Uss Nimitz Cvn 68 Aircraft Carrier Specs And History

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is a United States Navy supercarrier that has been in service since 1975. As the lead ship of its class, the Nimitz is a behemoth of a vessel, boasting an impressive array of aircraft, armaments, and advanced technology. In this article, we will delve into the specs and history of this iconic aircraft carrier, exploring its design, capabilities, and notable operations.

Design and Construction

The USS Nimitz was designed by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company and built at the company's Virginia shipyard. The keel was laid on June 22, 1968, and the ship was launched on May 13, 1972. After fitting out, the Nimitz was commissioned on October 22, 1975.

The Nimitz is 1,092 feet (333 meters) long, with a beam of 257 feet (78 meters) and a draft of 34 feet (10 meters). The ship's displacement is approximately 100,000 tons, making it one of the largest warships in the world.

Aircraft and Armaments

The USS Nimitz is equipped to carry a wide range of aircraft, including:

F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet strike fighters
F-14 Tomcat air superiority fighters (retired)
S-3 Viking anti-submarine warfare aircraft
E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft
SH-60 Seahawk helicopters

The ship's armament includes:

3 Mk 29 NATO Sea Sparrow launchers
3 Mk 15 Phalanx close-in weapon systems (CIWS)
4 Mk 38 25mm machine guns

Propulsion and Performance

The USS Nimitz is powered by two A4W nuclear reactors, which generate enough electricity to power a small city. The reactors are linked to four main engines, each driving a separate propeller shaft. This configuration gives the ship a top speed of over 30 knots (56 km/h) and a range of over 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 kilometers).

History and Operations

The USS Nimitz has a long and storied history, with numerous deployments and operations to its credit. Some notable examples include:

The Iran hostage crisis (1979-1981): The Nimitz was part of the American response to the crisis, with the ship and its aircraft playing a key role in the failed rescue attempt.
The Gulf War (1990-1991): The Nimitz was part of the coalition forces that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, with the ship's aircraft conducting numerous sorties against Iraqi targets.
Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2014): The Nimitz played a key role in the War in Afghanistan, with the ship's aircraft conducting combat sorties against Taliban and al-Qaeda targets.
Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011): The Nimitz was part of the coalition forces that invaded Iraq in 2003, with the ship's aircraft conducting numerous sorties against Iraqi targets.

Upgrades and Modernization

Over the years, the USS Nimitz has undergone numerous upgrades and modernization efforts to keep the ship and its systems up to date. Some notable examples include:

The Nimitz was the first carrier to receive the AN/SPQ-9B horizon search radar, which provides improved air and surface surveillance capabilities.
The ship was also one of the first to receive the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system, which provides improved safety and performance for aircraft recovery operations.
In 2015, the Nimitz underwent a major refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, which included the replacement of the ship's nuclear reactors and a major upgrade of the ship's propulsion and electrical systems.

Conclusion

The USS Nimitz is an iconic aircraft carrier that has played a key role in numerous American military operations over the years. With its impressive array of aircraft, armaments, and advanced technology, the Nimitz remains a formidable force on the high seas. As the ship continues to serve and protect American interests around the world, its legacy as a symbol of American military power and ingenuity will only continue to grow.

Gallery of USS Nimitz CVN-68 Aircraft Carrier