The world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is the US Navy's USS Enterprise (CVN-65), nicknamed the “Big E”. She is the longest naval vessel in the world at 1,123 feet, and the second heaviest supercarrier at 93,500 tons. Launched on September 24, 1960 and commissioned on November 25, 1961, she began her maiden voyage on January 12, 1962. Enterprise, being one of the oldest carriers in the fleet, is currently homeported at Norfolk, Virginia.

Although intended to be the first of a class of six, Enterprise is the only ship of her class, due to increased construction costs. Because of her expense, she was launched without weapon systems but was later fitted with armament. Enterprise carries approximately 66 aircraft but can hold up to 90.

Enterprise was dispatched to her first international crisis during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In a televised address to the nation, President John F. Kennedy announced that US reconnaissance flights had revealed a Soviet buildup of offensive missiles on the island of Cuba. Supported by carriers Independence, Essex and Randolph, and backed by shore-based aircraft, Enterprise commenced with the presidentially imposed blockade.

On September 11, 2001, the ship's crew saw the terrorist attacks by Al-Qaeda against New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon on the news. Enterprise immediately headed back to the waters off Southwest Asia. On October 7, 2001, the United States launched air attacks against Al-Qaeda terrorist training camps and Taliban military installations in Afghanistan. For approximately the next three weeks, aircraft from Enterprise flew nearly 700 missions in Afghanistan and dropped hundreds of thousands of pounds of ordnance.

With the USS Enterprise wooden ship model, one can almost hear the roar of the ocean waves. It is an exact replica of the original, handmade with vigilance, from the very first to the last step. Master craftsmen diligently carve high quality mahogany to create the ship's form. After it is sanded and puttied, skilled artists paint on the intricate details. Hand-casted resin and handmade metal parts also constitute the model. Clear lacquer provides the finishing touch and long-lasting protection. Each ship comes with a glass display case and brass name plate. All items then undergo quality control and are delivered to eagerly waiting customers in protective double-lined boxes with high density foam. More than just a display piece, the Enterprise ship model is a work of art.