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===1970s===
===1970s===
USS ''Nimitz'' first deployed to the [[Mediterranean]] on July 7, 1976 with [[Carrier Air Wing 8]] embarked in company with the nuclear powered [[cruiser]]s [[USS South Carolina (CGN-37)|USS ''South Carolina'']] and [[USS California (CGN-36)|USS ''California'']]. In November 1976, NIMITZ was awarded the [[Battle "E"]] from [[Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet]], for being the most efficient and foremost aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Fleet. The cruise was uneventful, and the carrier returned to [[Norfolk, Virginia]] on February 7, 1977.
USS ''Nimitz'' first deployed to the [[Mediterranean]] on 7 July 1976 with [[Carrier Air Wing 8]] embarked in company with the nuclear powered [[cruiser]]s [[USS South Carolina (CGN-37)|USS ''South Carolina'']] and [[USS California (CGN-36)|USS ''California'']]. In November 1976, NIMITZ was awarded the [[Battle "E"]] from [[Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet]], for being the most efficient and foremost aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Fleet. The cruise was uneventful, and the carrier returned to [[Norfolk, Virginia]] on 7 February 1977.


A second uneventful Mediterranean cruise was conducted from Dec. 1, 1977 to July 20, 1978. The third deployment began on September 10, 1979 to the Mediterranean. The ship moved to the [[Indian Ocean]] in response to the [[Iran hostage crisis]] in which the U.S. Embassy in [[Tehran]], [[Iran]] was overtaken and 52 hostages were held. After four months on station, [[Operation Evening Light]] was launched from ''Nimitz's'' decks in an attempt to rescue the U.S. Embassy staff. The mission was aborted after a helicopter crashed at a refueling point in the Iranian desert. The ship finally returned home 26 May 1980, having spent 144 days at sea.
A second uneventful Mediterranean cruise was conducted from 1 December 1977 to 20 July 1978. The third deployment began on 10 September 1979 to the Mediterranean. The ship moved to the [[Indian Ocean]] in response to the [[Iran hostage crisis]] in which the U.S. Embassy in [[Tehran]], [[Iran]] was overtaken and 52 hostages were held. After four months on station, [[Operation Evening Light]] was launched from ''Nimitz's'' decks in an attempt to rescue the U.S. Embassy staff. The mission was aborted after a helicopter crashed at a refueling point in the Iranian desert. The ship finally returned home 26 May 1980, having spent 144 days at sea.


===1980s===
===1980s===
[[File:F-18 landing on USS Nimitz 2.jpg|thumb|left|[[F/A-18 Hornet]] landing on USS Nimitz]]
[[File:F-18 landing on USS Nimitz 2.jpg|thumb|left|[[F/A-18 Hornet]] landing on USS Nimitz]]
On 26 May 1981, an [[EA-6 Prowler|EA-6B Prowler]] crashed on the flight deck, killing 14 crewmen and injuring 45 others.<ref name="time">{{cite news | last = Anderson | first = Kurt | coauthors = Beaty, Jonathan | title = Night of Flaming Terror | work = TIME in partnership with CNN | publisher = Time.com | date = 8 June 1981 | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,922544-1,00.html | accessdate = 2 October 2008}}</ref> Forensic testing conducted found that several members of the deceased flight deck crew tested positive for marijuana. As a result of this incident, President Ronald Reagan instituted a "Zero Tolerance" drug policy across all of the armed services - which started the mandatory drug testing of all US service personnel.<ref>Ackerman, D. L. (1991). A history of drug testing. In R. H. Coombs & L. J. West (Eds.), Drug testing: Issues and options (pp. 3-21). Oxford: Oxford University Press, </ref>
On 26 May 1981, an [[EA-6 Prowler|EA-6B Prowler]] crashed on the flight deck, killing 14 crewmen and injuring 45 others.<ref name="time">{{cite news | last = Anderson | first = Kurt | coauthors = Beaty, Jonathan | title = Night of Flaming Terror | work = TIME in partnership with CNN | publisher = Time.com | date = 8 June 1981 | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,922544-1,00.html | accessdate = 2 October 2008}}</ref> Forensic testing conducted found that several members of the deceased flight deck crew tested positive for marijuana. As a result of this incident, President Ronald Reagan instituted a "Zero Tolerance" drug policy across all of the armed services - which started the mandatory drug testing of all US service personnel.<ref>Ackerman, D. L. (1991). A history of drug testing. In R. H. Coombs & L. J. West (Eds.), Drug testing: Issues and options (pp. 3-21). Oxford: Oxford University Press, </ref>
''Nimitz'' deployed again to the Med on Aug 3, 1981. The ship, in company with [[USS Forrestal (CV-59)]] conducted a [[Freedom of Navigation]] exercise in international waters in the [[Gulf of Sidra]] near [[Libya]] on August 18 and 19. On the morning of August 19, two [[F-14]]As of [[VF-41]] were engaged by two Libyan Su-22s, resulting in the two Libyan aircraft being shot down in what became known as the [[Gulf of Sidra incident (1981)|Gulf of Sidra incident]].
''Nimitz'' deployed again to the Mediterranean on 3 August 1981. The ship, in company with [[USS Forrestal (CV-59)]], conducted a [[Freedom of Navigation]] exercise in international waters in the [[Gulf of Sidra]] near [[Libya]] on 18 and 19 August 1981. On the morning of 19 August 1981, two [[F-14]]As of [[VF-41]] were engaged by two Libyan Su-22s, resulting in the two Libyan aircraft being shot down in what became known as the [[Gulf of Sidra incident (1981)|Gulf of Sidra incident]].


