USS Enterprise to be retired in 2013

[EAS_Intrepid]

A symbol of sea power, strength and is some ways a symbol of a watchful eye, the USS Enterprise CVN-65, is to be retired by the beginning of the next decade.

CVN-65 was one of the very first nuclear carriers, utilizing a power plant of 8 reactors to move the massive Nimitz-class Carrier.
During peace time, the Enterprise was equipped with about 100 combat, support and surveillance aircrafts, as the famous F-14 Tomcats, F-4 Phantoms, A-4 Skyhawks and the naval airborne radar E-2 Hawkeye (and many more).

Until her retirement - and replacement by CVNX-78, USS Gerald Ford, the Enterprise will continue to serve as US Naval asset in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, last assignment was to provide CAS (Combat Air Support) for Coalition troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Yet it is unclear, if the new standard fighter for US forces, the Lockheed-Martin F-35, is to be stationed aboard the Enterprise. Currently operations are carried out by F/A-18 Hornet attack fighters, that are supposed to be out of service around 2015, too.

Until now, the replacement vessel for the USS Enterprise was only given the number CVNX-78, but now the ship's name is stated to be "Gerald Ford", after the recently deceased former President of the USA.

In 2013 the USS Enterprise will be in her 50th year of active service!

 

[Hellkite]

SA 4211. SEN WARNER (R -VA) proposed an amendment to the bill S. 2766, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2007
for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the
Department of Energy, to prescribe personnel strengths for such fiscal year for the Armed Forces, and for other
purposes; as follows:

At the end of subtitle B of title X, add the following:

SEC. 1013. NAMING OF CVN-78 AIRCRAFT CARRIER AS THE U.S.S. GERALD FORD.

(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:

(1) Gerald R. Ford has served his country with honor and distinction for the past 64 years, and continues to serve.

(2) Gerald R. Ford joined the United States Naval Reserve in 1942 and served valiantly at sea on the U.S.S. Monterey (CVL-26)
during World War II, taking part in major operations in the Pacific, including at Makin Island, Kwajalein, Truk, Saipan, and the
Philippine Sea.

(3) The U.S.S. Monterey earned 10 battle stars, awarded for participation in battle, while Gerald R. Ford served on the vessel.

(4) Gerald R. Ford was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1948.

(5) In the course of 25 years of service in the House of Representatives, Gerald R. Ford distinguished himself by his exemplary
record for character, decency, and trustworthiness.

(6) Throughout his service in Congress, Gerald R. Ford was an ardent proponent of strong national defense and international
leadership by the United States.

(7) From 1965 to 1973, Gerald R. Ford served as minority leader of the House of Representatives, raising the standard for
bipartisanship in his tireless fight for freedom, hope, and justice.

(8) In 1973, Gerald R. Ford was appointed by President Nixon to the office of Vice President of the United States with the
overwhelming support of Congress.

(9) From 1974 to 1976, Gerald R. Ford served as the 38th President of the United States, taking office during one of the most
challenging periods in the history of the United States and restoring the faith of the people of the United States in the office of the
President through his steady leadership, courage, and ultimate integrity.

(10) President Gerald R. Ford helped restore the prestige of the United States in the world community by working to achieve
peace in the Middle East, preserve d?ente with the Soviet Union, and set new limits on the spread of nuclear weapons.

(11) President Gerald R. Ford served as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States with great dignity,
supporting a strong Navy and a global military presence for the United State and honoring the men and women of the Armed
Forces of the United States.

(12) Since leaving the office of President, Gerald R. Ford has been an international ambassador of American goodwill, a noted
scholar and lecturer, a strong supporter of human rights, and a promoter of higher education.

(13) Gerald R. Ford was awarded the Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1999 in recognition of his
contribution to the Nation.

(14) As President, Gerald R. Ford bore the weight of a constitutional crisis and guided the Nation on a path of healing and
restored hope, earning forever the enduring respect and gratitude of the Nation.

(b) Naming of CVN-


78 Aircraft Carrier.--CVN-78, a nuclear powered aircraft carrier of the Navy, shall be named the U.S.S. Gerald Ford.

 

[Lord_Trekie]

It saddens me to see that they are retiring the USS Enterprise CVN-65, but the naming of CVNX-78 to USS Gerald Ford is a momentous occasion that should be celebrated.

 

[Sqweloookle]

May she not be the last ship to carry the name, Enterprise.

 

[Paul]

She wont be , USS Enterprise is like the HMS Ark Royal . They have a lot of history behind the name ( below ) . They would just build a newer version of the famous ship ( Think Enterprise A to B )

Enterprise along with 2 other Carriers defended the Midway islands from a japanese fleet in WW2 , out numbered and with 1 carrier damaged , repairs where rushed so she could join the battle they won the battle .

 

[EAS_Intrepid]

Remember that the ship was in service for nearly 50 (!! FIFTY !!) years.

Her retirement is in line with the general overhaul of US Naval Technology:

• The Virgnia SSN-774 class hunterkillers will replace the Los Angeles SSN-688 submarines.
• Ohio class missile subs are converted to carry a large amount of guided missiles, like the Tomahawk and future variations.
• F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornet will be replaced by the Lockheed-Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (The F-14 is even already out of service)

I am curios if there will be a new torpedo to shift out the Mk-48 ADCAP, as the Russians want to field their new "Yuri Dologorukij" subs and the few operational "Mike" class subs seem to be pretty fast underwater (in the 70s and 80s, the Soviet Alfa could even outrun the Mk-48 tops the US used. Then the ADCAP torpedoes were developed.).

The name might be very historical, but there is an edge of how much you can upgrade an older design. Sure the LA688 could be upgraded to Virginia standard, but would it be financial and military viable? Same with the old Nimitz carriers. For example: CVBN-65 uses 8 reactors. Eight are a pretty high number, where you could use one or two of todays reactors for propelling the ship.

 

[Hellkite]

• F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornet will be replaced by the Lockheed-Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (The F-14 is even already out of service)

the F-35C is seen as a ground attack aircraft to complement the F-18E/F Super Hornet in the Hi-Lo mix as seen below

the F-18E/F Super Hornet is no were replacement my friend

 

[EAS_Intrepid]

okay, yeah, thanks for that HK.

Of course the F/A-18 will be replaced by the F-35 JSF in it's primary role as carrier based ground attack aircraft

I mixed something up there I guess.