USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Country: USA Type: Aircraft carrier Service: 1961 - 2008 Ordered: 15 November 1957 Laid down: 4 February 1958 Launched: 24 September 1960 Commissioned: 25 November 1961

USS Enterprise (CVN-65), formerly CVA(N)-65, was the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the world. At 1,123 feet (342.3 m), she remains the longest naval vessel in the world. As one of the oldest carriers in the US fleet, she is scheduled for decommissioning some time in 2012-2014.

Built by Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Enterprise was intended to be the first of a class of six, but construction costs ballooned and the remaining vessels were never laid down, resulting in her being the only ship of her class. In addition to having the innovation of nuclear power, Enterprise also featured a phased array radar system designed to provide improved tracking of multiple airborne targets relative to conventional rotating antenna radars. Her early phased arrays are responsible for the distinctive square looking island up until their replacement circa 1980.