Served aboard The Big E 1968-70. Was asleep when awakened by, "General Quarters. This is NOT a drill!" on January 19, 1969, off the coast of Hawaii during CarQuals. A day that changed my young life and made me realize the romance of sailing the sea was not at all the same as entering into war. I will always recall my favorite parts of the ship: the nearly full length passageway on O-3 level that just went on forever! Also a small hatchway at the rearward end of that same passageway that led to nothing more than a one-man basket hanging off the flight deck over the fantail, in which I would sometimes sit to watch aircraft recovery ops. It was thrilling how the jets came right at me in that basket! I also loved to watch launches from the outside railing along the O-6 level of the conning tower. The heat of aircraft afterburners coming off the shields deflected right up on me reaching unbearable levels just as the catapult released and sent the plane on its way! Another great memory was standing on the flight deck behind the tower as we passed under the Golden Gate Bridge. It always seemed the radar ball at the top of the mast was going to scrape the bottom of the bridge! Timing the passage at low tide, Enterprise missed the bridge by about 10 feet.
14 January 1969 will be a day I will never forget. I was a lucky one who’s general quarters station was up toward. The men on the flight deck were real heroes.
Cvn 65 uss enterprise was the first carrier to take on the venerable Grumman F14 Tomcat. Squadron VF1 wolfpack and VF2 bounty hunters. And was the first carrier to be deployed with the new fighter jets. Long live cvn65 and the Tomcats
Back then she was CVAN, I did the '74 - '75 WESPAC. That deployment was the first to host the F-14, and I have a picture of VF-1 flight of four of those birds on my wall. I was ADJ, working AIMD.
@@frankevega and we were also the first ship to loose two F-14s on that WestPac due to engine failures which ge=rounded both squadrons for a bit of time. We also lost an A-6 that catapulted from the ship; but was under flight speed going into the water under the ship. The pilot suffered a broken back when he ejected and the canopy did not open all the way. At that point, I think the Sea-kings were winning.
@@catomember First off thank you so much for the reply. My fathers name was Gregg Earney I think he was a private. Any information would be great. Thanks again, take care and stay safe.
I was 18 years old and totally floored what I gotten myself into. I was like wtf big time. I had someone like sponsor me on. As time went by things fell into Place. I’ll never forget it!!!!
Goodbye old girl. Although I made only one west pack 74/75 as part of the air wing ( VF2 Bountyhunters ) I was proud to serve on the best carrier in the fleet. We took part in the evacuation of Siagon, a small part but you brought most all of so home. Those who didn't come home we shall never forget, as we shall never forget you. Fair winds and following seas to all the men and women who served on you especially those who served on you and are on eternal patrol.
As a young kid who lived across the street from NAS Alameda, I remember the first time I saw Enterprise. She had just transferred there from the east coast and NAS Alameda was her new home. I stood up on the back yard fence and could see the mast and the square conning tower. I think the year was 1964. From that day on she remains my favorite aircraft carrier.
And what you saw was the round island called the bee hive. Or what I was told it was known as the rai dome. I spend 11 months during 1977-1978 Westpac 78 cruise.
Yeah coning towers were the ones usually seen on battleships since there is too much stuff above the main deck to refer to the command/navigation area as part of the island
@@mikejohnson4723 I think you're thinking of a Radome (Radar dome). Those white bulbs @ 14:24 are radomes. The "beehive" was a series of antennas for the ECM (Electronic Counter Measures). It was basically a huge radio scanner that could receive radio signals from LF (Low Frequency) to EHF (Extremely High Frequency). It would pick up radio and radar transmissions (and could jam them too). The "billboard" antennas were the SPS-32 and SPS-33 Air Search Radars. I've been inside the beehive (in a space cleaning crew). I've also been up all the way on the mast with a buddy when we were tasked with repainting it (We were in port at Subic at the time). I was a "scope dope" (Radarman) and was stationed aboard from Jan. 1966 to Jun. 1968.
p.s. About that beehive: When we were in port in Alameda, we used to use it to tune in local radio and tv stations! (Good thing we didn't use the jammers, LOL!)
