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NavSource Online: Aircraft Carrier Photo Archive


© Thoralf Doehring. Used with permission.

USS NIMITZ   (CVAN-68)
(later CVN-68)


Click On Image 
For Full Size Image
Size Image Description Contributed
By And/Or Copyright
2001 — present

NS026815
69k

Newport News, Va., June 25, 2001 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) pulls away from the Newport News Shipyard and Dry Dock Company enroute to the Virginia Capes operating area for sea trials, after completing a comprehensive nuclear reactor overhaul. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua L. Treadwell. [010625-N-5302T-002].

USN

NS026862
81k

Sailors from the Air Department, V-1 Division, wash the island of USS Nimitz (CVN-68) during a flight deck scrub down, Oct. 21, 2001. The aircraft carrier was en route to her new homeport of San Diego, Calif. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Tiffini Jones (# 011021-N-8273J-009).

Alex Tatchin

NS026841
113k

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, November 3, 2001 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) passes by the Arizona Memorial as Sailors spell out "FREEDOM" and man the rails of the ship as she pulls into Pearl Harbor for a liberty visit. The stop was the first port call for Nimitz following a transit around South America while on the way to her homeport of San Diego, Calif. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Shawn Patrick Eklund (# 011103-N-3642E-008).

Alex Tatchin

NS026854
86k

San Diego, California, November 13, 2001 — Sailors display a 3,000 sq. ft. flag on the flight deck aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68) as the carrier approaches the pier at Naval Air Station North Island and completes a homeport change after a complex nuclear reactor overhaul performed at Newport News, Virginia. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Michael D. Kennedy (# 011113-N-5067K-001).

Alex Tatchin

NS026808
105k

San Diego, Calif., May 22, 2002 — USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transits San Diego harbor for a scheduled work-up period. Note RAM launcher on port bow sponson.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Frederick McCahan. [020522-N-8894M-002].

USN

NS0268ag
349k

USS Princeton (CG-59) steams alongside USS Nimitz (CVN-68) during flight quarters as an E-2C Hawkeye readies for launch, 18 September 2002. Nimitz was undergoing Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) Operations Two and Three off the coast of California. TSTA has specific training events designed to incrementally enhance the ship's operating proficiency and gradually integrate the air wing with the ship.

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Kristi Earl (# 020918-N-1974E-002).

USN
Four carriers
NS027407
771k

San Diego, Calif., Sept. 30, 2002 — An aerial view of San Diego Harbor with four of the Navy's aircraft carriers moored at the Naval Air Station, North Island. The carriers are (from left) USS Constellation (CV-64), USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). It is rare to have this many carriers in port at any one time. U.S. Navy photo (# 020930-N-7265L-001) by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Inez Lawson.

USN

NS026817
108k

San Diego, Calif., March 2, 2003.

© Mike Bates

NS026818
62k

San Diego, Calif., March 2, 2003.

© Mike Bates

NS026816
137k

San Diego, Calif., March 3, 2003 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) departs San Diego, at the beginning of her deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

© Mike Bates

NS0268bk
231k

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are chocked and chained to the forward catapults aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68), underway in the South Pacific Ocean, 27 March 2003, while the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59) steams by. The aircraft carrier and CVW-11 were scheduled to join other multinational coalition forces conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Airman Maebel Tinoko (# 030327-N-2143T-002).

USN

NS026821
134k

The Arabian Sea, Apr. 7, 2003 — The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) enters the Persian Gulf to relieve USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) after the latter's ninth month of deployment in support of both Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Tyler J. Clements (# 030407-N-6817C-007).

USN

NS026822
91k

The Arabian Sea, Apr. 8, 2003 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) carry out flight operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Kristi Earl (# 030408-N-1974E-002).

USN

NS026823
1.04M

The Persian Gulf, Apr. 10, 2003 — The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59), and fast combat support ship USS Bridge (AOE-10) participate in an underway replenishment (UNREP) while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Kristi Earl (# 030410-N-1974E-003).

USN

NS0268bt
1.03M

Nimitz (CVN-68), USS Princeton (CG-59), and USS Bridge (AOE-10) conduct an underway replenishment (UNREP) in the Persian Gulf, 15 April 2003, while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Kristi Earl (# 030415-N-1974E-001).

