulled into its home port for the final time after participating in every major conflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
The USS Enterprise began shutting down its eight nuclear reactors almost as soon as it arrived at its pier at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, where thousands of cheering family members and friends welcomed the ship home from its 25th and final deployment after nearly eight months at sea. The ship will never move on its own power again and will eventually be scrapped in Washington state.
Copies of the ship's daily newspaper, the Shuttle, were in short supply as sailors looked for memorabilia to take with them. Countless personal photos were taken by sailors throughout the ship as it approached shore.
"It's exceptionally emotional and exceptionally satisfying," Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander of the Enterprise Strike Group, said as the naval station came into view and his sailors manned the rails.
However, Carter is the first to say that the Enterprise's final deployment was anything but a sentimental victory lap. The ship's fighter planes flew more than 2,200 combat sorties and dropped 56 bombs in Afghanistan while supporting U.S. and international ground troops. In a show of force to Iran, the ship also passed through the strategic Strait of Hormuz 10 times, more than double the typical amount, Carter said.
The Enterprise has been a frequent traveler to the Middle East. It was the first nuclear-powered carrier to transit through the Suez Canal in 1986, and it was the first carrier to respond after the 9/11 attacks, changing course overnight.
An entire room on the ship serves as a museum to its history, which includes a large photo of the burning twin towers placed in a timeline that wraps around a wall.
The Navy will officially deactivate the Enterprise on Dec. 1, but it will take several more years for it to be decommissioned as its reactors are taken out. About 15,000 people are expected to attend the deactivation ceremony, which will be its last public ceremony after several days of tours for former crew members.
Those who have served on the ship have a unique camaraderie. It is the second-oldest ship in the Navy after the USS Constitution, and its age has frequently shown. Things frequently break down, and spare parts for a ship that's the only one in its class aren't made anymore.
Some of the ship's original crewmembers from 51 years ago - known as plank owners - were among the 1,500 civilians who joined the Enterprise for its last two days at sea, known as a Tiger Cruise.
"This is the end of an era that I helped start, so I was just honored that the captain invited me on board. There's no way I'd turn that down," said original crew member Ray Godfrey of Colorado Springs, Colo.
ABOARD THE USS ENTERPRISE - The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ended its remarkable career at sea on Sunday when it pulled into its home port for the final time after participating in every major conflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
The USS Enterprise began shutting down its eight nuclear reactors almost as soon as it arrived at its pier at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, where thousands of cheering family members and friends welcomed the ship home from its 25th and final deployment after nearly eight months at sea. The ship will never move on its own power again and will eventually be scrapped in Washington state.
Copies of the ship's daily newspaper, the Shuttle, were in short supply as sailors looked for memorabilia to take with them. Countless personal photos were taken by sailors throughout the ship as it approached shore.
"It's exceptionally emotional and exceptionally satisfying," Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander of the Enterprise Strike Group, said as the naval station came into view and his sailors manned the rails.
However, Carter is the first to say that the Enterprise's final deployment was anything but a sentimental victory lap. The ship's fighter planes flew more than 2,200 combat sorties and dropped 56 bombs in Afghanistan while supporting U.S. and international ground troops. In a show of force to Iran, the ship also passed through the strategic Strait of Hormuz 10 times, more than double the typical amount, Carter said.
The Enterprise has been a frequent traveler to the Middle East. It was the first nuclear-powered carrier to transit through the Suez Canal in 1986, and it was the first carrier to respond after the 9/11 attacks, changing course overnight.
An entire room on the ship serves as a museum to its history, which includes a large photo of the burning twin towers placed in a timeline that wraps around a wall.
The Navy will officially deactivate the Enterprise on Dec. 1, but it will take several more years for it to be decommissioned as its reactors are taken out. About 15,000 people are expected to attend the deactivation ceremony, which will be its last public ceremony after several days of tours for former crew members.
Those who have served on the ship have a unique camaraderie. It is the second-oldest ship in the Navy after the USS Constitution, and its age has frequently shown. Things frequently break down, and spare parts for a ship that's the only one in its class aren't made anymore.
Some of the ship's original crewmembers from 51 years ago - known as plank owners - were among the 1,500 civilians who joined the Enterprise for its last two days at sea, known as a Tiger Cruise.
"This is the end of an era that I helped start, so I was just honored that the captain invited me on board. There's no way I'd turn that down," said original crew member Ray Godfrey of Colorado Springs, Colo.
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Some of the ship's original crewmembers from 51 years ago - known as plank owners - were among the 1,500 civilians who joined the Enterprise for its last two days at sea, known as a Tiger Cruise.
She's a grand old ship she is.....walked her decks and passageways in Hong Kong in a former life.
Bravo Zulu Big E!
Bravo Zulu Big E!
I suggest the practice of naming ships after Medal of Honor Winners and Battles is the way to go.
Granted....I might not want to crew the USS Alamo!
The USS Obama commissioning photo.....
Granted....I might not want to crew the USS Alamo!
The USS Obama commissioning photo.....
Last edited by SASless; 6th Nov 2012 at 13:17.
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For SASless I was going to post the USS Bush but, apparently, pictures of ladies' private parts are not allowed. The image, however, works on multiple levels, all of them true.
Last edited by Pontius; 6th Nov 2012 at 13:34.
For those amongst us who can remember the previous Enterprise (CV6), which had a most remarkable war record and was sister to Yorktown and Hornet, there possibly remains a tinge of sadness that apparently there was insufficient interest in preserving her as a floating museum and she went to the breakers on 1 July 1958.
Old Duffer
Old Duffer
For those amongst us who can remember the previous Enterprise (CV6), which had a most remarkable war record and was sister to Yorktown and Hornet, there possibly remains a tinge of sadness that apparently there was insufficient interest in preserving her as a floating museum and she went to the breakers on 1 July 1958.
