USS Enterprise (CVN-79): Petition Update

18th

USS Enterprise (CVN-79): Petition Update

January 2010

Readers here will recall the petition we launched last July when it came to light that there was a “sense” of Congress motion passed that the next ship following the Gerald Ford (CVN-78) should be named after Barry Goldwater. You will recall we were, well, less than enthusiastic (to put it charitably) that yet another capitol ship was going to be named after a politician, when there was a prospect we’d be without an Enterprise in the fleet of carriers envisioned post-2013 (CVN-65′s presumed decom).

Evidently, many more of you feel the same way – emphatically so by the comments on the petition. At almost 6 months to go, we are closing in on 2,000 signatures (1,986 as of 18 Jan 2010). Outstanding as that is, I’d like to see if that can be doubled in the remaining six months. My intention is to print out the petition for delivery to the Secretary of the Navy, CNO and Senator Webb (my senator and a former SECNAV), hopefully in person, as a direct and tangible “sense” of both our nation and friends abroad (check the countries of some of the signers). But that’s not all – I want to do this before the 50th Anniversary of the christening and launch of the current USS Enterprise (24 Sept 1960).

Time is pressing – there are no namings for a carrier slated for this year, but that is no guarantee that something won’t be pulled behind closed doors. Just take a look at this document and see what is in the wings: RS22478_20091223_Navy-Ship-Names_23Dec09 (downloads PDF)

So please, lend a hand, post an article or link, advocate, write your Senators and Representatives.

Write SECNAV.

Let’s see if we can get 4,000 – 5,0000 or more signatures on this petition! (ed. BTW, we are one of the top 10 petitions at epetitions.net! – SJS)

Let our effort be the very definition of the word — and in the spirit of the ship we would see named “ENTERPRISE”!

Posted by SteelJaw in Navy
Tags: CV-6, CVAN-65, CVN-65, CVN-79, USS Enterprise
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Roy Benson

Regarding naming another ship Arizona. I was told that there would never be an Arizona so as not to take the reverence away from the name. I understand the good people of Arizona wanting another ship also.
Mitch Roberson

Being a fan of the NAVY, I could not imagine our carrier fleet without an Enterprise. CV6 had two Presidential citations, and 20 battle stars. The only major carrier battle it missed was the Battle of Coral Sea, (she was escorting Hornet for the Doolittle Raid.) CVN65 has served as a continuation of that tradition for carriers, leading the way for nuclear power to project air power when & where needed around the world for 50 years. Failing to continue without an Enterprise would be a slap to all sailors who served aboard the “Big E”, or escorted her around the world. Honor their service and sacrifice for the defense of our nation and the traditions of the United States Navy. Continue the names of Enterprise,Constitution,Saratoga, Columbia, United States,and Yorktown; all names which have served the Navy with honor and distinction. Known around the world, honored by our allies, and feared by others. Enterprise must be allowed to continue to serve, for it will always be recognized as a force of power for the Navy.
Ryan

I am all for CVN-79 named Enterprise.
Dave

Make it so
Keith

How about the USS JEREMY MICHAEL BOORDA? We wouldnt be the Navy we are today and have the programs we have if it werent for him.
YN2 Vernon Parker

I would love to sign the petition as I think this is the right thing to do. The name Enterprise should live on in a lead class ship for the US as it has significance in Naval history, especially withthe current ship of that name being a clear representative to a ship lasting and being nuclear safe, and the name also carries with it a pop culture reference that is significant enough to garner more support from the US population.
Jon

USS Enterpise for CVN-79 all the way! It’s historic! Enough politician names! How bout USS America for CVN-80??
Jeffrey Myers

The name Enterprise is one of the oldest names in the US military. She was one of the first ships of the newly formed US Navy, and nearly every generation since there has been an “Enterprise”. It has even influenced our popular culture. Some ships served with distinction (CV-6), while others are nearly forgotten. It is at this point that it is un-American not to have a USS Enterprise on the list of active ships in the world. Forget the TV shows, the press and the hype and lets look at where we came from, our past, out traditions, and our culture. Many people all over the world know the current Nimitz class Enterprise, she has helped in many relief efforts, and her planes have taken the the cause of freedom to our enemies front doors and she is the latest to carry on the noble name USS Enterprise. She has served for a half a century and is near retirement. It is not a case of “can we” or “should we” assign a vessel with this traditional name. There HAS TO BE a vessel in the United States arsenal named USS Enterprise to carry on the to carry on where her lineage left off. To continue to advance the cause of Freedom and not only serve the people of the United States, but to be a beacon of hope to all the people of the world.
Michael Kohan

If there is only one ship left in the United States Navy, that ship should be named ENTERPRISE.
Dr_Bob Brennan

