Shawn
03-13-2003, 02:02 AM
I've always thought that Aircraft carriers were incredible - USS Nimitz stopped this week at Pearl Harbor enroute to "over there" so I went down to Ford Island and snapped a picture.
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/green68stang/images/Nimitz1.JPG
(FROM THE US NAVY WEBSITE)
USS Nimitz has answered her country's call many times in response to regional and international crises. In doing so, the aircraft carrier has secured a prominent place in history, just like her namesake, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
The keel of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) was laid on June 22, 1968 at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Va. It was destined to become the largest warship ever. The ship was commissioned May 3, 1975, at Pier 12, Naval Station Norfolk, Va. by the Honorable Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States. Principal guests included: the Honorable James R. Schlesinger, Secretary of Defense; the Honorable J. William Middendorf, II, Secretary of the Navy; Admiral James L. Holloway, III, Chief of Naval Operations and Mrs. James T. Nimitz-Lay, Ship's Sponsor.
Speaking to a crowd of over 20,000, the President said in his remarks: "Wherever the United States Ship Nimitz shows her flag, she will be seen as we see her now - a solid symbol of United States strength; United States resolve. Made in America and manned by Americans. Whether her mission is one of defense, diplomacy or humanity, Nimitz will command awe and admiration from some, caution and circumspection from others and respect from all."
Today's crew stands ready, as did the commissioning crew, to answer their nation's call and take their place in America's maritime heritage.
Nimitz' first deployment began July 7, 1976 when she departed Norfolk for the Mediterranean. Included in the task force were the nuclear-powered cruisers USS South Carolina and USS California. The deployment marked the first time in 10 years that nuclear-powered ships had deployed to the Mediterranean. In November 1976, Nimitz was awarded the coveted Battle "E" from Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet, for being the most efficient and foremost aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Fleet. The ship returned to Norfolk Feb. 7, 1977 after a seven-month deployment.
Nimitz again sailed toward the Mediterranean Sea Dec. 1, 1977. Following a peaceful deployment, the ship returned home to Norfolk July 20, 1978. During Nimitz' third cruise to the Mediterranean beginning Sept. 10, 1979, it was dispatched to strengthen the U.S. Naval presence in the crucial Indian Ocean area as tensions heightened over Iran's taking of 52 American diplomats hostage. Four months later, Operation "Evening Light" was launched from Nimitz in an attempt to rescue the hostages. The rescue was aborted in the Iranian Desert when the number of operational helicopters fell below the minimum needed to transport the attack force and hostages out of Iran. During its deployment, the ship operated 144 continuous days at sea. Nimitz' homecoming on May 26, 1980 was, at the time, the largest given to any carrier battle group returning to the United States since the end of World War II. The ship's crew was greeted by President and Mrs. Carter, members of Congress, military leaders and thousands of families and friends.
On May 15, 1981, Nimitz departed Norfolk for the final phases of her workup schedule for an upcoming Mediterranean Cruise. On the night of May 25, an EA-6B Prowler crash-landed on the flight deck, killing 14 crewmen and injuring 45 others. The carrier returned to port to repair damaged catapults and returned to sea less than 48 hours later to complete its training schedule. On August 18 and 19, 1981 during its fourth deployment, Nimitz and USS Forrestal conducted an open ocean missile exercise in the Gulf of Sidra near what Libyan leader Khadafi called the "Line of Death." On the morning of August 19, two Nimitz aircraft from VF-41 were fired upon by Libyan pilots. The Nimitz pilots returned fire and shot both Libyan aircraft from the sky. Newspapers across the country rallied around the incident against terrorist-backing Libya with front-page headlines reading "U.S. 2 - Libya 0."
On June 14, 1985, two Lebanese Shiite Muslim gunmen hijacked TWA Flight 847, carrying 153 passengers and crew, including many Americans. In response, Nimitz was ordered to steam at flank speed to the Eastern Mediterranean, off the coast of Lebanon, where it remained until August. After another extended deployment, Nimitz left the Mediterranean on May 21, 1987. It crossed the Atlantic Ocean, rounded the rough waters of Cape Horn, South America, and sailed for the first time in the waters of the Pacific Ocean enroute to its new homeport, Bremerton, Wash. Nimitz arrived there July 2, 1987.
In September, 1988, the ship operated off the South Korean coast to provide security for the Olympic Games in Seoul. On Oct. 29, 1988 Nimitz began operating in the North Arabian Sea where it participated in Operation "Earnest Will." This operation called for U.S. Navy ships to protect shipping lanes and escort U.S. registered (re-flagged) Kuwaiti tankers. On Feb. 25, 1991, Nimitz departed Bremerton for the Western Pacific and eventually the Arabian Gulf, where it relieved USS Ranger, during Operation Desert Storm. The ship returned to Bremerton Aug. 24, 1991. Nimitz again deployed Feb. 1, 1993 to the Arabian Gulf, relieving USS Kitty Hawk to take its place as part of Operation Southern Watch. The ship returned after a mishap-free deployment in August, 1993.
