USS Dwight D. Eisenhower
Also known as the Ike, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower was commissioned in 1977 in Newport News, Virginia. This Nimitz-class aircraft carrier was first deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Atlantic Fleet in January 1979.
The Eisenhower has been part of eight different deployments and boasts the longest deployment during peacetime. In 1991, it was a part of Desert Storm and Desert Shield and was also a part of Operation Southern Watch and Deny Flight in October 1994. It was deployed in 2007 alongside ships from the Task Forces Countries to defend against Al-Qaeda attacks. The Eisenhower also took part in battle exercises off the Iranian cost. It was sent to the Arabian Sea to show support for the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Eisenhower is the proud recipient of many awards over the course of all its deployments. In honor of its battle efficiency, it received the Battle “E” award 8 times since it was commissioned. It is also the proud recipient of the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award in 1999. It received Naval Unit Commendations at two different occasions. The Eisenhower was given the Navy Expeditionary medal (1980), the National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. It received the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Atlantic Fleet Retention Excellence Award.
Asbestos in Navy Ships
Although an essential component of the naval fleet, even today, aircraft carriers also pose a lasting health risk to soldiers serving on them. Unfortunately, products containing asbestos were common, especially on older ships, because of the material’s high resistance to heat and fire. Despite its value as an insulator, asbestos fiber intake can lead to several serious health consequences, including mesothelioma, a devastating cancer without cure. Current and former military personnel who came into contact with these ships should seek immediate medical attention in order to detect possible health consequences associated with asbestos exposure.