''Nimitz's'' fourth deployment, from November 10, 1982 to May 20, 1983 was to the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas.
''Nimitz's'' fourth deployment, from 10 November 1982 to 20 May 1983, was to the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas.


''Nimitz'' deployed a fifth time on March 8, 1985. On June 14, 1985, two Lebanese gunmen hijacked [[TWA Flight 847]], which carried 153 passengers and crew and included Americans. In response, ''Nimitz'' was deployed to the coast of Lebanon, where she remained until August. The embarked Airwing 8 flew continuous sorties for 67 days, bombing several sites in Beirut including the [[Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport|international airport]] runways. The ship returned to Norfolk on October 4, 1985.
''Nimitz'' deployed a fifth time on 8 March 1985. On 14 June 1985, two Lebanese gunmen hijacked [[TWA Flight 847]], which carried 153 passengers and crew and included Americans. In response, ''Nimitz'' was deployed to the coast of Lebanon, where she remained until August 1985. The embarked Airwing 8 flew continuous sorties for 67 days, bombing several sites in Beirut including the [[Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport|international airport]] runways. The ship returned to Norfolk on 4 October 1985.


''Nimitz'', again with CVW-8 embarked, departed Norfolk for her sixth and final Mediterranean deployment on December 30, 1986. After four months and numerous Mediterranean port visits, the carrier crossed the equator en route to [[Rio de Janeiro]]. From Rio she proceeded south around [[Cape Horn]] and into the Pacific. After a brief stop in [[San Diego, California]] to offload her East Coast air wing, she arrived at her new home port of [[Bremerton, Washington]] on July 2, 1987.
''Nimitz'', again with CVW-8 embarked, departed Norfolk for her sixth and final Mediterranean deployment on 30 December 1986. After four months and numerous Mediterranean port visits, the carrier crossed the equator en route to [[Rio de Janeiro]]. From Rio she proceeded south around [[Cape Horn]] and into the Pacific. After a brief stop in [[San Diego, California]] to offload her East Coast air wing, she arrived at her new home port of [[Bremerton, Washington]] on 2 July 1987.


