Last Voyage of the Big E
Well, its the end of the line for the big E. Laid down 4 February 1958, she is still in commission but no longer fit for service due to her inactivation process. She has undergone enough of the four-year long inactivation process to render her unfit for further service. Inactivation removes fuel, fluids, furnishings, tools, fittings, oil, and de-energizes the electrical system.Enterprise has already been cut open to allow the removal of useable systems.
NORFOLK (June 20, 2013) The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) makes its final voyage to Newport News Shipbuilding. The first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be dismantled at the shipyard prior to the scheduled commissioning of the next aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN 80). (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Huntington Ingalls Industries by John Whalen/Released)