Mobile Shipyard to Dismantle Historic USS Enterprise
$536 Million Contract is first-ever nuclear vessel commercial dismantling for Navy
The U.S. Navy has awarded a $536.7 million contract to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services LLC of Vernon, Vermont, to dismantle the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65). This marks the first time a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier will be dismantled entirely by a private contractor.
Work will be conducted in Mobile, Alabama, in partnership with Modern American Recycling and Radiological Services (MARRS). The project is expected to be completed by November 2029.
The USS Enterprise, known as "The Big E," was the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Commissioned on November 25, 1961, she served for over 50 years, completing 25 deployments. The carrier was deactivated in 2012 and officially decommissioned on February 3, 2017.
The dismantling process will involve the handling of hazardous materials, including low-level radioactive waste. NorthStar is responsible for packaging and safely transporting these materials to authorized disposal sites.
The decision to outsource the dismantling to a private company is expected to result in significant cost savings, which could amount to as much as $1 billion, for the Navy.
The USS Enterprise holds a distinguished place in naval history. She participated in numerous significant operations, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The ship's legacy will continue with the construction of the future USS Enterprise (CVN-80), a Gerald R. Ford-class carrier.
For more information on the USS Enterprise's history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command HERE.