USN

NS026828
109k

The Persian Gulf, Apr. 24, 2003 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) transits the Persian Gulf as she prepares for Flight Quarters. Nimitz Carrier Strike Force and Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Elizabeth Thompson (# 030424-N-6536T-004).

Alex Tatchin

NS026825
103k

The Persian Gulf, Apr. 24, 2003 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) transits the Persian Gulf as she prepares for Flight Quarters. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Elizabeth Thompson (# 030424-N-6536T-006).

USN

NS026826
69k

The Persian Gulf, Jun. 28, 2003 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) conducts flight operations as part of her mission for Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Elizabeth Thompson (# 030628-N-6536T-004).

USN

NS026827
93k

The Persian Gulf, Jun. 29, 2003 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) conducts flight operations as part of her mission for Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Kristi J. Earl (# 030629-N-1974E-010).

USN

NS0268ah
86k

F/A-18F Super Hornets assigned to the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 fly over the Western Pacific Ocean in a stack formation, 25 October 2003. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 were deployed to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Christopher L. Jordan (# 031025-N-9411J-008).

Robert Hurst
CVN-68 Nimitz
NS026829
195k

Pacific Ocean, Nov. 3, 2003 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) personnel participate in a flag unfurling rehearsal on the ship’s flight deck during Tiger Cruise with the help of fellow tigers. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked CVW-11 were en route to San Diego, Calif., following an eight-month deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Elizabeth Thompson (# 031103-N-6536T-006).

USN
CVN-68 Nimitz
NS026831
74k

Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif., Nov. 5, 2003 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68), returns home to San Diego. Nimitz flew more than 6,500 missions, sent more than 4,790,000 e-mails and traveled more than 63,500 nautical miles during her extended eight-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This was Nimitz’s first deployment since her major overhaul in 1997 and since relocating to San Diego in 2001. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Rebecca J. Moat (# 031105-N-8629M-001).

USN

NS026863
72k

Off Point Loma, CA, heading out to sea, November 2003.

Joe Radigan
CVN-68 Nimitz
NS026830
76k

This is the Nimitz alongside at North Island, 10 January 2004. She is in the middle of an extensive upkeep/maintenance period. Her island superstructure is entirely covered in a white enclosure and she had numerous work sheds on deck.

Dave Johnston
CVN-68 Nimitz
NS026846
95k View of the modernized island and mast. North Island, July 23, 2004. Richard Miller

NS026838
149k

Pacific Ocean, December 11, 2004 — The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) shown underway along the coast of southern California conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Shannon E. Renfroe (# 041211-N-0413R-020).

Michael Williams

NS026839
143k

Another view, as above (# 041211-N-0413R-027).

Michael Williams

NS026842
89k

Pacific Ocean, March 14, 2005 — Four F/A-18F Super Hornets fly over USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and her escorts while underway off the coast of southern California. Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group Eleven (CSG-11) were conducting a Joint Task Force Training Exercise (JTFEX). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shannon E. Renfroe (# 050314-N-0413R-004).

Jack Treutle
CVN-68 Nimitz
NS026847
99k Santa Rita, Guam, June 18, 2005 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway near Orote Point, which marks the entrance to Apra Harbor, Guam. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group was visiting Naval base Guam for a scheduled port visit during a deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Mark Allen Leonesio (# 050618-N-4658L-059). USN
CVN-68, T-AOE 10
NS0268ca
214k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) steams behind USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) in the early dawn hours, as she approaches to conduct an Underway Replenishment. July 2005, during a deployment to the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf.

Military Sealift Command (MSC) photo.

MSC,
via Bill Gonyo

NS026864
86k

Persian Gulf, July 15, 2005 — An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Four One (VFA-41), goes to full afterburner prior to launching off the flight deck during night flight operations aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group was on a regularly scheduled deployment and participating in Maritime Security Operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Dominique V. Brown (# 050715-N-4843B-027).

USN

NS0268af
78k

A US Navy (USN) F/A-18F Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41) "Black Aces," Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, California, conducts a mission over the Persian Gulf, 13 September 2005. The Hornet is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the wingtip and an AGM-65 Maverick missile on the pylon. Tucked under the intake is an AAQ-14 LANTIRN (Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting InfraRed for Night) pod. Also under the fuselage, a 370-gallon External Fuel Tank. VFA-41 was embarked aboard the USN aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). U.S. Air Force photo by TSGT Rob Tabor, USAF (# 050913-F-5480T-016).