In November, 1995, Nimitz commenced her deployment to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, and to the waters off Taiwan, where once again the presence of carrier forces at sea positively influenced events ashore, calming a volatile standoff between mainland China and Taiwan.
On September 1, 1997, Nimitz set out on her latest deployment, an around-the-world cruise that would see the great carrier return to her East Coast roots and begin a multi-year overhaul in the Newport News shipyard where she was built.
The around-the-world deployment promised to be an exciting experience with scheduled port visits ranging from the Far East to the Mediterranean Sea; however, Nimitz was ordered into the Arabian Gulf to support Operation Southern Watch and various United Nation initiatives. Answering each challenge, Nimitz served on station in the Arabian Gulf throughout the holidays and returned to a celebrated and long anticipated homecoming on March 1, 1998.
Nimitz returned to Hampton Roads on March 1, 1998 and on May 26, 1998 began her mid-life refueling overhaul that has enabled her to be able to provide the United States with another quarter century of service. On June 25, 2001, Nimitz departed Newport News Shipbuilding for a temporary berth at Naval Base Norfolk, Va.
On September 21, 2001 the carrier departed Norfolk, Va., and conducted an inter-fleet transfer to her new homeport of San Diego. Nimitz arrived in San Diego on November 13, 2001. Nimitz began a four-month Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) at Naval Air Station, North Island in January 2002.
Nimitz ended her pier-side availability on May 7, 2002 and conducted Sea Trials, a first step in preparations for her next overseas deployment.
Nimitz began TSTA I on Aug 13. TSTA I marked the first phase in a 16-week evaluation period of Nimitz crewmembers, as they were evaluated on their damage control knowledge and their ability to apply that knowledge to real life scenarios aboard the ship. In September 2002 Nimitz completed TSTA II/III and FEP.
The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Battle Group got underway from San Diego Jan. 10 to begin a compressed three-week training exercise. By taking advantage of several efficiencies in the training pipeline, Commander, 3rd Fleet (C3F) was able to combine two normally separate training evolutions into one three-week exercise, expediting the battle group’s availability for deployment. The first two weeks focused on a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), and the last week concentrated on a Joint Task Force Training Exercise (JTFEX). This exercise was the culmination of nine months of training and preparation.
As the lead ship of the world's most powerful and capable class of warships, Nimitz stands ready to serve as our nation's finest instrument of peace, power projection and platform for diplomacy.
Home The Ship Ship's Mission
Ship's Statistics
http://home.hawaii.rr.com/green68stang/images/Nimitz1.JPG
(FROM THE US NAVY WEBSITE)
USS Nimitz has answered her country's call many times in response to regional and international crises. In doing so, the aircraft carrier has secured a prominent place in history, just like her namesake, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
The keel of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) was laid on June 22, 1968 at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Va. It was destined to become the largest warship ever. The ship was commissioned May 3, 1975, at Pier 12, Naval Station Norfolk, Va. by the Honorable Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States. Principal guests included: the Honorable James R. Schlesinger, Secretary of Defense; the Honorable J. William Middendorf, II, Secretary of the Navy; Admiral James L. Holloway, III, Chief of Naval Operations and Mrs. James T. Nimitz-Lay, Ship's Sponsor.
Speaking to a crowd of over 20,000, the President said in his remarks: "Wherever the United States Ship Nimitz shows her flag, she will be seen as we see her now - a solid symbol of United States strength; United States resolve. Made in America and manned by Americans. Whether her mission is one of defense, diplomacy or humanity, Nimitz will command awe and admiration from some, caution and circumspection from others and respect from all."
Today's crew stands ready, as did the commissioning crew, to answer their nation's call and take their place in America's maritime heritage.
Nimitz' first deployment began July 7, 1976 when she departed Norfolk for the Mediterranean. Included in the task force were the nuclear-powered cruisers USS South Carolina and USS California. The deployment marked the first time in 10 years that nuclear-powered ships had deployed to the Mediterranean. In November 1976, Nimitz was awarded the coveted Battle "E" from Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet, for being the most efficient and foremost aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Fleet. The ship returned to Norfolk Feb. 7, 1977 after a seven-month deployment.
Nimitz again sailed toward the Mediterranean Sea Dec. 1, 1977. Following a peaceful deployment, the ship returned home to Norfolk July 20, 1978. During Nimitz' third cruise to the Mediterranean beginning Sept. 10, 1979, it was dispatched to strengthen the U.S. Naval presence in the crucial Indian Ocean area as tensions heightened over Iran's taking of 52 American diplomats hostage. Four months later, Operation "Evening Light" was launched from Nimitz in an attempt to rescue the hostages. The rescue was aborted in the Iranian Desert when the number of operational helicopters fell below the minimum needed to transport the attack force and hostages out of Iran. During its deployment, the ship operated 144 continuous days at sea. Nimitz' homecoming on May 26, 1980 was, at the time, the largest given to any carrier battle group returning to the United States since the end of World War II. The ship's crew was greeted by President and Mrs. Carter, members of Congress, military leaders and thousands of families and friends.