''Nimitz'' deployed to the Western Pacific with [[Carrier Air Wing 9]] embarked on September 2, 1988. During the [[1988 Olympic Games]] in [[Seoul]], ''Nimitz'' provided security off the coast of [[South Korea]]. In October she operated in the [[North Arabian Sea]] participating in [[Operation Earnest Will]], the protection of re-flagged [[Kuwait]]i tankers. On 30 November 1988 while in the Arabian Sea, a 20&nbsp;mm cannon accidentally fired during maintenance, striking a [[A-7 Corsair II]]. The ensuing fire spread to six other aircraft and there were two fatalities. The ship returned to Bremerton on March 2, 1989.
''Nimitz'' deployed to the Western Pacific with [[Carrier Air Wing 9]] embarked on 2 September 1988. During the [[1988 Olympic Games]] in [[Seoul]], ''Nimitz'' provided security off the coast of [[South Korea]]. In October she operated in the [[North Arabian Sea]] participating in [[Operation Earnest Will]], the protection of re-flagged [[Kuwait]]i tankers. On 30 November 1988, while in the Arabian Sea, a 20&nbsp;mm cannon accidentally fired during maintenance, striking a [[A-7 Corsair II]]. The ensuing fire spread to six other aircraft and there were two fatalities. The ship returned to Bremerton on 2 March 1989.


===1990s===
===1990s===
On Feb. 25, 1991, ''Nimitz'' departed Bremerton for the Arabian Gulf in relief of [[USS Ranger (CV-61)|USS ''Ranger'']] in the aftermath of [[Operation Desert Storm]], returning to Bremerton on Aug. 24, 1991. ''Nimitz'' again deployed to the Arabian Gulf on Feb. 1, 1993, in support of [[Operation Southern Watch]] (OSW), returning on August 19, 1993.
On 25 February 1991, ''Nimitz'' departed Bremerton for the Arabian Gulf in relief of [[USS Ranger (CV-61)|USS ''Ranger'']] in the aftermath of [[Operation Desert Storm]], returning to Bremerton on 24 August 1991. ''Nimitz'' again deployed to the Arabian Gulf on 1 February 1993, in support of [[Operation Southern Watch]] (OSW), returning on 19 August 1993.

On November 27, 1995 ''Nimitz'' deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. In March 1996, she patrolled the waters off [[Taiwan]] amid [[Third Taiwan Strait Crisis|missile tests conducted by the Chinese]] in the area, becoming the first American warship to pass though the [[Taiwan Strait]] since 1976. She also cruised the Arabian Gulf in support of OSW prior to returning from deployment on May 20, 1996.
On 27 November 1995, ''Nimitz'' deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. In March 1996, she patrolled the waters off [[Taiwan]] amid [[Third Taiwan Strait Crisis|missile tests conducted by the Chinese]] in the area, becoming the first American warship to pass though the [[Taiwan Strait]] since 1976. She also cruised the Arabian Gulf in support of OSW prior to returning from deployment on 20 May 1996.
⚫
On September 1, 1997, ''Nimitz'' began an around the world cruise, again supporting OSW, that ended in [[Newport News]] on March 2, 1998. She would spend the next three years undergoing a mid-life [[Refueling Complex Overhaul]] (RCOH) that ended 25 June 2001.

⚫
On 1 September 1997, ''Nimitz'' began an around the world cruise, again supporting OSW, that ended in [[Newport News]] on 2 March 1998. She would spend the next three years undergoing a mid-life [[Refueling Complex Overhaul]] (RCOH) that ended 25 June 2001.


