(NewsNation) — Aboard the USS Eisenhower, one can easily get lost in the massive aircraft carrier.
First commissioned in 1977, the Eisenhower is the second oldest aircraft carrier in the United States Navy’s fleet. Despite its age, it’s been the busiest over the last five years, with more than 550 days of active deployment.
NewsNation was invited aboard the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 2 in the U.S. 5th Fleet. The USS Eisenhower, along with the United Kingdom, recently carried out a series of strikes against the Houthis. Its service in the region has been extended due to the Houthis reupping their commitment to launching attacks in the region.
The strike group has been targeted by the Houthis, including shooting down the first ship ballistic missile in combat history.
“This is the best damn ship in the Navy,” said Capt. Chris Hill, commanding officer of the Eisenhower. “Right, so we got the best sailors in the fleet, bar none.”
Lt. Jay Hirl takes a lot of pride in what he does.
“It’s definitely a tradition in my family. My dad was in Navy and his dad before him, and then I felt I was gonna do my part,” Hill said.
There are nearly 5,000 people aboard the boat, and it takes about 15,000 meals a day to keep them fed. During NewsNation’s tour, the breakfast menu included pancakes, waffles, eggs, ham and bacon.
The Eisenhower is not the only ship in the Red Sea. There’s also one cruiser and four destroyers in this strike group, including the USS Laboon.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffrey Evans has been on the ship for some eight months.
“Not what I’m used to,” Evans said.
The Navy has a 21-day menu that has already been set, and it’s the same across the board for all ships across the globe. On the day of the tour, they were serving hot dogs.
As for living quarters, department heads generally live in staterooms, while enlisted sailors are housed in berthings, which have more people, anywhere between 30-50.
Lt. Conor O’Donnell sleeps in the former.
“I’m very thankful to have a stateroom,” he said. “As long as you like your rack mates, everything’s good.”
The goal is for the ships to be able to sustain themselves at sea, so on the Eisenhower there’s a medical department, dentist and even a legal department. Anything that could be needed, the goal is to be able to provide it in some capacity in-house.