USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)

• Namesake Honor: The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) is named after the 34th President of the United States and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower. • Second Nimitz-class Carrier: Commissioned in 1977, she is the second aircraft carrier in the Nimitz-class, one of the largest warships ever built. • Nickname "Ike": The ship is affectionately known as "Ike" among her crew and throughout the Navy, reflecting Eisenhower’s popular nickname. • First Major Deployment: During her maiden deployment in 1979, Ike sailed to the Mediterranean Sea, beginning decades of service supporting U.S. interests in Europe and the Middle East. • Operation Eagle Claw: In 1980, the Eisenhower provided support for Operation Eagle Claw, the failed attempt to rescue American hostages from Iran. • Women at Sea: In 1994, Ike became the first U.S. Navy combat vessel to have women permanently assigned as crew members, marking a significant milestone in military gender integration. • Longest Deployment: In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eisenhower spent over 200 days at sea without a single port call—one of the longest continuous at-sea deployments in modern Navy history. • Carrier Strike Group: Ike often serves as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 2, projecting power and providing a mobile airbase anywhere in the world. • Combat Operations: The Eisenhower has supported numerous combat operations, including Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. • Modernization: The carrier has undergone several major refueling and complex overhauls (RCOH), ensuring she remains at the cutting edge of naval technology and ready for 50 years of service.