What was the name of the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier?

The first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is indeed the USS Enterprise. Commissioned in 1961, the USS Enterprise was a significant advancement in naval technology, utilizing nuclear propulsion which allowed it to operate for extended periods without the need for refueling. This capability not only enhanced the operational range and endurance of the ship, but also reduced the logistical burden associated with conventional fuel supplies, making it a game-changer for naval aviation and power projection.

The other options listed, while also notable ships in the U.S. Navy, do not hold the distinction of being the first nuclear-powered carrier. The USS Nimitz, commissioned in 1975, is part of a class of nuclear-powered ships that followed the Enterprise. The USS Ronald Reagan and USS Theodore Roosevelt are also nuclear-powered carriers, but they were commissioned even later, thus making them ineligible for the title of the first. The legacy of the USS Enterprise set the standard for aircraft carriers, emphasizing the strategic advantages of nuclear power in naval operations.