History of USS Nimitz in Timeline
The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is a United States Navy aircraft carrier and the lead ship of the Nimitz class. As one of the world's largest warships, it was initially designated as an attack aircraft carrier (CVAN-68) before being redesignated as a multi-mission, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN-68) in 1975. The realignment reflected its broader operational capabilities beyond solely attack missions.
6 hours ago : USS Nimitz: Daughter at Work Day, Father-Daughter Duo, and Warfighting Drills.
USS Nimitz celebrated 'Bring Your Daughter to Work Day', featured a San Diego father-daughter serving together, and conducted warfighting drills near China, showcasing its capabilities and family connections within the US Navy.
1941: The Final Countdown Movie Setting
The 1980 film "The Final Countdown" was set the day before the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
1966: Death of Chester W. Nimitz
In 1966, Chester W. Nimitz, the World War II Pacific fleet commander after whom the ship was named, passed away. The USS Nimitz is named in his honor.
1967: USS Nimitz Authorized
In fiscal year 1967, the U.S. Congress authorized the construction of USS Nimitz.
May 1972: Christening of USS Nimitz
On May 13, 1972, USS Nimitz was christened by Catherine Nimitz Lay, the daughter of the late Admiral Nimitz.
May 1975: Commissioning of USS Nimitz
USS Nimitz was commissioned at Naval Station Norfolk on May 3, 1975, by the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford.
June 1975: Redesignated as CVN-68
On June 30, 1975, USS Nimitz was redesignated as CVN-68, changing from "aircraft carrier, attack, nuclear powered" (CVAN-68) to "aircraft carrier, multi-mission, nuclear-powered" as part of a fleet-wide realignment.
July 1976: First Deployment to the Mediterranean Sea
On July 7, 1976, USS Nimitz first deployed to the Mediterranean Sea with Carrier Air Wing 8, accompanied by the nuclear-powered cruisers USS South Carolina and USS California.
November 1976: Awarded Battle "E"
In November 1976, USS Nimitz was awarded the Battle "E" from Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet, recognizing it as the most efficient aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Fleet.
1976: American warship passed through the Taiwan Strait
In March 1996, the ship patrolled the waters off Taiwan amid missile tests conducted by the Chinese in the area, becoming the first American warship to pass through the Taiwan Strait since 1976.
February 1977: Return to Norfolk, Virginia
On February 7, 1977, USS Nimitz returned to Norfolk, Virginia, after an uneventful cruise in the Mediterranean Sea.
December 1977: Second Mediterranean Cruise
USS Nimitz conducted a second uneventful Mediterranean cruise from December 1, 1977, to July 20, 1978.
July 1978: End of Second Mediterranean Cruise
USS Nimitz's second Mediterranean cruise concluded on July 20, 1978, after starting on December 1, 1977.
September 1979: Deployment to the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean
On September 10, 1979, USS Nimitz began its third deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, later moving to the Indian Ocean in response to the Iran hostage crisis.
May 1980: Return Home After Iran Hostage Crisis and Failed Rescue Mission
On May 26, 1980, USS Nimitz returned home after 144 days at sea, following its involvement in the Iran hostage crisis and the aborted Operation Evening Light rescue mission.
1980: The Final Countdown Filmed on Nimitz
In 1980, the alternate history science fiction film "The Final Countdown", about an aircraft carrier traveling through time to the day before the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, was set and filmed on board the real-life USS Nimitz.
May 1981: Flight Deck Crash
On May 26, 1981, a Marine Corps EA-6B Prowler crashed on the flight deck of USS Nimitz, resulting in the death of 14 crewmen and injuries to 45 others. The crash and subsequent fire damaged or destroyed nineteen other aircraft. Autopsies later revealed the pilot had excessive levels of a stimulant in his blood.
June 1981: Media Focus on Drug Use and Zero Tolerance Policy
In June 1981, media reports focused on the autopsy results of several members of the USS Nimitz's enlisted flight deck crew who tested positive for marijuana following a flight deck crash in May. As a result, President Ronald Reagan instituted a "Zero Tolerance" drug policy across all of the U.S. armed services, initiating mandatory drug testing of all U.S. military personnel.
