Enterprise Decommissioning

Photos by Harry Gerwien

A Class of Her Own (1961 - 2012)

PAGE 2 | USS ENTERPRISE - A CLASS OF HER OWN | NOVEMBER 29, 2012

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US

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4-9

8-9

12-13

14-18

15

20-21

22-23

24-25

28-29

30

32-33

34-35

36-39

40-42

Sailor reflections

First to respond

First nuclear aircraft carrier

51 years of service

Fire of 1969

Weathering the storms

Spotlight: 1964

The ship CO’s

Enterprise’s 50th birthday

Notable visitors

History of Naval Aviation

The future of aircraft carriers

Final deployment

Last homecoming

TABLE OFCONTENTS

A Class of Her OwnU.S. Navy file photo


SAILORREFLECTIONS

I served aboard the USS Enterprise from Feb.

1977 - Oct. 1980. It was the best time of my life.I was assigned to damage control and repair –in the pipe shop to begin with and later movedto the shipfitters shop. When I got my ordersin bootcamp, all of the other guys could notbelieve it and told me how lucky I was. When Ifirst saw the ship at Naval Air Station Alameda,I could not believe the size of her. I was justan old county boy from Elkmont, Ala. and Ihad never seen a ship until I joined the Navy.

I made a lot of friends pretty quick and theyare still to this day the best friends I everhad. Going out to town and coming backwas really something to see with the ship alllit up in the dark ... I can still see it. I stooda lot of sounding and security watches, andlet me tell you, four-hour shifts was a jobwithin itself, plus working in the shop too.It’s not just a job, but an adventure, but itwas worth it. We got to eat good and had anice place to sleep. I miss being out at sea.

Being in the Navy and serving on theEnterprise was the best time of my life. Whilewe were in drydock at Puget Sound NavalShipyard in Bremerton, Wash., I got to workand see them take her apart and put her backtogether again. It was sad to see them takedown what we called the “Cone Head” andit changed the look of her. One time I gotto walk under the ship and it felt like therewas a sky of steel above you. Not too manySailors that served on her can say that. I amsad that they are going to scrap her. It breaksmy heart. A lot of memories will go with her.

- HTFN James Cramer,

served aboard USS Enterprise

from Feb. 1977 - Oct. 1980

We were at Pier 12 before the cruise and the USS Forrestal(CV 59) was next to us. I was an aviation airman andthe ship was over quota, so I was one of the many thatwas transferred to the 1st Division. Oh yes, I did it all. Ithen requested to be on the Bridge Detail and becamea qualified helmsmen – the first or second person in theaviation field to do this. Then I worked in the chow area forawhile until they asked me to work in the Chief’s Mess andthat is where I stayed for a long time. Before coming to theUSS Enterprise, I was on the Crash Crew at NAS PatuxentRiver as a Aviation Boatswain’s Mate - Handling (ABH).

While stationed there (November 1963), I was one of 60picked to go to Arlington Cemetery to be a Naval HonorGuard for the funeral of President John F. Kennedy. I thenleft the Big “E” for ABH “A” School in Philadelphia, Penn.

I am very proud to have served aboard such as grand ladyand will miss her when she has to retire from service. Ihave been a member of the USS Enterprise CVAN/CVN-65Association. Just know that we are very proud of our presentshipmates now serving aboard. She is a wonderful ship toserve aboard and all of us who have served on her havebeen very honored to have this ship as a part of our lives.

- Clayton Thomas

U.S. Navy file photo


The article

and photo are

from the ship’s

daily newspaper

while on

‘WESTPAC 78’

aboard USS

Enterprise (CVN

65.) I have kept

the original all

these years.

Mick [Lorenzo]

and I remain

good friends.”

- ACC (AW)

Ray Firenze (ret.),

crew member from

1976-1979

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

“It is very sad to see the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) getdecommissioned. I had a great experience being ayoung Sailor aboard. I remember great stories, somevery funny and some very sad. My time serving aboardEnterprise helped me grow to the man I am today.”

Upon leaving the Navy, Rivera became a New YorkCity Police Officer (7 years - retired). He alsomarried his wife, Tammy, whom he met during thetime he was stationed in Norfolk. They have twoyoung boys, Josh and Ilan, and a daughter, Emma,and now own Edible Arrangements in Norfolk.

- AK3 Anthony Rivera

Served aboard USS Enterprise

from 1997-2001


A news article written whileJerry Schamp was aboard theUSS Enterprise. He is now 67years young and very proudof his service in the Navy.

“Jerry’s grandson, JansenSchamp, is now in the Navy andstationed in Norfolk. He madeus aware of the retirement of theEnterprise. We are proud thatour grandchildren followed in thefootsteps of their grandfather.”

The also have other grandchildrenwho serve in the Armed Forces –Jaycie Schamp, is stationed at BelleChasse, La. and Austin Reifsteck,is stationed in Jacksonville,Fla., currently on cruise onthe Oliver Hazard Perry-classfrigate USS Klakring (FFG 42).

- Submitted by Diana L. Schamp

about her husband, ATR2 Jerry

Schamp, who served aboard USS

Enterprise during the Vietnam War

from November 1965 until June 1966

“I was on the Enterprise in the 70s (1976-78). My fondest memory was of the RomanCatholic priest Father “Al” Dagnoli. He knew just about every person’s first name andwould greet you whenever he met you on the ship. Al finally left to go to a monasterywhere he had to take a vow of silence for part of the time he was there. KnowingFather Al, that would be a hard vow to keep, but I am sure he was up to it.”

- Lt. Cmdr. Roger N. Hughes (ret.),

crew member 1976-1978

Courtesy photos


Sailor Reflections, continued.

My dad served on the USS Andromeda (AKA15) as a chief petty officer during WWII. Atone point he was stationed at Pearl Harbor.Fast forward to 1976, my dad died waytoo early in May of 1976 from cancer, fourweeks before my wedding in June of 1976.

In October of 1976, my new husband (a formerMarine) then worked with GM truck salesand had won a four-day trip to Hawaii. Heplanned on taking me to Pearl Harbor to showme where my dad had been stationed, etc.

The first night there we attended a luau forall the GM winners and guests. My husbandsat next to a Hawaiian shirt-clad gentleman,a guest of his brother, and they immediatelystarted talking “history.” My husband told thegentleman that he wanted to show me aroundPearl Harbor, but found that it was closed tothe public at this time due to the nuclear shipUSS Enterprise and a nuclear sub docked.

The visitor immediately assured us that hecould make our visit a reality. He proceeded toscribble some information on a card, gave it tomy husband, and said to call his secretary forwhich gate to enter. Upon checking, we wereseated next to the commander of the base!We had a very enjoyable day visiting the basethe following day. The USS Enterprise was alldecked out with flags and looked very festive.

Now, many years later, my new son-in-lawis on his first deployment with the Navyas an ABH aboard the USS Enterprise’sfinal voyage. My second view of theEnterprise is going to be very festive, too!

- Submitted by

Karen L. (Klemm) Lynn

“In lateNovemberof 1961, as amember ofthe EnterpriseNavigationDepartment, Istood on thebridge drinkingcoffee andwatched as theshipped wascommissioned(it was heldon the hangerdeck). Itseems odd tome that I willbe watchingthe decom-missioning 51years later.”

