USS Enterprise/CVW-3 steams through Suez Canal  
NAVY WIRE SERVICE (NWS) - 23 November 1998

by USS Enterprise Public Affairs

SUEZ CANAL (NWS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Carrier Air Wing 
(CVW) THREE steamed through the Suez Canal Nov. 19 en route to an 
Arabian Gulf rendezvous with ships of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower 
(CVN 69) Battle Group.  
        They were flanked on the fantail by USS Stout (DDG 55), one 
of several Enterprise Battle Group assets presently moving to the 
Gulf at best speed. 
        While trips through the canal are renowned for the requisite 
water restrictions, navigational challenges and trash embargo, the 
sightseeing and entertainment itinerary on Enterprise made the 15-
hour transit well worth the price of admission. The aircraft 
carrier's scenic four-and-a-half acre flight deck was open for a 
front row look at Egypt, and a private vendor offered a selection 
of Egyptian collectibles on the mess decks.  
        Beginning at 8 a.m. with a flight deck walkathon, and 
wrapping up with chess and spades showdowns on the forward mess 
decks at 9 p.m., Enterprise's run through the canal offered a day 
of entertainment opportunities. Other events included a 3-on-3 
basketball tournament, a weightlifting strength and endurance 
standoff in the hangar bay and a 30-kilometer relay race on the 
flight deck. Trophies and T-shirts were presented to top finishers. 
        Team Enterprise departed Norfolk Nov. 6. The carrier 
celebrates its 37th birthday Nov. 25.   
-USN-