August 1981: Deployment to Mediterranean and Gulf of Sidra Incident
In August 1981, USS Nimitz deployed to the Mediterranean Sea. On August 19, 1981, while conducting a Freedom of Navigation exercise in the Gulf of Sidra near Libya, two Grumman F-14 Tomcats from VF-41 engaged two Libyan Su-22s, resulting in the downing of the Libyan aircraft in what became known as the Gulf of Sidra incident.
November 1982: Fourth Deployment to Caribbean and Mediterranean
In November 1982, USS Nimitz began its fourth deployment to the Caribbean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, which lasted until May 20, 1983.
May 1983: End of Fourth Deployment
USS Nimitz's fourth deployment, which began in November 1982, ended on May 20, 1983.
March 1985: Fifth Deployment
USS Nimitz deployed for a fifth time on March 8, 1985.
June 1985: Deployment to Lebanon After TWA Flight 847 Hijacking
In June 1985, following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847, USS Nimitz was deployed to the coast of Lebanon. The ship remained there until August 1985.
October 1985: Return to Norfolk
USS Nimitz returned to Norfolk on October 4, 1985.
December 1986: Sixth and Final Mediterranean Deployment
On December 30, 1986, USS Nimitz departed Norfolk for its sixth and final Mediterranean deployment, with CVW-8 embarked.
July 1987: Arrival at New Home Port in Bremerton, Washington
On July 2, 1987, USS Nimitz arrived at its new home port of Bremerton, Washington, after crossing the equator and rounding Cape Horn.
1987: Relocation to Naval Station Bremerton
In 1987, the homeport of USS Nimitz was relocated from Naval Station Norfolk to Naval Station Bremerton in Washington, now part of Naval Base Kitsap.
September 1988: Deployment to Western Pacific and Security for Seoul Olympics
On September 2, 1988, USS Nimitz deployed to the Western Pacific with Carrier Air Wing 9. During the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, USS Nimitz provided security off the coast of South Korea.
November 1988: Accidental Cannon Fire and Fire in Arabian Sea
On November 30, 1988, while in the Arabian Sea, a 20 mm cannon accidentally fired during maintenance on USS Nimitz, striking a KA-6 Intruder. The resulting fire spread to six other aircraft, and two sailors were killed.
March 1989: Return to Bremerton
On March 2, 1989, USS Nimitz returned to Bremerton following its deployment to the Western Pacific.
August 1991: Return to Bremerton
On August 24, 1991, USS Nimitz returned to Bremerton after its deployment to the Persian Gulf.
February 1993: Deployment to the Persian Gulf in Support of Operation Southern Watch
On February 1, 1993, USS Nimitz deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch.
August 1993: Return from Persian Gulf Deployment
On August 1, 1993, USS Nimitz returned from its deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch.
November 1995: Deployment to Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf
On November 27, 1995, USS Nimitz deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf with Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9).
March 1996: Patrol off Taiwan Amid Missile Tests
In March 1996, USS Nimitz patrolled the waters off Taiwan amid missile tests conducted by the Chinese in the area. It became the first American warship to pass through the Taiwan Strait since 1976.
May 1996: Return from Deployment
On May 20, 1996, USS Nimitz returned from its deployment to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf.
July 1997: Participation in Joint Task Force Exercise 97-2 and Revolution in Strike Warfare Demonstration
Between July 14 and 24, 1997, USS Nimitz participated in Joint Task Force Exercise 97-2 (JTFEX 97–2) off the coast of southern California, which also served as a "Revolution in Strike Warfare" demonstration. On July 20, 1997, Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing Nine began a high-intensity strike campaign, carrying out 771 strike sorties and dropping 1,337 bombs on target over four days.
June 2001: End of Nuclear Refueling and Complex Overhaul
On June 25, 2001, USS Nimitz completed a three-year nuclear Refueling and Complex Overhaul.
September 2001: Transit to New Home Port in San Diego
On September 21, 2001, after sea trials in the Virginia Capes, USS Nimitz began to transit around South America to its new home port of NAS North Island in San Diego, California.
November 2001: Arrival in San Diego
On November 13, 2001, USS Nimitz arrived at its new home port of NAS North Island in San Diego, California, after transiting around South America. Aircraft from Carrier Air Reserve Wing 20 were embarked for the transit.
2001: Home Port Change to Naval Air Station North Island
Following her Refueling and Complex Overhaul, the home port of USS Nimitz was changed to Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego County, California in 2001.
