Legendary U.S. Nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier, CVN 65 to be Dismantled in $537 Million Deal

The U.S. Navy’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the legendary USS Enterprise (CVN 65) will be dismantled and disposed by NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services LLC, which has been awarded $536,749,731 by the U.S. department of defense.

The contract includes dismantling, recycling, and disposal of decommissioned nuclear powered U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, Ex-Enterprise (CVN 65).

Under this contract, CVN 65 will be dismantled in its entirety, and all resulting materials will be properly recycled or disposed of, a Pentagon Release said Friday.

Specifically, hazardous materials, including low-level radioactive waste, will be packaged and safely transported for disposal at authorized licensed sites.

Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by November 2029. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $533,749,731 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

The CVN-65 became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the United States Navy, and the world, as well as the eighth United States naval vessel to bear the name. Like her predecessor of World War II fame, she is nicknamed "Big E". At 1,123 feet (342 m),[4][5] she is the longest naval vessel ever built and the only ship of her class.

She participated in several important U.S. Navy operations including the Saigon evacuation and the first Gulf War against Iraq