Deployment done
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Courtney L. Shadle, daughter of Troy D. Shadle, Schuylkill Haven, and Misti L. Riva, Charleroi, and Navy Airman Michael K. Bourn, son of Donna Jo McElvaney, Saint Clair, and Rick R. Bourn, Grand Island, Neb., along with 5,500 sailors and Marines assigned to the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, recently arrived in Norfolk, Va, following a 7 1/2-month deployment supporting operations in the Mediterranean and the Arabian Seas.
USS Enterprise's return to Norfolk is the 25th and final homecoming in her 51 years of distinguished service. The aircraft carrier was deactivated Saturday in a ceremony at Norfolk Naval Station.
While deployed, Enterprise CSG served in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During its 238 days away from Norfolk, "Big E," as Enterprise is affectionately known, safely steamed 80,968 miles and Carrier Air Wing 1 flew more than 8, 000 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and exercises in the 5th and 6th Fleet AORs.
Shadle is a 2008 graduate of Blue Mountain High School and joined the Navy in September 2008.
Bourn is a 2008 graduate of Cedar Rapids High School of Cedar Rapids, Neb., and joined the Navy in February 2008.