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-Short Attention Span Theater-

USS Enterprise Makes Final Port Stop In Naples, Italy

2012-10-21

Since its deployment during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, the USS Enterprise has seen conflicts ranging from the war in Vietnam to those in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Afghanistan. After more than 50 years at sea, the USS Enterprise is headed home from deployment for the last time.

The U.S. Navy's oldest operating vessel, the world's first nuclear-powered carrier, made its final port stop in Naples, Italy, on Friday before setting sail for its home port, Norfolk, Va., where it will be broken down piece by piece before its steel ligaments are sold off for scrap. Its last hurrah mirrored its first. The Enterprise made its inaugural stop in Naples after its commissioning in 1962.

The Enterprise embarked on its 25th and final deployment in March, to the Middle East. In those seven months, its 180 aviators flew roughly 8,800 sorties and the ship crossed the Strait of Hormuz 10 times, peacefully facing off against Iranian sailors amid building tensions in the region. During its longest period at sea, the crew went 52 days without setting foot on land.

"This ship has served its time," said Rear Adm. Walter Carter, commander of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, while the ship was ported in the Gulf of Naples on Friday. "It's time to retire."

Many who have served on the ship continue to follow its movements. Nearly 2,000 veterans attended the Enterprise's 50th birthday celebration last year in Norfolk, and 12,000 seats have been set aside for the inactivation ceremony in December.
More info and short vid at link

Posted by:Sherry

#17 to Mike and Ship: thanks, but i can still dream , huh?
one of the few CVs i didn't get a chance to step aboard.

Posted by: USN, Ret. 2012-10-21 18:43

#16 My one and only encounter with carriers was the Enterprise. In the late 70's I kinda knew what they were. Former roommate married a sailor that had served on her. I found it incredulous that 5,000 people lived on a boat.. (At that time, didn't know there was a difference between boat and ship...)

We were on a 52' boat, coming into St. Thomas. I had gone below to shower and get ready to go ashore.

DH walks into the stateroom and tells me to look out the port hole -- I do --- and gasped. See that deck hanging over? He had waited till we were mid ship -- it seemed we were under it... Huge, and startling....

I asked "What is that?" Former Marine hubby tells me, "It's the Enterprise and not your Star Trek variety...."

It was intriguing for the next 24 hours, learning of life on the Enterprise.... the comings and goings...

Posted by: Sherry 2012-10-21 13:46

#15 USN Ret,

Sadly, Shipman is right. Enterprise was built with eight reactors, six of which were decommed years ago (which shows you just how powerful those reactors were, BTW). Unfortunately, these were also pretty much first generation shipboard reactors - and they have...um...issues. Nothing fatal or violating USN nuclear regs, but sufficient that over time it's only gotten worse. Keeping Enterprise available would cost a fortune even by DOD standards, and even then there's no guarantee that she could stay available. The reactor and machinery issues are also the reason that she can't stay as a museum - the reactors and steam plant would have to be removed first, and that involves first cutting a giant hole several decks deep. Even sending her to glory in a SINKEX - and she would give honorable, valuable service that way - is out for the same reasons.

With a little luck, the idea of saving her island - or part of it - will make it, along with a lot of artifacts. But we've got to face the fact that she's gone. With a little luck, LHA-8 will carry her name (the most recent rumor I've heard).

Mike

Posted by: Mike Kozlowski 2012-10-21 13:01

#14 And yeah, a long time ago, the USN built a carrier with 8 reactors, just for the sheer joy of scaring the living shit out of everyone who ain't peaceful like.

Seriously it should be isolated while we look for the Yamato, raise it and prepare them both for launch.

Posted by: Shipman 2012-10-21 12:51

#13 USN ret.... it's not just one reactor... it's 8. ONR don't like no museum ships and especially no leaky museum ships.

So it's good nite nurse for her. :(

Posted by: Shipman 2012-10-21 12:47

#12 The next two:

Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) (2015): scheduled to replace Enterprise (CVN-65).

John F. Kennedy (CVN-79)[1] (2020): scheduled to replace Nimitz (CVN-68).

Posted by: tu3031 2012-10-21 12:43

#11 CTL + F, "Cesar Chaves" Replace all.

Posted by: newc 2012-10-21 12:41

#10 From an old SNL episode:

Captain's log, final entry. We have tried to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before. And except for one ~~television network~~ military branch, we have found intelligent life everywhere in the galaxy.

Posted by: Eric Jablow 2012-10-21 12:29

#9 Have a hard time understanding the story's stetment about breaking up the Enterprise when there are at least 3 oil burning CVs sitting in Bremerton (Ranger, Independence Hawk, Connnie). I would think that even if it were placed in reserve, it would be better to have a nuke available, unless the timeline to replenish the reactor is the critical path.

Posted by: USN, Ret. 2012-10-21 11:23

#8 bring back the Constellation name! CV-64 sponsored my Little League team back in the 60's - 70's at Chula Vista Park View LL (National Champs 3 yrs ago)

Posted by: Frank G 2012-10-21 09:58

#7 Side note, my Great Uncle Bill's farm adjoined Walter Georges near beautiful Vi Ein Ya Georgia. I attended his funeral as a toddler and wondered about all the damn fuss. A major warship or a new State should be named in his honor.

Posted by: Shipman 2012-10-21 09:58

#6 How about naming aircraft carriers after departed vice presidents like the USS Lyndon B. Johnson, or USS Gerald R. Ford

I will discuss with Senator Stennis and my friend Senator George and find the money.....

Carl Vinson ---- Lord Gawd on Highest from Georgia.

And a cousin

Posted by: Shipman 2012-10-21 09:53

#5 "Hope it is not a carrier but a ~~barge~~ garbage scow."

FTFY, JFM.

Posted by: Barbara 2012-10-21 09:19

#4 Brcae yourselves for USS Obama. Hope it is not a cerrier but a barge.

Posted by: JFM 2012-10-21 06:05

#3 How about naming aircraft carriers after departed vice presidents like the USS Lyndon B. Johnson, or USS Gerald R. Ford

Posted by: Waldemar Mussolini7721 2012-10-21 03:53

#2 I'm not real fond of the current carrier naming convention, and it seems especially wrong to name any ship or sub after someone who's still alive.

Believe me, that last part is easily taken care of...

Posted by: Waldemar Mussolini7721 2012-10-21 03:50

#1 The Navy won't be the Navy without an Enterprise. I hope the next one off the line carries on the name, assuming there is a next one.

I'm not real fond of the current carrier naming convention, and it seems especially wrong to name any ship or sub after someone who's still alive.

Posted by: PBMcL 2012-10-21 02:30

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