World\'s largest aircraft carrier crosses the Suez Canal

A US Enterprise aircraft carrier considered to be the largest in the world and its battle group have crossed the Suez Canal on Wednesday coming from the Mediterranean on their way to the Gulf through the Red Sea. The Enterprise, with a cargo of 85 tons, passed through amid security procedures with its battle group encompassing rocket launchers, James Williams, Porter class, and other types of destroyers, as well as a Supply class fast support ship, said a maritime official at the Suez Canal Authority. The Authority has prevented the passage of ferryboats transporting people and vehicles between the Suez Canal banks and closed the land roads leading to and in parallel with the maritime passage during the Enterprise's trip, which took around 12 hours. Emergency situations had been accounted for, the source added. The Enterprise is considered to be the first and largest aircraft carriers in the world running on nuclear oil at a length of approximately 350 meters. Its was launched in 1952 at a cost of $ 451 million and can accommodate nearly 5000 people. This is its last trip after which it will retire after 50 years of service at the US Navy, participating in wars including the first and second Gulf War.