May 2002: Completion of Post-Shakedown Maintenance Availability
From January to May 2002, USS Nimitz completed a four-month post-shakedown maintenance availability at North Island. During this time, the Advanced Combat Direction System was installed.
March 2003: Eleventh Operational Deployment
USS Nimitz's eleventh operational deployment began on March 3, 2003.
April 2003: Relief of USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf
In mid-April 2003, USS Nimitz relieved USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf, 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).
November 2003: Return to San Diego
On November 5, 2003, USS Nimitz returned to San Diego after its deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
November 2004: Reported UFO Tracking
In November 2004, USS Nimitz was contacted by USS Princeton, which was tracking reported unidentified flying objects. Princeton subsequently contacted two Navy F/A-18F fighters from Nimitz whose cockpit instrumentation recorded data and imagery that some pilots interpreted as an object accelerating and maneuvering at extraordinary speeds.
2004: Awards for Battle "E" and Flatley Award
In early 2004, USS Nimitz and CVW-11 were awarded the 2003 Battle "E" and Flatley Award.
May 2005: Deployment to the Persian Gulf
On May 7, 2005, USS Nimitz deployed to the Persian Gulf with CVW-11 embarked.
November 2005: Return from Persian Gulf Deployment
On November 8, 2005, USS Nimitz returned from its deployment to the Persian Gulf.
November 2005: Carrier PBS Series Follows Nimitz
The PBS series "Carrier" followed the May–November 2005 deployment of USS Nimitz to the Persian Gulf, documenting the life and shipboard routines of the crew over ten episodes.
June 2006: Awarded 2005 Battle "E"
In June 2006, USS Nimitz was awarded the 2005 Battle "E".
April 2007: Deployment to the Arabian Sea
On April 2, 2007, USS Nimitz departed North Island for her thirteenth deployment to the Arabian Sea, relieving USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in support of OIF.
July 2007: Anchorage off Chennai, India
On July 2, 2007, USS Nimitz anchored off Chennai, India, as part of efforts to expand bilateral defense cooperation between India and the United States. Sailors participated in community work in Chennai prior to departing on July 5, 2007.
September 2007: Return to North Island
On September 30, 2007, USS Nimitz returned to North Island after its deployment to the Arabian Sea.
2007: Navy Battle "E" Award for 2007
In 2007, USS Nimitz was awarded the Navy Battle "E" for battle efficiency for 2007 and also the Ney award for food service excellence.
January 2008: Nimitz Deployed to the Pacific
On 24 January 2008, the USS Nimitz deployed to the Pacific Ocean for a "surge" deployment.
February 2008: Russian Bombers Overfly Nimitz
On 9 February 2008, two Russian Tu-95 'Bear' bombers overflew the USS Nimitz in the Western Pacific. Four F/A-18C Hornets were launched and intercepted the bombers. One bomber flew over the carrier's deck twice at 2,000 feet. Russian aircraft also entered Japanese airspace that day, prompting a protest from Japan to Russia.
March 2008: Russian Bomber Intercepted Near Nimitz
On 5 March 2008, a Russian bomber approached within 3 to 5 nautical miles of the USS Nimitz and flew 2,000 feet above it. Two F/A-18 fighters intercepted the Russian aircraft and escorted it out of the area.
June 2008: Nimitz Returns to San Diego
On 3 June 2008, the USS Nimitz returned to her home port of San Diego.
2008: Release of Carrier Documentary
USS Nimitz's deployment in 2005 was depicted in the Emmy award-winning 2008 PBS documentary series Carrier.
July 2009: Nimitz Strike Group Deploys to Western Pacific
On 31 July 2009, the Nimitz Strike Group, including CVW-11, departed for a scheduled Western Pacific deployment and began to fly combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 21 September.
January 2010: Meritorious Unit Commendation Award
In January 2010, while in the Persian Gulf, the USS Nimitz was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for deployments in support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008. The award was presented by Admiral Gary Roughead on 6 January 2010.
December 2010: New Home Port Announced
On 9 December 2010, the Navy formally announced that Everett, Washington, would be the new home port for USS Nimitz, a move expected to save the Navy $100 million.
March 2012: Nimitz Arrives at Naval Station Everett
In March 2012, USS Nimitz arrived at the new home port of Naval Station Everett in Washington state after more than a year of maintenance work in Bremerton, replacing sister carrier, Abraham Lincoln.
