The USS Enterprise (CVN-65), also known as “Big E,” was a pioneering aircraft carrier in the United States Navy, making history as the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the world. Commissioned in 1961 and decommissioned in 2017, the Enterprise served for over five decades, playing a critical role in numerous military operations and setting the stage for future aircraft carrier innovations.

Below, World History Edu delves into the rich history and major milestones of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), focusing on its construction, operational history, contributions to U.S. military power, and legacy.

 

Origins and Design

The origins of the USS Enterprise can be traced back to the 1950s, a time when the United States was engaged in the Cold War with the Soviet Union. As tensions between the superpowers escalated, it became evident that naval forces, particularly aircraft carriers, would play a crucial role in projecting military power across the globe. The Navy’s traditional aircraft carriers were conventionally powered, relying on diesel and steam engines, which limited their range and operational efficiency.

Recognizing the need for a more capable and far-reaching naval asset, the U.S. Navy sought to build an aircraft carrier that would operate using nuclear power. This would allow the carrier to remain at sea for extended periods without the need for frequent refueling. The idea of nuclear propulsion was not entirely new—submarines like the USS Nautilus had already demonstrated the advantages of nuclear power. However, building a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was an entirely new challenge.

In 1958, construction of the USS Enterprise began at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Virginia. The ship was designed to be the first nuclear-powered carrier, equipped with eight Westinghouse A2W nuclear reactors. These reactors provided the carrier with nearly unlimited range and the ability to operate at high speeds for extended periods. At 1,123 feet (342 meters) in length, the USS Enterprise became the longest naval vessel ever built. Its size and displacement of 93,284 long tons made it one of the largest carriers in the world at the time of its commissioning.

Commissioning and Early Service

The USS Enterprise was formally commissioned on November 25, 1961, becoming the eighth naval vessel to bear the name Enterprise, following in the footsteps of the famous World War II carrier. The ship earned the nickname “Big E”, a nod to its size and its historical significance in naval warfare.

One of the defining characteristics of the USS Enterprise was its air wing capability. As a supercarrier, it had the ability to carry a wide range of aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, reconnaissance planes, and helicopters. At full capacity, the Enterprise could accommodate over 90 aircraft, making it a formidable force at sea. The ship’s nuclear power plant enabled it to operate at high speeds, with a top speed of over 33 knots (about 38 miles per hour), which allowed it to respond quickly to crises and support military operations around the world.

Shortly after its commissioning, the USS Enterprise participated in its first major mission, Operation Sea Orbit in 1964. This operation was a significant moment in naval history, as the Enterprise, along with two other nuclear-powered vessels—the cruiser USS Long Beach and the frigate USS Bainbridge—completed a 65-day voyage around the world without refueling. This historic feat demonstrated the power and endurance of nuclear propulsion and solidified the USS Enterprise as a key asset in the U.S. Navy’s fleet.

Role in the Vietnam War

The USS Enterprise saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, becoming one of the primary aircraft carriers used in the conflict. In November 1965, the Enterprise was deployed to the waters off Vietnam to support U.S. military operations. Its air wing conducted hundreds of sorties, delivering airstrikes on North Vietnamese targets and providing close air support to ground forces.

The carrier’s capabilities were crucial during the war, as it allowed the U.S. to project air power over vast distances. With its nuclear reactors, the Enterprise could remain on station for extended periods, launching and recovering aircraft continuously. Throughout the Vietnam War, the Enterprise was involved in several major military operations, including Operation Rolling Thunder, a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam.

One of the most notable incidents during this period occurred on January 14, 1969, when the USS Enterprise suffered a catastrophic fire after an accident on the flight deck. A rocket on one of the parked aircraft accidentally ignited, leading to a series of explosions that caused significant damage to the ship. The fire killed 28 sailors and injured over 300 others. Despite the tragedy, the crew’s quick response and the ship’s resilience allowed it to continue its mission. After repairs, the Enterprise returned to service and resumed its role in the Vietnam War.

Cold War and Post-Vietnam Service

After the Vietnam War, the USS Enterprise continued to play a critical role in the U.S. Navy’s global operations during the Cold War. Its ability to operate without refueling made it an essential asset for long-range missions and power projection in key regions, including the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

In the 1980s, the Enterprise participated in several key missions, including providing air cover during the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1980. It was also involved in Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986, the U.S. airstrike on Libya in response to Libyan state-sponsored terrorism. The carrier’s ability to deploy aircraft for long-range strikes and reconnaissance made it an invaluable tool in U.S. military strategy during the Cold War.

