The US Navy has made a significant decision regarding the former USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The service has opted for “Alternative 3,” which involves dismantling and disposing of the warship using commercial industry expertise. This process will take place at one of three potential locations: Newport News, Virginia; Brownsville, Texas; or Mobile, Alabama.
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By Official U.S. Navy Page from United States of America Photo by John Whalen/U.S. Navy (USS Enterprise makes its final voyage.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Under this selected alternative, the responsibility for the intricate process of disassembling the ship’s defueled reactor plants and ensuring the safe disposal of reactor plant components will be entrusted to commercial companies. This complex endeavor will necessitate several hundred shipments to authorized waste disposal sites.
What makes “Alternative 3” particularly noteworthy is its remarkable efficiency. In comparison to other analyzed alternatives, this approach offers a significantly shorter timeline for the complete disposal of the ex-Enterprise, including its hazardous materials. While other options, which requires the Enterprise to be dismantled at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, would have entailed a duration of 15 years or more, this alternative streamlines the process to just five years.
Beyond expediency, Alternative 3 presents several additional advantages. Notably, it boasts the lowest greenhouse gas emissions among the considered options, aligning with broader environmental objectives. Moreover, this approach circumvents the need for in-water construction work to expand the capacity of the Port of Benton barge slip in Washington state, thus reducing potential environmental impacts.
Perhaps most compelling is the cost-effectiveness of Alternative 3. The chosen path is expected to be executed at approximately half the cost to taxpayers when compared to the alternative disposal methods under consideration. This fiscal prudence underscores the Navy’s commitment to responsible resource management.
Crucially, the adoption of this alternative aligns with the Navy’s broader mission. It allows the Navy to redirect its limited public shipyard resources towards priority fleet maintenance efforts, ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of its operational assets. Importantly, this strategic shift in disposal method does not result in a reduction of the workforce at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF), demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to supporting its skilled personnel while efficiently addressing the legacy of the USS Enterprise.
In summary, the decision to pursue “Alternative 3” represents a thoughtfully considered approach to the dismantling and disposal of the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. It is emblematic of the Navy’s commitment to environmental responsibility, cost-efficiency, and mission readiness, all while honoring the legacy of this iconic vessel.
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