Almost 50 Years On: USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Begins Deployment to the Indo-Pacific
On March 21, 2025, the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the oldest active aircraft carrier in the world, departed Naval Base Kitsap in Washington, marking a significant milestone in naval history nearly 50 years after its commissioning. This venerable warship leads Carrier Strike Group 11 (CSG 11), comprising Destroyer Squadron 9 (DESRON 9) and Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17), and prepares for a deployment to the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.
The Composition of Carrier Strike Group 11
CSG 11 is a formidable force, featuring a robust lineup of vessels and aircraft designed for multi-mission operations. DESRON 9 leads with four Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers: USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), and USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123). These destroyers complement the striking power of Nimitz, ensuring a versatile and lethal naval battle group.
Carrier Air Wing 17 is equally impressive, housing nine aircraft squadrons. F/A-18E Super Hornets operate from three of these squadrons (VFA-22, VFA-94, and VFA-137), while the two-seater F/A-18F Super Hornet is flown by VFA-146. The air wing’s capabilities are enhanced further by the electronic warfare prowess of VAQ-139 with its EA-18G Growlers, and the airborne early warning provided by E-2D Hawkeyes of VAW-121. For anti-submarine operations, HSC-6 and HSM-73 deploy the MH-60S and MH-60R Seahawks, respectively, while the old yet reliable C-2A Greyhound serves the carrier onboard delivery mission via Detachment 1 of VRC-30.
A Legacy of Operational Excellence
The USS Nimitz, laid down in 1968 and commissioned in 1975, has built a legacy of exceptional service in the U.S. Navy. As the second nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the first of the ten-ship Nimitz class, it was designed to replace the earlier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The Nimitz class features a more efficient design, with two Westinghouse A4W pressurized water reactors instead of the eight boilers that powered the Enterprise.
The ship’s nuclear reactors are engineered to operate for up to 50 years with only one refueling, a feat accomplished during its Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) from 1998 to 2001. Originally slated for decommissioning in 2025, the Navy extended Nimitz’s life to May 2026, with plans to transfer it to Norfolk, Virginia for long-term maintenance before finally being decommissioned.
Future Deployments and Replacement
As the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) heads to U.S. Central Command, the Nimitz will take on its role in Southeast and East Asia. The U.S. Navy’s permanently forward-deployed carrier in the region, USS George Washington (CVN 73), is currently undergoing maintenance in Yokosuka, Japan, further highlighting the significance of Nimitz’s deployment.
After its decommissioning, Nimitz is set to be replaced by the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), a Gerald R. Ford-class carrier set to be commissioned in 2025, although the transition may not happen immediately. The naval fleet will also see several more Gerald R. Ford-class carriers delivered in the coming years, including the USS Enterprise (CVN 80) and USS Doris Miller (CVN 81).
The Nimitz’s Diverse History
Over its remarkable service life, the USS Nimitz has not only participated in numerous pivotal military operations but also made appearances in popular culture. Its early years served as the backdrop for the movie "The Final Countdown," which features the narrative of the carrier mysteriously traveling back in time to the eve of the Pearl Harbor attack.
In 1981, Nimitz played a critical role in a real-life military incident known as the Gulf of Sidra incident, where F-14 Tomcats launched from the carrier engaged and shot down two Libyan fighter jets. This event significantly influenced Hollywood, inspiring the climactic dogfight scene in the iconic film "Top Gun".
Throughout the decades, Nimitz has deployed for major operations, including Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s and Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve in the 2000s. It has been involved in confrontations with rival military powers and supported the global fight against terrorism, illustrating its ongoing relevance in modern naval warfare.
The Nimitz also achieved notable milestones, including recording its 350,000th arrested landing in 2023, underscoring its unparalleled operational history and the discipline of the sailors who serve aboard it.
As USS Nimitz begins its next chapter, it is a testament to the enduring legacy of naval aviation, the evolution of carriers, and the commitment of those who operate them. This deployment not only adds to its storied past but also reinforces its significance in maintaining maritime stability in the Indo-Pacific.
