On last week’s Wednesday, the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) departed from San Diego Bay to begin what is expected to be its final deployment before its retirement in 2026, marking the end of a 50-year service career. According to local media reports, the oldest active carrier of its class arrived at Naval Air Station North Island (San Diego) earlier this week, having originally departed from its homeport in Bremerton to join its escort and Carrier Air Wing 17.
Regarding its convoy, the USS Nimitz will be accompanied by Destroyer Squadron 9, which includes the ships USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54), USS Gridley (DDG-101), USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108), and USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG-123). For the latter, this marks its first deployment since being commissioned in 2023. Together, the group is set to replace Carrier Strike Group led by the USS Carl Vinson in the Indo-Pacific, as the latter is reassigned to the Middle East.
The carrier’s most recent deployment took place in 2023 in the same Indo-Pacific region where it is now headed, participating in multiple joint exercises with regional partners. Notably, the vessel and its escort took part in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Large-Scale Global Exercise, as well as joint activities with elements of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy. Additionally, the task force contributed to humanitarian relief efforts in Guam following the devastation caused by Typhoon Mawar.
Finally, once the newly launched deployment is completed, the USS Nimitz is scheduled to relocate to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, where it will await decommissioning in 2026. The choice of this base is strategic, as the Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipyard (also in Virginia) will be responsible for the carrier’s subsequent dismantling. As previously reported by the U.S. Navy, this process will involve three main stages: inactivation, reactor compartment removal, and recycling. In terms of budget, over $18 million has already been allocated for contractual cost adjustments related to the operation.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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