I know all too well. Sadly with her 8 reactors and the factors of getting them out, it would cost billions to get her to a fit state to make her a museum because of her being gutted. The only thing I see being preserved is her unique Island and parts of her to different museums and the Smithsonian.
Memories! My father, Chief Petty Officer Clarence Swann, USN '44-63 was a plankowner (I still have it!). We toured the Big E several times at NAS Alameda, CA during the '70s when she still had the distinctive square head. He frequently recalled the square head being built dockside in Norfolk and the crew wondering how it would be installed. When the day came, the deck was strewn with bananas and a crane lifted it onto the deck where it was slid into position. Later in life he was president of the Enterprise Retirees Association. His plank was made of wood from the WW2 Enterprise's flight deck.
Yes. Thank you. It's only fitting being this ship's legendary status and the closest thing to Space Battleship Yamato we will see in our lifetime. The fact that this ship served our nation for 50+ years is a testament to American ship building. It was an honor to visit and an honor to be a part of history. I myself am a big fan of Sci -fi, anime and the culture.
I was on the lady from 1984-1988 and from 1998-2000. I loved the ship and it always had such a good repor with others. I was part of the Galley and the Wardroom. From there I went as the Supply Department Career Counselor and work for the best man I ever met (AKCM(AW) Barba. Very good to me and awarded two of the three NAMS I got. God Bless all of you that served on her! Go Navy!
my mom was boarded on that ship. she served for 8 years. oh and this story is after the fire incident and my dad helped to control the fire. both of my parents are veterens.
My father served on the USS Enterprise back in the late 50's and early 60's. God rest his soul. He took us on a little tour when I was a kid, was fun and the guys there were friendly.
The music is the Navy Hymn Eternal Father and a list of fitting songs for this beautiful flagship. I wish she could be a museum for future generations to cherish and see , but she is a nuclear powered ship and its economically impossible as well as many other factors. At least I got to say goodbye to her , it was an honor.
I also agree that the BIG E needs to be turned into a floating museum. I've been on the Yorktown in Charleston numerous times and they are sister ships. There must be a way to figure it out. There is almost 200 years of experience and history behind the name ENTERPRISE. I've played golf at a course in Maryland that had her name because of one of the captain's that was in of command of her. She must be saved. Think of how many times she has saved lives. She is the longest existing simble of power what America is about.
Your heart is in the right place, sadly she is a Nuclear powered ship with 8 reactors and she is now awaiting disposal/final recycling. The only thing I see viable is preserving her famous bridge and parts of her such as her anchors, fittings and many parts from her. I would love to see her turned into a museum too so I can always visit this great ship but sadly her time has come. It was a once in a lifetime experience to see this great ship, I'm just glad I was able to make it and document this ship for the world to see one last time.
Greetings,I was on the Enterprise just for a short time in 74.I was stationed at El Toro Marine base.Mag 11,H&M,s 11.We went to do our practice our landings and take offs.It was one of the best times that I had while I was in the service.Back them it was in great shape.Was disappointed that it is no longer in service.The women and men did a great job keeping it in shape..Semper Fi
I Served on board Enterprise from 1970-1974 during Vietnam. When I was 16 I told my parents i was joining the Navy and I will be The USS Enterprise because she was the best ship in the Navy. In 1970 at the age of 17 I joined the United States Navy. All through boot camp I told everyone I would be on Enterprise. When I graduate my RCPO came to me and said "Rex look at these" They were orders to proceed to New Port News Va and report to the USS Enterprise. I served on Her for almost 4 yrs. While deployed to Nam I met my wife if the Philippines and we just celebrated our 43rd year of marriage. Anyone who served on Enterprise always carries a part of her with him or Her. I have always considered Her my ship. When she was decommissioned a part of me died with her. I am so angry the Navy decided to scrap her instead of making her a monument. The Worlds first Nuclear aircraft carrier serving for 51 years she deserved better. They said it would cost to much. They can spend 6 trillion dollars on a war but they couldn't spend the money to remove her reactors. Whoever made this decision should be ashamed. So Ill say goodbye USS Enterprise CVN-65 you served your nation with the glory and honor like your predecessor CV-6 .