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While strictly a civvy, I always feel sad when ships are decommissioned. There is something one becomes attached to; far more so than aircraft. My dad was invited to HMS Victorious's final day in Sydenham, Belfast and I was brought along. While only young at the time, I still remember him being very quiet. Still got the memento he was given.
I understand where SASless is coming from but surely if James T Kirk is ever to set foot on the bridge of the NCC1701, then the USN needs to maintain the name Enterprise....? I'll get my coat
Subic Bay
In 1975 the Nimrod crew that I was on was lucky to take part in exercise Sea Fox. The exercise took place in the South China Sea. We deployed to NAS Cubi Point in the Philippines for 2 weeks. Cubi Point is adjacent to Subic Bay which was the major USN port in SE Asia. Of course the Enterprise docked whilst we were there and some of the crew were asked to go on board. Incredible ship. The best part though was the tannoy messages in the Cubi Point Chiefs Mess advising "transpportation to the USS Enterprise leaving soon". The Star Trek TV programme was in full flow at the time and you can guess what the RAF guys would shout.
Last edited by Janda; 6th Nov 2012 at 23:43.
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' I was going to post the USS Bush but, apparently, pictures of ladies' private parts are not allowed'
When HMS Beaver was in the States. An invite onboard and a Cap Tally was the hottest ticket in town.
When HMS Beaver was in the States. An invite onboard and a Cap Tally was the hottest ticket in town.
A magnificent and historic ship - she has served her country well.
CVN - I believe the 'V' stands for 'Heavier than Air' aircraft, as opposed to lighter than air machines.
Were there any Airship carriers?
CVN - I believe the 'V' stands for 'Heavier than Air' aircraft, as opposed to lighter than air machines.
Were there any Airship carriers?
They had airship tenders...
LTA, AIRSHIPS, USA U.S. NAVY, ZR-3 LOS ANGELES (LZ 126) | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
LTA, AIRSHIPS, USA U.S. NAVY, ZR-3 LOS ANGELES (LZ 126) | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Thread Starter
Carrier Designations and Names
ATTACK CARRIERS (CV, CVA, CVB, CVL, CVAN, CVN)
The CVB and CVL designations were established within the original CV designation on 15 July 1943. CVA replaced CV and CVB on 1 October 1952; CVL went out of use on 15 May 1959. CV and CVN replaced CVA and CVAN on 30 June 1975 to designate the multimission character of aircraft carriers after the decommissioning of the last CVS in 1974.
During World War II (7 December 1941 to 2 September 1945) the Navy operated 110 carriers (includes those designated CV, CVE and CVL). It commissioned 102 carriers (includes those designated CV, CVE and CVL) during the above mentioned time frame. The Navy also operated two training carriers during World War II with the designation IX. They were USS Wolverine (IX 64) and USS Sable (IX 81).
Original Classes
Langley Class: 1 ship (CV 1)
Lexington Class: 2 ships (CV 2 and 3)
Ranger Class: 1 ship (CV 4)
Yorktown Class: 2 ships (CV 5 and 6)
Wasp Class: 1 ship (CV 7)
Hornet Class: 1 ship (CV 8)
Essex Class 24 ships; CV 9 through 21, 31 through 35,
37 through 40, 45, and 47.
(Long-Hull Of these numbers, 14, 15, 19, 21, 32-34,
Essex Class or 36-40, 45 and 47 are sometimes referred
Ticonderoga to as "Long-Hull" Essex class or
Class) Ticonderoga Class.
Independence Class 9 ships, CVL 22 through 30.
Midway Class 3 ships, CVB 41 through 43.
Saipan Class 2 ships, CVL 48 and 49.
Enterprise Class 1 ship, CVAN-65.
Forrestal Class 4 ships, CVA 59 through 62.
Kitty Hawk Class 4 ships, CVA 63, 64, 66 and 67.
Nimitz Class 9 ships, CVN 68 through 76.
ATTACK CARRIERS (CV, CVA, CVB, CVL, CVAN, CVN)
The CVB and CVL designations were established within the original CV designation on 15 July 1943. CVA replaced CV and CVB on 1 October 1952; CVL went out of use on 15 May 1959. CV and CVN replaced CVA and CVAN on 30 June 1975 to designate the multimission character of aircraft carriers after the decommissioning of the last CVS in 1974.
During World War II (7 December 1941 to 2 September 1945) the Navy operated 110 carriers (includes those designated CV, CVE and CVL). It commissioned 102 carriers (includes those designated CV, CVE and CVL) during the above mentioned time frame. The Navy also operated two training carriers during World War II with the designation IX. They were USS Wolverine (IX 64) and USS Sable (IX 81).
Original Classes
Langley Class: 1 ship (CV 1)
Lexington Class: 2 ships (CV 2 and 3)
Ranger Class: 1 ship (CV 4)
Yorktown Class: 2 ships (CV 5 and 6)
Wasp Class: 1 ship (CV 7)
Hornet Class: 1 ship (CV 8)
Essex Class 24 ships; CV 9 through 21, 31 through 35,
37 through 40, 45, and 47.
(Long-Hull Of these numbers, 14, 15, 19, 21, 32-34,
Essex Class or 36-40, 45 and 47 are sometimes referred
Ticonderoga to as "Long-Hull" Essex class or
Class) Ticonderoga Class.
Independence Class 9 ships, CVL 22 through 30.
Midway Class 3 ships, CVB 41 through 43.
Saipan Class 2 ships, CVL 48 and 49.
Enterprise Class 1 ship, CVAN-65.
Forrestal Class 4 ships, CVA 59 through 62.
Kitty Hawk Class 4 ships, CVA 63, 64, 66 and 67.
Nimitz Class 9 ships, CVN 68 through 76.