The US Navy has extended the service life of its oldest aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz (CVN-68), postponing its decommissioning from May 2026 to March 2027.
The 10-month delay coincides with the expected delivery of the second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), in March next year. The adjustment ensures the navy maintains at least 11 operational carriers, meeting the requirements of a 2011 law, despite delays in the CVN-79 program.
An official cited by Breaking Defense stated that the timeline change coincides with Nimitz’s anticipated final voyage in early March from Naval Base Kitsap to Naval Station Norfolk. Prior to returning to Bremerton in December 2025, the carrier completed its last full deployment supporting operations under US Central Command and US Indo-Pacific Command.
Commissioned in May 1975, the USS Nimitz—often called the “Pacific Northwest’s Carrier”—was named after Chester W. Nimitz, commander of the Pacific Fleet during World War II.
The carrier is powered by two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors, enabling speeds up to 30 knots (55.5 km/h) and a range exceeding 12,000 nautical miles without refueling. Over its decades of service, Nimitz has participated in key operations, including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom following the September 11 attacks.
