USS Dwight D. Eisenhower

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN 69 is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that was originally launched from Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia on October 11th, 1975 and was sponsored by Mamie Geneva Eisenhower who was the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. This new sea vessel was given nickname “Ike” with its motto being “I like Ike.” The ship was officially commissioned on October 18th, 1977 under the command of Captain William E. Ramsey. After an intense year of training and preparatory actions, the Ike set out towards the Atlantic Ocean to join with the U. S. Atlantic Fleet. In January of 1979 the ship set sail on her maiden voyage for her first deployment heading out to the Mediterranean where she was visited by the Prime Minister of Israel whom which she gave a spectacular air show of sorts in order to demonstrate the air and sea capabilities of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Spanning in excess of more than 20 years, the Ike had set the record for the longest peacetime deployment for any aircraft carrier in history. On August 29th, 1988 the ship was en route heading towards Norfolk, Virginia when the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower accidentally collided with an anchored Spanish coal ship while she was proceeding through the entrance of a harbor in order to dock there at the Norfolk Naval Station when unpredictably violent weather forced the currents and wind to alter the direction of the aircraft carrier ultimately carrying her off course and into the side of this unsuspecting Spanish vessel. Although both ships only suffered minimal damage, the commanding officer of the Eisenhower, a Captain Gary Beck was relieved of duty the month following the incident.

The Ike finished completing her sixth Mediterranean deployment in 1990 with her participation with the commemorative event that celebrated the worldwide Dwight D. Eisenhower Centennial which was the 100th birthday celebration of the late president. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN 69 has earned numerous amounts of awards including the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon in 1980 and 1983 as well as the Golden Anchor Award in 1999 and the ship is still in service today in the year 2008.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN 69 and her crew fought bravely for their country. However, they were unwittingly exposed to the hazards of asbestos during their time at sea. She was constructed during an era when the threats involved with asbestos were not well understood, and the material was commonly used as an insulator throughout the vessel. Diseases including a type of deadly cancer called mesothelioma are a dangerous risk for retired veterans, and any crewmembers who are concerned that they may have been exposed to asbestos while aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN 69 or any other ship should consult with a doctor to determine whether or not they have developed this disease and will need to begin mesothelioma treatment.

Last modified: December 09 2009.