- Raymond

Mulhern

Michael Thacker painted and built aplastic replica of the USS Enterprise(CVN 65), which took more than threemonths to complete. The model itselfis 3.5 feet in length (now encased inglass on a wooded stand), and theproject was started nearly six yearsago. To complete the project, Thackerrequested to have the model signedby Enterprise’s Commanding Officer.And with the assistance of WAVY TV10 and the Navy, Thacker along withhis family and friends, were invited toNaval Station Norfolk for a tour wherehis model was officially signed by thethen Commanding Officer Capt. Dee.L. Mewbourne in August of 2011. Themodel accompanied the crew andthe ship on its final deployment.

“Ever since August of 2011, the USSEnterprise has become my family.I attended their 50th BirthdayCelebration in November and I went tosee the USS Enterprise leave in March.[My family and I] are looking forwardto seeing them come home in person.”

- Michael Thacker,

Portsmouth

Courtesy photo


USS Enterprise (CVN 65) had just completed hertour in the Persian Gulf supporting OperationSouthern Watch and was en route to Cape Town,South Africa for a much anticipated port visitbefore our return to homeport in Norfolk.

For many of the crew, including myself, we were hoursaway from participating in crossing the line ceremonies.

Suddenly, we were all watching the events of9/11 unfold before our eyes on ship’s television.In disbelief, we watched as the second aircraftplunged into the tower. Some time later, we heardof an aircraft crashing into the Pentagon.

While events were unfolding, we were conductinga replenishment at sea (RAS). Upon completion

of the RAS, Enterprise came to a halt. Capt. JamesA. Winnefeld, Jr. announced on the ship’s 1MC thefollowing, “Enterprise, this is the captain. The UnitedStates is under attack. Make ready for high-speed transit.We are awaiting our orders from Washington. That is all.”

The Air Department leadership gathered shortly afterthe captain’s announcement and made it a point togo out on the deck plates to talk with our Sailors.On the evening of Oct. 7, 2001, we commencedlaunching retaliatory air strikes into Afghanistan. Iwas the assistant air officer (MINI) at the time as Iwatched the ship and her crew respond magnificently.

During one launch, a F-14 Tomcat was encounteringa problem on CAT 3. The ship’s crew and squadronpersonnel jointly contributed in rectifying

FIRST TO RESPOND – 9/11 ATTACKS



My sea story is simply this. I believethat I hold the record for the greatestamount of time served aboardEnterprise in a career. Beginningin February 1984 and spanning twodecades until my final departure inJune 2003, I served a total of 14 years,11 months and 3 days on Enterprise,the entirety of my career sea time.

The meat and potatoes of that time I wasassigned to Reactor Mechanical Divisionin number 3 plant, where I held everyposition from most junior watchstanderto plant chief. I never had any desire toserve aboard any other ship, requestingEnterprise when I finished nuclearpower training, and upon my returnto sea duty on two other occasions.

I made the four deployments onEnterprise. In 1984, we visited Hawaii;Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines;and Hong Kong. In 1986, we visitedSubic Bay, Singapore, and Karachi,Pakistan. Enterprise became the firstnuclear carrier to transit the SuezCanal, and while in the Med, we visitedToulon, France and Naples, Italy. Weswung around the Horn of Africa andvisited Perth, Australia, then hit SubicBay again on our way home. I received ahumanitarian discharge in 1987 to care

for my ailing parents. I returned to theNavy in 1988 and requested to returnto Enterprise. In 1989, we visited theusual West Pac spots as well as PattayaBeach, Thailand; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;and St. Thomas on our way to Norfolkfor the ships fourth refueling overhaul.In 1996, we visited St. Martin and FortLauderdale during work ups. I departedEnterprise in Fort Lauderdale for myonly shore duty tour at SIMA Norfolk. Ireturned to Enterprise in 1999. We visitedPensacola, Fla. in early 2001 duringour work ups, and on deployment wevisited Cannes, France; Naples, Italy;Portsmouth, England; Lisbon, Portugal;Rhodes, Greece; Jebel Ali in the UnitedArab Emirates; and Souda Bay, Crete.

On the evening of Sept. 11, 2001,Enterprise was the first U.S. carrieron station, ready on arrival to launchcounterstrikes in the “War on Terrorism.”Our deployment was extended and wewere late getting home, but we wouldhave gladly stayed longer. Today, I amstill serving Enterprise, in the ReactorPlant Planning Yard at Newport NewsShipbuilding. I am the sole provider ofrepair part provisioning and logisticssupport for the Enterprise Reactor Plants.

- Bryan Florence

the problem by havingtwo flight deck personnellay on top of each other,allowing the squadronrep to leap on top ofthem to reach and repairthe problem. When thecorrective action wascompleted, these youngwarriors gave each other“high fives” and slapson their backs. Theirsmiles could be seenall the way up to thetower that dark night.

When I witnessed thisselfless act, I knew wewould be victorious inour efforts combatingterrorism. I retired afterserving more than 30years of commissionedservice and I have neverbeen prouder than thatmoment witnessing ourcountry’s youth – both inthe air and on this historicflight deck – answer hercountry’s call when needed.

It was something I’llalways remember asBig E’s Air Departmentanswered the challengeby being “Never Late”and “Never Forgotten.”

- Submitted by Capt.

Mike Barea (ret.), Air

Officer (Air Boss), USS

Enterprise (CVN 65)

June 2001 - May 2003

Sailor Reflections, continued.



COMING SOON...

THE BIG “E”

3 easy ways to pre-order & guarantee delivery by the holiday:

• Online at Store.PilotOnline.com

• Order by phone 757-446-2762

• Mail your check to PO Box 627, Norfolk VA 23501

*Please make check payable to The Virginian-Pilot

Enterprise Booklet $14The fi rst aircraft carrier to harness atomic energy

was commissioned in 1961. After more than half

a century of service, the Enterprise is on its last

deployment. The Pilot looks back - through stories,

photographs and graphics - at the ship’s storied

history.

This full color booklet will ship late November. Price

includes tax & shipping.

A 2-pack (DVD & Booklet) is available for $28.99

Enterprise DVD $19.99The Navy bids farewell to its massive Enterprise

this December. See photos and video from the last

deployment, the ship’s homecoming in Norfolk and

the decommissioning ceremony.

This DVD will ship December 17th - just in time for

the holiday. Price includes tax & shipping.


We Salute The “Big E”For 52 Years Of Protecting Freedom.“Commissioned into service on September 24, 1960, the

Enterprise has had a long and distinguished career. From the

blockade of Cuba during the missile crisis to Vietnam to the

liberation of Iraq, the “Big E” has been the tip of the spear,

protecting freedom around the world. I am very proud to have

served aboard the “Big E” from 1986 to 1990 and I can

personally appreciate the Enterprise’s rich history and what

this great ship means to our country. The “Big E” has had a

huge impact on my life. It brought me to Hampton Roads

where I met my beautiful wife of 22 years. I also attribute my

professional success to the discipline and drive that is a result

of my service. I salute my fellow “Big E” shipmates, past and

present, as we celebrate and remember the accomplishments of

the Navy’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.”

Todd Collins, General Manager, Checkered Flag Hyundai

t

CHECKERED FLAG HYUNDAI


THE WORLD’SFIRST NUCLEAR

AIRCRAFT

By Capt. Vincent P. de Poix

The first CO of the USS Enterprise

We have inherited themost illustrious name inthe history of our country’sNavy, that of Enterprise ...”

From an operational standpoint, theability of Enterprise to accelerateand decelerate merits first mention.In both cases, our capability exceedsany conventional aircraft carrier.This capability is of tremendousbenefit when carrying out ourprimary function of air operationsin that we can turn into the windat a later time with assurance thatwe can produce the requisite 35knots of wind over the deck forlaunching or recovering aircraft.