I too, feel that CVN-79 should be named USS ENTERPRISE and NOT after any currently living or passed politicians…the name of our latest version of naval architecture & technology ought to reflect the spirit & tradition of the USN and our enterprising country…imho. I’m with Michael Kohan…if we had only one ship to call upon to aid us in whatever we’re facing, I’d prefer it to be the Enterprise, not a vessel named after some politician (fallible beings that we are!)…My short tribute to the men & women of our Navy!!! Let’s Roll, Big E!!!
CAPT John A. Rodgaard, USN Ret

The name ENTERPRISE is second only to the CONSTITUTION in name recognition. Ironically, the name is known around the world. My son, who served on CVN65 in the mid-1990s told me when the ship pulled into a port, thousands would come out to see her. Thanks to Star Trek.
As a boy, I saw CV6 turn into razor blades.
For almost 80 years, there has been a USS ENTERPRISE in our fleet. It is the very least that we can do is to keep the name alive. CVN79 should carry the name into the 21st century.
Lea Hendrickson

I served on the Big E in the mid to late 90′s. Everyday at sea was not always easy, but looking back I am proud to have served on Navy’s most enduring and noble representative of the strength, courage, and compassion of this great nation.

The doors that separate the hanger bays have paintings of all the predecessors with the name Enterprise. From wind power to nuclear power, the Enterprise has always been the tip of the spear for the world’s finest fleet. Never backing down from a challenge, she has always lived up to the motto,” Ready on Arrival”. Navy ships bearing the Enterprise name are a great source of pride in this country so much so that Gene Roddenberry named his Star Trek spaceship after it, and NASA did too!!!

As previously mentioned, people all around the world came to see the Big E. One of my fondest memories was seeing a huge crowd of supporters flying the Stars and Stripes at the Red Sea end of The Ditch (the Suez Canal) as we were headed to take care of business with Saddam. They were there to see the jewel of the fleet, the Enterprise.

The thought of not having another carrier named Enterprise to carry on this long tradition is just unimaginable.

Let me apologize up front, but I want to correct a comment I saw earlier. The current Big E with her 8 reactors is definitely in a class all her own, and not in the Nimitz class.

I wholeheartedly agree that CVN79 should carry the name, Enterprise, well into the 21st century.
WadeWilson

All due respect to the men who gave their lives on the USS Arizona. To those who foolishly wish to name CVN79 after BB39…She has never been stricken, or decomissioned in honor of those who will serve aboard her for eternity. Going to the next slap in the face to those honorable men, and the millions of others who have served, or died for this nation’s freedom in the navy by pulling Goldwater out of thin air is just absolutely insulting. There should be no other name even considered but ENTERPRISE.
Ryan Piccoli

The ENTERPRISE is a U.S. legend and As soon as the old ENTERPRISE is decommissioned another ENTERPRISE should be there and ready to kick but
Ryan Piccoli

With respect to the Arizona and Goldwater. they can wait there turn because ENTERPRISE has such history and spirit. I would love to join the navy if i can work on the CVN-79 ENTERPRISE.
Brock Pooler

I am currently serving aboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), and I am proud to see such discussion about the names of US Navy ships, and the outpouring of support I see for the USS ENTERPRISE. I can tell that you that deep down, each day, I am proud to serve on such a ship that embodies the deepest history, tradition, and legacy of excellence that CV-6 and the six other ENTERPRISE ships before her. I applaud the fact that everyone else agrees with me (and most of the Navy people I run into) that we need to return to ship names that are more meaningful. Names such as Kearsarge, Saratoga, Lexington, The Sullivans, Ticonderoga, Indianapolis, Parche, Iwo Jima, Arizona, Missouri, and even Vincennes will always inspire awe and courage in those serving aboard her, by the legacy that those who have gone before have created.
Take a look at US Naval History, and look at the previous ships named for US battles, Naval Battles, Marine Battles, and historic Navy names (Kitty Hawk, Constellation, etc.). Names such as these will continue to inspire greatness in our United States Navy.
- – Keep ENTERPRISE truly what it is – Revolutionary, Bold, and Risk-Taking!
Todd

Disaster has struck again!
They have named CVN-79 for John F Kennedy!
JFK is a great name but not so soon after the last one!
It should have been Arizona, Enterprise, or Lexington!
Idiots at work again!
Now I am really afraid for the next ssn names to finally
come out!
- http://steeljawscribe.com/ SteelJaw
  
  Watch — will have a petition up for CVN-80 before the end of the holiday…
  w/r, SJS
Louis E.

The announcement has now been made that the name of CVN-79 will be John F. Kennedy.

