NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WVEC) — The USS Enterprise was hailed as one of the new wonders of the world when it first came along in 1961.
However, now in the 21st Century, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is becoming something of a financial burden on the Navy and taxpayers, while the government evaluates dismantlement and disposal alternatives for the decommissioned warship.
At least $863 million has been spent on the Big E so far, and the Government Accountability Office reports it may take more than one and a half billion dollars to finish the job.
The GAO lays out two options for the former CVN-65.
If the work were done at a government-owned Naval shipyard, it would take 10 years starting in 2034, and cost $1.05 to $1.55 billion.
If the work were done at a private, commercial facility, it would take 5 years starting in 2024 and would cost $750 million to $1.4 billion.
Whatever happens with the Enterprise, the GAO states that it will set precedents for the processes, costs, and oversight that may be used to dismantle and dispose of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in the future, such as the Nimitz-class carriers which the Navy will begin to retire in the mid-2020's.
House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Chairman Rob Wittman of Virginia's First District is weighing in.
In a statement to 13 News Now, Wittman calls the costs so far "horribly expensive and a waste of taxpayer dollars."
Wittman goes on to say, the "Navy should dispose the ex-Enterprise based on the most operationally efficient and least cost alternative."
To read the full GAO report click here.
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