"Huh, I don't know how this ended up in one of my books but I think I know this photo..."

"I believe this was from the 1978 RIMPAC, when Ms. Melbourne— HMAS Melbourne (R-21) broke away from my mother after the naval exercise. The size difference gave Melbourne the nickname of 'Little M' as a joke compared to my mother's nickname 'Big E'."

// Fun fact: HMAS Melbourne was Australia's last and longest serving aircraft carrier from 1955–1982 but she's only a light carrier.

[May, 2026]

[Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka]

[Location: Yokosuka Japan]

[7:00 a.m.]

Enterprise leaves Tracen Academy early in the morning and is picked up by navy personnel via car and is escorted all the way to the Naval base.

After the car temprorarily stops at the entrance for inspection, it proceeds into the base and takes Enterprise to High Command.

Somewhere in the base...

Inside an office sat the Base Commander, seemingly anticipating someone's arrival.

Soon a knock was heard on the door.

Commander: "Come in."

The door opens, barely making any noise and Enterprise enters the office with a folder in her hand.

Enterprise (CVN-80): "Commander." She gives a salute.

Commander: "At ease Ms. Enterprise, take a seat." he extends his hand, gesturing her to sit down on the seat on the left.

Enterprise (CVN-80): "Right." She nods and proceeds to sit down.

Commander: "Alright, do you have what I need for your transfer?" He asks with a raised eyebrow.

Enterprise (CVN-80): "Yes Commander, here's everything you needed. She hands him a folder.

The Commander receives the folder and slowly opens it. He began reading the contents of each paper and turned each of them one by one. Enterprise sat there waiting for the Commander to finish reading the folder's contents albeit in suspense, waiting for his approval.

In the folder consisted of:

signed transfer orders,

fleet authorization documents

tactical network access transfers

operational status reports

maintenance logs

aircraft inventory checks

crew and kansen readiness certifications.

--------------‐-----------------

It took around 10 minutes for the Commander to finish reading everything before putting the folder down on his desk and finally spoke.

Commander: "I've red everything, and it seems that all is set for your transfer as fleet carrier and flagship of the 7th fleet. You are to await the ceremony that will be held at the pier later on at exactly 10:00 a.m. for the official relief."

"For the mean time, stay in the base and find Washington for more details of this transfer and your future responsibilities."

Enterprise (CVN-80): "Yes Commander, I shall take my leave now." She stood up from her chair and gave him one more salute before turning to leave the office.

--------------‐-----------------

After Enterprise left the Base Commander's office, she went to find Washington— USS George Washington (CVN-73). She went to the first place, a kansen like her would be, and that is the dock where both their ships are anchored.

She arrived at her destination within a few minutes of walking, and boy did she hit the nail as Washington was already there waiting for her arrival.

George Washington (CVN-73): "So, my relief has come to talk to me eh? I've been informed that you wish to speak with me correct?"

Enterprise (CVN-80): "Yes, I would like to have a chat with you about the transfer and relieving you of your duties as Foward-Deployed Carrier and Flagship of the 7th Fleet."

George Washington (CVN-73): "Is that so?"

After a brief moment, she heartily laughs.

"Heh... very well then, I'll be straightfoward about this as I have something to do before the ceremony; so here's what you need to know."

"Being the Foward-Deployed Carrier and Flagship of the 7th fleet is no easy task, hell it might be the biggest test of leadership that would make any normal person drop out from the pressure and expectations."

"Being the flagship of the 7th fleet in East Asia, many will depend on you, your strike group will depend on you for the next course of action, political tensions will be up to your decision alone... you are the one navy personnel and fellow kansen under your command look to when the situation is dire, hoping you have a plan out of it."

"Whatever actions done by your group will reflect on you; so be brave enough to take the blame if things mess up."

She pauses and lets out a deep breathe before continuing.

"Lastly, word of advice— do not be afraid to ask for help. Just because you are the flagship doesn't mean you're able to solve everything by yourself. My sisters have gone through that phase, including me. Asking for help doesn't mean you are weak, but you are brave enough to admit that you can't carry everything alone and wise enough to know that healing and strength come through others."

...

"Got all that Enty?"

