Custom Navy Coins for the “Big E”

Navy coins are part of a proud military tradition. Whether to reward outstanding performance, commemorate a deployment or a selfless act, they’re a long-standing part of Navy life.

We were privileged to provide custom challenge coins for the final deployment of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) in 2012. This remarkable ship served a 55-year commission, longer than any other U.S. aircraft carrier.

The “Big E” – In A Class By Itself

The Enterprise, the eighth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name, was literally in a class by itself. It was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and at 1,123 feet, the longest naval vessel ever built. It had the most nuclear reactors (8) of any aircraft carrier, and cost $451 million when built. With a 93,284 long-tom displacement ranks the ship as the third-largest carrier class ever built.

The “Big E” was meant to be the first of a class of six carriers. But that hefty cost – equivalent to $3.85 billion today – put a halt to the others before their construction could begin.

Launch and Maiden Voyage

The Enterprise launched in 1960, making its maiden voyage in January 1962. In February of that year, the ship served as a tracking and measuring station for astronaut John Glenn’s Friendship 7, the spacecraft in which Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth.

In the summer of 1962, the ship made its first operational deployment, participating in training exercises off the U.S. east coast, and later joining the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.

By October of that same year, the Big E was part of the Navy blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In late 1965, the ship was sent to the waters off Vietnam, and on December 2 of that year launched 125 strikes on enemy supply lines. 

Catastrophic Fire

On January 14, 1969, a rocket loaded on an attack aircraft aboard the Enterprise exploded, setting off multiple fires and additional explosions on the flight deck. The fire killed 27 sailors, injured 314, and destroyed 15 aircraft. 

Redeployment and Task Force Duty

The ship was sidelined at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard for six weeks to undergo needed repairs. While en route to return to duty in the Tonkin Gulf, the ship was diverted to the Sea of Japan after North Korea shot down a U.S. reconnaissance flight. The Enterprise became part of a task force to protect future such flights over international waters. 

Following an overhaul and refitting, the Big E returned to Vietnam again in 1971. In 1975, the ship participated in operations to evacuate American citizens and at-risk Vietnamese from Saigon, right before the South Vietnamese capital fell to North Vietnamese troops.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Over the course of its many years in service, the Enterprise traveled around the world multiple times. The final deployment alone covered 80,968 miles during 238 days at sea. Over the years, more than 100,000 sailors served aboard.

In 2003, the Enterprise which had been deployed for several years in the Persian Gulf, was sent to relieve other carriers in the Persian Gulf during the Iraq war. The Big E provided air support for Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

Commemorating the Final Deployment

Over the course of its many years in service, the Enterprise traveled around the world multiple times. The final deployment alone covered 80,968 miles during 238 days at sea. Over the years, more than 100,000 sailors served aboard.

When the time came for the Big E’s final deployment, officials sought Navy custom coins to commemorate the last voyage and the ship’s sterling history. They turned to ChallengeCoins4Less.com, and we were honored to respond.

We are proud of the work we have done over the years for every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. We are grateful to have earned the trust of the men and women of the Enterprise to produce a series of coins to commemorate the great ship’s last voyage.

We created custom coins in both bronze and silver to honor the ship. On the front was a 3-D replica of the ship, the words “USS Enterprise CVN 65 Final Deployment.” In smaller scale on the coin were the ship’s official insignia – featuring an imprint of the ship, a big “E,” two sides of the globe and an atom symbol. Three other insignia featured the ship’s Carrier Air Wing 1, Carrier Strike Group 12 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

The reverse featured 3D images of all eight ships to bear the Enterprise name, encircled by “Since 1775, eight military ships have carried the name Enterprise. Keep the name alive.”

The Enterprise returned to its home port of Norfolk (VA) Naval Station in November 2012, and was deactivated in December of that year, making it the third-oldest commissioned vessel in the United States Navy. On February 3, 2017, the Big E was officially decommissioned and stricken from the Naval Vessel Registry. 

In June 2025, the Navy awarded a $536.7 million contract to NorthStar maritime Dismantlement Services LLC to scrap the Enterprise. The task is expected to take until late 2029 to complete.

The name will live on in a ninth ship. The Navy has announced that an upcoming aircraft carrier will be named Enterprise (CVN-80). The new ship will include recycled steel from the Big E. Construction is planned to begin next year, and the new Enterprise is expected to be commissioned in 2025.

Our Privilege to Provide the Enterprise Coins

We at ChallengeCoins4Less.com are honored to have been able to provide Navy coins to the men and women of the USS Enterprise, and salute her service to our nation.

We have had the honor of providing custom coins to every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. If you’d like to find out more about custom coins for your deployment, squad, or group, we’re here to help. Call us toll free at (855) 272-8451, or email us. If you already have a design in mind, fill out our no-obligation free quote form, and we’ll send you a free digital proof of your design. We look forward to continuing to serve the men and women who keep our nation free for years to come.