USS Enterprise closer to service

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., April 20 (UPI) -- The USS Enterprise, the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet, completed sea trials on its way to a return to service, the U.S. Navy said.

Sea trials during the weekend saw Enterprise leave the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard for the first time in nearly two years. Deceptive lighting exercises conducted last week were the first time the aircraft carrier shined its outside lights since 2007.

"The ship performed amazingly," said U.S. Navy Capt. Ron Horton, the longest-serving commanding officer of the Enterprise.

The crew of the Enterprise conducted system checks and tested equipment on board during sea trials. Enterprise now embarks on a training cycle leading up deployment later this year, the 21st for the ship first commissioned in 1961.

Flight deck certification is the next immediate step for return of the Enterprise to military service for the U.S. Navy.

Sea trials concluded Monday.