World · North America · 8 hrs ago
US Navy begins final voyage of nuclear-powered USS Enterprise for dismantling
The USS Enterprise has begun its final voyage to be dismantled after serving in the US Navy for more than five decades.
The ship left Newport News, Virginia, and is heading to Mobile, Alabama, where dismantling work will begin.
It entered service in 1961 as the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
The Navy stopped using it for operations in 2012 and officially retired it in 2017.
Its service included the 1986 US-Libya confrontation in the Mediterranean, as well as operations in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Dismantling has been complicated by radiation risks from its eight reactors and security concerns about the ship’s design.
The voyage to Alabama is the practical final step toward dismantling the carrier.
The US Navy has begun the final voyage of the USS Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, ahead of its dismantling.
The ship left Newport News, Virginia, bound for Mobile, Alabama, where dismantling procedures will begin.
The Enterprise entered service in 1961 and served until it stopped operational duties in 2012.
It was formally retired in 2017 after about 55 years in the Navy.
The carrier served in conflicts and operations including the Vietnam War, Afghanistan and Iraq, and was deployed to the Mediterranean during tensions with Libya in 1986.
- Who
- The US Navy and the USS Enterprise.
- What
- The carrier has begun its final voyage before dismantling.
- When
- This week, in November 2026.
- Where
- From Newport News, Virginia, to Mobile, Alabama.
- Why
- The ship is being taken to a facility for dismantling after its military service.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Enterprise entered service in the US Navy.
The Navy stopped operating the carrier.
The carrier’s nuclear fuel rods were removed from its reactors.
The Navy formally retired the Enterprise.
The ship began its final voyage from Newport News to Mobile for dismantling.
- First
- The world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
- Service began
- 1961
- Operational service ended
- 2012
- Formal retirement
- February 2017
- Departure point
- Newport News, Virginia
- Dismantling destination
- Mobile, Alabama