USS Enterprise CVN-65

The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) is the longest naval vessel at 1,123 feet. Due to size, she is often referred to as the "Big E." The Enterprise is the only aircraft carrier propelled by more than two nuclear reactors; with eight, each replaces one boiler. In addition, she is the only carrier with four rudders instead of two, and the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to transit the Suez Canal.

The Enterprise was commissioned in 1961 and her first air operations came in 1962 when a Vought F8 Crusader attempted a landing and catapult launch from her deck. That same year, she served the role of tracking and measuring station for Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn's space capsule Friendship 7. A few months later, the Enterprise participated in President John F. Kennedy's blockade of Cuba and successfully catapulted an E-2 Hawkeye with nose-tow gear instead of a catapult bridle.

In 1964, the Enterprise, as part of the world's first nuclear-powered powerhouse (designated as Task Force One), took part in Operation Sea Orbit. It was a 65-day, 30,216 mile trip around the world, without stops for replenishment or refueling.

The following year, the Enterprise became the first nuclear-powered ship in combat when she launched aircraft against the Viet Cong, setting a record of 165 strike sorties in a single day. Unfortunately, the Enterprise's luck changed in 1969 when an MK-32 Zuni rocket warhead, overheated by exhaust, detonated and set off explosions on the carrier. Fires cost 27 crewmen their lives and 314 others were injured.

The repairs included receiving additional nuclear resources with enough energy to power her until 1980. The Enterprise's next mission against Vietnam was interrupted as she fought typhoons Harriet, Kim and Jean. She continued on, however, striking not only surface-to-air missiles, but anti-aircraft artillery sites and naval shipyard areas.

After the cease-fire, she returned for maintenance and was refitted to support the F-14 Tomcat, the Navy's newest fighter aircraft, whose maiden take-off and landing from her deck was in 1974. When Typhoon Gervaise devastated Mauritius the following year, the Enterprise spent more than 10,000 man-hours providing humanitarian aid by repairing the country's water, power and telephone systems, clearing roads and debris, and providing basic food and medical care to the island residents. Her next mission was to assist the Marine Corps helicopters by providing fighter cover while they carried out Operation Frequent Wind, evacuating Americans from South Vietnam.

After taking part in Operation Classic Resolve, aiding Philippine President Corazon Aquino during a rebel coup attempt, the Enterprise finished an around-the-world deployment of 43,000 miles and consequently received the most complex overhaul refit ever attempted. Sadly, in 1998, an EA-6B Prowler crashed into an S-3 Viking on her flight deck. Fire broke out, but did not cause major damage. However, three Prowler crew members were lost at sea and the remains of a fourth were later recovered shortly after the crash.

Publicity and Honored Guests

The Enterprise honored former President George H.W. Bush and played host to a live concert by Hootie and the Blowfish during a port call in the United Arab Emirates in 1998. That same year, the vessel received a visit from Secretary of Defense William Cohen, Senator Daniel Inouye from Hawaii, Representative John Murtha from Pennsylvania, and singers Mary Chapin Carpenter and Carole King.

During its last day at sea in 2001, the ship hosted a live two-hour broadcast of ABC'S Good Morning America in response to its participation in air attacks against al Qaeda terrorist training camps and Taliban's Afghanistan military installations after the September 11 attacks. The USS Enterprise was mentioned in the novel "Debt of Honor" and has been filmed for scenes in the movies "Yours, Mine and Ours", "Top Gun" and "The Hunt for Red October."

With the Enterprise is expected to be decommissioned sometime between in 2014 and 2015, the Enterprise may become an aircraft-carrier museum ship. If she finds herself in the Ship-Submarine recycling program, however, she would be the first nuclear powered carrier to be dismantled. stomach ailments.

Like many other ships built around the time of the Enterprise, efforts to protect crews included the use of asbestos. Even though the Enterprise did not utilize boilers for propulsion, no ship wanted to chance a fire. For added security, asbestos was often included along with general insulation. If any fibers became disengaged and drifted into the ship's air system, they could have been inhaled by anyone on board.

If you were exposed to asbestos while serving on the Enterprise CVN-65 or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, consider contacting an asbestos attorney to learn about your legal options. Many have already received compensation to help pay for medical expenses and lost income. For more information, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a free packet.

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