NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The footsteps of retired Master Chief Petty Officer Bill Taylor and his son Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Taylor have crossed more than once aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

Bill Taylor, the F/A-18 & E/A-18G Program Office (PMA-265) principal deputy program manager, and his son have two deployments each on the Enterprise under their belts, but for the first time, on a two-day cruise that embarked Nov. 2 their steps were aligned.

With Enterprise’s decommissioning Dec. 1 in Norfolk, Va., the final voyage aboard “the Big E” proved historic for the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the Naval Air Systems Command’s employee and his family.

A “Tiger Cruise” was an opportunity for family and friends to board the ship for its final days of deployment and to get a glimpse of Navy life at sea. Andrew Taylor invited his father aboard to experience a nostalgic view of the Enterprise.

“The ship was certainly familiar,” Bill Taylor said. “The ship’s store was in the same place, and I think the same coffee mugs are sitting on the shelves. Of course, getting up and down the ladders was a bit more challenging this time, but I managed the two days with no bruises on my shins or bumps on my head.”

Bill Taylor retired in 1988 after more than 22 years of service and five deployments. In the early 1970s, two of his deployments were aboard Enterprise, which has participated in every major conflict since the Cuban Missile crisis in 1962.

Before departing for the voyage, guests were treated to an airshow showcasing the capabilities of all aircraft on the ship. F/A-18s performed low-level fly-bys at top speeds, and the E-2C Hawkeye executed a low-level bank parallel to the flight deck. H-60 helicopters demonstrated interdiction and search-and-rescue missions.

“Every ‘last’ was noted,” Bill Taylor said. “The last catapult shot … the last arrested landing – it won’t happen again on the Enterprise. It was kind of sad in a way, yet gratifying, too.”

While the homecoming of a battle group is always a joyous occasion, this one had a different element because it was the “Big E’s” final.

By Saturday afternoon, the ship’s aircraft flew their farewell flights off the carrier leaving the decks and hangars vacant.

In a day full of lasts for Enterprise crew, there was a first for the Taylor family.

Bill Taylor was summoned to the Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136), Knighthawks, ready room to attend the Surface Warfare Specialist pinning ceremony for his son, an aviation electrician. Andrew Taylor’s commanding officer had arranged for Bill Taylor to place the pin on his son’s uniform, a surprise to both father and son.

When asked if his son seeks his professional advice, the older Taylor smiled and said, “He looks more for affirmation. He has a plan, a good plan. Many times, he has already decided what to do, but wants reassurance that his decision is the right one.”

As for Andrew Taylor, he said he wants to follow his father’s path.

“I hope I can do as well as my dad did; maybe one day I can put on an anchor,” the younger Taylor said referring to the insignia enlisted Sailors earn upon being promoted to chief petty officer. “I have much admiration for both his Navy career and his career with the [Naval Air Systems Command].”

Those still onboard the ship could see the Virginia coastline by 7:30 a.m. Sunday, and it docked in Norfolk at 9 a.m., successfully completing her final deployment. While it is the end of an era for one carrier, PMA-265 continues to support the F/A-18 and EA-18G squadrons deployed on the remaining ships still stationed around the globe.

Bill Taylor said he sees some similarities between his job on the carrier almost 40 years ago and the one his son held.

“It was interesting to see what hasn’t changed – [Foreign Object Debris] walk downs, moving carts, loading bombs – there is only one way to do certain tasks,” Bill Taylor said. “Of course, the aircraft are different and more modern, but it was comforting to see so many things are the same and probably always will be.”

“I watch the 18 and 19 year olds on the flight deck, and I can see myself in those young people,” he said. “I know they have the same work ethic that I had. The quality and caliber of the Navy’s Sailors is top notch. It is a good feeling to know there are still folks out there that have the same pride in their work. That’s why we do what we do.”

Bill Taylor continues to use his experience on the carrier in his role as principal deputy program manager and lends his advice to young Sailors like his son.

“Take advantage of the opportunities given to you,” he said. “There is a system in everything you do. Figure out the rules and how to use them to your advantage. Volunteer, this will gain you recognition from leadership; broaden your knowledge and enhance your value to our Navy and nation. Prepare for the future by completing your education. Make yourself the best you can be.”