The US Navy has extended the operational life of its oldest aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz (CVN-68), delaying its decommissioning from May 2026 to March 2027.
This 10-month extension aligns the carrier’s retirement with the anticipated delivery of the second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), expected in March next year. The move ensures compliance with a 2011 legal requirement to maintain at least 11 operational aircraft carriers, amid delays in the CVN-79 program.
According to an official cited by Breaking Defense, the timeline adjustment comes as the Nimitz began what is expected to be its final voyage in early March, sailing from Naval Base Kitsap to Naval Station Norfolk. Prior to returning to Bremerton in December 2025, the ship completed its last full deployment supporting operations under US Central Command and US Indo-Pacific Command.
Commissioned in May 1975, the USS Nimitz—often referred to as the “Pacific Northwest’s Carrier”—was named after Chester W. Nimitz, who led the Pacific Fleet during World War II.
The carrier is powered by two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors, allowing it to reach speeds of 30 knots (55.5 km/h) and travel over 12,000 nautical miles without refueling. Throughout its service, Nimitz has supported major operations, including the Operation Desert Storm and the Operation Enduring Freedom following the September 11 attacks.
