Operation Sea Orbit joined Enterprise with Long Beach and Bainbridge for an all-nuclear circumnavigation. The voyage resembled a 1960s Great White Fleet, though its message was reassurance that the United States was already present rather than an announcement of arrival. The ships demonstrated that an advanced American force could travel globally without the normal fuel constraints. For allies choosing sides in the Cold War, the voyage advertised technological prestige and a promise of protection.
Notable Point · 34:17-35:31
Operation Sea Orbit demonstrated global nuclear reach
Enterprise, Long Beach, and Bainbridge circumnavigated the world as an all-nuclear task group to advertise American reach and alliance protection.