Bossier Press-Tribune Online

Navy Airman Derek A. Idrizi, son of Sarah and Elwin Idrizi of Bossier City, along with Sailors and Marines assigned to the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) recently arrived in Norfolk, Va, following a seven-and-a-half-month deployment supporting operations in the Mediterranean and the Arabian Seas.

USS Enterprise's return to Norfolk will be the 25th and final homecoming in her 51 years of distinguished service. The aircraft carrier is scheduled to be inactivated Dec. 1, in a ceremony at Norfolk Naval Station.

Enterprise was commissioned Nov. 25, 1961 as the eighth ship to bear the name Enterprise. Big E was the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. During her 51 years of service, Enterprise deployed 25 times and participated in every major conflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis. Enterprise has been homeported in both Alameda, Calif., and Norfolk, Va., and conducted operations in every region of the world.

Enterprise CSG is comprised of: Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12, the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), CVW 1, Destroyer Squadron 2, guided-missile destroyers USS Porter (DDG 78), USS Nitze (DDG 94), and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95).

Idrizi's wife, Cassandra, is also the daughter of John and Donna Bullock of Bossier City. He is a 2010 graduate of Bossier High School and joined the Navy in October 2010.