US Navy Signs $418M Deal to Scrap Historic Nuclear Aircraft Carrier
The dismantling of USS Enterprise involves a $418.5 million contract.
1The Legacy of USS Enterprise
USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, entered service in 1961. It participated in the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and numerous other operations. It was deactivated in 2012 and officially retired in 2017.
2The Dismantling Process
A $418.5 million contract was signed with NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services LLC for the dismantling of USS Enterprise. The process involves cutting the ship into sections and disposing of hazardous materials. The project is expected to be completed by 2030.
3Removal of Nuclear Fuel
The first step in the dismantling process was the removal of the ship's nuclear fuel. This complex process could sometimes take up to 30 months. Even after the fuel was removed, the reactors still needed to be disposed of.
4Disposal of Radioactive Materials
NorthStar faces the challenging task of disposing of radioactive residues on the ship. Safely handling these materials is one of the most critical and risky phases of the dismantling process.
5Cutting the Ship into Sections
NorthStar will divide the ship into sections to handle each area separately. During this process, pipes, wiring, plating, and other materials will be recycled or disposed of.
6Enterprise's Legacy Lives On
Some of USS Enterprise's steel will be reused for its successor, USS Enterprise (CVN-80). This means the historic ship will, in a sense, continue to live on.