Very heartwarming story, I went out and did a service for the world and so future generations could see this great ship one last time before all of it fades away. This ship did so much for this nation and many whom served on it, it did deserve a better fate. I only hope the Island can be preserved as a monument for the children or a maritime museum. The ship itself could have done easily another 10 years in service, she was a beautiful ship, all I can say is it was an honor and a once in a lifetime experience. If you'd like I'll send you some photos from the ship. Thank you for sharing your story! All the best , BH
My home from January 1974 through August 1978 as a a Reactor Operator, Reactor Technician and Reactor Controls Instructor. I’ll always love and have a high regard for this ship.
@@sarabrown8255 I would assume that this was the total wind velocity over the flight deck which is a total of the actual ambient wind velocity plus the velocity of the ship moving into the wind. Example … ambient wind at 20 kts, ship at 35 kts (about the publicly known max) = 55 kts. We had something close to that returning from a WestPac cruise 2 months late on an arctic circle route. You could hardly open an outside hatch, and it was a completely dark ship with icy cold winds. Ah, the things we remember. That was in 1976.
Watching a lot of videos on the Enterprise and my other ship (USS America). I was last on the Enterprise over 30 years ago. Really tugs at me, not sure why. Probably just looking back at youth. 9:06 is a shot of my shop. Forward hanger bay, MILVAN boxes with the aviation test equipment and benches in them, hanging from the ceiling and catwalk attached to them. Mine was the middle one, it had a winch to get the electronics boxes (about 150 pounds each) up and down from the hanger deck. The AIMD on the canvas stands for Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department. O level (operations) troubleshot and pulled boxes from the planes. I level (intermediate) troubleshot and fixed the boxes in aviation electronics shops throughout the ship. Middle of the Indian Ocean in '88 we were very thankful to be in spaces that required great air conditioning for the test equipment. The O level guys roasted on the flight deck. Our squadron O level guys would always find reasons to have to come visit us :)
She sure lived up to her name proudly and protected America and the Free World. It is sad that she will be gone. It's so sad because she went through a 425 million dollar overhaul just a few years ago, many thought she would stay a float until the new Enterprise in ready for launch. We could use this proud vessel with tensions growing in the Pacific rim. Goodbye my friend! We will miss your devotion and commitment. I just hope that the next Enterprise will live up to the standards as you did! I will never forget the movie where Henry Ford married Lucy and had many kids and Henry Ford wanted to take a cruise on the Big E to test a new landing System and Lucy would not stand in his way and hold him to his commitment to stay home she gave him a model of the Enterprise and told him to go to sea! A gallant girl the Enterprise!
Was assigned to OA Division (Weather) in 1963 for a Med. Cruise and after arriving at Pier 12, Norfolk, VA was seperated from the US Navy to US Navy Reserve duty at Andrews AFB, Washington, DC. Was proud to be a crew member,
This ship was a HUGE part of my Life. I Traveled to 18 countries, Crossed the Equator, Watched a live Engagement during Operation Preying Mantis, watched as an A7 Corsair rolled over the side during a very rough ocean storm, witnessed a Sailor walk into the Propeller of an E2. Met the Queeniest man in the mess hall who introduced me to Every Gay man on the ship. I learned a new Gay language to conceal the identity of my fellow gay friends. I had a special tour of the Nuclear Reactor area and had a "friend" that I infatuated with when I discovered that he is Greek.. I called him "Apollo". He Left a Lasting Impression as He was Stunningly Handsome. I came OUT on the USS ENTERPRISE, before DADT.
I was a Midshipman in the summer of '84 and spent 6 weeks with the Big E (CO - Capt Lushner, Rear Admiral Kahn was on-board as Battle Group Commander). Loved every minute of it. I can still smell the jet exhaust and bleached spaces. Thanks for posting.
