NORFOLK, Va., April 23 (UPI) -- The crew of the USS Enterprise piloted the nuclear-powered carrier from its dock in Norfolk, Va., for an independent exercise, the U.S. Navy announced.
Enterprise left the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard during the weekend for the first time in nearly two years. The ship was to have returned to service in 2009, but was delayed when repair crews uncovered damage and decay more serious than expected.
The 49-year-old Enterprise left a port in Norfolk, Va., for ship-based training to prepare for its return to the fleet, the U.S. Navy said. Crewmembers will conduct engine testing, flight deck drills and man-overboard procedures.
"This at-sea period allows us to focus our attention on helping the crew gain proficiency," said Lt. j.g. Troy Loyd, the strike operations administration officer on the Enterprise. "It's a chance to get the ship out and get training."
The Enterprise is to conduct replenishment-at-sea exercises during the independent steaming drill for the first time since the aircraft carrier was docked in 2008.
The repair bill for the Enterprise was $700 million dollars, $250 million more than original estimates.
