Today marks the formal conclusion of a vaunted ship’s faithful career. In Traditional Naval Ceremony the crew of USS Enterprise CVN-65 and distinguished guests inactivated the “Big E”. In what began with Carrier Strike Group Commander Rear Admiral Ted Carter’s Flag being lowered from the yardarm and concluded with the crew disembarking the long serving Enterprise was allowed to rest.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary S. Welch/Released)
51 years is becoming less and less a significantly long time in the annals of history, however, for an aircraft carrier to serve 51 years not just partaking in ‘History’s Timeline’ but in many cases, making it, is nothing short of miraculous. Enterprise was not simply a Ship of the Fleet, she was the icon represented all that America stands for, Liberty, Freedom, Teamwork, Ingenuity, Technology, Tactics, and Accomplishment, all tolled made up the ship we knew as Enterprise. 
(Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary S. Welch/Released)
Many of us in the Navy community watched today as we bid farewell to this historical vessel concerned that this may be the end of an era. The Navy is a service, more than any other, founded on tradition. From flying the Navy Jack to rendering honors as ships pass, our foundation, our keystone is Honor, Courage and Tradition. A ship named Enterprise, with rare exception, has always been in our fleet, and since 1938 that name has applied to the Navy’s most impressive Ship of the Line the Aircraft Carrier. In 1938 the USS Enterprise CV-6 was commissioned and served our country like no other, earning 20 Battle Stars in her WWII service. Establishing the name “Enterprise” forever in our lexicon.
In 1961, the United States commissioned a new Enterprise (CVN-65). She was like no other. She was to represent the latest and greatest technical achievements of the United States of America. Initially, the largest ship in the world (and up to her inactivation today still the longest in the US Fleet) and as we all are aware, the first Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier. (It is interesting that because of this propulsion system, Enterprise was not to be “Decommissioned” this day, as she cannot while still “percolating”, rather she was “Inactivated” functionally removing her from the Line.)
For 100s of thousands of sailors who served on her, and 10s of thousands of aviators who flew from her deck, bidding farewell to this great ship was a emotional milestone, regenerating countless memories of adventure, challenge, and honor. Memories of missions, and liberties… of drudgery and pride, and especially of family and shipmates! She will be missed.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman/Released)
Many of us in the Navy Community were concerned that with today’s inactivation, there would no longer be an Enterprise. To our great satisfaction our concerns were alleviated today… for along with tributary commentary of CVN-65’s impressive service history, we were informed by none other than the Secretary of the Navy that the name Enterprise would be carried forward! Confirming that the new Ford Class Nuclear Carrier, CVN-80 will indeed be commissioned “USS Enterprise”.
So this day, we bid farewell to a great ship served by great crews “USS Enterprise” (CVN-65) and hail the future of the US Navy, “USS Enterprise” (CVN-80). Boson… Ring the Bell!
A boson is an elementary atomic particle. A bosun is a sailor.
Posted by: Richard Parnacott | September 07, 2014 at 20:13
Bravo Zulu, for once Mr. Mabus.
Posted by: KenofSoCal | December 02, 2012 at 19:57