The Longest US Aircraft Carriers: A Historical Overview

When it comes to the largest and longest aircraft carriers serving in the United States Navy, the USS Enterprise and the USS Gerald R. Ford stand out as monumental symbols of naval might. Both carriers have played significant roles in U.S. military history, each with unique characteristics and innovations that have set them apart in their respective eras.

USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

The USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was the longest US aircraft carrier, measuring an impressive 342 meters overall. This nuclear-powered carrier served in active duty for a remarkable 52 years, from 1961 to 2016, making her not only the longest carrier but also the longest-serving naval vessel in history. She was the lone member of the Enterprise class and is celebrated for her pioneering role in nuclear propulsion for naval vessels.

My son served aboard her, and I had the privilege of taking a Tiger cruise aboard the USS Enterprise. This unique experience allowed me to witness firsthand the grandeur and complexity of this historic vessel. The Enterprise's long and illustrious career spanned multiple conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War, and her significance in naval history cannot be overstated.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)

Following the USS Enterprise's decommissioning, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) emerged as the longest and largest carrier in the U.S. Navy. At 333 meters, the Gerald R. Ford-class carrier represents a significant advancement in naval technology and design. Unlike the Nimitz-class carriers, which are identical and measure 102000 tons, the Ford-class carriers are also 102000 tons in displacement but feature more sophisticated systems, including a magnetic catapult for launching aircraft from a shorter deck.

The Gerald R. Ford is the first of the Ford class, and her cost has been a subject of debate, with an initial price tag of $20 billion including research and development. The subsequent ships in this class are expected to cost around $15 billion each. Despite being declared nominally in service, the Gerald R. Ford is still undergoing major development, marking a significant investment in the future of naval warfare.

A Call for Tradition: Ship Naming Conventions

As a ship propulsion engineer, it's both frustrating and commendable to see the variance in naming conventions for naval vessels. Recent ship names such as the USS Gabriel Giffords, Jimmy Carter, and Gerald Ford have raised eyebrows. It's important for military naming conventions to reflect old traditions, where heroes, battles, states, cities, and allies receive their due honor. Politicians who did not lead through the greatest wars should be relegated to cargo ships, and soldiers who have received the Medal of Honor should be honored with fighting ships or hospital ships.

We must return to these old military naming conventions and stop allowing party politics to interfere with the tradition of naming these iconic vessels. This approach not only respects the honored past but also provides a clear and meaningful identification for each ship and its lineage.

In conclusion, the USS Enterprise and USS Gerald R. Ford hold prominent places in the annals of U.S. naval history. Each carrier represents a significant step in naval technology and a testament to American ingenuity and military might. As we look to the future, the advancements seen in the Ford class highlight the continuous evolution of naval warfare.