For most of its five decades of service, Nimitz has been known as the “Pacific Northwest’s Carrier.” During that time, the ship deployed worldwide to support the U.S. Navy’s forward presence, strengthen maritime security, deter aggression, and protect American interests.
“This ship and her crew could not be more thankful to the people of Washington State for their decades of hospitality, friendship and trust,” said Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. “It is in no small part due to the support of our local community that Nimitz Sailors have been able to successfully train, fight and win, exemplifying the ship’s motto; Teamwork, a Tradition.”
Most recently, the aircraft carrier returned to Bremerton in December after nine months operating in the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets. During that period, Nimitz served as the flagship of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group.
The strike group completed more than 8,500 sorties and accumulated 17,000 flight hours. The carrier also conducted 50 replenishments-at-sea and sailed more than 82,000 nautical miles during the deployment.
The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group also supported operations under U.S. Africa Command. During the deployment, the group carried out strikes against ISIS targets in Somalia.
USS Nimitz was commissioned on May 3, 1975, as the lead ship of its class. The carrier was named in honor of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who served as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II.
The U.S. 3rd Fleet, of which the carrier has been a key component, operates naval forces across the Indo-Pacific region. The fleet provides training to ensure naval forces remain prepared to conduct operations across the full spectrum of military missions.
Working alongside allies and partners, the fleet supports a shared vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. The effort aims to ensure all nations in the region remain secure in their sovereignty and free from coercion.
