Which ship was the first nuclear-powered carrier?

The first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). Commissioned in 1961, the USS Enterprise represented a significant advancement in naval technology, as it was the world’s first nuclear-powered surface ship and the largest ship in the world at the time of its commissioning. The use of nuclear power allowed the ship to operate for long periods without the need for refueling, enhancing its operational capability and strategic flexibility. This innovation heralded a new era of naval warfare, paving the way for future nuclear-powered vessels.

The other vessels listed do not hold this distinction; the USS Ranger, for example, was a conventional carrier, and the USS Constitution is a historic sailing frigate. The USS Nimitz, while also a significant nuclear-powered carrier, was commissioned later, after the USS Enterprise. Thus, the identification of the USS Enterprise as the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is accurate and reflects its historical significance in naval history.