During this period, the Enterprise also underwent significant upgrades. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the carrier was fitted with modernized radar, electronics, and defensive systems to keep pace with advances in military technology. These upgrades ensured that the Enterprise remained a potent force well into the latter half of the 20th century.

Operations in the Gulf Wars and War on Terror

As the Cold War came to an end, the USS Enterprise continued to serve in major military operations, including the Gulf War in 1990-1991. The carrier was deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, where its air wing provided critical air support to coalition forces during the liberation of Kuwait. The Enterprise played a vital role in enforcing no-fly zones and launching airstrikes on Iraqi targets during the conflict.

In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Enterprise was among the first carriers deployed to the Middle East as part of the War on Terror. It participated in Operation Enduring Freedom, launching airstrikes on Taliban and al-Qaeda positions in Afghanistan. The carrier’s ability to project air power was once again demonstrated as it played a key role in the early stages of the U.S. military’s campaign in Afghanistan.

In 2003, the Enterprise also supported Operation Iraqi Freedom, launching sorties against Iraqi targets during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Throughout the early 2000s, the Enterprise remained an essential asset for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, providing air support, reconnaissance, and logistical support.

Decommissioning and Legacy

After more than five decades of service, the USS Enterprise was inactivated on December 1, 2012, during a ceremony at the Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. The carrier was officially decommissioned on February 3, 2017, after being stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. At the time of its decommissioning, the Enterprise was the third-oldest commissioned vessel in the U.S. Navy, after the USS Constitution and the USS Pueblo.

The decommissioning of the Enterprise marked the end of an era for the U.S. Navy. Over its 55 years of service, the carrier had participated in nearly every major conflict involving the United States, from the Vietnam War to the War on Terror. It had earned a reputation as one of the most storied and respected ships in naval history.

The legacy of the Enterprise lives on through the USS Enterprise (CVN-80), a Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier currently under construction. The new Enterprise will carry forward the name and the proud tradition of its predecessor, ensuring that the legacy of the “Big E” remains a part of U.S. naval history for generations to come.

Conclusion

The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was a groundbreaking vessel in the history of naval warfare. As the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, it revolutionized the capabilities of the U.S. Navy, allowing for extended deployments, greater operational range, and enhanced power projection. Over its 55 years of service, the Enterprise played a vital role in some of the most significant military operations of the 20th and early 21st centuries.

From its involvement in the Vietnam War, to the Cold War, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror, the Enterprise demonstrated its value as a versatile and powerful naval asset. The carrier’s contributions to U.S. military power cannot be overstated, and its legacy continues through the construction of the new USS Enterprise (CVN-80).

Questions and Answers

What was significant about the USS Enterprise (CVN-65)?

The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the United States Navy and the eighth vessel to bear the name Enterprise. It was also the longest naval vessel ever built, at 1,123 feet (342 m) in length.

When was the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) commissioned?

The USS Enterprise was commissioned in 1958.

What was the nickname of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65)?

The Enterprise was nicknamed the “Big E”, following the tradition of its World War II predecessor.

How many ships were originally planned in the Enterprise’s class?

The Enterprise was originally intended to be the lead ship of a class with five other carriers, but plans for additional ships were canceled, making her the only vessel of her class.

What was the displacement of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65)?

The Enterprise had a displacement of 93,284 long tons (94,781 t), making her one of the largest carriers ever, surpassed only by the Nimitz-class and Gerald R. Ford-class carriers.

How many crew members did the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) house?

The ship housed approximately 4,600 service members.

When was the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) inactivated and decommissioned?

The Enterprise was inactivated on 1 December 2012 and officially decommissioned on 3 February 2017.

What is the significance of the USS Enterprise in terms of U.S. Navy history?

At the time of inactivation, the Enterprise was the third-oldest commissioned vessel in the U.S. Navy, after the USS Constitution and the USS Pueblo. It also continued the legacy of the name Enterprise, as the name was passed on to the future Gerald R. Ford-class carrier, USS Enterprise (CVN-80).

When was the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) removed from the Naval Vessel Register?

The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was removed from the Naval Vessel Register on 3 February 2017, the same day it was decommissioned.

What is the future of the USS Enterprise name in the U.S. Navy?

The legacy of the name Enterprise will continue with the future Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise (CVN-80), ensuring the name remains part of U.S. Navy history.