For future ships,I think it’s more important to have a new Constellation–THE oldest ship name in the Navy–than an Enterprise.And I’d like to see BBGNs join the fleet!
Mike Heideman

I do not know of a single reason why any US Navy vessel should be named after a politician, with the exception of the Founding Fathers. We need to return to tradional names and USS Enterprise should be at the top. We need names that inspire not only our sailors, but also the citizens of this country. Political names are corrupt in intent and devisive amoung sailors and citizens of this country. I believe that congress needs to pass legislation outlawing the naming of ships after politicians (Good Luck There) as the admirals will never have the guts are the authority to do otherwise.
Daniel R Grant Jr

I served aboard the Enterprise CVAN-65, 46 years ago and my Grandson is serving aboard now, I think we should always have a ship named USS Enterprise.
Jon Kalina

What most people do not realize is that a ship is another member of the crew that serves on her. The naming of a United States Navy Ship especially a capital ship, such as an aircraft carrier should not be taken lightly. Naming carriers after politicians is not consistent with the finest traditions of the navy. Traditionally the navy re-uses names of US Navy ships that have served exceptionally. Names such as Enterprise, Intrepid, Yorktown, Ranger, Vincennes, Hornet, Wasp, Constellation, and Constitution to name only a few have become the symbols of the United States Navy and if I had any say, the navy would always have ships in active service with these such names. I vote to name the first ship of the new class USS Enterprise, followed by names such as Ranger, Yorktown, Hornet, Wasp, Essex Etc. Politicians and other Naval and Marine heroes should be assigned to destroyers and Frigates in keeping with the traditions of the navy. The three battleships that were damaged beyond repair at pearl harbor have never had their names re-used out of respect for them. I think it is time to name 3 new ships, nothing less than an aircraft carrier or battleship USS ARIZONA, USS OKLAHOMA, and USS UTAH.
Adrian Palmer

Speaking as someone from across the pond, it saddens me when CVNs are named after such recent politicians. I remember seeing the photos of Franklin and can’t believe another carrier hasn’t taken on it’s name. I support anyone who can stop the politicians rail-roading the Navy.
Hoosier Bill

Personally, the US just spent a staggering 630 million some dollars to “upgrade” the USS Enterprise. Seems to me like a that a toss in the bucket compared to what a new ship would cost to build. Plus the fact that the Enterprise history. I think they should keep the ship in service and not send her to the scrap heap. My father served on this ship when it was first commissioned. The ship has served in more conflicts than any other ship in modern history. My dad told me of a number of stories about the ship that to this day have not been released to the public. Because of his job, and having to secret clearance. He was previe to a lot of the ships missions while the public was not aware. I think the neatest story he told me was when the Bay of pigs was taking place. Kennedy flew onto the ship unannounced. He rallied the boys on the ship and basically told the boys were going to kick Castro as*. There were countless other stores he told. To me the ship is a legend and I hope for the legacy of the “name” and the historical facts and conflicts that this ship has served in they dont scrap her. It would be great if they turn the ship into a floating museum. But then again the government has its own set of plans for the great ship. In my view, forget that my dad served on the great ship. This historical meaning and past history of this ship are priceless. When duty calls the Enterprise calls. Its funny that the original designation was that of CVAN-65. Funny thing is the “A” stands for attack. Shes a hunter and a killer in her own way. Lets hope the goofs up in the white house dont kill the legend and send her fate to scrap yard. Every major conflict in since it been commisioned its seen action in. In my view its if not the greatest ship, is the best ship in modern active history. When the Big E rolls hopeful on her last sail, she finds peace. Its served America well and commands respect world wide.
Jeffrey M Curtis

When one considers the simple fact that if it was not for the first USS Enterprise this country might not have come into being.
further more if it was not for CV 6 the other side would have won WWII. Not having a USS Enterprise in the USN is border line criminal in my opinion.
C.C.Murphy

i agree with always having am Enterprise in our fleet. that name alone strikes fear into our enemies harts and wonder in kids. but ironically most don’t know where the name came from. how Benedict Arnold renamed a capture British sloop of war to it defending against the British in the Battle of Valcour Island. and ultimately leading to victory at several key battles for our Independence.

I’m only 18 years of age, but this ship, no theses ships, every enterprise has inspired my life. getting me more and more interested in history and honestly could we say we would be a country if we lost battles like Saratoga.

I’m asking you can we really give up something that’s been in our navy before we had a navy. and beside only ship i know of to receive a British Admiralty pendent is the enterprise (CV-6).

so don’t get rid of the name, save for future generations, to inspire to something. because you know you apart of history if your on an Enterprise, and you know you can get the job done, look cv6 almost stayed in the pacific for half a year as the only carrier and the japs still couldn’t sink her, that name had luck.

sorry to talk your ear off but save the name,for luck, for history, for our future generations, or just to show our enemies what they need to fear. we are Americans and we should have some say in what we name our ships, and what I’ve read so far all point to one thing, WE NEED AN ENTERPRISE IN OUR FLEET AT ALL TIMES.

