What Happens to Retired Aircraft Carriers and Their Crew Members

The end of a long and illustrious service for an aircraft carrier, both from a military and environmental perspective, is a complex and multifaceted process. This article delves into what happens to these behemoths of the modern naval fleet, along with the fate of their crew members.

Disposal of Aircraft Carriers

When an aircraft carrier is retired, the decommissioning process is initiated. This process involves removing all removable parts for reuse in the supply chain, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The most challenging part is dismantling the nuclear components, which are then transported to Washington State for indefinite storage. This process can take years and is generally handled at government shipyards.

Utilization of Components

Tiny reusable components such as razor blades and other parts of the carrier are repurposed. The metals are salvaged and recycled, becoming essential building blocks in various industries. This process ensures that the carrier does not end up in a landfill but contributes towards sustainable practices.

Securing Future Deployments

Typically, retired carriers are placed in the fleet reserve to be held for future use. If deemed no longer operational or no longer necessary, they may be sold for scrap. These metallic scraps find new roles in construction, manufacturing, and even as targets for live fire exercises. In some cases, they are converted into artificial reefs, providing habitats for marine life while accomplishing environmental sustainability.

Museum Ships

A special category of retired carriers, some with a distinguished service history, are converted into museum ships. The USS Intrepid in New York and USS Midway in San Diego are prime examples. These museums serve not only as historical landmarks but also as educational tools, showcasing the evolution and importance of naval technology.

Decommissioning Procedure

The decommissioning of aircraft carriers is a lengthy and meticulous process. All sensitive equipment and weapons are meticulously removed to ensure safety and security. The most time-consuming part involves disassembling the nuclear reactors. For a ship like the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), which had eight nuclear reactors, this process can take a significant amount of time. Once the reactors are removed, the ship sits idle for a while to allow radioactive substances to decay naturally.

Handling Nuclear Waste

Converting the nuclear fuel back into usable form is a complex process that requires handling radioactive waste responsibly. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the overall cost of decommissioning a single aircraft carrier is estimated to be around 1 billion dollars. This cost includes not only the removal of reactors but also the deconstruction and disposal of radioactive waste, making the process both logistically and financially challenging.

Crew Member Resettlement

When a carrier is retired, the crew is also reassigned. The carrier’s crew members receive new orders to other ships, ensuring a smooth transition and continued service in the Navy. This policy not only keeps the service moving but also provides a sense of continuity and stability for the crew members.

Ensuring Seamless Transition

A critical phase of the retirement process involves the crew, who are ordered to report to new duty stations. This ensures that the ship is not only stripped of its components but also its people, complying with Navy regulations. The transition is deliberate and designed to support the ongoing needs of the naval fleet while ensuring that the retired crew's skills and experience are not lost to the service.

Overall, the decommissioning of aircraft carriers is a well-orchestrated process that involves multiple stages, from removal of components to handling nuclear waste, and from crew resignment to responsible disposal. It exemplifies the naval service's commitment to both environmental and operational responsibilities.