I went on westpac 78, and wound up with a weeks liberty in subic bay. I Know I bet you heard of subic bay (hehe) . The best liberty that I had in my time in.
When I was stationed on the Enterprise from 99-03 I lived in Virginia Beach and it was all right. The military kind of makes these places what they are.
It was a beautiful and life changing experience. To see an old legend and to witness history. I recommend anyone go out to see destiny, with over 400 dollars a cheap 25 dollars a day motel 4 1 week and sheer determination it was destiny. I did it for history and to show the world. This is my tribute to a legend of our navy for half a century
Watching these great vids of yours has sparked my model building again and I have a tamiya version of this great ship I just wish there were more available parts l.e sposons etc to help upgrade the model to any of the different configurations this mighty ship has endured over her long career. Thanks for uploading I just can't get enough of this great ship! :)
I proudly served aboard the USS Enterprise CVN- 65 from October 1987 to January 1991, I was even involved in naval combat with Iran during that time, and we taunted the Soviets, frequently. May she rest in peace.
Liveboat USA, i'm Korean, Thank you so much cvn-65 vidio, and I was happy because you. i'm 1/350 enterprice plamodel kit make (2005~2012 final ver) .I got so many things with your help,
Your very welcome sir. This was a once in a lifetime experience to say goodbye to the legendary Flagship of the US Navy. What an honor it was to witness history and document it so that future generations can cherish for decades to come. Glad my video helped you complete your project, please post a link to it.
The best aircraft carrier in USAN History!!!!! Btw, what's the name of the first music, so that I can download it and every time I listen to it, I'll remember this beautiful aircraft carrier.
I made the 67 Westpac on board her. I was in VF-96 an F-4 Squadron. We were part of CAG 9. I’m very proud to have served on her, makes me sad to know she’s being scraped.
She is my lady from 1985 to 1987 and retired after serving 20 years. I still remember when i gave the beautiful lady my last hand salute! Goodbye..... and stay her afloat.
The USS Hancock CVA-19 (WWII era carrier) pulled into Subic Bay in the Philippines in 1966. We were tied up next to the USS Enterprise CVN-65. The Hancock almost looked like a toy next to the Enterprise! I had 2 friends (we were stationed at NAS Oceana, Va.) that were aboard the Enterprise! One did the Enterprise world tour when it was new!
The opening song is the Navy Hymn. Here's the first verse: Eternal Father strong to save, whose arm dost bound the restless wave, Who biddest mighty ocean deep its own appointed limits keep, Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, for those in peril on the sea. Posted by an old tin can sailor from USS O'Brien DD-725. We operated with Enterprise on Yankee Station. Long live the Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club. The full title of the hymn is Eternal Father Strong to Save. Powerful stuff, in my opinion.
Yes indeed. When making this video I had to choose the music wisely and respectfully to pay tribute to those whom served on the ship as well as those whom died aboard her. Being she was the flagship she needed a fitting tribute and the Navy Hymn had to be there.
I love the footage but I’m not a fan of the 1st song.I was stationed on this beautiful beast in 2006. I wish they would have made this to an museum instead of attempting to scraping it
I wish she could have been preserved too. The sad part is preserving a giant nuclear powered ship is not possible and the defueling of 8 reactor cores is such a task that most of the ship was ripped apart. The only thing I see being preserved god willing is her Island in a maritime or Navy museum. Thank you for your service.
I worked at the Udvar Hazy Center Air and space Museum and the original shuttle ENTERPRISE was there and got the chance to get inside of the space shuttle ENTERPRISE. I will never forget that as long as I live. ENTERPRISE is just a word in the dictionary. It is the best part of our history. There must be a way to save the carrier ENTERPRISE as a living Museum
My uncle John Bratton served aboard the Enterprise from 1965-1969. He was stationed on the flight deck. His tour of duty ended just before the explosion occurred.
