The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a $536 million contract for the dismantling and full disposal of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The work will take place in Mobile, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by November 2029.
According to the terms of the contract, the Enterprise will be fully dismantled, including the removal and disposal of all radioactive components. Special attention will be given to the safe handling of low-level radioactive waste and other hazardous materials. These materials will be packaged and transported to licensed facilities for final disposal in accordance with U.S. environmental and nuclear safety regulations.
The dismantling process involves complex logistics, as the Enterprise is not only a symbol of American naval power but also a unique feat of engineering. Commissioned in 1961, the carrier served for over 50 years and participated in key U.S. military operations, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and missions in the Persian Gulf.
The Enterprise was the first aircraft carrier in the world to be powered by eight nuclear reactors, giving it an unmatched range and the ability to operate for decades without refueling. Its decommissioning and disposal represent one of the largest and most technically challenging projects in the history of the U.S. Navy.
Navy officials emphasize that the dismantling will be carried out under the strictest safety and environmental standards. The project is also expected to generate hundreds of jobs in the region, making it a significant infrastructure initiative for Mobile and the state of Alabama.
