World’s First Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier Sets Sail On Final Journey To Alabama For Dismantling

The world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise of the U.S Navy began its final journey to Mobile, Alabama for scrapping, an endeavour that would cost Washington over $1 billion and stretch till the end of this decade.

The ship departed from Newport News Shipbuilding, Virginia and is expected to reach its destination around November 13, 2026. Kevin Cormier, Navy’s deputy portfolio acquisition executive, said that the aircraft carrier will be remembered for its legacy, made possible by the sailors and support personnel whose dedication always kept it mission ready throughout her career.

He added that all the crew and officers of USS Enterprise should take pride in the role they played to ensure the ship remained an example of naval excellence. The fuel has been removed although nuclear reactors need to be carefully dismantled and disposed of.

The navy said that all the components would be either recycled or packaged and shipped to licenced sites for disposal. The latter is applicable for radioactive waste and similar parts.

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