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USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Long Beach (CGN 9), and USS Bainbridge (CGN 25) underway as part of Operation Sea Orbit. |
On July 31, 1964, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Long Beach (CGN 9) and USS Bainbridge (CGN 25) departed the Mediterranean Sea for a 65-day, 30,000-mile around-the-globe cruise to be carried out completely free from refueling or logistic support while operating at a normal tempo. The three ships, traveling under all kinds of weather conditions, made the 5115-mile transit from Australia to Cape Horn, South Africa at an average speed of better than 25 knots--demonstrating the capability of nuclear-powered surface ships to reinforce quickly U.S. interests in remote areas and operate over great distance at high speeds without logistic support.