Robert Hurst
CVN-68 Nimitz
NS026849
105k Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, October 30, 2005 — Family members wave to USS Nimitz (CVN-68) as she passes the missing man memorial on board Hickam Air Force Base, and enters Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for a brief port visit. Nimitz was returning from a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Ryan C. McGinley (# 051030-N-3019M-002). Chester Morris
CVN-68 Nimitz
NS026850
242k USS Nimitz (CVN-68) as seen from underneath the port elevator of Midway, San Diego Bay, November 29, 2005. Note floating security barrier. George Panos,
Ex QMS 2/C

NS026865
65k

Pacific Ocean, Jan. 26, 2006 — Counter measure sprinkler operating systems are tested during USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Inspection and Survey (INSURV), off the southern coast of California. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Roland Franklin (# 060126-N-8158F-001).

USN

NS026889
133k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) transits the Pacific Ocean after a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) with USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), 11 February 2006. Nimitz was preparing for a major propulsion plant examination off the coast of southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shannon E. Renfroe (#060211-N-0413R-075).

Robert Hurst

NS026889a
160k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) sails along side of he Military Sealift Command (MSC) fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) after a replenishment at sea (RAS), 11 February 2006. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was preparing for a major propulsion plant examination off the coast of southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shannon E. Renfroe (# 060211-N-0413R-230).

Robert Hurst

NS026875
173k

North Island, Calif., May 11, 2006 — Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter tours the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) to see the construction work being done to the ship. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Craig P. Strawser (# 060511-N-2568S-011).

USN

NS0268bb
126k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68), 6 July 2006, Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego Bay, California.

Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR (Ret.)

NS091919715
64k

USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) pulls along side USS Nimitz (CVN-68) for a replenishment at sea, 1 September 2006. The aircraft carrier was underway off the coast of California conducting sea trials after successfully completing a six-month Planned Incremental Availability period. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Roland Franklin (# 060901-N-8158F-063).

Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

NS026881
109k

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Kamara Bellis performs an identification check of air contacts aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68), October 4, 2006. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was underway conducting Tailored Ships Training Availability (TSTA) off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Emily M. Stroia (# 061004-N-9865S-028).

USN

NS026876c
59k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) entering San Francisco Bay, probably on 7 October 2006.

Photo by Mike McCullough

NS026876d
146k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) passes under the Golden Gate Bridge while entering San Francisco Bay as part of San Francisco's Fleet Week parade of ships, 7 October 2006.

US Navy photo by MC2(SW) Charlemagne Obana.

Antonio Gómez Martín

NS026876
149k

(NS026876) USS Nimitz (CVN-68) passing under the Golden Gate Bridge during the parade of ships that kicked off San Francisco Fleet Week 2006, on October 7.

(NS026876a) Later in the day, the carrier dropped anchor off Yerba Buena island. Former Naval Air Station Alameda, and the USS Hornet Museum can barely be seen in the right, distant background.

Photo by CAPT Jack C. Goldthorpe, USCG (ret.)

NS026876a
84k Photo by Roy Thomas

NS026876b
133k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) enters San Francisco Bay, Calif., during San Francisco Fleet Week 2006, 7 October 2006. Since 1981, San Francisco Fleet Week has been an annual opportunity for Northern Californians to honor the men and women serving in the United States Navy, Coast Guard and Marines. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon E. Renfroe (#061007-N-0413R-001).

Robert M. Cieri

NS026882
54k

Sailors secure an EA-6B Prowler to the flight deck of nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) after completing night time flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, March 1, 2007. Nimitz was conducting Joint Task Force Exercises off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Pol Sebastian Gocong (# 070301-N-5484G-145).

USN

NS09590718
94k

USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) conducts a replenishment at sea (RAS) with nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in the Pacific Ocean, 12 April 2007. Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) was deployed in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Pol Sebastian Gocong (# 070412-N-5484G-171).

Douglas Brown

NS026877
150k

Arabian Sea, May 22, 2007 — (from foreground) USS Nimitz (CVN-68), USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) transit the Gulf of Oman. The three ships were flagships for three different strike groups, which were on regularly, scheduled deployments in support of Maritime Operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell (# 070522-N-8157C-240).

