Mobile prepares for former Enterprise aircraft carrier arrival as Navy finalizes plans to scrap it
After awarding the contract for a second time, U.S. Navy and partner businesses are getting ready to move the ship and start work.
Mason Reed 
The final chapter for the legendary USS Enterprise is set to unfold on the Mobile waterfront. After the U.S. Navy finalized its decision to award a $418 million dismantling contract, preparations are underway to bring the decommissioned nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the city, with the massive project slated for completion by September 2030.
A Historic Arrival
While the ship's arrival date remains unconfirmed, excitement is building around whether the Enterprise will capture the same level of local fascination as the SS United States. The ocean liner became a major draw for sightseers in 2025 before plans were set to sink it as a recreational reef, a project currently awaiting federal approval.
The Enterprise stands in a category of its own. As the world's first nuclear-powered carrier, its legacy spans from the Cuban Missile Crisis to operations in Iraq. It is a behemoth of engineering—significantly larger than the SS United States in width, length, and tonnage, though its mast has already been removed to assist in transit.
New Navy Oversight
The carrier's dismantling will serve as a test case for the Navy's restructured acquisition system. Under the newly created Program Acquisition Executives (PAEs), the Navy aims to move away from bureaucratic compliance toward a more outcome-focused, warfighting-ready supply chain. The project now falls under the direct portfolio of PAE Maritime.
Despite inquiries regarding the timeline, PAE Maritime officials state that a formal tow date is yet to be determined.
The Dismantling Process
Once the ship reaches the Modern American Recycling Service (MARS) yard, it will be moved onto a concrete ramp for decommissioning. According to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services, all nuclear reactors have already been defueled. Any remaining low-level radioactive waste and hazardous materials are scheduled to be safely packaged and shipped to authorized disposal facilities.
The path to this contract was not without friction. In 2024, the Mobile Chamber’s board of directors expressed opposition, citing concerns that the operation could conflict with downtown development goals. However, with the contract finalized, the Chamber has shifted its focus. President and CEO Bradley Byrne noted that the organization's role is to continue supporting a strong regional economy and working with partners to foster growth.
Looking Ahead
NorthStar leadership has emphasized their commitment to safety and community transparency. Jeff Adix, CEO of NorthStar Group Services, highlighted the company's intent to uphold Mobile's maritime heritage, while Executive Chairman Scott State noted that the team is ready to apply its extensive experience in nuclear decommissioning to the project.
City spokesperson Dale Liesch confirmed that the city expects the ship to arrive as early as this fall, emphasizing that rigorous oversight from the Navy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be in place throughout the duration of the work.
Beyond the immediate scope of the Enterprise, the stakes for this project are high. U.S. Naval Institute News reports that the total cost for the carrier's decommissioning has reached $1.3 billion. Industry experts, including those at Nuclear Engineering International (NEI) Magazine, suggest that the lessons learned from the 'Big E' will form the critical blueprint for the Navy's future disposal of a dozen other retired reactors.