===2000s===
===2000s===
On September 21, 2001 after sea trials in the Virginia Capes, ''Nimitz'' began her transit around South America to her new home port of [[NAS North Island]] in [[San Diego, California]], arriving there on 13 November. Aircraft from [[Tactical Support Wing|Carrier Air Reserve Wing 20]] were embarked for the transit. From January to May 2002, she underwent a four month post-shakedown maintenance availability at North Island.
On 21 September 2001, after sea trials in the Virginia Capes, ''Nimitz'' began her transit around South America to her new home port of [[NAS North Island]] in [[San Diego, California]], arriving there on 13 November 2001. Aircraft from [[Tactical Support Wing|Carrier Air Reserve Wing 20]] were embarked for the transit. From January to May 2002, she underwent a four month post-shakedown maintenance availability at North Island.
''Nimitz's'' eleventh operational deployment began on March 3, 2003.<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6720</ref> She relieved [[USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)|USS ''Abraham Lincoln'']] in the [[Persian Gulf]] in mid-April 2003, launching [[Carrier Air Wing 11]] aircraft sorties over [[Iraq]] in support of [[2003 invasion of Iraq|Operation Iraqi Freedom]] (OIF) and [[Afghanistan]] in support of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] (OEF). She returned to San Diego on 5 November 2003. ''Nimitz'' and CVW-11 were awarded the 2003 [[Battle "E"]]<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=12854</ref> and [[Flatley Award]] <ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13586</ref> in early 2004.
''Nimitz's'' eleventh operational deployment began on 3 March 2003.<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6720</ref> She relieved [[USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)|USS ''Abraham Lincoln'']] in the [[Persian Gulf]] in mid-April 2003, launching [[Carrier Air Wing 11]] aircraft sorties over [[Iraq]] in support of [[2003 invasion of Iraq|Operation Iraqi Freedom]] (OIF) and [[Afghanistan]] in support of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] (OEF). She returned to San Diego on 5 November 2003. ''Nimitz'' and CVW-11 were awarded the 2003 [[Battle "E"]]<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=12854</ref> and [[Flatley Award]] <ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13586</ref> in early 2004.
''Nimitz'', again with CVW-11 embarked, deployed to the [[Persian Gulf]] on 7 May 2005, returning on 8 November 2005.<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=18250</ref> This deployment marked three decades of service, and was depicted in the 2008 [[PBS]] documentary series ''[[Carrier (documentary)|Carrier]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36564 |title=Nimitz Highlighted in PBS TV Series and Premiere |publisher=U.S. Navy |date= 23 April 2008}}</ref> In June 2006, ''Nimitz'' was awarded the 2005 Battle "E".<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=24071</ref>


''Nimitz'', again with CVW-11 embarked, deployed to the [[Persian Gulf]] on May 7, 2005, returning on November 8, 2005.<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=18250</ref> This deployment marked three decades of service, and was depicted in the 2008 [[PBS]] documentary series ''[[Carrier (documentary)|Carrier]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=36564 |title=Nimitz Highlighted in PBS TV Series and Premiere |publisher=U.S. Navy |date= 23 April 2008}}</ref> In June 2006, ''Nimitz'' was awarded the 2005 Battle "E".<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=24071</ref>
The carrier departed North Island for her thirteenth deployment on 2 April 2007 to the Arabian Sea, relieving [[USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)|USS ''Dwight D. Eisenhower'']] in support of OIF.<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=29519</ref> She anchored off [[Chennai]], India on 2 July 2007 as part of efforts to expand bilateral defense cooperation between India and the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/USS_Nimitz_not_carrying_nuke_warheads/articleshow/2151475.cms |title=USS Nimitz not known to be carrying nuke warheads |work=The Times of India |date=-26 Jun 2007}}</ref> Sailors participated in community work in [[Chennai]] prior to departing, on 5 July 2007, along with the destroyer [[USS Pinckney (DDG-91)|USS ''Pinckney'']] towards the [[Persian Gulf]]. She returned to North Island on 30 September 2007.<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32232</ref>


⚫
On 24 January 2008, ''Nimitz'' deployed to the Pacific for a "surge"-deployment.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34414 Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Set to Deploy]</ref> On 9 February 2008, two Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95|Tu-95 'Bear']] bombers overflew the carrier in the Western Pacific.<ref name="msnbc"/> Four [[F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18C Hornet]]s were launched when the bombers were {{convert|500|mi|km}} away from the U.S. ships, and intercepted the bombers {{convert|50|mi|km}} south of ''Nimitz''. Two F/A-18s trailed one of the bombers, which buzzed the deck of the carrier twice, while the other two F/A-18s trailed another TU-95 circling about {{convert|50|mi|km}} away from the carrier. Reportedly, there was no radio communication between the American and Russian aircraft. According to the Department of Defense, one of the two aircraft was said to have flown above ''Nimitz'' at an altitude of {{convert|2000|ft|m}}. On the same day, Russian aircraft entered Japanese airspace, which caused the Japanese to raise protest to the Russian ambassador in Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,534621,00.html |title=Russian bombers fly over US aircraft carrier |accessdate=6 March 2008 |date=12 February 2008}}</ref>
The carrier departed North Island for her thirteenth deployment on April 2, 2007 to the Arabian Sea, relieving [[USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)|USS ''Dwight D. Eisenhower'']] in support of OIF.<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=29519</ref> She anchored off [[Chennai]], India on 2 July as part of efforts to expand bilateral defense cooperation between India and the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/USS_Nimitz_not_carrying_nuke_warheads/articleshow/2151475.cms |title=USS Nimitz not known to be carrying nuke warheads |work=The Times of India |date=-26 Jun 2007}}</ref> Sailors participated in community work in [[Chennai]] prior to departing on 5 July along with the destroyer [[USS Pinckney (DDG-91)|USS ''Pinckney'']] towards the [[Persian Gulf]]. She returned to North Island on 30 September 2007.<ref>http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32232</ref>