During periods of light wind, inparticular, since she can accelerateat such a tremendous rate – it ispossible to steam down wind oralong our intended course forlonger periods and still turn intowind and be up to speed at the timeappointed for aircraft operations.

We can decelerate very rapidly atthe end of a launch or recoveryin order to take our helicoptersaboard if this course of action ispreferable to turning out of thewind. The helicopters are subjectto definite wind limitations, whichare less than the relative windover the deck which we requireduring fixed wing air operations.Recovering our helicoptersrapidly means time saved inreassuming our intended track.

Our superior ability to accelerateand decelerate can also extricateus from tight spots in a hurry

if necessary. This increases thesafety of operation of the nuclearcarrier, as well as that of otherships which may be involvedin a potential collision.

Enterprise is equipped with eightof the most powerful nuclearreactors now supplying powerfor propulsion. These reactors,operating on four shafts andarranged in pairs, can develop over200,000 shaft horsepower. In fact,on trials, Enterprise developed morehorsepower than any ship in history.

The training of personnel forEnterprise was intensive andtraining continues at a fast paceto insure retention of knowledge,as well as to expand our skillsin operating our many complexsystems. The naval nuclearpropulsion training program placesstress on operator knowledge andoperator vigilance. In knowing theirsystems completely, our operatorsare able to recognize and avoiddangerous situations by properhandling of the controls availableto them. This increases the safetyand reliability of the equipment, tosay nothing of the beneficial effecton the peace of mind of all aboard.

The commanding officer, executiveofficer, and all officers and menwho operate the reactors are notonly given practical training at theprototypes, but prior to that they

are given an extensive course oftheoretical study in reactor physicsand other technical subjects whichwill support their future training.

I consider myself indeed fortunateto have had the one year oftraining in naval reactors underAdm. [Hyman G.] Rickover. Allcommanding officers and executiveofficers of nuclear ships need thisintimate knowledge of the plant,including reactor safeguards,plant control, water chemistryand radiological controls.

Enterprise is opening a new era innaval history. The mission she isto serve was eloquently expressedby Adm. Arleigh A. Burke at herchristening when he said, “Thisnew Enterprise is a mighty symbolof our determination to preserveliberty and justice and a clearindication of our ability to do so.”

Editor’s note: “The Big ‘E’”was originally published in theJune 1962 issue of ProceedingsMagazine. Article edited for space.


USS Enterpriseunder construction inNewport News, 1958

The USS Enterprise was launched onSept. 24, 1960, making it the world’s first

nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

From Naval History andHeritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command photos


Role is space explorationOn Feb. 20, 1962, Enterprise was a tracking andmeasuring station for the flight of Friendship 7,the Project Mercury space capsule in which U.S.Marine Corps Lt. Col. John H. Glenn, Jr. made thefirst American orbital spaceflight. In August, thecarrier joined the 6th Fleet in the MediterraneanSea, returning to Norfolk in October.

Cuban Missile CrisisIn October of 1962, Enterprise was dispatched to herfirst international crisis. Following revelations that theSoviet Union was constructing nuclear missile launchsites on Cuba as a response to U.S. deployment ofnuclear missiles in Italy and Turkey, President John F.Kennedy began to prepare for action, moving severalmilitary units to Florida and adjacent waters. On Oct.24, 1962, Kennedy ordered a naval and air “quarantine”on shipment of offensive military equipment to Cubaand demanded the Soviets dismantle the missilesites there. Enterprise, supported by the carriersUSS Independence (CV 62), USS Essex (CV 9),and Randolph (CV 15), and backed by shore-basedaircraft, participated in the blockade as part of the2nd Fleet. By Oct. 28, the crisis was averted.

Vietnam / First combat missionIn Nov. of 1965, Enterprise was transferred to thePacific 7th Fleet, homeporting at NAS Alameda,Calif. The following month, on Dec. 2, she becamethe first nuclear-powered ship to engage in combatwhen she launched aircraft against the Viet Congnear Bien Hoa. The ship led Carrier Division 3, withUSS Enterprise (CVAN 65), which had Carrier AirWing 9 aboard, USS Bainbridge (DLGN 25); USSBarry (DD 933); and USS Samuel B. Roberts (DD823). Enterprise launched 125 sorties on the first day,unleashing 167 short tons (151 tons) of bombs androckets on the enemy’s supply lines. On Dec. 3, sheset a record of 165 strike sorties in a single day.

51 YEARSOF SERVICE

1960s

In January of 1966, the carrier continued operations asa unit of Task Force 77 in the Gulf of Tonkin. WhenEnterprise departed the Gulf of Tonkin on June 20, 1967,her pilots had flown more than 13,400 battle missionsduring 132 combat days of operations. As Vice Adm.John J. Hyland stated in his congratulatory statement, “theentire Air Wing 9 has earned a resounding ‘Well Done.’”

On April 14 1969, tensions with North Korea flared asa North Korean aircraft shot down an EC-121 WarningStar that was on a reconnaissance patrol over the EastJapan Sea from its base at Atsugi, Japan. The entire 31-man crew was killed. The U.S. responded by activatingTask Force 71 (TF 71), which included the Enterprise, toprotect future such flights over those international waters.

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs

Naval History and Heritage Command photo


THE FIRE OF 1969

The ship’s most tragic momentoccurred the morningof Jan. 14, 1969.

An explosion erupted when a Mk-32 Zunirocket attached to a parked F-4 Phantom wasoverheated by an aircraft start unit mountedto a tow tractor. The initial explosion spreadto other armed aircraft causing fires andadditional explosions across the flight deck.

During the eight explosions, and followingfires, 27 died and 314 were injured.The fires also destroyed 15 aircraft.

The fire not only changed damage controland fire fighting for Enterprise, it improvedtechniques and training across the fleet.

The trueheroes of thismagnificent shipare those whopaid the ultimatesacrifice in serviceto their nation.

We will neverforget them ortheir familiesand we celebratetheir lives today.”

- Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter,Jr., Commander, Enterprise

Carrier Strike Group at amemorial ceremony U.S. Navy file photo

Naval History and HeritageCommand photo


Vietnam, continued.In 1969-1970, Enterprise returned to Newport NewsShipbuilding and went through an overhaul and hersecond refueling. In January of 1971, she completedsea trials with newly designed nuclear reactor coresthat contained enough energy for 20 years. Enterprisethen left for Vietnam, again to provide air supportfor American and South Vietnamese units.

A different kind of warIn December of 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971,Enterprise was deployed to the Bay of Bengal as a show ofstrength against India’s naval blockade by INS Vikrant. ASoviet Navy submarine was also trailing the U.S. task force.A confrontation was averted when the Americans movedtowards South East Asia, away from the Indian Ocean.

Linebacker operationsEnterprise and the other carriers had flown a total of23,652 tactical air attack sorties into North Vietnamfrom May-October and U.S. tactical air sorties duringLinebacker I operations helped to stem the flow ofsupplies into North Vietnam, thereby limiting theoperating capabilities of the North Vietnamese Army.In October of 1972, the U.S. ended tactical air sortiesinto North Vietnam above the 20th parallel and broughtLinebacker I operations to a close, a gesture designedto promote peace negotiations being held in Paris.

On Dec. 18, 1972, the U.S. resumed bombing campaignsabove the 20th parallel under the name LinebackerII. During Linebacker II operations, Enterprise andother carriers on station reseeded the mine fields inHaiphong Harbor and conducted concentrated strikesagainst surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillerysites, enemy Army barracks, petroleum storage areas,Haiphong naval and shipyard areas, and railroad andtruck stations. Navy tactical air attack sorties underLinebacker II were centered in the coastal areas aroundHanoi and Haiphong. There were 705 Navy sorties inthis area during Linebacker II. Between Dec. 18 and 22,the Navy conducted 119 Linebacker II strikes in NorthVietnam, with the main limiting factor on airstrikes being

bad weather. In December of 1972, the North Vietnamesereturned to the peace table and Linebacker II ended.

