MOBILE, Ala. - The decommissioned USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, could also be the first of its kind to be scrapped by someone other than the military, and the Navy has its eyes on the Mobile River. Since decommissioning in 2012, it's been in Virginia, costing taxpayers nearly a $1B to maintain. The Navy wants to put out bids to deconstruct and dispose of the ship, and its residual nuclear chemicals. "The Mobile area has the infrastructure and capability to dismantle and dispose of large ships such as the enterprise," Jeff Avery, Naval reactors affairs director told WALA-TV. Removing nuclear reactors and taking them to proper disposal sites is a major part of the plan. The fuel inside is gone, but residual chemicals may be left behind. Avery said keeping it out of our waters is top priority. If a Mobile area company is chosen, dismantling would start in 2024, and take five years. The contract would likely be up to $1.6B. A Port of Mobile spokesperson’s statement to TV10: "(T)his is a great opportunity for our shipyards … and jobs creation. We are looking forward to more information in the coming months” on the possible project. (Source: WALA 08/13/20) https://www.fox10tv.com/news/uss-enterprise-could-be-scrapped-at-a-shipyard-in-mobile/article_b44bc0a0-dd1b-11ea-9763-5b6428c37b20.html
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