⚫
Again, on 5 March 2008, a Russian bomber came within {{convert|3|to|5|nmi|km|0}} and flew {{convert|2000|ft|m}} above ''Nimitz'' and its battle group. Two F/A-18 fighters intercepted the Russian aircraft and escorted it out of the area.<ref name="msnbc">{{cite news |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23490503/ |title=Russian bomber intercepted near U.S. ship |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |date=5 March 2008 |accessdate=6 March 2008 |last=Reuters}}</ref>
⚫
On January 24, 2008, ''Nimitz'' deployed to the Pacific for a "surge"-deployment.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34414 Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Set to Deploy]</ref> On February 9, 2008, two Russian [[Tupolev Tu-95|Tu-95 'Bear']] bombers overflew the carrier in the Western Pacific.<ref name="msnbc"/> Four [[F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18C Hornet]]s were launched when the bombers were {{convert|500|mi|km}} away from the U.S. ships, and intercepted the bombers {{convert|50|mi|km}} south of ''Nimitz''. Two F/A-18s trailed one of the bombers, which buzzed the deck of the carrier twice, while the other two F/A-18s trailed another TU-95 circling about {{convert|50|mi|km}} away from the carrier. Reportedly, there was no radio communication between the American and Russian aircraft. According to the Department of Defense, one of the two aircraft was said to have flown above ''Nimitz'' at an altitude of {{convert|2000|ft|m}}. On the same day, Russian aircraft entered Japanese airspace, which caused the Japanese to raise protest to the Russian ambassador in Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,534621,00.html |title=Russian bombers fly over US aircraft carrier |accessdate=6 March 2008 |date=12 February 2008}}</ref>
⚫
Again, on 5 March 2008, a Russian bomber came within three to five nautical miles (9&nbsp;km) and flew {{convert|2000|ft|m}} above ''Nimitz'' and its battle group. Two F/A-18 fighters intercepted the Russian aircraft and escorted it out of the area.<ref name="msnbc">{{cite news |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23490503/ |title=Russian bomber intercepted near U.S. ship |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |date=5 March 2008 |accessdate=6 March 2008 |last=Reuters}}</ref>


The ''Nimitz'' was awarded the Navy [[Battle "E"]] for battle efficiency for 2007 along with the Ney award for food service excellence. She returned to her homeport of San Diego, California on 3 June 2008.
The ''Nimitz'' was awarded the Navy [[Battle "E"]] for battle efficiency for 2007 along with the Ney award for food service excellence. She returned to her homeport of San Diego, California on 3 June 2008.


''Nimitz'' Strike Group, including CVW-11, departed the States for a scheduled Western Pacific deployment on July 31<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=47232 Nimitz Strike Group Set To Deploy]</ref>.
''Nimitz'' Strike Group, including CVW-11, departed the States for a scheduled Western Pacific deployment on 31 July 2008.<ref>[http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=47232 Nimitz Strike Group Set To Deploy]</ref>


