USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) was a Nimitz-class supercarrier capable of carrying out a wide range of combat operations. She was constructed by the Newport News Shipbuilding Company of Newport News, Virginia between August 1970 and October 1975. She was commissioned on 18 October 1977 under the command of Capt. William E. Ramsey.

Early Service

The Eisenhower began her career with the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In January 1979, the carrier sailed for her first deployment to the Mediterranean. Her second deployment was to the Indian Ocean in response to the Iran hostage crisis in 1980. The Eisenhower remained off the coast of Iran for over eight months and a total of 254 consecutive days at sea. The Eisenhower finally returned to Norfolk just before Christmas of 1980. Since then, no other U.S. naval ship has been deployed for a longer period during peacetime.

Repairs and Upgrades

After her fourth deployment in October 1985, the Eisenhower returned to Newport News, Virginia for a major overhaul, which lasted 18 months. During this period, the carrier received a number of new systems that included a state-of-the-art Close-in Weapons System, NATO Sea Sparrow Missile System, Naval Tactical Data System, anti-submarine warfare module, communications upgrades and 1,831 new berths in 25 compartments. The Eisenhower returned to duty in April of 1987.

On 29 August 1988, during her fifth deployment to the Mediterranean, Eisenhower collided with an anchored coal ship while attempting to dock at Norfolk Naval Station as wind and currents pushed the carrier off course. Although damage was minor to both ships and the mishap could not have been avoided, her current commanding officer was relieved of duty a month later.

Persian Gulf I

The Eisenhower was the first carrier to conduct sustained operations in the Red Sea, serving as a ready strike force should Iraq have attempted an invasion of Saudi oil fields. She also participated in the UN blockade of Iraq. During 1991, the Eisenhower underwent repairs and refits before her deployment to the Persian Gulf in September of that year. Following Operation Desert Storm, she returned to port, entering the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for 11 months of overhaul and conversion work between January and November 1993.

Making History

In October 1994, the Eisenhower was deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation Southern Watch and Operation Deny Flight. This was historically significant, as it was the first time women were part of the crew of a U.S. Naval ship on active duty; the crew included 400 female officers.

The Eisenhower returned home again in July 1995 for an 18-month overhaul. During this period, the popular television game show Wheel of Fortune taped several weeks' worth of shows on board. The Eisenhower's 10th deployment commenced in June 1998 and lasted more than six months. In February 1999, the vessel returned to the Norfolk Navy Shipyard for refits and further upgrades, returning to active duty in June of that year.

Persian Gulf II

In May 2001, the Eisenhower yet again returned to Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company for an extensive overhaul that included replacement of her two nuclear reactors. These upgrades were expected to extend the vessel's service for an additional 20 years. Currently, the Eisenhower is deployed in the Arabian Sea, supporting combat operations in Iraq and conducting anti-piracy patrols.

Asbestos Risks

Throughout history, those who serve in the armed forces have accepted that their service means facing serious risks. What many were not aware of for the majority of the 1900s, however, was a risk unrelated to explosions or enemy actions: the possibility of contracting a disease brought on by asbestos exposure.

Being able to stop the spread of flames onboard a navy ship is crucial. Therefore, it was not unusual (and often required by law) for insulators such as the mineral asbestos to be used when supercarriers like the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower were built. Unfortunately, what wasn't known or was at times glossed over was that exposure to asbestos can cause serious diseases such as pleural plaques and mesothelioma.

Many asbestos-related illnesses can take 20 years or more to manifest. Knowing about a patient's history of asbestos exposure can aid a physician in being able to make an accurate diagnosis. If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may have legal options for compensation. For more information about compensation and treatment options, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a free informational packet.

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