On May 15, 1981, Nimitz departed Norfolk for the final phases of her workup schedule for an upcoming Mediterranean Cruise. On the night of May 25, an EA-6B Prowler crash-landed on the flight deck, killing 14 crewmen and injuring 45 others. The carrier returned to port to repair damaged catapults and returned to sea less than 48 hours later to complete its training schedule. On August 18 and 19, 1981 during its fourth deployment, Nimitz and USS Forrestal conducted an open ocean missile exercise in the Gulf of Sidra near what Libyan leader Khadafi called the "Line of Death." On the morning of August 19, two Nimitz aircraft from VF-41 were fired upon by Libyan pilots. The Nimitz pilots returned fire and shot both Libyan aircraft from the sky. Newspapers across the country rallied around the incident against terrorist-backing Libya with front-page headlines reading "U.S. 2 - Libya 0."
On June 14, 1985, two Lebanese Shiite Muslim gunmen hijacked TWA Flight 847, carrying 153 passengers and crew, including many Americans. In response, Nimitz was ordered to steam at flank speed to the Eastern Mediterranean, off the coast of Lebanon, where it remained until August. After another extended deployment, Nimitz left the Mediterranean on May 21, 1987. It crossed the Atlantic Ocean, rounded the rough waters of Cape Horn, South America, and sailed for the first time in the waters of the Pacific Ocean enroute to its new homeport, Bremerton, Wash. Nimitz arrived there July 2, 1987.
In September, 1988, the ship operated off the South Korean coast to provide security for the Olympic Games in Seoul. On Oct. 29, 1988 Nimitz began operating in the North Arabian Sea where it participated in Operation "Earnest Will." This operation called for U.S. Navy ships to protect shipping lanes and escort U.S. registered (re-flagged) Kuwaiti tankers. On Feb. 25, 1991, Nimitz departed Bremerton for the Western Pacific and eventually the Arabian Gulf, where it relieved USS Ranger, during Operation Desert Storm. The ship returned to Bremerton Aug. 24, 1991. Nimitz again deployed Feb. 1, 1993 to the Arabian Gulf, relieving USS Kitty Hawk to take its place as part of Operation Southern Watch. The ship returned after a mishap-free deployment in August, 1993.
In November, 1995, Nimitz commenced her deployment to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, and to the waters off Taiwan, where once again the presence of carrier forces at sea positively influenced events ashore, calming a volatile standoff between mainland China and Taiwan.
On September 1, 1997, Nimitz set out on her latest deployment, an around-the-world cruise that would see the great carrier return to her East Coast roots and begin a multi-year overhaul in the Newport News shipyard where she was built.
The around-the-world deployment promised to be an exciting experience with scheduled port visits ranging from the Far East to the Mediterranean Sea; however, Nimitz was ordered into the Arabian Gulf to support Operation Southern Watch and various United Nation initiatives. Answering each challenge, Nimitz served on station in the Arabian Gulf throughout the holidays and returned to a celebrated and long anticipated homecoming on March 1, 1998.
Nimitz returned to Hampton Roads on March 1, 1998 and on May 26, 1998 began her mid-life refueling overhaul that has enabled her to be able to provide the United States with another quarter century of service. On June 25, 2001, Nimitz departed Newport News Shipbuilding for a temporary berth at Naval Base Norfolk, Va.
On September 21, 2001 the carrier departed Norfolk, Va., and conducted an inter-fleet transfer to her new homeport of San Diego. Nimitz arrived in San Diego on November 13, 2001. Nimitz began a four-month Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) at Naval Air Station, North Island in January 2002.
Nimitz ended her pier-side availability on May 7, 2002 and conducted Sea Trials, a first step in preparations for her next overseas deployment.
Nimitz began TSTA I on Aug 13. TSTA I marked the first phase in a 16-week evaluation period of Nimitz crewmembers, as they were evaluated on their damage control knowledge and their ability to apply that knowledge to real life scenarios aboard the ship. In September 2002 Nimitz completed TSTA II/III and FEP.
The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Battle Group got underway from San Diego Jan. 10 to begin a compressed three-week training exercise. By taking advantage of several efficiencies in the training pipeline, Commander, 3rd Fleet (C3F) was able to combine two normally separate training evolutions into one three-week exercise, expediting the battle group’s availability for deployment. The first two weeks focused on a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), and the last week concentrated on a Joint Task Force Training Exercise (JTFEX). This exercise was the culmination of nine months of training and preparation.
As the lead ship of the world's most powerful and capable class of warships, Nimitz stands ready to serve as our nation's finest instrument of peace, power projection and platform for diplomacy.
Home The Ship Ship's Mission
Ship's Statistics