A company with operations in Mobile has been chosen to dismantle a true giant of U.S. naval history.
The U.S. Navy has awarded a $536.7 million contract to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services LLC for the full dismantling of the former USS Enterprise (CVN 65), the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
While NorthStar is headquartered in Vermont, the work will be done in partnership with Modern American Recycling and Radiological Services (MARRS), based in Mobile.
Breaking Down the “Big E”
Commissioned in 1961, the USS Enterprise spent over 50 years in service before being deactivated in 2012 and officially decommissioned in 2017.
The carrier played a role in nearly every major U.S. conflict during its time, from the Cuban Missile Crisis to Iraq.
Now, the massive hull—currently sitting in Virginia—will make its way south. Once it arrives in Mobile, the real work begins.
The ship will be fully dismantled, with parts recycled or safely disposed of according to federal and state guidelines.
That includes handling low-level radioactive waste, which will be shipped to Waste Control Specialists in Andrews, Texas, a licensed facility equipped for the job.
A First for the Navy
This is the first time the Navy has outsourced the dismantling of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to a private-sector company.
Up until now, those jobs were handled internally—mostly at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington. But this shift opens a new chapter.
By tapping into commercial nuclear decommissioning expertise, the Navy estimates it will save nearly $1 billion on the project.
That decision also frees up public shipyards to focus more heavily on fleet maintenance and modernization.
Big Work, Big Timeline
The job won’t be quick. According to the contract, dismantling is expected to wrap up by November 2029.
That means a long stretch of activity tied to the project—cutting, sorting, lifting, recycling, transporting.
A project of this size and complexity comes with many moving parts, but the schedule is locked in.
And with safety and environmental standards front and center, crews will be balancing pace with precision.
A Quiet But Powerful Economic Boost
The job comes with an impressive price tag, but the deeper value may show up in steady work and long-term contracts.
With the Enterprise coming to Mobile, the city adds another massive project to its industrial portfolio.
This kind of work isn’t flashy. It doesn’t come with ribbon cuttings or headlines every week. But it runs deep—through skilled labor, specialized materials, regulatory oversight, and day-to-day logistics.
For a city already known for shipbuilding and port operations, this adds another layer of momentum.
Honoring the Past While Powering the Present
The USS Enterprise started as a symbol of innovation and American strength. Now, decades later, it’s returning to land piece by piece—with Mobile helping lead the charge.
Taking apart history is no small task. But this one comes with care, strategy, and a clear purpose—preserving legacy, protecting the environment, and fueling progress along the way.
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