About this Unit
**Mardet USS Enterprise (CVAN-65)** refers to the Marine Detachment assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned in 1961. Marine Detachments, or "Mardets," provided shipboard security, ceremonial functions, and manned the ship's secondary batteries during combat. Throughout the Vietnam War and the Cold War, the Mardet aboard Enterprise played crucial roles in internal security and participated in numerous deployments and operations. The detachment remained an integral part of the ship's company until the Navy phased out Marine Detachments from aircraft carriers in the late 1990s.
Historical Facts
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1. Origins of MARDET: The Marine Detachment (MARDET) aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) was part of a long tradition of embarked Marine units on U.S. Navy capital ships, serving from the ship’s commissioning in 1961 until MARDETs were phased out in the late 1990s.
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2. Security and Ceremonial Duties: MARDET Enterprise was responsible for shipboard security, nuclear weapons security, and providing ceremonial guards for dignitaries and official events, including the ship’s historic first nuclear-powered deployments.
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3. Vietnam War Service: Marines of the USS Enterprise MARDET participated in multiple Vietnam War cruises, manning gun mounts during General Quarters and supporting flight deck operations during combat missions.
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4. “The Big E” Nickname: Marines aboard embraced the ship’s famous nickname, “The Big E,” and designed patches, memorabilia, and unofficial mottos unique to their detachment, fostering unit pride.
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5. Space Capsule Recovery: In 1965, Enterprise and her MARDET were part of the recovery force for Gemini 3, with Marines ready for boarding and security operations during the historic mission.
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6. Cold War Readiness: During the Cold War, MARDET Enterprise Marines were trained for counter-sabotage, anti-boarding, and nuclear weapons security, reflecting the tension and unique mission of a nuclear-powered carrier.
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7. “Marine Barracks Afloat”: The MARDET maintained its own living spaces aboard the ship, including a “Marine Barracks” area, with strict discipline and traditions reminiscent of Marine Barracks ashore.
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8. Presidential Visits: USS Enterprise hosted multiple presidents, including Richard Nixon, and the MARDET provided ceremonial guards and security details during these high-profile visits.
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9. Deactivation and Legacy: The Enterprise MARDET was deactivated in the 1990s as part of a Navy-wide shift in security practices, but alumni of the detachment maintain strong camaraderie and organize reunions to this day.
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10. Honors and Awards: The MARDET received various letters of commendation and awards for performance, including recognition for their role during the ship’s 1986 operations against Libya and other critical deployments.