==''Nimitz'' Carrier Battle Group==
==''Nimitz'' Carrier Battle Group==

Revision as of 05:46, 8 August 2009

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) at sea near San Diego, CA
USS Nimitz (CVN-68) at sea near San Diego, CA
History
US
NameUSS Nimitz
NamesakeFleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Ordered31 March 1967
Laid down22 June 1968
Launched13 May 1972
Commissioned3 May 1975
ReclassifiedCVN-68
HomeportNaval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California
MottoTeamwork, a Tradition
Nickname(s)"Old Salt"
StatusTemplate:Ship fate box active in service
General characteristics
Class and typeNimitz-class aircraft carrier
DisplacementTemplate:Nimitz class aircraft carrier displacement
Length
  • Overall: 1,092 feet (332.8 m)
  • Waterline: 1,040 feet (317.0 m)
Beam
  • Overall: 252 ft (76.8 m)
  • Waterline: 134 ft (40.8 m)
Draft
  • Maximum navigational: 37 feet (11.3 m)
  • Limit: 41 feet (12.5 m)
Propulsion
Speed30+ knots (56+ km/h; 35+ mph)[3]
RangeUnlimited distance; 20–25 years
Complement
  • Ship's company: 3,532
  • Air wing: 2,480
Sensors and
processing systems
Electronic warfare
& decoys
ArmamentTemplate:Nimitz class aircraft carrier armament I
ArmorUnknown
Aircraft carried90 fixed wing and helicopters
Monitor showing data about USS Nimitz

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is a supercarrier in the United States Navy, the lead ship of its class. She is one of the largest warships in the world. She was laid down, launched and commissioned as CVAN-68, but was redesignated CVN-68 (nuclear-powered multimission aircraft carrier) on 30 June 1975 as part of the fleet realignment of that year.

The ship was named for Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who commanded the Pacific fleet in World War II and was the Navy’s last five-star admiral. Unlike all subsequent Nimitz class carriers, Nimitz only uses its namesake's surname. Nimitz has been homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, and is currently homeported at NAS North Island.

Ship's history

Pre-Commissioning

The keel of Nimitz was laid down 22 June 1968 by Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia. She was christened in 1972 by Catherine Nimitz Lay, daughter of the late Admiral Nimitz. Nimitz was delivered to the Navy in 1975 and she was commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk, Va on 3 May 1975 by President Gerald Ford.

1970s

USS Nimitz first deployed to the Mediterranean on 7 July 1976 with Carrier Air Wing 8 embarked in company with the nuclear powered cruisers USS South Carolina and USS California. In November 1976, NIMITZ was awarded the Battle "E" from Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet, for being the most efficient and foremost aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Fleet. The cruise was uneventful, and the carrier returned to Norfolk, Virginia on 7 February 1977.

A second uneventful Mediterranean cruise was conducted from 1 December 1977 to 20 July 1978. The third deployment began on 10 September 1979 to the Mediterranean. The ship moved to the Indian Ocean in response to the Iran hostage crisis in which the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran was overtaken and 52 hostages were held. After four months on station, Operation Evening Light was launched from Nimitz's decks in an attempt to rescue the U.S. Embassy staff. The mission was aborted after a helicopter crashed at a refueling point in the Iranian desert. The ship finally returned home 26 May 1980, having spent 144 days at sea.

1980s

F/A-18 Hornet landing on USS Nimitz

On 26 May 1981, an EA-6B Prowler crashed on the flight deck, killing 14 crewmen and injuring 45 others.[4] Forensic testing conducted found that several members of the deceased flight deck crew tested positive for marijuana. As a result of this incident, President Ronald Reagan instituted a "Zero Tolerance" drug policy across all of the armed services - which started the mandatory drug testing of all US service personnel.[5] Nimitz deployed again to the Mediterranean on 3 August 1981. The ship, in company with USS Forrestal (CV-59), conducted a Freedom of Navigation exercise in international waters in the Gulf of Sidra near Libya on 18 and 19 August 1981. On the morning of 19 August 1981, two F-14As of VF-41 were engaged by two Libyan Su-22s, resulting in the two Libyan aircraft being shot down in what became known as the Gulf of Sidra incident.

Nimitz's fourth deployment, from 10 November 1982 to 20 May 1983, was to the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas.

