The Big E: The Unsinkable Spirit of American Sea Power

Some ships earn their place in history. The USS Enterprise—known to those who served and those who followed her story as the “Big E”—commanded it.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Enterprise wasn’t just another aircraft carrier in World War II. Tough as nails, faster than you’d expect, and always where the fight was thickest. She racked up a staggering 20 battle stars, more than any other U.S. warship.

Decorated, Feared, and Relentless

You know a ship is special when she earns both the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation. But the Big E didn’t stop there. The British even honored her with a rare Royal Navy commendation—an unusual salute to an American ship, and a testament to her legendary status.

Everywhere the action was—Midway, Guadalcanal, the Philippine Sea—the Enterprise was in the thick of it. She helped shoot down 911 enemy aircraft and sent 71 enemy ships to the bottom.  Imagine being on the other side, scanning the horizon and spotting her outline!

Bringing the Boys Back

After the guns went quiet, the Enterprise had one last mission. As part of Operation Magic Carpet, she ferried thousands of servicemen home. Tired, battered, but alive. You can almost hear the sighs of relief as boots hit the deck, knowing they’d soon be back on American soil.

Gone, But Never Forgotten

Here’s the part that stings. Despite all she did, the Enterprise was scrapped after the war. No museum. No grand retirement. Just memories and photographs. And yet—ask any sailor who served aboard, or any student of naval history—and they’ll tell you: the Big E still lives.