Today, after over 51 years of service, the USS Enterprise (CVN65) was deactivated.
The first nuclear powered aircraft carrier was laid down in 1958 and launched in 1960 and commissioned in November 1961. Built at a cost of $451 million, she underwent refurbishing in 2008 ata cost of $662 million. Deemed too expensive to operate and maintain, and lasting 15 years longer than planned, the decision was made to remove her from service. Next week she will return to the yard she was born in and dismantling will begin the eight reactors will be removed and transported for burial. In mid 2013 she will be decommissioned. Eventually she will be towed to Bremerton, WA for burial at sea.
The eigth ship to bear the name Enterprise, the next Ford class carrier, CVN80, will carry on the tradition of a ship named Enterprise.
The only one of its kind, she served us well.
The first, the finest, the fastest. Big E, you will be missed.