CeasefireIn January of 1973, the Vietnam ceasefire was announcedand American carriers ceased all combat sorties intoNorth and South Vietnam. After the ceasefire in Vietnamin 1973, Enterprise proceeded to the Puget Sound NavalShipyard, Bremerton, Wash., where the carrier was alteredand refitted to support the Navy’s newest fighter aircraft –the F-14 Tomcat. On March 18, 1974, the first operationalTomcats of VF-1 Wolfpack and VF-2 Bounty Hunters madetheir maiden takeoffs and landings from the carrier. InSeptember of 1974, Enterprise became the first carrierto deploy with the new fighter plane when she madeher seventh Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.

Disaster reliefIn February of 1975, Typhoon Gervaise struck theisland nation of Mauritius and Enterprise was orderedto provide disaster relief. Arriving at Port Louis,carrier personnel spent more than 10,000 man-hours rendering such assistance as restoring water,power and telephone systems, clearing roads anddebris, and providing helicopter, medical, food anddrinkable water support to the stricken area.

Hostages in UgandaIn July of 1976, Enterprise began her eighth WESTPACdeployment. In February of 1977, Idi Amin, the Presidentof Uganda, made derogatory remarks against the U.S.in public and Americans in Uganda were taken hostage.This was several months after the Israeli raid at Entebbeairport. Enterprise and her escort ships, having just leftMombasa after a port call, were directed to remain in thearea and operated off the East African Coast for about oneweek. At that point the ships were scheduled to transithome after a seven-month deployment. The ship’s Marinedetachment and air wing prepared for a possible missionto rescue and evacuate the Americans, but Amin eventuallyreleased all the hostages. The ships then steamed acrossthe Indian Ocean at high speed to make a previouslyscheduled final port call before returning to NAS Alameda.

51 years of service, continued. – 1970s


First to travel the Suez CanalIn 1986, the carrier made her 12th WESTPACdeployment, leaving on Jan. 12, 1986. She led BattleGroup Foxtrot, including USS Truxtun, USS Arkansas,USS O’Brien, USS Reasoner, USS Lewis B. Puller,USS McClusky and USS David R. Ray. The BattleGroup sailed directly for the Indian Ocean, with stopsin Hawaii, Naval Station Subic Bay and Singapore. OnApril 28, 1986, Enterprise became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to transit the Suez Canal.She went from the Red Sea to the Mediterraneanto relieve USS Coral Sea, on-station with USSAmerica off the coast of Libya. Enterprise enteredthe Mediterranean to support “Operation El DoradoCanyon,” the U.S. bombing of Libya. It was the ship’sfirst visit to the Mediterranean in more than 22 years.

Operation Praying MantisIn January of 1988, Enterprise underwent her 16thdeployment and was assigned to Operation EarnestWill, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers in thePersian Gulf. On April 14, 1988, another EarnestWill ship, USS Samuel B. Roberts, struck an Iranianmine in international waters. In response, the U.S.launched Operation Praying Mantis against Iraniantargets, starting with two Iranian oil platforms thatwere being used as support bases for Iranian attackson merchant shipping. Aircraft from Enterprise’sCVW-11 bombed two Iranian frigates, helping to sinkone, and provided other air support for the strike.

Coup in the PhilippinesIn September of 1989, Enterprise left Alameda andbegan her 17th overseas deployment, an around-the-world cruise that would end at the ship’snew homeport of Naval Station Norfolk. In earlyDecember of 1989, Enterprise and USS Midway(CV 41) participated in Operation Classic Resolve,President George H.W. Bush’s response to PhilippinePresident Corazon Aquino’s request for air supportduring the rebel coup attempt. Enterprise remainedon-station conducting flight operations in the watersoutside Manila Bay until the situation subsided.

1980s-1990s

Conflict in BosniaOn Sept. 27, 1994, Enterprise commenced sea trials,during which she performed an extended full power runas fast as when she was new. On June 28, 1996, Enterprisebegan her 18th overseas deployment. The carrier enforcedno-fly zones in Bosnia as part of Operation Joint Endeavorand over Iraq as part of Operation Southern Watch. Thedeployment ended in December of 1996, which alsomarked the end of active service for the A-6 Intruderfrom the Navy. In February of 1997, Enterprise enteredNewport News Shipbuilding for an extended selectiverestricted availability, lasting four-and-a-half months.

Crash on the flight deckIn November of 1998, following work-ups, Enterprisedeparted on her 19th overseas deployment, with CVW-3embarked. On the night of Nov. 8, 1998, shortly after thestart of the deployment, a EA-6B Prowler crashed intoan S-3 Viking on the carrier’s flight deck. The mishapoccurred as the EA-6B was landing during night carrierqualifications, striking the folded wings of the S-3, whichhad not yet cleared the landing area of the flight deck. Thefour crew of the EA-6B perished when the aircraft hit thewater, but the two crew members of the S-3 ejected. A firebroke out on the flight deck, but was quickly extinguishedby the flight deck crew. Three of the four members ofthe Prowler crew were lost at sea and the remains of thefourth were recovered shortly after the crash. The crewof the Viking were rushed to the Naval Medical CenterPortsmouth. There were no other significant injuries.An exhaustive search for three missing EA-6B Prowlercrew members was suspended after nearly 24 hours.

Naval History and Heritage Command photo


First to respond – 9/11 attacksEnterprise was beginning her voyage home from the PersianGulf when the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks were carried out. Thecarrier returned at flank speed to the waters off SouthwestAsia near the Persian Gulf, outrunning her escorts.

The war in AfghanistanIn October of 2001, the United States launched airattacks against al-Qaeda training camps and Talibanmilitary installations in Afghanistan. The actions weredesigned to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a base forterrorist operations and to attack the military capabilityof the Taliban regime. Over three weeks, aircraft fromEnterprise flew nearly 700 missions and dropped largeamounts of ordnance over Afghanistan. On Nov. 10,2001, the carrier arrived at her homeport of Norfolk.During her last day at sea, the ship hosted a live two-hour broadcast of ABC’s Good Morning America.Garth Brooks performed a concert with Jewel fromEnterprise on Nov. 21, 2001 while she was dockedin Norfolk. The concert was carried live on CBS. InJanuary of 2002, Enterprise entered the Norfolk NavalShipyard in Portsmouth for a scheduled one-yearExtended Dry Docking Selected Restricted Availability.

Operation Iraqi FreedomIn 2003-2004, the carrier provided air supportfor Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2004, the shipparticipated in Summer Surge 2004 and severalmultinational exercises. In May of 2006, Enterprisedeparted for a six-month deployment, operatingin the 6th, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibilityand supported both Operations Iraqi and EnduringFreedom. She returned to Norfolk on Nov. 18, 2006.

Decommissioning announcedOn Dec. 19. 2007, the carrier returned home after a six-month deployment in the Persian Gulf. In April of 2008,Enterprise entered the Northrop-Grumman NewportNews Shipyard for a scheduled 18-month ExtendedDocking Selected Restricted Availability, with a projectedcompletion date of Sept. of 2009. As maintenance was

performed, costs continued to rise above projections andthe completion date repeatedly slid. Enterprise, the oldestactive combat vessel in the Navy, was scheduled to bedecommissioned as late as 2014. On April 6, 2009, Chiefof Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead stated that hewas seeking a congressional dispensation to speed upthe process to decommission Enterprise. Under this newtimetable, the ship would complete one final deploymentbefore being decommissioned. In October of 2009, theHouse and Senate Armed Services Committees agreedwith the recommendation, approving the decommissioningof Enterprise in 2013 after 51 years of service.