I was part of the air wing for Westpac '88 and World Cruise '89-'90. I attended the inactivation ceremony, being there brought back a lot of memories from my time aboard. I grew up in Nebraska, the first carrier I ever saw was the Enterprise when I reported to go to sea for work ups for Westpac '88. To say I was amazed would be a huge understatement. Thank you for recording and posting this.
I was on board for a Norpac Cruise, then the 1988 Cruise. I think that we lost 7 crewmembers. We had a Lt. JG who they believe jumped overboard. And my Squadron VA22 lost an airman who was sucked into the intake of an A7 Corsair. We quickly started a "FOD" (FOREIGN Object DAMAGE) walk down whereupon I had the Unique and Disturbing discovery of brain MATTER still present within a Skullcap. Airman Miller RIP
Did they have a gator flag on this carrier? I visited one in high school with the JROTC program but I don't remember the name it was stationed in Norfolk in 2002
Can anyone explain the purpose of the two structures that extend beyond the edge of the flight deck at the bow of the ship? They're like extension of the catapults.
Some older jets launched from the ship using a bridle, a type of sling. If I remember correctly the extensions were or had to do with having a way to recover the bridle/sling as they would go over the front of the ship when used.... I may be off a bit on this explanation as most the jets I remember did not use these.....
Served aboard her 1972-1974, 1st Division. Capt. Tissot commanding. What a magnificent lady she was. Memories, we lost a crew man the first day in Subic Bay, a couple of hours after docking. He fell from the flight deck playing football, and I was standing pier watch. Lost a man at sea who was blown overboard by a jet. Standing lookout just after the man overboard search, I was sure I saw him walking down the flight deck in the middle of my 0001-0400 watch. First time I believed in ghosts. Cmdr Harley Hall among others not coming back from a flight. Five men lost in Hong Kong due to overdoses. The bars in Olangapo City, the “ladies” who entertained us, the jitneys that took us around town. “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” being played as we headed back to the world. Man, that was a long time ago. Question; when did sailors start wearing camos on board? We wore dungarees, long sleeve blue shirts, and boon dockers. Thank you Big E for bringing me home safely!
I was in 1st during 72 73 west pac . My name was Darwin Neal back then. I changed my name to Sam Adler. What is your name? Maybe we can talk about the old times. I am currently in Vietnam and have been for over a year but plan on returning to home hopefully in March of 2021. My email is treehawkadler62@gmail.com ATB Sam Adler
The music choice had to be respectful and very tamed being the subject of the nations flagship being retired as well as it's history. It had to pay tribute and be respectful to the many vets whom served on her and people whom worked to build her.
I was aboard the that Awesome Carrier did a world cruise around the world from NAS Alameda to Norfolk VA. I have made friends for life as an AO Breaks my Heart to know She's going be turned into razor blades
@@liveboatusa The only music that I heard on the big E was after we pulled away from the Sacramento , somebody played the Star Trek theme song over the 1mc.
Hi, this video was taken in 2012 when the ship was open to the public for yours before being inactivated and de-fueled. The Enterprise is sadly not, cannot and will not become a museum ship due to her being a Nuclear carrier and the extensive work required to remove all the nuclear fuel from her old 8 reactors and the many systems she has. They literally have to gut out the internal insides and the decks to take the reactor spaces out, also the prohibitive costs of turning her into a Museum would be a mammoth task, finding a pier to have a ship with a deep water draft and the funds to be raised to do so. The JFK and the Kitty Hawk we're sadly pulled from donation hold due to no host city willing to take on the project and no non profit able to raise the millions required for the project. We all love these ships but sadly the buck stops with all the legal red tape and the millions needed to preserve them. I can only hope they save the Queen Mary from decaying further as she needs 300 million in repairs and major immediate years e repairs due to her being made with materials 80+years old and years of neglect. Enterprise is 50+years old. She outlived her operational lifespan by many decades, I can only hope they preserve pieces of her like her iconic Island structure or parts of her deck and her bow. Only time will tell.
