The Story of “The Big E” WWII Aircraft Carrier That Refused To Die

Origins and Early Service

Commissioned in 1938 and launched in 1936, USS Enterprise (CV‑6) was the seventh U.S. Navy ship to bear the name, with roots back to 1775. She was one of three fleet carriers ready before World War II began and became famous as “The Big E.” Stationed in the Pacific, she narrowly missed destruction during the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor because she was at sea. This fortunate timing allowed her to respond quickly, becoming the first American ship to sink a German submarine three days later, marking the start of her long combat record.

From that moment, Enterprise played a role in nearly every major naval engagement in the Pacific. Her aircraft group carried out missions at Wake Island and Midway, and she stood as one of the few operational carriers after the initial months of conflict .

Battles That Defined Her Legacy

At Midway in June 1942, planes launched from Enterprise helped sink three Japanese carriers. This victory was key in shifting the balance of power. She continued through the Guadalcanal campaign, supporting landings and participating in the Battles of Eastern Solomons and Santa Cruz. During these actions, she was damaged several times, yet kept operating.

Her crew flew missions over the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, supported the Marianas campaign, and fought in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. In October 1944, Enterprise fought in Leyte Gulf, one of history’s largest naval battles. Her operations extended into 1945 for Iwo Jima and Okinawa, even while taking kamikaze hits .

Survival Against Odds

Enterprise earned 20 battle stars, the highest any U.S. ship received during the war. She earned also both a Presidential Unit Citation and a Navy Unit Commendation . She was called the “Grey Ghost” because of repeated false reports of her sinking. By war’s end, her guns and planes had shot down 911 enemy planes, sunk 71 ships, and damaged 192 more.

After Japan surrendered, Enterprise helped return U.S. servicemen home. Though efforts began to preserve her as a museum, she was decommissioned in 1947 and scrapped by 1960.

Legacy Beyond the War

The name Enterprise continues to symbolize naval strength. Gene Roddenberry named the starship in Star Trek after CV‑6, inspired by its wartime record . Jack Taylor, founder of Enterprise Rent‑A‑Car, named the company after his service aboard the ship.

Today, a new USS Enterprise (CVN‑80) is being built, honoring the legacy of the original. Her record remains unmatched, recognized by historians and veterans who served aboard .