The USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, departed Newport News in Virginia under tow towards Alabama on November 2, 2026. This final journey to the city of Mobile, where this historic ship will be decommissioned, marks an important milestone in the retirement of one of the United States Navy's prominent vessels.
History and Service of USS Enterprise
The USS Enterprise is known as "Big E" and has served for over five decades, becoming a symbol of American naval power. The ship was commissioned on November 25, 1961, and is recognized as the eighth vessel of the United States Navy to bear the name "Enterprise." Throughout its service, the ship has participated in significant military operations including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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During its service, the ship traveled over one million nautical miles powered by nuclear energy and was officially deactivated in December 2012, being formally retired on February 3, 2017, as the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the United States Navy.
Details of the Decommissioning Process and Its Impacts
The decommissioning process of the USS Enterprise will be carried out at a commercial facility in Mobile by NorthStar Maritime demolition services. This project, under a $418.5 million contract awarded by the U.S. Navy in July 2026, includes the dismantling, recycling, and disposal of the entire vessel, particularly its eight nuclear reactors. This work is expected to be completed by September 2030.
This action is part of the Navy's decision in 2023 to opt for commercial dismantling instead of relying on public shipyards. This commercial approach can nearly halve disposal costs and reduce dismantling time while also freeing up public shipyard capacity for fleet maintenance.
As the USS Enterprise heads towards decommissioning, its name will be transferred to the USS Enterprise (CVN 80), which is currently under construction in Newport News. This new ship is of the Gerald R. Ford class and is expected to play an important role in the future of the United States Navy.
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