Somali pirates / LibyaIn February of 2011, the Enterprise was involved in anincident with Somali pirates, an event that ended in thedeaths of four American citizens and four pirates. Thecarrier returned to Norfolk on July 15, 2011. During itsdeployment, it had participated in operations that captured75 Somali pirates and its strike group made missile strikesagainst the Libyan government during the Libyan uprising.

Final ordersOn April 9, 2012, the Navy announced that the Enterpriseand her group, Carrier Strike Group 12, would be assignedto join the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in thePersian Gulf. The mission was described as routine, nota response to a specific threat. Upon completion of thismission, the Enterprise is scheduled to be deactivated.

51 years of service, continued. – 2000s-2010s



CFC# 81534


WEATHERINGTHE STORMS

At sea and in port, the USSEnterprise (CVN 65) hasexperienced her fair share ofhurricanes. Every year, hurricaneseason begins on June 1 andruns through Nov. 30.

On Aug. 26, 2010, the crewprepared for high winds and heavyseas as Hurricane Danielle madeher way up the Atlantic Coastwhile the ship conducted work-ups. Danielle was the first of fourCategory 4 hurricanes during the2010 Atlantic hurricane season.As the ship moved away from thehurricane, the crew implementedsafeguards to protect personneland vital equipment from damage.While aircraft carriers do notrock as much as smaller ships,heavy seas can cause damage.“We should start seeing the effectsfrom Danielle this weekend,”said Lt. Cmdr. Patrick J. Havel,Enterprise’s METOC officer. “Wecan expect 20-knot winds fromthe North and 10-foot swells.”

Sailors aboard Enterprise tieddown all loose objects aboard toprevent damage to personnel orequipment in the event of heavyrolls. The Navy trains to makestowing for sea, as this process iscalled, second nature to Sailors.

“Depending upon how rough theseas are, the damage costs couldrun into thousands of dollars,and we run the risk of serious

injury,” said Hospital Corpsman1st Class David B. Hall.

On Aug. 27, 2011, a skeleton crewhunkered down for HurricaneIrene. Irene was a large and verydestructive tropical cyclone,which affected much of theCaribbean and East Coast ofthe United States. While manyNavy ships homeported inNorfolk went underway to moresafely navigate the storm at sea,Enterprise was moved to NorfolkNaval Shipyard because thelocation was deemed safer forships unable to get underway.

The ship was moved by tug boatson Aug. 25, 2011, a rare movewhich took more than three hoursfor the tug crews and the ship’sduty sections and volunteers.

“These Sailors worked hard tomove the ship and now they arekeeping her safe during the storm,”said Cmdr. Jody H. Grady, theship’s command duty officer. “Thiswill be a sea story that they will beable to tell their children, and theirgrandchildren, that they were onthe legendary Big ‘E’ during Irene.”

Enterprise also opened its doorsfor her temporary neighbor,aircraft carrier USS Harry S.Truman (CVN 75). More than 300Harry S. Truman Sailors had theoption to stay aboard Enterprisebecause their ship’s extended U.S. Navy file photos


shipyard maintenance availabilitydidn’t allow for overnight stays.

“We try to help our neighbors asmuch as possible,” said Lt. Melissa E.Johnson, from Enterprise’s OperationsDepartment, who was aboard keepingthe crew informed about the statusof the storm. “We are responsiblefor tracking weather, checking onroads, flood areas and keeping thebase notified of tornadoes, and we’remaking sure Truman is informed aswell. Our primary concern is thesafety of our Sailors and equipment.”

During the storm, Enterprise hadto change its communications from

ground based to satellite based incase of power outages on land. Itwas an advantage that a warshiphad over a building and it madebeing aboard an aircraft carriersafer than weathering it ashore.

“It’s our job to keep the phones andtelevisions up and running and tocheck on our electrical boxes,” saidInterior Communications Electrician(SW) 1st Class Reginald W. Morris.“It may seem like a small detailfrom the outside, but the Sailorswho have stayed aboard to workthis weekend are concerned fortheir family and property, and theywill need lines of communication

with their families in the area.”While Enterprise is the nation’s oldestactive warship, the ship has state-of-the-art communications capabilitiesand the ship’s public affairs officercontinuously keep families informedvia the ship’s Facebook page.

“We are using every communicationtool at our disposal to keep ourSailors and their families informed,”said Lt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler,the ship’s public affairs officer.“Enterprise has been weatheringstorms for half a century, and in theage of social media, we have evenmore tools to reach our audience inour effort to ensure everyone is safe.”

This will

be a sea story

that they will

be able to tell

their children,

and their

grandchildren,

that they

were on the

legendary

Big ‘E’ during

Irene.”

- Cmdr. Jody H. Grady,the ship’s command duty

officer

Compiled byFlagship staff



SPOTLIGHT:Underway

Thank you to Kelly Williams Bergman, who graciously supplied the 1964 USS Enterprise cruise book that

belonged to her grandfather, Master Chief Petty Officer Hardy Willis Purefoy (ret.). He served in the Navy

for 30 years from 1939-1969. A special thanks to Bergman’s grandmother, Lucille, and the Purefoy family.


The Crew

1964

The Homecoming


THESHIPCO’S

Frederick H. MichaelisJuly 20, 1963 - July 17, 1965

James L. Holloway IIIJuly 17, 1965 - July 11, 1967

Kent L. LeeJuly 11, 1967 - July 8, 1969

Forrest S. PetersenJuly 8, 1969 - Dec. 3, 1971

Ernest E. Tissot, Jr.Dec. 3, 1971 - April 9, 1974

Carol C. Smith, Jr.April 9, 1974 - Dec. 10, 1976

James W. AustinDec. 10, 1976 - Feb. 23, 1980

Robert J. KellyFeb. 23, 1980 - June 17, 1983

Robert L. Leuschner, Jr.June 17, 1983 - Jan. 27, 1986

Vincent P. de PoixNov. 11, 1961 - July 20, 1963

Robert J. SpaneJan. 27, 1986 - Oct. 28, 1988


Richard J. NaughtonAug. 27, 1993 - Feb. 2, 1996

Ronald HortonMay 17, 2007 - May 6, 2010

Harry T. RittenourOct. 28, 1988 - Aug. 7, 1991

Michael D. MaloneFeb. 2, 1996 - Nov. 10, 1997

James A. Winnefeld, Jr.March 10, 2000 - Feb. 15, 2002

Eric C. NeidlingerFeb. 15, 2002 - Dec. 10, 2004

Owen P. Honors, Jr.May 6, 2010 - Jan. 4, 2011

Daniel C. RoperAug. 7, 1991 - Aug. 27, 1993

Evan M. ChanikNov. 10, 1997 - March 10, 2000

Lawrence S. RiceDec. 10, 2004 - May 17, 2007

Dee L. MewbourneJan. 4, 2011 - Aug. 17, 2011

William C. Hamilton, Jr.Aug. 17, 2011 - Present


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ENTERPRISE’S50TH BIRTHDAY

U.S. Navy file photos


The world’s first nuclear-poweredaircraft carrier, USS Enterprise (CVN65), hosted nearly 1,000 former crewmembers to kick off its two-day 50thbirthday celebration on Nov. 25, 2011.

