Behold, the anchor of USS Enterprise. It is not just a piece of metal. It is a symbol of American naval history.
The USS Enterprise, or CVN-65, was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. This Big E served the U.S. Navy for over half a century. The USS Enterprise participated in wars around the world. It went from Vietnam to Afghanistan.
This massive anchor weighs 32 tons. Can you imagine the sheer size and weight of it? It was built in 1957. This was several years before the USS Enterprise even went into service. Think about the journey this anchor has been on.
After 51 years of service, the USS Enterprise was decommissioned in 2017. The inactivation of its eight nuclear reactors was completed. But the story of USS Enterprise did not end there. Even in retirement, she continued to give back. Parts were harvested from the Enterprise to be used on other carriers.
The USS George Washington, a Nimitz-class carrier, received this very anchor. The George Washington needed a replacement anchor during its midlife refueling. The old anchor was swapped out for one from the former Enterprise. The USS Abraham Lincoln also received one of the Enterprise’s anchors. Components of the ship’s catapults were given to both the George Washington and the Lincoln.
Part of the steel hull from the USS Enterprise will become part of the keel for the future carrier. This future carrier will bear the same name. This is how the legacy of the Big E continues. This anchor stands as a reminder of the USS Enterprise’s service.
Next time you see an anchor, remember this story. Remember the USS Enterprise. It was the first of its kind. It was a symbol of American strength and innovation. Its legacy lives on in the ships that continue to serve. This anchor now stands as a monument to that legacy. It connects us to the past. It inspires us for the future. It is a silent but powerful reminder. It stands for duty, honor and sacrifice.