In a new sign of naval activity in the Asia-Pacific region, the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Carrier Strike Group has returned to the South China Sea as part of regular U.S. Navy operations, while China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier Liaoning (CV-16) sails through Pacific waters.
On Sunday, May 25, the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and the destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) concluded their port visit to Klang, Malaysia—near the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur—as part of a goodwill stop. This was the group’s first visit to a foreign port and the second port call of the deployment, following a previous stop in Guam. The USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is now heading toward the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of operations to carry out its assigned missions.
According to tracking data from MarineTraffic, the carrier sailed south toward Singapore after departing Malaysia. Its last traceable position showed the vessel in waters northeast of Singapore, within the South China Sea, as of Monday, May 26. In addition, the U.S. amphibious assault ship USS America, which is based in Japan and capable of carrying fighter aircraft—thus functioning as a light carrier—was sent to the Philippine Sea last week.
The USS Nimitz originally departed from Naval Air Station North Island (San Diego) with the objective of relieving the carrier group led by the USS Carl Vinson, which had shifted to the Middle East. It is worth noting that the Nimitz is operating in the region as part of what is expected to be its final deployment, with retirement planned for 2026 after more than 50 years of service.
Following the end of this deployment, the carrier is expected to be moored at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, where it will await transfer to Newport News Shipyard for dismantling. As previously reported by the U.S. Navy, this process will consist of three main phases: inactivation, reactor compartment disposal, and recycling. Over $18 million has already been allocated through contract cost modifications for the decommissioning work.
The Nimitz Strike Group consists of the aircraft carrier itself and the destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur, USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG-123), and USS Gridley (DDG-101), all part of Destroyer Squadron 9. It also carries the elements of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17.
Finally, as previously mentioned, the U.S. carrier’s presence in the region coincides with the deployment of China’s Liaoning in the Asia-Pacific. The CV-16 was recently detected by Japanese authorities sailing between Okinawa’s main island and Miyako Island, heading toward the Pacific Ocean. Accompanying the Liaoning were four other vessels: two Luyang III-class guided missile destroyers and two Jiangkai II-class frigates.
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