The HMS Enterprise, a retired oceanographic research vessel, has officially been transferred to the Bangladeshi Navy.

USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the United States Navy’s first nuclear-powered supercarrier, is being recycled as part of a costly and labor-intensive process. Efforts to preserve CVN-65 were impossible due to its nuclear reactors, which have been impossible to remove while maintaining the structural integrity of the retired warship.

Sadly, none of the previous eight warships named “Enterprise,” including the famed World War II carrier that played a key role in the Pacific, could be preserved, either.

However, another former “Enterprise” will live on—at least for a little while longer.

HMS Enterprise Is Heading to Bangladesh

This Enterprise isn’t a former United States Navy warship, but rather the Royal Navy’s Echo-class multi-role survey vessel—hydrographic oceanographic ship (SVHO) that was decommissioned in March 2023. The HMS Enterprise has been purchased by the Bangladeshi Navy, where the vessel will be employed to strengthen Bangladesh’s maritime security and also enhance the Asian nation’s hydrographic, oceanographic and scientific research capabilities.

Officials from both nations attended a recent transfer ceremony, in which the former Royal Navy vessel was formally given to the Bangladeshi Navy.

“The sale of this survey vessel reflects the deep trust and strong cooperation between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh,” said British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke. “HMS Enterprise served the Royal Navy with distinction, and we are proud to see her begin a new chapter supporting Bangladesh’s maritime capability and our shared commitment to a secure and prosperous Bay of Bengal.”

Bangladesh had previously agreed in principle to acquire five naval ships from the UK as part of its efforts to enhance its regional security. That included the Royal Navy’s Island-class offshore patrol vessels, and the former survey ship HMS Roebuck.

The UK will replace both HMS Echo and HMS Enterprise with the Royal Navy’s “Future Military Data Gathering Program,” which will include the deployment of specialist teams and equipment, including drones and other autonomous systems, on British warships.

The HMS Enterprise’s Specifications

The former HMS Enterprise was launched in May 2002 and commissioned in October 2003. It was never really a warship—but rather a survey and data gathering vessel.

• Year Introduced: 2003
• Number Built: 2 (Enterprise and sister ship HMS Echo)
• Length: 90.6 m (297 ft 3 in)
• Beam (Width): 16.8 m (55 ft 1 in)
• Displacement: 3,740 tonnes (4,122 tons)
• Propulsion: Diesel-electric propulsion; three 3.8 MW (6,400 hp) diesel generators; two 1.7 MW (2,300 hp) azimuth thrusters
• Top Speed: 15 knots (28 km/h, 17 mph)
• Range: 9,300 nmi (10,700 mi, 17,200 km)
• Armaments: Two Oerlikon 20mm cannons; three miniguns; four general-purpose machine guns
• Crew: 72

These Are the Voyages of the Enterprise

Several nations have launched ships with the name Enterprise (or “Enterprize” in older days).

While the US Navy may have the distinction of having some of the most capable and famous warships to bear the name, the Royal Navy had far more ships designated HMS Enterprise. A total of 15 ships were named “Enterprise” (or “Enterprize” in older days), with several others planned.

The first was actually the French 25-gun sixth rate frigate L’Enterprise, captured and renamed HMS Enterprise in 1705. Just four years later, the Royal Navy commissioned a 44-gun fifth-rate, the first HMS Enterprise built specifically for the UK’s senior service.

The most recent true warship named HMS Enterprise was the Emerald-class light cruiser D-52, the 14th ship to carry the name. Launched in 1919, she saw service with the Royal Navy during World War II, earning battle honors for actions in the Atlantic, Norway, the Bay of Biscay and Normandy.

The UK’s Royal Navy has no active plans for a future HMS Enterprise.

The US Navy’s first Enterprise was a small sloop captured from the British in Quebec by Revolutionary War then-hero Benedict Arnold. The ship saw service along the Great Lakes, but after the Canadian campaign turned against Arnold, his forces retreated and burned the Enterprise to prevent it from falling back into British hands.

The US Navy’s third Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered supercarrier will be dubbed the USS Enterprise in honor of CVN-65—making it the 10th US Navy vessel with the name.

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

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