August 2012: Departure from Pearl Harbor
On 3 August 2012, USS Nimitz departed from Pearl Harbor after a two-day port call, arriving at NAS North Island on 9 August 2012, to begin Fleet Replacement Squadron carrier qualifications.
October 2012: V-22 Osprey Lands on Nimitz
On 6 October 2012, a Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft from squadron VMM-165 landed and refueled on board USS Nimitz. This operation was part of an evaluation of the feasibility of the MV-22 as a potential replacement for the C-2 Greyhound carrier onboard delivery (COD) cargo transport aircraft.
2012: Home Port Moved to Naval Station Everett
In 2012, the home port of USS Nimitz was moved again to Naval Station Everett in Washington.
2012: Inactivation of USS Enterprise
In 2012, with the inactivation of USS Enterprise, USS Nimitz became the oldest U.S. aircraft carrier in service.
October 2013: Nimitz Transits Suez Canal
It was reported that USS Nimitz, after eight months at sea, transited the Suez Canal on 20 October 2013, into the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility for joint training.
December 2013: Nimitz Returns to Everett
On 16 December 2013, the USS Nimitz returned to Everett.
November 2014: F-35C Lightning II Lands on Nimitz
On 3 November 2014, the first F-35C Lightning II to land on an aircraft carrier recovered aboard USS Nimitz to begin a two-week Development Testing I deployment. This saw a pair of aircraft from VX-23 undertaking carrier operations.
January 2015: Home Port Change to Naval Base Kitsap
In January 2015, the home port of USS Nimitz changed from Everett back to Naval Base Kitsap.
2015: Nimitz Enters Maintenance Cycle
In 2015, USS Nimitz transferred to Bremerton to undergo a 16-month maintenance cycle.
December 2017: Public Disclosure of UFO Incident and AATIP Details
In December 2017, the November 2004 incident involving USS Nimitz and reported unidentified flying objects was publicized, along with details of the Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program.
2017: Decommissioning of USS Enterprise
Following the decommissioning of USS Enterprise in 2017, USS Nimitz became the oldest serving aircraft carrier in the world.
March 2018: Nimitz Enters Dry Dock
On 1 March 2018, USS Nimitz entered dry dock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for ten months of overhaul.
April 2020: Coronavirus Reported on Nimitz
In April 2020, the coronavirus spread to USS Nimitz, with the first case reported on 7 April. One sailor tested positive after exhibiting symptoms. On 27 April, Nimitz completed a 27-day quarantine and began COMPTUEX training.
July 2020: Nimitz Deployed in South China Sea
On 5 July 2020, USS Nimitz was deployed in the South China Sea along with USS Ronald Reagan.
January 2021: Nimitz Redeployment Ordered then Reversed
On 31 December, acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller ordered USS Nimitz to return to her home port following a deployment in the Fifth Fleet area of operation. However, on 3 January 2021, the order was reversed due to threats issued by Iranian leaders.
April 2022: Decommissioning Estimates Updated
In April 2022, estimates on decommissioning for USS Nimitz were updated, with plans to remove her from the battle force in fiscal year (FY) 2025 and inactivation scheduled to begin in 2027.
May 2022: Nimitz Leads Carrier Strike Group 11
In May 2022, USS Nimitz led Carrier Strike Group 11 in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
November 2022: Nimitz Departs Kitsap for Pacific Deployment
On 28 November 2022, USS Nimitz departed Kitsap and sailed to San Diego to pick up the carrier strike group leadership. She left San Diego on 3 December, for her Pacific deployment leading Carrier Strike Group 11 and embarking Carrier Air Wing 17.
April 2023: Nimitz Logs 350,000th Arrested Landing
On 22 April 2023, USS Nimitz logged her 350,000th arrested landing.
March 2025: Final Deployment Announced
In March 2025, the Navy announced that USS Nimitz would deploy one last time.
2025: Planned Removal from Battle Force
In fiscal year (FY) 2025, USS Nimitz is planned to be removed from the battle force, when the Ship Terminal Off-load Program (STOP) begins.
April 2026: Arrival at Norfolk Naval Station
The Navy announced that USS Nimitz would arrive at her new homeport of Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia no later than 12 April 2026, before beginning the STOP process and defueling/deactivation.
2027: Inactivation Scheduled to Begin
In 2027, inactivation of USS Nimitz is scheduled to begin.
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