The USS Enterprise Is Headed for a Long, Restricted Goodbye
Published Date: 11/12/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up two temporary safety zones in Mobile, Alabama, to keep people and boats safe while the old USS Enterprise is towed in and dismantled. These zones will be off-limits unless you get special permission, running from November 2026 through May 2030. This helps protect everyone from hazards during the ship’s big recycling project, with no extra costs for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary no‑entry safety zones on Mobile waterways
The Coast Guard created two temporary safety zones near Mobile, AL, that block entry unless you get permission from the Captain of the Port. One zone covers all navigable waters in the Federal channel from the Mobile Bar Lighted Buoy 1 (LLNR 6100) northward to the Mobile River Channel ending at the Cochrane Bridge; the second is a moored safety zone around the EX ENTERPRISE at the receiving facility (701 South Royal Street) defined by coordinates (30°40'34" N, 088°02'16" W; 30°40'33" N, 088°02'13" W; 30°40'18" N, 088°02'05" W; 30°40'19" N, 088°02'16" W). These zones are effective November 11, 2026 through May 11, 2030, are enforced during the vessel's transit (beginning at Mobile Bar Lighted Buoy 1) and while moored, and you must contact the COTP on VHF‑FM channel 16 or at (251) 266‑5888 to request entry.
Coast Guard says small businesses not significantly harmed
The Coast Guard certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. It notes vessels will be able to transit around both fixed zones, may enter with COTP authorization, the temporary fixed safety zone in the channel will impact the designated area for only a few hours on one day, and advance notice will be provided by Broadcast Notice to Mariners (VHF‑FM channel 16) and Local Notice to Mariners.
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