I have a personal and deep connection to the USS Enterprise. When we had our “engineering casualty” on the evening of October 31, 1986, I thought that we were alone in the vast Pacific. Just last year, I finally learned from an old shipmate who is also a Radioman, that we were not alone.
A few hundred miles away, USS Enterprise heard our calls and left her entire Task Group behind (she was always the fastest ship in the fleet) raced toward us. Her CAP planes were over us within minutes. The ship that represents the best of everything our Navy is or ever was or ever will be, was watching over me that night. Sixty-three years ago she was launched, so that she could be there that night…
The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) holds a special place in naval history as one of the most iconic and storied aircraft carriers ever to sail the seas. On September 24, 1960, a momentous event took place at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia, when this mighty vessel was launched.
1. A Technological Marvel: The USS Enterprise was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, representing a leap forward in naval technology. Her nuclear reactors provided an unprecedented level of endurance and operational flexibility.
Navsource
2. Massive Construction: The construction of the USS Enterprise was an engineering feat. She measured over 1,100 feet in length, with a displacement of more than 85,000 tons. Her flight deck spanned over four acres, providing ample space for launching and recovering aircraft.
3. The Launch: On the day of the launch, thousands gathered to witness the momentous event. The ship’s sponsor, Mrs. William B. Franke, christened the carrier by breaking a bottle of champagne over her bow. With the release of her moorings, the USS Enterprise slid gracefully into the James River, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.
Legacy of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65):
The USS Enterprise went on to have a remarkable and enduring legacy in the U.S. Navy and beyond:
1. Cold War Service: Throughout the Cold War, the USS Enterprise played a vital role in projecting American naval power worldwide. She participated in numerous deployments, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War.
2. Innovation and Advancements: The Enterprise served as a testbed for various naval aviation technologies and concepts, including the development of new aircraft, catapult systems, and tactics.
3. Humanitarian Missions: Beyond her military duties, the USS Enterprise was involved in humanitarian missions. She provided disaster relief and assistance to those in need during natural disasters and crises.
4. Decommissioning and Legacy: After over five decades of service, the USS Enterprise was decommissioned on February 3, 2017. She was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Navy history. Her legacy lives on in the names of subsequent U.S. Navy vessels, including the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which incorporates many of the technological advancements pioneered by the Enterprise.
5. Cultural Impact: The USS Enterprise’s name became synonymous not only with naval power but also with popular culture. Several fictional starships, including the starship Enterprise from the Star Trek franchise, have carried her name, reflecting her enduring legacy in the public imagination.
The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) stands as a testament to the technological prowess and strategic importance of the U.S. Navy. Her launch on September 24, 1960, marked the beginning of a storied career that left an indelible mark on naval history, military technology, and the popular consciousness. She remains a symbol of American naval power and innovation.
DAVE DOES HISTORY 
Leave a comment