The Enterprise ended its notable 51-year career during a ceremony at its home port at Naval Station Norfolk.
The ship served in every major conflict since participating in a blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Thousands of former crew members, ship builders and their families lined a pier to bid farewell to one of the most decorated ships in the Navy.
Among those taking part in the ceremony was a former Capt. Jim Mulligan, who was held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
The Enterprise was the largest ship in the world at the time it was built, inheriting the nickname "Big E" from a famed World War II aircraft carrier.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
