On Friday, November 13, 2026, the former USS Enterprise—affectionately known as “Big E”—was towed into the Port of Mobile, prompting a sizable crowd of veterans, residents and naval enthusiasts to line the Mobile Ship Channel. The channel was temporarily closed to accommodate the massive carrier, underscoring the logistical significance of the event, according to HyperLocal Loop.
The Enterprise served the United States Navy for more than 50 years, from the Cuban Missile Crisis through the war in Iraq, before being deactivated in 2012 and decommissioned in 2017. Its hull is slated for dismantling at a private shipyard in Mobile, a fact noted by both sources.
Veterans present expressed a mix of pride and melancholy. Vietnam veteran Larry Addy told reporters, “I told her. I said, we can go in the sea one more time before they cut it up.” Fellow Vietnam veteran Ron Kimbrell added, “It’s wonderful to see it again. I’m sad to see it be cut up in the iron… life goes on.” Their comments, reported by Fox 10, highlighted the ship’s symbolic role in American freedom and naval heritage.
Local resident Karen Hoof, who annually camps with high‑school friends at the Dauphin Island campground, arrived around 5 a.m. to watch the carrier. “We came out here this morning about 5 o’clock to watch the SS Enterprise. Happy to see the history,” she said, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm.
The arrival fits into Mobile’s longstanding maritime tradition, which includes the Battleship USS Alabama Memorial Park. HyperLocal Loop noted that the event drew attention from residents and maritime enthusiasts alike, and that local outlets such as Fox 10 and AL.com covered the story closely.
What’s next: After the public viewing period, the Enterprise will be moved to a private shipyard in Mobile for dismantling. The city expects the event to continue drawing visitors and reinforcing Mobile’s connection to the nation’s naval legacy.
Sources: fox10tv.com, hyperlocalloop.com
