About this Unit
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), often referred to as "Ike," is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier commissioned into the United States Navy in 1977. As the second Nimitz-class carrier, she has played a crucial role in projecting American naval power, participating in major operations such as Operation Eagle Claw in 1980 and multiple deployments to the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War and subsequent conflicts. Over her decades of service, Eisenhower has supported combat operations, humanitarian missions, and exercises with allied navies around the globe. Continually modernized, she remains a vital asset in U.S. carrier strike group missions into the 21st century.
Historical Facts
• Commissioned in 1977: The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) was commissioned on October 18, 1977, as the second Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy.
• Named After a President: The ship is named in honor of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States and Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during World War II.
• Nickname "Ike": The carrier is commonly referred to as "Ike," reflecting Eisenhower’s own well-known nickname.
• First Combat Operations: USS Eisenhower saw its first combat missions during Operation Eagle Claw, the failed attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran in 1980.
• Gulf War Service: The carrier played a crucial role during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the early 1990s, launching air missions over Iraq and Kuwait.
• Record Deployments: In the late 1990s, Ike set a record by being deployed for 316 consecutive days at sea without a single port visit due to operational commitments in the Balkans and Middle East.
• First Mixed-Gender Crew: In 1994, USS Eisenhower became the first U.S. aircraft carrier to have women permanently assigned to its crew, marking a significant change in Navy policy.
• Size and Power: The ship is over 1,092 feet (333 meters) long, has a displacement of over 100,000 tons, and is powered by two nuclear reactors, allowing it to operate for over 20 years without refueling.
• Humanitarian Missions: Besides combat, Ike has participated in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and supporting operations in Haiti.
• Cultural Appearances: USS Eisenhower has been featured in documentaries, news reports, and movies, highlighting its importance and the life of its crew aboard one of the Navy's most storied ships.