The Enterprise is the first aircraftcarrier in history to celebrate 50 yearsof active service and is also the oldestwarship still in active service.

Enterprise has participated in every majornaval conflict from the Cuban Missile Crisisthrough six arduous tours in Vietnam, theCold War, the Gulf Wars and today’s effortto rid the world of terrorism and piracy.

The two-day celebration provided anopportunity for crew members past andpresent to reflect on the importance ofthe sea power that Enterprise represents.

John D. Clark, a former photographer’smate who served aboard Enterprisefrom 1963 to 1965, said he was aboardEnterprise for “two Mediterraneantours and a world tour.”

Current Enterprise Sailors were availablethroughout the day to show theirpredecessors around, but many timesit was the veteran Sailors who endedup giving the tours as they recountedtheir service from a bygone era.

Although widely considered a veryrewarding, and possibly, final opportunityfor visiting veterans to walk thepassageways of one of the most famousships in history, the experience had animpact on current Sailors as well.

“Everyone has their own experiences andfeelings about this ship,” said AirmanApprentice Michael C. Kingsolver, whohelped provide tours to the veterans. “Itreally boosts my morale to hear theseveterans share their stories with me andget excited about how things used to be.”

A common theme expressed by formerSailors is that while the ship has beenupgraded throughout the decades tomeet the changing nature of warfare,overall it is very much the same.

“To me, it’s a little like spending a day witha childhood friend that you haven’t seen inmany years,” said Dale Inman, who servedas a machinist’s mate in the early 70s. “Itmakes me nostalgic for the good old days.But you know what? I’ll bet I could still manmy station if the skipper needed me to.”

As Enterprise prepared for itsfinal deployment, deactivation anddecommissioning, the opportunity forveterans of Enterprise and future veteransof the ship to meet and interact was onethat will certainly be valued by all.

To me,it’s a little likespending aday with achildhoodfriend that youhaven’t seen inmany years.

It makes menostalgic forthe good olddays. But youknow what?I’ll bet I couldstill man mystation if theskipper neededme to.”

- Dale Inman, who servedas a machinist’s mate in

the early 70s



NOTABLEVISITORS

Movie stars, athletes, musiciansand more visited Enterprise at sea.

WWE superstar Kurt Angle Actor/Comedian Robin Williams

Actor/Director Ben Affleck Actress Michelle Rodriguez (L), directorJames Cameron and actor Stephen Lang

Comedian Steve Burr

UFC fighter Rich Franklin

TV/movie star Jason “Wee Man” Acuña

UFC fighter Keith Jardine

Actors Glenn Close and David Shaw

Country music artist Tracy Lawrence

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Cartoonist Tom Richmond




HISTORY OFNAVAL AVIATION

In 2011, the U.S. Navy celebratedthe 100th Anniversary of NavalAviation. The Navy officially datesthe beginning of its aviation elementto May 8, 1911, when the service’sfirst aircraft were requisitioned.

Marine Corps aviation dates its birthto May 22 of the following year, when1st Lt. Alfred A. Cunningham reportedfor duty as the first Marine CorpsAviator. Even before these dates,however, the feasibility of launchingand recovering aircraft at sea alreadyhad been proven and the first navalaviators already were being trained.

Although naval aircraft servedfaithfully in World War I, it would be ageneration before U.S. Naval Aviationwould truly prove itself in battle. Whenit did, it did so in spectacular fashion.

In one of history’s most decisiveengagements, the Battle of Midway,

three squadrons of SBD Dauntlessdive bombers led by Cmdr. MaxLeslie and Lt. Cmdr. C. WadeMcClusky mortally damaged or sankthree Japanese fleet carriers in anattack lasting only a few minuteson the morning of June 4, 1942.A fourth carrier was sunk severalhours later. Naval air power had, inone fell swoop, broken the back ofa combatant’s striking capacity andsimultaneously captured the strategicinitiative – and never relinquished it.

In the decades since World War II,Naval Aviation has been expanding itsrange to influence events, increasingits lethality and diversifying thekinds of “battlefields” on which itcan fight. In November of 2001, inthe aftermath of the attacks of 9/11,Marine helicopters from the 15thMarine Expeditionary Unit launchedthe longest “amphibious” assault inhistory, transporting ground units

nearly 400 nautical miles from theArabian Sea to southern Afghanistan.

Today, from putting boots on theground to placing precision munitionson target, there are few places onthe planet beyond the reach of NavalAviation. Like so many technologiesin history, the airplane – and itsapplication at sea – was an inventionwaiting to happen. From EugeneEly’s first flight from the deck of USSBirmingham (CL 2), the machinesof Naval Aviation have undergonetremendous change in a remarkablybrief period. The very first aircraftpurchased by the Navy, a CurtissA-1 seaplane acquired in 1911,was powered by a 75-horsepowerengine, allowing it to hurtle throughthe air at 60 miles per hour.

Today, the Navy and Marine Corpsnewest fighter aircraft, the F-35B/CLightning II, is powered by an engine



A group of sketches by AlexanderRusso, a noted combat artist

that generates up to 40,000 pounds of thrust, and is capableof speeds in excess of 1,200 miles per hour. For more than twodecades, naval aircraft were built primarily of wood and fabricbefore all-metal construction began in the 1930s. Today, aircraft aremade from revolutionary composite materials that are lighter andstronger than steel. In the early years, aviators measured maximumaltitude in a few thousand feet. Today, naval astronauts regularlypilot or crew spacecraft into orbit around the Earth – and beyond.

Over the course of the 20th century and into the 21st, the tacticsand missions of Naval Aviation also have changed over time.Scouting for the battle fleet was the primary mission of thefirst naval aircraft, whether they were floatplanes, such as theOS2U Kingfisher launched from battleships, or airships suchas USS Macon (ZRS 5). Not until the completion of the firstfleet carriers, USS Lexington (CV 2) and USS Saratoga (CV 3),in 1927 was it readily apparent that the employment of aircraftat sea would be focused on strike warfare. Torpedoes and divebombing would be the primary weapons of the World War IIera, used for attacking ships at sea and land targets near shorein support of Marine amphibious landings in the Pacific.

After 1945, Naval Aviation would influence battles everfarther afield and specialize in missions as diverse as searchand rescue, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare,and even would be asked during the 1950s to provide anuclear strike capability. Since World War II, Navy andMarine aircraft have conducted countless peacetime patrolsduring the Cold War, supported troops on the ground innumerous conflicts and participated in strategic air campaignsin five major wars from Korea to Iraq and Afghanistan. Inall these endeavors and through all these changes, Navyand Marine Corps aviation personnel have excelled ineverything that has been asked of them – and much more.

Like their counterparts in their parents and grandparentsgenerations before them, young men and women continue toundergo rigorous training to become naval aviators and flightofficers, to serve at sea and on land, at home and abroad, tosupport Navy and Marine Corps missions whenever and whereverthey are needed. The Naval Aviation of the future will continuethe same tradition of excellence into the next 100 years.

From Naval Aviation Enterprise Public AffairsU.S. Navy file photos


THE FUTUREOF AIRCRAFT

CARRIERS

Our nation’s aircraft carriersremain at the center ofthe most potent sea-going

fighting force the world has ever seen.Together with their accompanyingstrike groups, the Navy’s aircraftcarriers provide exactly the rightbalance of forward presence andsurge capability needed to conductwarfighting and peacetime operationsaround the globe in support ofnational priorities. Sailing the world’soceans, each Carrier Strike Grouppossesses a versatile, independentand deadly striking force capableof engaging targets located up tohundreds of miles inland. The mobilityand operational independence of

aircraft carriers provide a uniquelevel of access that does notrequire host-nation support.