Chester Morris

NS026877a
145k

Arabian Sea, May 22, 2007 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) (bottom) along with (from top left to right) USS Higgins (DDG-76), USS Antietam (CG-54) and USS O'Kane (DDG-77) steam through the Gulf of Oman. All these ships were part of two different strike groups; the John C. Stennis (CVN-74) Carrier Strike Group and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, which were on regularly scheduled deployments in support of Maritime Operations. The latter help set the conditions for security and stability, as well as complement counter-terrorism and security efforts to regional nations. Official U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Denny Cantrell (# 070522-N-8157C-1176).

Bill Gonyo

NS026894
129k

An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 lands safely on the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN-68), 12 June 2007, in the Persian Gulf. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group and embarked Carrier Air Wing 11 were deployed in 5th Fleet conducting maritime operations and supporting the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gretchen M. Roth (#070612-N-8119R-141).

USN

NS026392
70k

Pacific Ocean, August 14, 2007 — Nimitz (CVN-68), Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and John C. Stennis (CVN-74) Carrier Strike Groups transit in formation during a joint photo exercise (PHOTOEX) during Valiant Shield 2007, the largest joint exercise in the Pacific this year. Held in the Guam operating area, Valiant Shield 2007 included 30 ships, more than 280 aircraft and more than 20,000 service members from the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

The aerial formation, led by an Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, consists of aircraft from the carrier strike groups as well as Air Force aircraft. Ships are, left to right: guided missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG-90); nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), followed by the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59) and the guided missile destroyers USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) and USS Pinckney (DDG-91); nuclear-propelled attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN-767); aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), followed by the guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG-63) and guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG-89); nuclear-propelled attack submarine USS Key West (SSN-722); nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), followed by the guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54) and the guided missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG-88) and USS O'Kane (DDG-77); the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer on the extreme right has not been positively identified, but is possibly USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60).

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hana'lei Shimana (# 070814-N-6009S-001).

Chester Morris

NS0872228
288k

Another view, as above.

DoD photo # 1542987 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jarod Hodge.

Courtesy of the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service

NS026884
182k

San Diego, September 30, 2007 — USS Nimitz (CVN-68) passes by Naval Base Point Loma as she pulls into San Diego Bay. The vessel, flagship of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, returned home after completing a six-month Western Pacific deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Gaines (# 070930-N-4007G-003).

Ron Reeves

NS026884a
209k

San Diego, September 30, 2007 — This is a great view of USS Nimitz (CVN-68) passing the Point Loma Sub Base (see NS026884), with a good overhead view of Arco (ARDM-5). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Gaines (# 070930-N-4007G-003).

Ron Reeves
Chester Morris

NS0268bc
215k

Navy ships stand pierside during San Diego Fleet Week 2007. USS Nimitz (CVN-68), USS New Orleans (LPD-18) and USS Chancellorsville (CG-62) were tied to the pier while Coronado Speedfest auto races held on the runways of Naval Air Station North Island, 7 October 2007. San Diego Fleet Week is an annual tribute to the men and women serving in the nation's sea services. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Brannon (# 071007-N-1159B-112).

Richard Miller, BMCS, USNR (Ret.)

NS026885
77k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68); Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, Calif.; December 2007.

Richard Miller

NS026897
101k

Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, led by USS Nimitz (CVN-68), steams in the Pacific Ocean, 22 February 2008, shortly after completing exercises with several Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force ships. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was operating in the western Pacific and Indian oceans as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Scorza (#080222-N-4420S-852).

Robert M. Cieri

NS05015361
187k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) performs a replenishment at sea with the guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) while launching and recovering aircraft in the western Pacific Ocean, 22 February 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Berenguer (# 080222-N-6326B-108).

Robert M. Cieri
USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
NS0268ao
100k

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Jerell Hurdle directs an F/A-18A Hornet to catapult 1 on the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN-68), 27 February 2008. The aircraft carrier was operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Berenguer (# 080227-N-6326B-029).

Robert M. Cieri
USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
NS0268aoa
89k

An F/A-18A Hornet, assigned to the "Red Devils" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, is escorted onto the catapult on the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN-68), in the Pacific Ocean, 27 February 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jake Berenguer (# 080227-N-6326B-033).

USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
NS0268bu
337k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) rests perpendicular to the South Korean submarine Son Won-il (SS072) while moored to a Busan Naval Base pier following her arrival to the Republic of Korea (ROK), 28 February 2008. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was taking part in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008, an annual combined/joint exercise involving forces from both the U.S. and the ROK. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lou Rosales (# 080228-N-8055R-092).

