Nimitz’ legacy is etched in naval history as a pioneer of nuclear carrier technology, influencing designs like the expensive and more advanced Ford-class carrier.

The age of the aircraft carrier may be coming to an end in light of the rise of anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD), hypersonic weapons, and advanced drones, but it certainly had an impressive run since World War II. And in that era, there has been no more iconic carrier than the USS Nimitz (CVN-68).

Nimitz was the first of her class, with ten of her sister ships currently in service, and is a true titan of modern naval warfare. In fact, even though the ship is slated for decommissioning, it has been involved in some high-level action in recent months—notably assisting in combat operations against Iran during the 12-Day War

The USS Nimitz’ Specifications 

• Year Introduced: 1975
• Length: 1,092 ft (333 m)
• Beam (Width): 252 ft (76.8 m)
• Displacement: 100,000+ tons
• Propulsion: Two A4W nuclear reactors; four steam turbines; four shafts
• Top Speed: 30+ knots (34.5 mph, 55.5 km/h)
• Range: Unlimited
• Armaments: Phalanx CIWS, Sea Sparrow missiles; 90 aircraft (rotary and fixed wing)
• Crew: 5,000+, including pilots and support staff

The Nimitz Created the Age of the Modern Carrier

Commissioned in 1975, the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) remains one of the largest warships ever built, symbolizing strength, innovation, and global reach. Laid down in 1968 at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, the carrier was launched in 1972 and commissioned on May 3, 1975. Named after Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the World War II Pacific Fleet commander, it represented a leap forward from earlier US Navy carriers like the USS Enterprise.

As the first of ten Nimitz-class vessels, this boat introduced advanced nuclear propulsion with two A4W reactors, making it the first aircraft carrier in the world with unlimited range and endurance.

Over the years, the Nimitz has participated in numerous operations. It launched Operation Eagle Claw, the abortive attempt to rescue American hostages from Iran, in 1979, and later played a key role in the Gulf War in 1990-91. The ship underwent a major Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) from 1998-2001, extending its service life. Homeported at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Wash., the carrier has logged millions of nautical miles, hosting air wings that launched strikes in conflicts across the globe.

Throughout its service, the iconic Nimitz has been a pillar of US Navy deployments globally. In 1981, its F-14 Tomcats downed Libyan fighters during the Gulf of Sidra incident, asserting Freedom of Navigation. During the 1990s, the carrier enforced No-Fly Zones over Iraq and supported various humanitarian missions. In 2003, the carrier’s deployment to the Persian Gulf saw it launch over 900 sorties during the Iraq War that the George W. Bush administration initiated in March of that year.

More recently, Nimitz has navigated the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020-21 deployment, its longest since the Vietnam War (at 341 days). The carrier achieved major milestones, like the Navy’s first F-35C Lightning II landing in 2014, paving the way for stealth integration. With over 350,000 arrested landings by 2023, its operational record underscores reliability and adaptability in diverse theaters, from the Mediterranean to the Indo-Pacific. 

The Nimitz’ Retirement Symbolizes the End of an Era

On what is likely its final deployment, the USS Nimitz is currently leading Carrier Strike Group 11 in routine operations in the North Arabian Sea. Departing from its homeport in Bremerton in March, it initially headed to the Indo-Pacific, conducting exercises in the Philippine Sea and South China Sea amid tensions with China. Escalating conflicts in the Middle East, however, prompted a redirection of the carrier to CENTCOM’s area of responsibility. 

After providing support to US forces assisting the Israelis in their 12-Day War against Iran, the carrier made an historic port visit to Bahrain—the first US carrier there in five years—fostering alliances and providing crew respite. Flight operations continue, with Carrier Airwing 17 executing sorties for surveillance and potential strike readiness. This mission reaffirms the Nimitz’ key role in deterring aggression while promoting stability in a volatile region. 

Nimitz’ legacy is etched in naval history as a pioneer of nuclear carrier technology, influencing designs like the expensive and more advanced Ford-class carrier. Its retirement in May of next year will mark the end of an era, with the new Ford-class USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) as its successor. Decommissioning involves defueling and dismantling in Newport News, temporarily reducing the Navy’s carrier fleet to ten boats.

As Nimitz sails through its final months, this iconic carrier reminds us of the evolving demands on carriers—and forces naval strategists to question whether carriers themselves remain as useful, considering the rise of A2/AD capabilities. However, even as naval strategists consider whether carriers remain useful in the 21st century, they should keep in mind the incredible story of this legendary aircraft carrier.