After 50 years in service, Enterprise's last cruise

**cMags** · #1 03-11-2012, 06:57 PM

Storied carrier, 'the Big E,' makes final voyage | ajc.com

**cdavenport** · #2 03-11-2012, 07:17 PM

Thanks for posting that cM. I was wondering what would become of her once she was retired. Seems an ignoble end to me, but ya can't keep everything.

Though I do have one excellent use for her other than scrapping. Repair the holes and use her as a floating prison for terrorists, Somali pirates, and Iranians. When she's full; sink her! She could be an artificial reef and a grave all rolled into one.

**Spar** · #3 03-11-2012, 11:16 PM

Funny how the article mentioned that some of it's crew enjoy serving on a ship with the same name as in the Star Trek series. i just watched "Star Trek 4" last night which was suppose to feature the carrier. However, in the comentary it was stated that the Enterprise was out on maneuvers when the film was shot, and they had to get another carrier to stand in for it.

Would've been another great story to add to it's history.

**Wyvern** · #4 03-12-2012, 07:47 AM

My father was Enterpise's CDC Commander from 1977 through 1980, and I had the priviledge of sailing aboard her twice: on a Tiger Cruise, and on the ship's movement from Alameda, CA to Bremerton, WA in 1979. The Big E will always be a part of my life. Thanks for posting this story.

Wyvern

**Uyraell** · #5 03-17-2012, 10:42 AM

I recall Enterprise visiting Wellington , NZ in 1972.
I missed the opportunity to go aboard on a visit, and shall always regret that fact.

What I recall most though: the immense presence of Enterprise in the harbour.
To a 9 year old boy, that vessel was like looking at a planet having arrived in the harbour, the size of the vessel was that huge.

I was glad to see her in NZ, even though I could not go aboard.

I shall always remember Enterprise with something akin to awed affection.

I really don't perceive the point in scrapping her: remove the reactors, certainly. But leave her sufficiently intact to be used as accommodation space, or prison as suggested. Scrapping her seems to be an unnecessary waste of a fine and proud vessel.

Kind and Respectful Regards my friends, Uyraell.

**Hudsonduster** · #6 03-17-2012, 10:58 AM

I lived in Alameda in the late '60s; it was strange to my friends that this scruffy hippie's heart would leap at A-7s doing touch&gos at the NAS, and that I'd be in line every Visitor's Day--I tried to model an example of every aircraft in her '65 cruise at one point.

Fair seas forever, you faithful old warrior.