“Nimitz and its crew performed outstandingly as they demonstrated unity, shared values, and commitment to global maritime security alongside our nation’s partners and allies,” said Rear Adm. Forrest Young, commander of Carrier Strike Group 8. “I am proud to have them join the Carrier Strike Group 8 team and to welcome them home.”
The Navy said Nimitz deployed in support of partnership building, homeland defense and hemispheric security. The carrier also took part in Fleet Exercise 2026 with allied and partner nations in the Atlantic and represented the United States and the Navy at International Naval Review 250.
“I am profoundly proud of the way Nimitz Sailors professionally represented our Navy and our Nation during this milestone deployment,” said Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of Nimitz. “These extraordinary men and women truly embodied the Nimitz motto, ‘Teamwork, A Tradition,’ as we helped build America’s global maritime team throughout Southern Seas 2026, Fleet Exercise 250, and finally, International Naval Review 250.”
“All of us onboard are also extremely thankful to the City of Norfolk for welcoming us back to this ship’s first and final homeport.” During the deployment, Nimitz visited ports in Panama, Chile, Brazil and Jamaica.
Notable visitors to the carrier included U.S. Southern Command Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan and U.S. Fourth Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Carlos A. Sardiello. The ship also hosted numerous foreign military and civilian leaders, including six heads of state.
The Navy said Nimitz will be permanently homeported at Naval Station Norfolk. The carrier will train the next generation of naval aviation warfighters while remaining ready to answer the nation’s call, as it has for the past 51 years.
U.S. 2nd Fleet, which was reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime-ready forces in the Atlantic and Arctic. The fleet’s mission is to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests across multiple domains.