Nuclear-powered aircraft carrierscan remain on-station for monthsat a time, replenishing ordnance,spare parts, food, consumables, andaircraft fuel while conducting airstrikes and other critical missions.This capability demonstrates theremarkable operational flexibility andlogistical self-reliance of the aircraftcarrier so vital to conducting timecritical strike operations. Aircraftcarriers and their strike groups arealways within rapid reach of where theyneed to be and are ready on arrival.

For the first time, the 11 aircraft carrierforce is solely nuclear-powered,comprised of USS Enterprise (CVN65) and 10 ships of the Nimitz-class.USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77),the last of the Nimitz-class carriers,was delivered to the Navy in May of2009. The day after that delivery, thecommissioning pennant was loweredon the last fossil-fueled carrier, USSKitty Hawk (CV 63), after completingmore than 48 years of active service.Although Bush included manyupgrades and improvements, servicelife allowances (such as weight andcenter of gravity, electrical loadmargin, material handling and futureweapon requirements) constrain



the further growth ofthe Nimitz-class design.Consequently, a newdesign was approved toensure the aircraft carrier’srole as the centerpieceof the 21st centuryCarrier Strike Group.

Construction of PCU GeraldR. Ford (CVN 78), thelead ship of the new classof aircraft carriers, beganin 2008. The Ford-classis the first major designupgrade in the more than40 years since the Nimitz-class was first designed.The Ford design boastsan improved reactor andelectrifies all auxiliarysystems outside the mainpropulsion plant, greatlyreducing the requirementfor costly steam, hydraulicand pneumatic piping. Theimproved reactor and zonalelectrical distribution systemalso will increase electricalpower generation capacityby nearly 300 percent,enabling new technologies,such as the electromagneticaircraft launch system andadvanced command-and-control systems. The newship design, which is basedon the current Nimitz hull,also includes an advancedarresting gear system as wellas new flight and hangardecks. The redesigned flight

deck will enable greaterflexibility during aircraftturnaround and launch-and-recovery cycles, leading to a25 percent increase in dailysortie generation rates. Inaddition, the Ford-class willrestore growth and electricalmargins no longer availablein Nimitz-class ships.

When compared to theirNimitz-class counterparts,manpower requirementsfor Ford-class ships andtheir embarked air wingswill be reduced by as manyas 1,200 Sailors. Thesemanpower reductions,coupled with improvedreliability and reducedmaintenance requirementsfor the carrier, will enable

the Navy to realize totaloperating cost savings ofmore than $5 billion duringthe life of each ship.

To meet the demandsof 21st century warfare,Nimitz and Ford-classaircraft carriers will deploylong-range manned andunmanned strike aircraft.Advanced weaponsand sensors, combinedwith high-speed sealiftplatforms, tilt-rotor aircraftand advanced amphibiousassault vehicles, willgenerate more flexiblecombat power. Jointconcepts of operation,centered on the aircraftcarrier, will leverage themilitary strengths of all

the services, bringingcooperative muscle tothe fight and a potentsynergy across thewarfare continuum.

The design approachand spiral developmentof the Ford-class willreduce risk by introducingnew technologies andcapabilities at an affordablepace. Armed with advancedaircraft, such as the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35CLightning II, EA-18GGrowler and unmannedcombat air systems, thesenew aircraft carriers, alongwith existing Nimitz-classships, will project dominantmaritime combat powerwell into the future.

From Naval Aviation Enterprise Public Affairs



THE FINALDEPLOYMENT

• USS Enterprise (CVN 65) deployedon March 11 for its 25th and finaldeployment to the U.S. 5th and6th Fleet areas of responsibility,where the ship conducted maritimesecurity operations, theatersecurity cooperation efforts andoperations in support of OperationEnduring Freedom (OEF).

• While underway in theMediterranean Sea, Enterprise hostedinternational military and civilianguests aboard during at sea visitsand exercises with NATO ships.

• While in Pireaus, Greece,Sailors and Marines volunteeredat local churches. Enterprisehosted a reception for nearly600 Greek guests and more than

1,000 citizens, including localofficials and military leaders.

• Enterprise then transited the SuezCanal, through the Red Sea andinto the Gulf of Aden, eventuallyentering the North Arabian Seato conduct operations in supportof OEF. In total, Enterpriseunits directly supported groundforces in OEF for 94 days.

• On May 1, Enterprise and embarkedCarrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 launchedtheir first sorties into Afghanistan,a mission that they would continueto support until late September.

• Over the eight-month deployment,the aircraft of CVW 1 accumulated26,369.1 total flight hours during

9,875 sorties. Of these, 2,241were combat sorties (5.8 hoursflight time per combat sortie). Theydropped 56 bombs (35,960 lbs.)and conducted 27 strafes (5,804rounds of 20-mm) in supportof ground forces in AfghanistanOEF. In all, the Enterprise safelylaunched 8,711 (catapult launches)aircraft and recovered 8,760aircraft (arrested landings).

• Rear Adm. Ted “Slapshot” Carterbroke the all-time trap record of1,888 on Sept. 4, while Capt. Bob“Clete” Boyer, Commander, CVW 1,achieved his 1,000th career trap.

• During her time in the 5th Fleetarea of responsibility, Enterprisetransited the Strait of Hormuz,



an international chokepointintegral to global economiccommerce – a total of 10 times –ensuring freedom of navigationand free flow of trade for all.

• While deployed, Enterprisehad numerous opportunities tooperate and train with our foreignpartners from around Europe andthe Middle East. During port visits,Enterprise Sailors and Marinestook the opportunity to experiencethe community and culture in avariety of ways through interactionaboard the ship during ship-hostedreceptions, or in the communityvolunteering their liberty time inschools, churches and shelters.

• While in the Gulf, Enterprisevisited Jebel Ali, United ArabEmirates (UAE) (three times),and Manama, Bahrain (twice).

• In Jebel Ali, UAE, Enterprise gavetours to local groups, includingUAE military and children withspecial needs. Sailors and Marinesvolunteered to paint and cleanup local churches and playedsoccer with school children.

• In Manama, Bahrain, Enterprisehosted the Commander, U.S. 5thFleet change of command receptionfor nearly 1,000 guests from thelocal base and surrounding area.Sailors and Marines volunteered at awomen’s shelter and churches in thearea, spending time with the needy.During her final port call on Oct.

16, Enterprise visited Naples,Italy, for the seventh and finaltime, hosting a reception aboardfor Italian and embassy guests.The ship welcomed hundreds oflocal military and civilian guestsfor its final international tours.

• In Naples, Italy, Sailors volunteeredat Napoli churches that needed someextra hands. Enterprise’s final goodwill reception was held for hundredsof local military and civilian guestsand tours were provided for thelocal NJROTC unit, Italian guests,and state and military guests.

• In her 238 days away fromNorfolk, Enterprise safely steamed80,968 miles, conducted two SuezCanal transits and 38 underwayreplenishment operations, onloading18,129,060 gallons of JP-5 andtransferring 12,170 pallets of goods.More than 500 American flags

were flown during Enterprise’s finaldeployment for Enterprise veterans.

• Enterprise and her crew returnedto homeport Norfolk on Nov. 4. Theywill immediately begin preparationsto inactivate and subsequentlydecommission the aircraft carrierafter 51 years of service.




Hamilton is a native of Alabamawhere he earned an undergraduatedegree in Aerospace Engineering fromAuburn University in 1981. He alsoholds a Master of Science Degreefrom the University of Tennessee.