PS. please no more politicians names, if the next ship is named for Obama i might just kill my self
Jeff Feld

Enterpise is a fine name for a ship, a great tie to our Navy history something missing today. I am a pretty well read / informed American, but what is Barry Goldwater’s tie to the Navy? As many have posted there are a lot of great options out there and anything from the original six frigates to the Big E would be a better choice.
Old Wreck from Baltic Sea side

Only Americans could sell their best-known Fightin’ Lady among carriers (the old Enterprise) for scrap. The next Enterprise SHOULD HAVE BEEN NAMED “ELY” in honour of that young man who first dared to start an aeroplane from a warship. But they don’t love too much their heroes, and Ely HAD BEEN a hero…
Old Wreck from Baltic Sea side

The USN seem to sink away into a bad tradition of sticking obstinately to a number of names, just like HAPAG-LLOYD or HAL (particularly).
No sense of history at all. Life goes on and soon there will be no more war heroes among US Presidents.
And people like Mr. Ely are unique – the World’s first naval aviator WAS only one in history, and choosing him would be a welcomed break in bad habit of sticking to a bad pattern. What about choosing battlefield names for carriers as it used once to be a routine? Another good idea for replacements of unpopular names of contemporary high-placed white collars with often dirty hands.
NO MORE ENTERPRISE, please.
Scott E. Lee

First, let’s dispose with this USS Arizona talk. Never again should any US Navy ship carry that name. Ever.

Try:
USS Concord (recently decommissioned AFS-5)
USS Enterprise
USS Essex
USS Firestall er, Forrestal
USS Iwo Jima
USS Kearsarge
USS Langley
USS Lexington
USS Midway
USS Oriskany
USS Saratoga
USS Ticonderoga
USS Yorktown

Then there’s the Holy Trinity of USS America, USS Independence, and USS United States.

Pick one. Hell, pick them ALL. Enough with the recently deceased (bad, all of them) politicians already.
ed kilanowski

………. i thought that the jerks in washington had already decided to name CVN-79 the ‘Lady Gaga’……. true right??? because some of their earlier political choices are doing time now………
Scott Krauss

CVN-79 and so could and should be one of the following if not all that are mentioned. USS America,USS Independence,USS Liberty,USS Enterprise,USS Midway,USS Constellation,USS Kittyhawk,USS Philidelphia,USS Plymouth Rock,USS Freedomship which ever it is,it should honor America and all that have fallen defending her name,and for what America stands for,Not for these lie to your face back stabben, money grabben, political theifs that betray us for there own satisfaction.We need true honest leaders,not crooks.Country, Honor, Faith and the American way,Not Lie,Cheat and Steal.Truely this country is going to hell unless there is a drastic change,because HOPE and CHANGE isn’t cutting it,never has.And you people that live off of us HARD WORKING AMERICANS should be ASHAMED OF YOURSELFS,SO get off your lazy asses and become good tax paying Americans like the rest of us!! And fellow Americans we need to BOOT these crooked sorry ass excuses for politicians out of office any way we can. GOD SPEED AMERICA
Todd Sullivan

As a former Navy man and “Bird Farmer” – I served on a carrier – I have to say the names being given out (more likely the ships are being handed out as prizes) don’t measure up to the job they do, which is represent our nation’s capability to maintain our interests. Enterprise has been part of the Navy from its beginning, and I see then ending of that line as being the first sign of the Navy’s demise.

We deserve better than to have Enterprise fade away. the country deserves better.
Jerald Ford

After serving on CVN65 and learning the history of CV6 and older ships to carry the name. I believe that CVN79 should be named Enterprise. CV6 was an amazing ship and one that the enemy tried and tried to destroy and couldnt. It was a shame she was scrapped.I know that CVN65 cant be saved as a museum due to the nuclear compartments. THe US Navy just wouldnt be the same without the Enterprise. The history that the Enterprise has should live on in a new ship. THe Navy is big on tradition and what says that more than Enterprise!
Thomas Daniel

I served aboard the Big E on her 89-90 world cruise. Proud to say I did. How can the Navy not have an Enterprise in the fleet! We should definitely carry on this wonderful name. Long live Enterprise!

Thomas
yu tube

Well….if the company will kick-in say a few billion dollars to help with construction it could be named the USS Apple, or USS Mobil.

USS Enterprise (CVN-79): Petition Update

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