Enterprise understood everything but was in awe of the wisdom Washington gave. It was clear she was very experienced in such duties as a flagship.

Enterprise (CVN-80): "Yes, I did... you really are well versed in this over the years huh?"

Washington chuckles at that.

George Washington (CVN-73): Yeah, you do learn a lot of things as a flagship over the years... but now, I'll be needed somewhere else soon. I sure will miss Japan but I promise I'll visit to check on you."

She walks over to Enterprise and places her hand on Enty's shoulder.

"I know you'll do great and I believe that these waters will be safe with you around."

She warmly smiles at her.

Enterprise was surprised at first but later reciprocated the smile.

Enterprise (CVN-80): "Thank you, I won't let you, my mom, the navy, and the country down... I promise that."

George Washington (CVN-73): "Haha! I know you will, now I should get going now as I still have things to do; preparations for the transfer are one of them. See you at the ceremony!"

She waves goodbye and walks off to do her own thing**s with Enty leaving as well shortly after.

--------------‐-----------------

[10:00 a.m.]

The ceremony took place at the pier, starting off with every navy personnel and kansen in the base standing in silence.

Both Enterprise and Washington stood across each other as they exchanged salutes and stated their roles, and readiness for the transfer of command.

Soon, an admiral formally and officially announces the transfer of command with George Washington (CVN-73) relieved of her duties as Forward-Deployed Carrier and Flagship of the U.S 7th fleet and Enterprise (CVN-80) will take her place.

Later, the ceremony finishes with the Naval Base announcing through the speakers in the perimeter:

"Attention all units of the U.S 7th fleet. Effective immediately, USS Enterprise— Hull Number CVN-80 is now the new Foward-Deployed Carrier and Flagship of the fleet."

"I repeat, USS Enterprise CVN-80 is the new Forward-Deployed Carrier and Flagship of the fleet."

Today is the day a new chapter of Enterprise's life begins as the Flagship of the United States 7th Fleet.

"My mother was always there for me despite her duties when I was a child. She'd always come home and choose to spend time with me rather than hang out with friends."

"In her free time, she'd teach me how to use my rigging, perform maneuvers on the water, control aircraft, and help me learn to use a bow."

"Many times have I thought I couldn't do it, many times have I considered giving up; but she always believed in me when I didn't anymore and helped me push forward to success."

"I'll be forever grateful to her for raising me into the person I am today... I love you mom and Happy Mothers Day. I hope you're doing well back in the States..."

"Heres a picture of me and her when I was a kid."

// bit late on it but it will do

"I acquired these glasses from one of my grandmother's belongings. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if I wore them for a while."

"So, how do I look?"

If you guys know this quote, then

YOU KNOW BALL

"Would you intercept me?"

Inhales

"I'd intercept me..."

Fun fact: Enterprise (CVN-80) is an exact copy of her mother Enterprise (CVN-65), who is also a copy of her mother Enterprise (CV-6). Three of them have similiar personalities, use the same kind of weapon: a bow, and have similar traits. They even have similar favorite foods.

Despite that, theres a difference that separate CVN-65 and CVN-80 from CV-6, and that is— they aren't reckless in battle. Enterprise (CV-6) charges into battle without any regard for herself even though she's a carrier. Both her daughter and grand daughter don't go all in already but tactically approach with caution and always have a plan, including a back up plan.

As aircraft carriers, the two let their aircraft to the work but will sometimes intervene in person when things get a bit more hectic.

In short, Enterprise has a strong bloodline/genes.

// all pictures are in order, from Enterprise CV-6 to CVN-65, then to CVN-80

"Salutations everyone, I am USS Enterprise (CVN-80)— nuclear supercarrier of the Gerald R. Ford class."

"I've been recently stationed here in Japan and relieve USS Washington (CVN-73) from her duties as the 7th Fleet's Aircraft Carrier. Washington will return to the States for maintenance and await redeployment to other areas of the globe."

"To be honest, this is my first time here in Japan so it will take a while to grow accustomed to the culture and norms here. Soon after I arrived here, I came to this Academy and see the umamusume race here."

"It's nice to meet you all by the way, I look forward to getting along well..."