AO3 Smitty's USS Enterprise Logbook

[jkrob]

All,

Altho I did not serve on the Enterprise, I was in the Navy from 81-87 as an Electronic Warfare Technitian. I am doing some research on unique naval electronic systems during the Cold War & I am trying to figure out what the 'beehive' antenna array on the origional Enterprise island was. I know it was associated with an Electronic Warfare system (ESM/ECM) but I have found no documentation saying what it's actual military nomenclature was.

If there are any EW/ET or even OS types on this forum who served back before the 1980s retrofit & have any info on that system, I would be very greatful.

Thanks in advance,
Jeff Krob (EW2)
1981-1987
USS Coontz DDG-40

[airdale]

Along with the 'beehive' (we called it the 'Pagoda') on top; the island also had white 'slabs' on mounted on the sides back then. Together; this was a 'passive' radar system that recieved incomming radar signals; analized them; and 'bounced' the reflection back to the transmission source (along with a little somethin' extra).

Nuttin' stealthy here...

The transmitter ( if hostile) would follow this bogus signal to the percieved origin; only to find empty ocean; and a reception comittee of fighter aircraft from the carrier air wing.

The guided missle cruiser Long Beach (CGN-9; decomissioned in 1995) had a simmilar set up.

I believe this was a version of the SLQ-32 systems; made by Raytheon.

Can't tell you anything more specific.

It may also be of interest that the Big "E" had no defensive armament (missles; guns; etc.) mounted in the sponsons untill her first retrofit. Her speed; ships of her task force and CAG were her defense.

She did, however. have a small batery of 35mm 'saluting' canon mounted in the catwalk by the island; firing 'blanks'; used for 'saluting' visiting foriegn dignitaries; heads of state; and such.