@@thomasfaucette1660 Yes. It is a dream I wish could be possible but being the prohibitive costs, removal of hazardous materials and being this is a ship built 50 years ago, she's most likely loaded with asbestos which is illegal now and that alone would take millions. The best way I see her preserved is either her fittings be removed and her island and key artifacts and placed in a respectable and dedicated museum or monument to her. I would love to see her name plate, Anchor or even one of her propellers displayed at the museum. They could remove her island superstructure and make it the centerpiece of the museum. Only time will tell and if the Navy or private investors is willing to spend the $$$$$$$$ to do it. For that basic concept alone it would be 100+ mil alone.
I went aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise when it was docked at Norfolk, about 1968 I guess, I was about 13 years old. My uncle was the galley officer, so I got to eat lunch aboard what was at the time the biggest ship in the world. The food was great, of course. I recall standing on the flight deck and not being able to see exactly where the end was. I was amazed that humans could build a moving object that large. This looks like newer footage, of course, but it brings back memories of an impressive time. Someone help me ....it seems its designation was CVAN-65 at the time. Is my memory screwed up or did they change it?
Marcellus, CVAN-65 was, in fact, Enterprise's designation in those days. Shortened later to CVN -65, and all carriers (CV) are now CVN which stands for C carrier V fixed wing (also carry helos, but fixed wing designation due to the unique ability to launch them) and N for nuclear powered. Sad to say, the Big "E" was dismantled a couple of years ago as this video documents. I was visiting my son (helo pilot in the airwing aboard Truman) and watched E's superstructure being removed. It was a strike to the heart to see such a thing happening.
oAndJoegottago Yes, I was there in Nov of 2012 as the ship was open to the public to document as many areas I could, now the ship is deactivated and stripped of all usable parts, one of her anchors is now on the USS Abraham Lincoln. Its so sad to see a marvel of engineering being turned to sheet metal, I only hope they take the metal and use it to build the new Enterprise CVN 80 and preserve the iconic Island of the ship as a Memorial.
Liveboat USA roger that, liveboat. Thx for posting this video. Sad when any ship of the line is decomm'd, but especially so when a high-profile one such as the Big E is the victim.
@@liveboatusa my uncle served aboard her from ‘65-69. He was hoping to board the Enterprise one last time. He’s in his seventies now and he’s not sure he’ll live long enough to see the new Enterprise launch in 2028. I did find out that steel from this ship will be used in the construction of the new vessel. He says it’s maritime tradition, and a good omen to build new ships using steel from the old ones. It’s a shame that they scrapped the Big E because I was looking into signing him up for a military hop so we could fly to Newport News, Virginia. I guess that’s not going to happen now.
Brownsville Tx has scrapped may carriers in the past 10 years. Let them dismantle it until it comes to the reactors. Barge that part off to Hanford. Why everything so complicated?
Hello! This carrier is the CVN 65 formerly known as CVA(N)-65 built after WW2 and is the namesake of USS Enterprise (CV-6) which was sold for scrapping in 1958. Only artifacts and her stern nameplate exist, sadly the original Enterprise didn't survive. I wish she did or major parts of her survived, sadly she didn't get the same treatment as the Intrepid and the Essex class ships as museums and the USS Midway in San Diego, CA. This ship was Laid down 4 February 1958 Launched 24 September 1960 Christened 24 September 1960 Acquired 29 October 1961 Commissioned 25 November 1961 She was inactivated in December of 2012 nearly 10 years ago.
Sir what you have as a Museum piece, the rest of the world cannot even construct a vessel with half the capability after almost 60yrs, look at France struggling with Charles D Gaul....thus you guyz got the brains. Also, Importing the finest students from around the world who can score 700+ in GMAT and 1400+ in SAT....always pays dividends:)
The name of the song is called Eternal Father Naval Hymn and the beiginning is to pay respects to those died on the ship years ago. It is not a wedding song it is a very famous Navy church song used in ceremonies and memorials.
@@liveboatusa ohhhhhh. Thanks for that. I was confused. I honor all those who died on the ship. My grandfather with in the navy and he was stationed on the Midway.
