USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
The Shuttle Newsletter Edition
“We are Legend”
October 13, 2012 Issue
Enterprise Transits the Suez Canal for the Final Time Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian G. Reynolds
transit from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and vice versa. Because the canal is so shallow and narrow, the transit puts the skills of even the most seasoned helmsman to the test, as the canal was not originally designed to accommodate ships the size of an aircraft carrier. In fact, the evolution usually takes anywhere from 14-20 hours to complete. “Planning for this type of evolution starts months out to try minimize any hiccups,” said Chief Quartermaster Craig J. Bowman. “We (Navigation department) lay out the ship’s planned track with proposed or planned times to be at certain places. Other departments on the ship take the information we provide and plan when and where they can or can’t do evolutions or when they need to shut off or The USS Enterprise (CVN 65) begins its final transit of the Suez Canal. (Photo by MC2 Brooks Bartow Patton, stop certain services.” Jr.) Because Enterprise was the first to make the historic journey USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Aircraft carrier USS Enterprise through the Suez Canal, those involved in its current transit (CVN 65) has been the first to do a lot of things. The “Big E” believe that there is a bit of reverence in having the honor to was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the take the “Big E” through “the Ditch” for the final time. first carrier to respond to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. “To bring Enterprise through the Suez Canal for the last time On April 29, 1986, Enterprise did something that no other is certainly an honor,” said Cmdr. Donald Kennedy, Enterprise’s nuclear-powered carrier had ever done – she transited the Suez navigator. “For more than 50 years, Big E Sailors have expertly Canal, the world’s largest man-made canal, adding another first stood the long watches required to navigate Enterprise safely. to an already long list of accomplishments. To be among the last to see her through the Suez Canal will no The 1986 transit brought Enterprise back into the doubt be one of the most memorable experiences of my career.” Mediterranean for the first time in 22 years, as she shifted Many “Big E” crewmembers agree that it is an honor to homeports from Alameda, Ca., back to Norfolk, Va., where she be involved with the final cruise and Suez Canal transit of the was originally commissioned in 1961. world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The cruise marks Twenty-six years later, on Oct. 12, the “Big E” passed a milestone in not only their careers, but their lives as well. through the Suez Canal for the final time as she transitioned “Being involved in the planning of the transit is something from the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) to U.S. 6th that no one can take away from me or anyone else on the Fleet AOR, entering the Mediterranean Sea for what will be the Navigation team,” said Bowman. “I went through as a QM1 last time in its storied history. and I am coming out as a QMC. Just adding that to the transit The transit marks the beginning of the last leg of the makes this that much more memorable for me.” carrier’s historic 25th and final deployment, after seven months Enterprise is scheduled to return to its homeport of Norfolk of operations at sea. at the end of its current deployment to begin its inactivation The Suez Canal is a 120-mile long, 79-foot-deep canal that process after 51 years of service. runs through Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, allowing mariners to
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Saturday, October 13, 2012
Through the Su
A Sailor snaps a photo of the USS Porter (DDG 78) as it travels under the Egyptian-Japanese Friendship Bridge. (Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese)
Guid Jare
Enterprise transits the Suez Canal. (Photo by IT1 Stephen Wolff)
A Sailor observes a tugboat escorting Enterprise as it transits the Suez Canal. (Photo by MC1 Steven Smith)
A view from the signal bridge of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) as it t the Suez Canal. (Photo by MC3 Jared King)
The Shuttle USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and bi-weekly in port by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Media Department, FPO AE 09543-2810. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Please direct all story ideas, questions and comments to MC1 (SW) Steve Smith at smithsw@cvn65. navy.mil. Commanding Officer Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr.
Executive Officer Capt. G. C. Huffman
Command Master Chief Public Affairs Officer CMDCM (AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff Lt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler Editor MC3 Brian G. Reynolds
Enterprise approaches the Egyptian-Japanese Friendship Bridge as the ship transits the Suez Canal. (Photo by IT1 Stephen Wolff)
Guests f Photo by
Saturday, October 13, 2012
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uez One Last TIme
ded-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) transits the Suez Canal. (Photo by MC3 ed King)
transits
Sailors gather on the fantail aboard Enterprise to observe the Egyptian-Japanese Friendship Bridge pass overhead while transiting the Suez Canal. (Photo by MC1 Steven Smith)
Capt. Joseph Leonard speaks to U.S. Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt Anne Patterson on the bridge. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)
from the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt arrive on the fantail. ( y MC3 Scott Pittman)
A tugboat escorts Enterprise as it transits the Suez Canal. (Photo by MC1 Steven Smith)
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Saturday, October 13, 2012
Sailors of the Day Information Systems Technician Seaman Nikhol Flores
ITSN Nikhol Flores, from Carolina, Puerto Rico, joined the Navy one year ago to gain more experience. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and exploring the woods. In the future, she plans to finish her master’s degree and start a family.
Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Exzavier Page
LS2 Exzavier Page, from Atlanta, joined the Navy eight years ago to finish his college degree. In his spare time, he enjoys restoring and modifying new and classic cars. In the future, he plans to advance in rank and finish his degree.
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