Nimitz deployed a fifth time on 8 March 1985. On 14 June 1985, two Lebanese gunmen hijacked TWA Flight 847, which carried 153 passengers and crew and included Americans. In response, Nimitz was deployed to the coast of Lebanon, where she remained until August 1985. The embarked Airwing 8 flew continuous sorties for 67 days, bombing several sites in Beirut including the international airport runways. The ship returned to Norfolk on 4 October 1985.

Nimitz, again with CVW-8 embarked, departed Norfolk for her sixth and final Mediterranean deployment on 30 December 1986. After four months and numerous Mediterranean port visits, the carrier crossed the equator en route to Rio de Janeiro. From Rio she proceeded south around Cape Horn and into the Pacific. After a brief stop in San Diego, California to offload her East Coast air wing, she arrived at her new home port of Bremerton, Washington on 2 July 1987.

Nimitz deployed to the Western Pacific with Carrier Air Wing 9 embarked on 2 September 1988. During the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Nimitz provided security off the coast of South Korea. In October she operated in the North Arabian Sea participating in Operation Earnest Will, the protection of re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers. On 30 November 1988, while in the Arabian Sea, a 20 mm cannon accidentally fired during maintenance, striking a A-7 Corsair II. The ensuing fire spread to six other aircraft and there were two fatalities. The ship returned to Bremerton on 2 March 1989.

1990s

On 25 February 1991, Nimitz departed Bremerton for the Arabian Gulf in relief of USS Ranger in the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm, returning to Bremerton on 24 August 1991. Nimitz again deployed to the Arabian Gulf on 1 February 1993, in support of Operation Southern Watch (OSW), returning on 19 August 1993.

On 27 November 1995, Nimitz deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. In March 1996, she patrolled the waters off Taiwan amid missile tests conducted by the Chinese in the area, becoming the first American warship to pass though the Taiwan Strait since 1976. She also cruised the Arabian Gulf in support of OSW prior to returning from deployment on 20 May 1996.

On 1 September 1997, Nimitz began an around the world cruise, again supporting OSW, that ended in Newport News on 2 March 1998. She would spend the next three years undergoing a mid-life Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) that ended 25 June 2001.

2000s

On 21 September 2001, after sea trials in the Virginia Capes, Nimitz began her transit around South America to her new home port of NAS North Island in San Diego, California, arriving there on 13 November 2001. Aircraft from Carrier Air Reserve Wing 20 were embarked for the transit. From January to May 2002, she underwent a four month post-shakedown maintenance availability at North Island. Nimitz's eleventh operational deployment began on 3 March 2003.[6] She relieved USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf in mid-April 2003, launching Carrier Air Wing 11 aircraft sorties over Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). She returned to San Diego on 5 November 2003. Nimitz and CVW-11 were awarded the 2003 Battle "E"[7] and Flatley Award [8] in early 2004.

Nimitz, again with CVW-11 embarked, deployed to the Persian Gulf on 7 May 2005, returning on 8 November 2005.[9] This deployment marked three decades of service, and was depicted in the 2008 PBS documentary series Carrier.[10] In June 2006, Nimitz was awarded the 2005 Battle "E".[11]

The carrier departed North Island for her thirteenth deployment on 2 April 2007 to the Arabian Sea, relieving USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in support of OIF.[12] She anchored off Chennai, India on 2 July 2007 as part of efforts to expand bilateral defense cooperation between India and the United States.[13] Sailors participated in community work in Chennai prior to departing, on 5 July 2007, along with the destroyer USS Pinckney towards the Persian Gulf. She returned to North Island on 30 September 2007.[14]

On 24 January 2008, Nimitz deployed to the Pacific for a "surge"-deployment.[15] On 9 February 2008, two Russian Tu-95 'Bear' bombers overflew the carrier in the Western Pacific.[16] Four F/A-18C Hornets were launched when the bombers were 500 miles (800 km) away from the U.S. ships, and intercepted the bombers 50 miles (80 km) south of Nimitz. Two F/A-18s trailed one of the bombers, which buzzed the deck of the carrier twice, while the other two F/A-18s trailed another TU-95 circling about 50 miles (80 km) away from the carrier. Reportedly, there was no radio communication between the American and Russian aircraft. According to the Department of Defense, one of the two aircraft was said to have flown above Nimitz at an altitude of 2,000 feet (610 m). On the same day, Russian aircraft entered Japanese airspace, which caused the Japanese to raise protest to the Russian ambassador in Tokyo.[17]

