News

USS Enterprise/CVW-3 steams through Suez Canal NAVY WIRE SERVICE (NWS) - 23 November 1998 by USS Enterprise Public Affairs SUEZ CANAL (NWS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) THREE steamed through the Suez Canal Nov. 19 en route to an Arabian Gulf rendezvous with ships of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Battle Group. They were flanked on the fantail by USS Stout (DDG 55), one of several Enterprise Battle Group assets presently moving to the Gulf at best speed. While trips through the canal are renowned for the requisite water restrictions, navigational challenges and trash embargo, the sightseeing and entertainment itinerary on Enterprise made the 15- hour transit well worth the price of admission. The aircraft carrier's scenic four-and-a-half acre flight deck was open for a front row look at Egypt, and a private vendor offered a selection of Egyptian collectibles on the mess decks. Beginning at 8 a.m. with a flight deck walkathon, and wrapping up with chess and spades showdowns on the forward mess decks at 9 p.m., Enterprise's run through the canal offered a day of entertainment opportunities. Other events included a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a weightlifting strength and endurance standoff in the hangar bay and a 30-kilometer relay race on the flight deck. Trophies and T-shirts were presented to top finishers. Team Enterprise departed Norfolk Nov. 6. The carrier celebrates its 37th birthday Nov. 25. -USN-