Robert M. Cieri
USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
NS0268cm
590k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) steams in formation during Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008, a joint exercise involving forces from the United States and the Republic of Korea. Pacific Ocean, 6 March 2008.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Pol Sebastian Gocong (# 080306-N-5484G-045).

Robert M. Cieri
USS Nimitz (CVN-68)
NS0268cma
448k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68), with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, leads Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 and several Republic of Korea ships in formation while participating in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2008 (KR/FE 08) in the Pacific Ocean, 6 March 2008. KR/FE 08 is an annual joint exercise involving forces from the United States and the Republic of Korea.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Pol Sebastian Gocong (# 080306-N-5484G-174).


NS026890
534k

A B-52 Stratofortress flies past USS Nimitz (CVN-68) as two U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets intercept, 28 April 2008. The B-52 is from the 96th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

U.S. Navy photo by Tech Sgt. Corey Clements, USAF (#080423-F-0017C-003).

Chester Morris
Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)

NS026887
111k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68); Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, Calif.; Saturday, 14 March 2009.

Carlo Mazzurra, SSgt, USMC-R

NS026887a
126k

NS026887b
151k

NS0268by
377k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 depart San Diego for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean, 31 July 2009.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Philip Wagner Jr. (# 090731-N-3038W-003).

Bill Gonyo

NS0268ac
103k

Line handlers watch as USS Nimitz (CVN-68) arrives in Manama, Bahrain, 24 October 2009 for a scheduled post visit. This visit marked the third time in history that a US Navy aircraft carrier had docked pierside in Bahrain. The last carrier to moor pierside for a liberty call in Bahrain was USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), 19 May 2009, and then over 50 years before that the 11,373-ton Commencement Bay-class escort aircraft carrier USS Rendova (CVE-114) in 1948. The Nimitz Strike Group was deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of a regularly scheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as well as regional Maritime Security Operations. U.S. Navy photo by LCDR Corey Barker (#091024-N-1056B-001).

Bill Gonyo
CVN-68 Nimitz
NS0268ci
340k

Sailors assigned to the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 prepare for flight operations aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68), 10 January 2010, in the North Arabian Sea. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group was on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Mitchell (# 100110-N-3327M-080).

This particular aircraft is a Grumman E-2C 2000 Hawkeye, BuNo 165826, modex NH603.

Antonio Gómez Martín

NS026898
96k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) departs Bremerton, WA, 23 March 2010, for a Tiger Cruise to her homeport, San Diego, CA.

Air group was Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, tail code "NH".

Chris Hugo

NS026898a
81k

NS026898b
97k

NS026898c
124k

NS026898d
58k

NS026898e
132k

Sailors and more than 1,000 friends and family members spell out the word "Nimitz" aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) during the ship's 2010 Tiger Cruise, 23 March 2010, in the Pacific Ocean. Tiger Cruise 2010 was the last evolution in the carrier's eight-month deployment to the Arabian Sea supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class James Mitchell (# 100323-N-3327M-211).

USN

NS0268at
100k

Sailors man the rails on the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN-68) as the ship transits into her homeport at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, 26 March 2010. The aircraft carrier and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 returned to their homeport after completing an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet Areas Of Responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Mercil (# 100326-N-8421M-011).

Chester Morris

NS0268ata
141k

Machinist's Mate 1st Class Jay Hinton mans the rails with his son and other shipmates on the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN-68) as the ship transits into her homeport at Naval Base Coronado, San Diego, California, 26 March 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nichelle Noelle Whitfield (# 100326-N-7939W-109).

Chester Morris

NS0268ad
51k

USS Nimitz (CVN-68) approaches her new homeport at Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton, Wash., 9 December 2010. The nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier was in the process of making an administrative homeport change from Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif., and was scheduled for a docking planned incremental availability in Bremerton.

Chris Hugo

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CVN-68
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USS Nimitz (CVN-68) at Bremerton, Washington, 27 May 2011, during her Docking Planned Incremental Availability.

NS0268ar & NS0268ara: On the other side of the pier, between the camera and Nimitz, is what remains of the hull of ex-USS Long Beach (CGN-9).

