Mobile leaders raise concerns ahead of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier dismantlement

MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Shortly after two companies announced plans to dismantle a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the Port of Mobile, local leaders pushed back against the project , citing safety concerns.

Two ship dismantlement and recycling companies, Modern American Recycling and Radiological Services, LLC and NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services, LLC, will compete to win a contract with the United States Navy to dismantle the USS Enterprise, now known as the ex-Enterprise. However, the two companies announced they would end up working with one another on the project in the Port of Mobile.

The USS Enterprise is known for being the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, serving the U.S. Navy for 55 years before being decommissioned in 2017. NorthStar said the carrier was defueled ahead of the dismantlement, but questions remain about the radioactive parts that haven't yet been taken off the ship.

"Even though they've removed the reactor, and they've removed the fuel, there's still contaminated parts of that ship that will be dismantled here in Mobile, next to downtown and just North of where our container port is," Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bradley Byrne said.

NorthStar said once the hazardous and radioactive parts are removed, they will be fully enclosed to "eliminate any possible contact with the public or the environment."

Byrne said the project would pose a threat to tourism in downtown Mobile and port production.

Charges pending after fight at Pensacola Ice Flyers game

"What does that do to tourism downtown? The thought that you have nuclear contaminated metal not far from you," Byrne said. "What does that do to our harbor? If something happens, does the fact that some nuclear contaminated piece of metal hits the water. Does that mean we shut down our port for some undetermined period of time? We just think those risks are too high."

NorthStar predicted the project could draw in tourists flocking to see the USS Enterprise one last time. However, Byrne said that's not necessarily the case.

"We would have an aircraft carrier here, but it'll get ready for being dismantled, so it's not going to be the full aircraft carrier," Byrne said. "It's not going to be as cool as it sounds."

Byrne pinpointed Brownsville, Texas, as another location where the project could take place.

Saraland woman's effort brings bear locks to community — what to know

"Our federal congression delegation could go to the Navy and say, 'Look, you've got two other options in Brownsville, Texas. Choose Brownsville,'" Byrne said.

The contract is expected to be awarded in 2025. The project would take several years to complete.