View source for USS Nimitz (CVN-68)

== Construction and Design ==
The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is a [[Nimitz-class aircraft carrier|Nimitz-class]] supercarrier in the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]], named after [[Chester W. Nimitz|Admiral Chester W. Nimitz]], a notable World War II Pacific fleet commander. The ship was laid down, launched, and commissioned on 22 June 1975 by Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia.

[[Image:Detail-26180.jpg|thumb|center|A large ship under construction in a shipyard.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-26181.jpg|thumb|center|A large ship under construction in a shipyard.|class=only_on_desktop]]

The USS Nimitz is the lead ship of her class, which includes nine other carriers. The ship's design incorporates various new technological features to enhance its operational efficiency and effectiveness. The Nimitz-class carriers are characterized by their nuclear propulsion system, which provides a virtually unlimited range and endurance, and their ability to carry a large air wing of modern [[military aircraft|combat aircraft]].

== Operational History ==
The USS Nimitz has had a long and distinguished operational history, participating in numerous missions and operations worldwide. The ship's first deployment was to the Mediterranean Sea in 1976, where it conducted various training exercises and showed the flag in numerous ports of call.

[[Image:Detail-26182.jpg|thumb|center|A large aircraft carrier at sea with aircraft on the deck.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-26183.jpg|thumb|center|A large aircraft carrier at sea with aircraft on the deck.|class=only_on_desktop]]

Over the years, the USS Nimitz has been involved in several notable incidents and operations. These include the [[Iran hostage crisis|Iranian hostage crisis]] in 1979, the [[Gulf War|First Gulf War]] in 1991, and the [[Iraq War|Second Gulf War]] in 2003. The ship has also been deployed to the [[Indian Ocean]] and the [[Pacific Ocean]], where it has conducted numerous operations and exercises.

== Modernization and Refits ==
The USS Nimitz has undergone several major refits and modernizations over its service life to maintain its operational effectiveness. These have included upgrades to its combat systems, aircraft handling facilities, and living quarters.

[[Image:Detail-26184.jpg|thumb|center|A large ship in a dry dock undergoing refit.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-26185.jpg|thumb|center|A large ship in a dry dock undergoing refit.|class=only_on_desktop]]

The most significant of these was the ship's mid-life Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), which took place between 1998 and 2001. This involved refueling the ship's nuclear reactors, as well as extensive upgrades to its combat systems and other onboard facilities.

== Current Status and Future ==
As of 2021, the USS Nimitz remains in active service with the U.S. Navy. The ship is currently homeported in [[Naval Base Kitsap]], Washington. The future of the USS Nimitz is currently uncertain, with the Navy considering various options for its eventual replacement.

[[Image:Detail-26186.jpg|thumb|center|A naval base with several large ships docked.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-26187.jpg|thumb|center|A naval base with several large ships docked.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== See Also ==
* [[Nimitz-class aircraft carrier]]
* [[United States Navy]]
* [[Chester W. Nimitz]]
* [[Naval Base Kitsap]]

[[Category:United States Navy]]
[[Category:Aircraft carriers]]
[[Category:Naval warfare]]