The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was recently decommissioned by the U.S. Navy, and a Lehighton native was there for the historical day.

Capt. Todd Beltz, commanding officer of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), participated in the ceremony to decommission the USS Enterprise held in the ship's hangar bay Feb. 3."A decommissioning of a ship is a solemn occasion because it's the passing of the ship," Beltz said. "This is the first time that a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was ever decommissioned."Beltz said that what was different about the Enterprise was that four years ago, the Navy did an inactivation ceremony.That's unusual because when a ship starts the decommissioning process, it's done within about six to nine months.However, with the Enterprise, he said there were eight nuclear reactors on it that had to get de-fueled. That was finished right before Christmas.Beltz said the ceremony marked the end of the ship's nearly 55-year career, and was held the day before the keel of the ship was laid 59 years ago (Feb. 4, 1958) in the same dry dock where they held the ceremony."With this ship, the longevity, the history, the amount of people who served on it, we just couldn't walk away," he said. "We had planned to do a small ceremony. That's exactly what we did."Beltz addressed the ship's company, former commanding officers and distinguished visitors and spoke of where the true spirit of "The Big E" comes from."For all that Enterprise represents to this nation, it's the people that bring this ship to life," Beltz said during the ceremony."So as I stand in this ship that we all care so much about, I feel it's appropriate to underscore the contributions of the thousands of sailors and individuals that kept this ship alive and made its reputation. We are 'The Big E.'"Enterprise was the eighth naval vessel to carry the name. It was built by the Newport News Shipbuilding Co. and was christened Sept. 24, 1960, by Mrs. Bertha Irene Franke, wife of former Secretary of the Navy William B. Franke.The ship was put to sea in 1961 and safely steamed more than 1 million nautical miles on nuclear power over its entire career of more than 50 years.At 1,123 feet, she is the longest naval vessel ever built. Her 93,284-long-ton displacement ranked her as the 12th-heaviest supercarrier.The Enterprise was the flagship of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz while he lived in Berkeley, California, until his death in 1966.Beltz said the decommission was "bittersweet.""For me, it covered a wide range of emotions. It's sad to see such a historic ship leave the Navy, so there was the sadness in that," he said."But, obviously the whole crew who was still on the ship (about 375 sailors). You look toward the future."While he's sad to see the ship go, Beltz said he's encouraged to know the name will live on thanks to the proposed construction of the ninth Enterprise (CVN-80), which is scheduled to start being built around 2021."They accomplished our goal, because we wanted to put this historic ship to rest with dignity and respect," he said."I was proud of them for doing that for the thousands of sailors who sailed on her over her 55 years of commissioned service."Beltz graduated from Lehighton Area High School in 1984, and is a 1989 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering.His next step will be at the Naval War College, in Newport, Rhode Island.