(1978)

NEWPORT NEWS, VA (AP). –  The U.S. Navy has officially decommissioned the
world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

During Friday’s ceremony at a Newport News shipyard, the USS Enterprise was
described as a "legendary" vessel that helped shape history. It served more than
50 years, playing a role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam and the wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan.

The ship was retired from service in 2012. The Navy has spent the last few
years defueling its reactors. The ship will eventually be taken apart and its
metal recycled.

USS Enterprise returns home from deployment for the last time.