With the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop the aircraft carriers USS Midway (CV-41) and the USS Enterprise (CV-6) of the United States Navy make their way to the post World War 2 Navy Day review by President Trueman on 27 October 1945 at Manhattan, New York, United States. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
NORFOLK, Va. – Saturday marks the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Enterprise (CV 6).
Here are a few facts about the ship, courtesy of Naval History and Heritage Command:
- There have been many ships named USS Enterprise in the Navy, including the recently decommissioned USS Enterprise CVN 65 in Newport News which was the world’s first nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
- The Enterprise’s name will live on in CVN 80, which will be another nuclear powered carrier to be named USS Enterprise.
- The Enterprise (CV 6) was the most decorated warship of World War II. It earned 20 Battle Stars.
- The Enterprise was also awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation, becoming the only carrier awarded both awards for service in WWII.
- On November 23, 1945, the Enterprise was awarded the British Admiralty Pennant, making her the only ship awarded the prestigious decoration outside the Royal Navy.
- The Enterprise participated in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, Battle of Santa Cruz Islands, Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, Battle of Midway, Battle of Leyte Gulf, and Battle of the Philippine Sea. Of the more than 20 major actions of the Pacific War, she engaged in all but two.