Again, on 5 March 2008, a Russian bomber came within 3 to 5 nautical miles (6 to 9 km) and flew 2,000 feet (610 m) above Nimitz and its battle group. Two F/A-18 fighters intercepted the Russian aircraft and escorted it out of the area.[16]

The Nimitz was awarded the Navy Battle "E" for battle efficiency for 2007 along with the Ney award for food service excellence. She returned to her homeport of San Diego, California on 3 June 2008.

Nimitz Strike Group, including CVW-11, departed the States for a scheduled Western Pacific deployment on 31 July 2008.[18]

Nimitz Carrier Battle Group

Nimitz is part of Carrier Strike Group 11 (CSG-11) with Carrier Air Wing 11 embarked, with Nimitz as the flagship of the battle group and the home of the commander of Destroyer Squadron 23.

Ships of DESRON-23

Squadrons of CVW-11

  • Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14) "Tophatters"[20]
  • Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41) "Black Aces"
  • Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86) "Sidewinders"
  • Strike Fighter Squadron 97 (VFA-97) "Warhawks"
  • Electronic Attack Squadron 135 (VAQ-135) "Black Ravens"
  • Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 (VAW-117) "Wallbangers"
  • Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 6 (HS-6) "Indians"
  • Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 Detachment 4 (VRC-30) "Providers"

The USS Nimitz is featured in the 1980 film The Final Countdown starring Kirk Douglas, James Farentino and Martin Sheen. In the film, the ship and crew are thrown back in time via a wormhole storm to 6 December 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy featured F-14s from Nimitz and F-8s from the French carrier Foch, engaging in a carrier v bomber duel during which the Foch was destroyed and Nimitz was so heavily damaged that she was forced to send her airwing ashore.

In 2005 PBS filmed Carrier, a 10-part miniseries that documents naval life aboard USS Nimitz.

USS Nimitz is mentioned in passing in the movie Air Force One (1997).

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to USS Nimitz (CVN-68).

References

  1. ^ Kuperman, Alan; von Hippel, Frank (10 April 2020). "US Study of Reactor and Fuel Types to Enable Naval Reactors to Shift from HEU Fuel". International Panel on Fissile Materials. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  2. ^ Hanlon, Brendan Patrick (19 May 2015). Validation of the Use of Low Enriched Uranium as a Replacement for Highly Enriched Uranium in US Submarine Reactors (PDF) (MSc). Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2021. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  3. ^ Gibbons, Tony (2001). The Encyclopedia of Ships. London, United Kingdom: Amber Books. p. 444. ISBN 978-1-905704-43-9.
  4. ^ Anderson, Kurt (8 June 1981). "Night of Flaming Terror". TIME in partnership with CNN. Time.com. Retrieved 2 October 2008. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Ackerman, D. L. (1991). A history of drug testing. In R. H. Coombs & L. J. West (Eds.), Drug testing: Issues and options (pp. 3-21). Oxford: Oxford University Press,
  6. ^ http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=6720
  7. ^ http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=12854
  8. ^ http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=13586
  9. ^ http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=18250
  10. ^ "Nimitz Highlighted in PBS TV Series and Premiere". U.S. Navy. 23 April 2008.
  11. ^ http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=24071
  12. ^ http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=29519
  13. ^ "USS Nimitz not known to be carrying nuke warheads". The Times of India. -26 Jun 2007. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=32232
  15. ^ Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Set to Deploy
  16. ^ a b Reuters (5 March 2008). "Russian bomber intercepted near U.S. ship". MSNBC. Retrieved 6 March 2008. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  17. ^ "Russian bombers fly over US aircraft carrier". 12 February 2008. Retrieved 6 March 2008.
  18. ^ Nimitz Strike Group Set To Deploy
  19. ^ http://www.cds23.navy.mil/
  20. ^ http://www.csfwp.navy.mil/cvw-11/squadrons.htm
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