ST. GEORGE — In February, the U.S. Navy recognized an initial team of “plank owners” behind the multi-billion-dollar effort required for dismantling and disposing of the former USS Enterprise.
The future inactivation, dismantlement and disposal of Nimitz class aircraft carriers was also discussed, according to a military press release.
USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is now the oldest American aircraft carrier in active service. Her legacy comes from Adm. Chester W. Nimitz and the ship is the lead of the Nimitz class of aircraft carriers.
“Both the man and the ship share deep roots in tradition, dedication and service to the United States Navy,” the Navy press release stated.
As the nuclear aircraft carrier pulled into Puget Sound, Washington, in August, Master-at-Arms Seaman Grant Just, from St. George, Utah, stood on the flight deck taking in the scene while conducting routine operations.
“U.S. Navy sailors serve and protect from around the globe, and every sailor got their start somewhere,” Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner told St. George News in an email. “USS Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations. Thank you for supporting the men and women who serve in the Navy.”
First Class
According to the Navy website, USS Nimitz is a supercarrier of the U.S. Navy and the lead ship of her class.
“One of the largest warships in the world, she was laid down, launched and commissioned as CVAN 68 but was later re-designated CVN 68, a nuclear-powered multi-mission aircraft carrier, on June 30, 1975, as part of the fleet realignment,” the website stated.
Nimitz was homeported at Naval Station Norfolk until 1987 when she was relocated to Naval Station Bremerton in Washington state, now part of Naval Base Kitsap.
On Oct. 29, 1988, Nimitz began operating in the North Arabian Sea in support of Operation Earnest Will.
Nimitz then departed Bremerton on Feb. 25, 1991, for the Arabian Gulf, relieving the USS Ranger (CV 61), during Operation Desert Storm. Nimitz again deployed Feb. 1, 1993 to the Arabian Gulf, relieving USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as part of Operation Southern Watch.
Following a complex overhaul in 2001, the ship’s homeport was changed to Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego.
The homeport of Nimitz was again moved to Naval Station Everett in Washington state in 2012. In January 2015, Nimitz changed homeport from Everett back to Naval Base Kitsap. The USS Nimitz is currently stationed in Puget Sound, Washington, conducting routine military operations under the direction of Capt. Douglas Graber, a native of South Bound Brook, New Jersey.
The U.S. Navy said plans are in place to decommission USS Nimitz in 2026.
Photo Gallery
Master-at-Arms Seaman Grant Just, from St. George, Utah, stands watch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Puget Sound, Washington, Aug. 3, 2024 | Photo by US Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner, St. George News
Sailors look out at the Olympic Mountains from the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Puget Sound, Washington, Aug. 3, 2024 | Photo by US Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner, St. George News
Master-at-Arms Seaman Grant Just, from St. George, Utah, stands watch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Puget Sound, Washington, Aug. 3, 2024 | Photo by US Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner, St. George News
Master-at-Arms Seaman Grant Just, from St. George, Utah, stands watch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Puget Sound, Washington, Aug. 3, 2024 | Photo by US Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner, St. George News
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.