USS Enterprise to be decommissioned in February

U.S. Navy’s first nuclear-powered powered aircraft-carrier USS Enterprise is set to be commissioned early February, over four years after her inactivation in December 2012.

The navy announced on Wednesday that Enterprise would be decommissioned on February 3 in a ceremony closed to the public. The ceremony will be posted to Facebook later, the navy added.

USS Enterprise will be farewelled 56 years after first entering service.

During her 51 years of service, Enterprise deployed 25 times and participated in every major conflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis. Enterprise has been homeported in both Alameda, Calif., and Norfolk, Va., and conducted operations in every region of the world.

The first super carrier powered by nuclear reactors, USS Enterprise is also the first to undergo an inactivation, which includes defueling the ship’s eight reactors and preparing the hull for its final dismantlement.

The next U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Enterprise will be the third Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 80).