Navy Seaman Jorge A. Ceja, a 2008 graduate of Hood River Valley High School, along with 500 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) recently arrived in Norfolk, Va., following a seven-and-a-half-month deployment supporting operations in the Mediterranean and the Arabian Seas.
USS Enterprise’s return to Norfolk will be the 25th and final homecoming in her 51 years of distinguished service. The aircraft carrier is scheduled to be inactivated Dec. 1, in a ceremony at Norfolk Naval Station.
During her 238 days away from Norfolk, “Big E,” as Enterprise is affectionately known, safely steamed 80,968 miles and Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) flew more than 8,000 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and exercises in the 5th and 6th Fleet AORs.
Enterprise was commissioned Nov. 25, 1961, as the eighth ship to bear the name Enterprise. Big E was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. During her 51 years of service, Enterprise deployed 25 times and participated in every major conflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis. Enterprise has been home ported in both Alameda, Calif., and Norfolk, Va., and conducted operations in every region of the world.
The December inactivation ceremony will be the last official public event for Enterprise, and will serve as a celebration of life for the ship and the more than 100,000 Sailors who have served aboard the ship.
Tennant graduates from Air Force Basic
Air Force Airman Skyler J. Tennant graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Tennant is the son of Tamra Tennant of Hood River and Miles Tennant of Hood River.
He is a 2011 graduate of Hood River Valley High School.
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