By Ensign Michael Hatfield, USS Enterprise Public Affairs
USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) completed sea trials April 19 after conducting intense testing of all major ship systems at sea.
The crew tested equipment, ran system checks and made certain that the nation's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and oldest active warship was ready to be redelivered to the fleet.
"The ship performed amazingly," said Capt. Ron Horton, Enterprise's current and longest-serving commanding officer. "She and the crew performed exceptionally well under rigorous testing including high speed turns and many drills. She's as capable as ever and only just begun to stretch her sea legs."
Although much of the younger crew members had never been underway before, the intense training completed during the Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability ensured they knew exactly what to do.
"This ship has an incredible track record of excellence," said Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Dominic A. Musso. "The Enterprise is legendary, and the way the crew and the ship performed during sea trials demonstrates decidedly that the legend continues."
The crew hoisted a broom on the starboard halyard of the ship's mast to signify a "clean sweep," a longstanding tradition for ships which complete evaluations with excellence.
Enterprise is scheduled to begin its training cycle, which will culminate with the ship executing its 21st deployment. The aircraft carrier's first step is to pass flight deck certification so that an air wing can embark the ship and launch aircraft - the primary mission of all carriers.
"We have now shifted our focus from fixing the ship to combat presence which is our real job," said Cmdr. Edward Galvin, the ship's operations officer, as the ship departed for sea trials.