Hamilton assumed commandof the USS Enterprise (CVN65) on Aug. 17, 2011.

Hamilton has logged more than 5,500total flight hours and over 850 carrierlandings. During his career, he wasrecognized on 20 occasions as a “Top-10” pilot in carrier landing evaluations.

His personal awards include: theDefense Superior Service Medal,Bronze Star, Legion of Merit,Meritorious Service Medal (2), AirMedal, Air Medal with Combat“V,” Strike Flight Air Medal (6),Navy Commendation Medal(2), and the Navy AchievementMedal (2), in addition to otherunit and campaign awards.

Huffman is the son of acareer naval officer. He wascommissioned upon hisgraduation from the UnitedStates Naval Academy in Mayof 1989. He then attended theUniversity of Maryland wherehe received a Master of Artsdegree in December 1989.

Huffman reported to the USSEnterprise (CVN 65) as ExecutiveOfficer in March of 2011.

He has logged more than 2,800flight hours in 24 different aircrafttypes and has accumulated morethan 700 arrested landings.

His personal awards include: theDefense Superior Service Medal,Meritorious Service Medal, Strike-Flight Air Medal (two awards),Navy Commendation Medal(four awards, one with CombatV), Navy Achievement Medal,and numerous unit citations.

Huff entered the Navy andcompleted his basic training atRecruit Training Command, GreatLakes, Ill. in October of 1986.

He is a graduate of theU.S. Air Force Senior Non-commissioned Officer Academyand Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course.

In May of 2009, Huff reportedto the USS Donald Cook (DDG75). Upon successful completionof his tour on the Cook, Huffreported aboard USS Enterprise(CVN 65) in May of 2012 as thefinal Command Master Chiefof the 51-year-old carrier.

His personal awards include:the Navy and Marine CorpsCommendation Medal (fourawards), Navy and MarineCorps Achievement Medal(seven awards), and variousunit and campaign awards.

Capt. William C.Hamilton, Jr.Commanding Officer

Capt. GregoryC. HuffmanExecutive Officer

Command MasterChief (AW/SW)Dwayne E. Huff

The final deployment, continued. – Leadership

CO CMCXO


Facts and stats

• 239 days deployed (270 of308 days in 2012 underway)• 80,968 miles steamed

• 39 restricted water transits• 10 Strait of Hormuz transits• 2 Bab el-Mandeb transits• 2 Strait of Gibraltar transits• 2 Suez Canal transits• 1 Strait of Messina transit

• 38 replenishments at sea• Received 18,129,060gallons of jet fuel (JP-5)• 12,170 pallets moved• Transferred 1,320 palletsof ammunitions• Refueled USS Vicksburg (CG69) with more than 435,000 JP-5during 4 fuelings at sea (FAS)

• 7 port visits:– Piraeus, Greece; Jebel Ali, UAE

(3); Manama, Bahrain (2), Naples, Italy• 3 major receptions:

– 5th Fleet COC in Bahrain– DV reception in Piraeus, Greece– DV reception in Naples, Italy

• The Air Intermediate MaintenanceDepartment performed 28 compositerepairs for the F/A-18 E/F aircraft,repaired 19 engines, 93 GeneratorControl Units and 68 ATFLIR systems.

• Completed 15 CIWS PACFIRE’s(expending 6,750 rounds).

• Dental Department conductedmore than 7,900 patient visits,including more than 75 from beachdetachments and accompanying ships.During this time, more than 3,000dental restorations were placed.

• Produced 65,635,820 gallons ofwater (Never went on water hours!)

– Potable – 45,406,975 gallons– Reserve feed – 19,220,845 gallons

• Produced 60.3 millionkilowatt hours of electricity.• Produced 15,500 gallonsof liquid nitrogen and 9,250gallons of liquid oxygen• Air conditioning provided-591,800 tons of refrigeration,or 170,428,400,000 BTU’s

• Enterprise received 4,588,449emails and sent 14,888,375.• Big E’s Media Departmentproduced 90 videos; aired morethan 2,800 movies; released morethan 22,500 images; produced 212editions of “The Shuttle,” the ship’snewspaper; published more than 300stories; and hosted more than 275distinguished visitors and media.

• Enterprise Medical Department had25,150 patient encounters, filled morethan 10,000 prescriptions, performed1,189 radiology exams, 5,494 laboratorytests, conducted 77 emergent and sameday surgical procedures, and managedmore than 59 medical evacuationsfrom seven different ships at sea.

• The supply team handled more than700,000 lbs. of mail, prepared morethan three million meals, baked morethan 300,000 cookies, processed morethan $500K pounds of laundry, gavemore than 25K haircuts, and expedited6,000 hi-priority parts valued at$250M to keep our jets flying.



More than 5,500 Sailors and Marinesassigned to the Enterprise CarrierStrike Group (CSG) arrived inNorfolk following a seven-and-a-half-month deployment supportingoperations in the Mediterraneanand the Arabian Seas, Nov. 4.

USS Enterprise’s return to Norfolkmarks the 25th and final homecomingin her 51 years of distinguished service.The aircraft carrier is scheduledto be inactivated on Dec. 1 in aceremony at Norfolk Naval Station.

“We are pleased to be returning toour families after a very successfuldeployment, but to know that itis the last time Enterprise will beunderway through her own powermakes our return very sentimental,”said Capt. William C. Hamilton,Enterprise Commanding Officer.

While deployed, EnterpriseCSG served in the U.S. 5th and6th Fleet areas of responsibility(AOR), conducting maritimesecurity operations, theatersecurity cooperation efforts andmissions in support of OperationEnduring Freedom (OEF).

During her 238 days away fromNorfolk, “Big E,” as Enterprise isaffectionately known, safely steamed80,968 miles and Carrier AirWing(CVW) 1 flew more than 8,000sorties in support of OEF and exercisesin the 5th and 6th Fleet AORs.

“This has not been a victory lapfor Enterprise by any means,” saidRear Adm. Ted Carter, Commander,Enterprise Carrier Strike Group.“This has been a full-on combatoperation. We’ve seen the fullspectrum of Navy operations on thisdeployment. It’s been a businessas usual kind of deployment.”

Enterprise was commissioned onNov. 25, 1961 as the eighth ship tobear the name Enterprise. Big E wasthe world’s first nuclear-poweredaircraft carrier. During her 51 yearsof service, Enterprise deployed 25times and participated in every majorconflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis.Enterprise has been homeportedin both Alameda, Calif. andNorfolk, and conducted operationsin every region of the world.

Enterprise CSG is comprisedof: Commander, Carrier StrikeGroup 12; the aircraft carrier USSEnterprise (CVN 65); CVW 1;Destroyer Squadron 2; guided-missiledestroyers USS Porter (DDG 78);USS Nitze (DDG 94); and USSJames E. Williams (DDG 95).

The squadrons of CVW 1 embarkedaboard Enterprise are: Strike FighterSquadron (VFA) 11 “Red Rippers,”VFA-136 “Knighthawks,” VFA-211“Fighting Checkmates,”Marine FighterAttack Squadron 251 “Thunderbolts,”Carrier Airborne Early WarningSquadron 123 “Screwtops,” CarrierTactical Electronic Warfare Squadron137 “Rooks,” Fleet Logistics SupportSquadron 40 “Rawhides”andHelicopter Anti-SubmarineSquadron 11 “Dragonslayers.”

THE LASTHOMECOMING Photos by Harry Gerwien




The Last Homecoming, continued.Photos by Harry Gerwien


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Courtesy of U.S. Navy

Courtesy of U.S. Navy


Documents

Enterprise Decommissioning