Robert Hall

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Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Tatyana Sakara removes snow from the flight deck of USS Nimitz (CVN-68), 20 January 2012. More than four inches of snow blanketed Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Wash., and the surrounding area during a snowstorm that hit the Pacific Northwest. Nimitz was wrapping up her year-long docked planned incremental availability period. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Winn (# 120120-N-HN953-009).

Ron Reeves

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USS Nimitz (CVN-68) arrives at her new homeport, Everett, WA, 9 March 2012.

LeRoy VanHee

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USS Nimitz (CVN-68) approaching the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, Sunday, 27 May 2012. Earlier, Nimitz had steamed beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, on its 75th anniversary.

Capt. Jack C. Goldthorpe USCG (Ret.)

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The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187), left, delivers a 50-50 blend of advanced biofuels and traditional petroleum-based fuel to the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59) during the Great Green Fleet demonstration portion of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise, 18 July 2012, near Pearl Harbor, HI. In the background are the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93). RIMPAC 2012 was the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ryan J. Mayes (# 120718-N-RC246-210).

Lee Wahler

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USS Nimitz (CVN-68) underway, 18 July 2012, during the Great Green Fleet demonstration portion of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise. The aircraft carrier took on 200,000 gallons of biofuel in preparation for the Exercise. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel participated in RIMPAC from June 29 to August 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provided a unique training opportunity that helped participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 was the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran (# 120718-N-WA347-111).

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)

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ADM Cecil E. Haney, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and VADM David H. Buss arrive at a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN‑68), Coronado, Calif., 4 October 2012. Buss relieved VADM Allen G. Myers as commander of Naval Air Forces. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicolas C. Lopez (# 121004-N-GZ277-223).

Ron Reeves
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An F-35C Lightning II, Carrier Variant Joint Strike Fighter, aircraft # CF-05, approaches USS Nimitz (CVN-68) for an arrested landing, 3 November 2014. Two Joint Strike Fighters (CF-03 and CF-05) were conducting a series of tests aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, that was steaming in the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft wore markings of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 "Salty Dogs."

U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin by Andy Wolfe (# 141103-O-ZZ999-004).

Bob Canchola, BT, USN (Ret.)

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Two F-35C Lightning II carrier variant joint strike fighters conduct the first catapult launches aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68), 4 November 2014, in the Pacific Ocean. The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 was conducting initial at-sea trials aboard Nimitz. U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin by Dane Wiedmann (# 141104-N-ZZ999-011).

Wolfgang Hechler

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An information graphic, released on 5 July 2016, about the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 was the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971. In the photo, USS Nimitz (CVN-68) leads a multinational force of 32 ships. U.S. Navy graphic by MC1 Ace Rheaume (# 160705-N-SI773-001).

Ron Reeves

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Sailors assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN-68) test the aqueous form filming foam on the flight deck, 9 October 2016. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was underway in the Pacific Ocean, conducting sea trials as part of the completion of a 20-month extended planned incremental availability. She would later begin a training and qualification cycle in preparation for an upcoming 2017 deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman David Claypool (# 161009-N-XU691-034).

Ron Reeves

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An E2-D Hawkeye, from the "Blue Tails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, performs a touch and go on USS Nimitz (CVN-68), 19 October 2016. The aircraft carrier was underway in the Pacific Ocean, conducting carrier qualifications. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Siobhana R. McEwen (# 161019-N-MX772-0907).

Ron Reeves

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Two MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters, from the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, fly over USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in the Pacific Ocean, 27 November 2016. HSC-8 was underway with the aircraft carrier, while the ship conducted Tailored Ship's Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP), which evaluated the crew on their performance during training drills and real-world scenarios. Once Nimitz completed TSTA/FEP she would begin Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for an upcoming 2017 deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Jennings (# 161127-N-EX237-230).

Ron Reeves
CVN-68
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Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Ashley Linares, assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN-68), confirms numbers with the central charging pad operator, 9 February 2017, in the Pacific Ocean. The aircraft carrier was underway preparing for the Board of Inspection and Survey leading up to a 2017 deployment.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cole Schroeder (# 170209-N-JH929-017).

Ron Reeves

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USS Nimitz (CVN-68) transits Sinclair Inlet after departing Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 31 January 2017. The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was underway conducting the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), which is a periodic inspection to ensure the ship meets Navy standards. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vaughan Dill (# 170131-N-SH284-108).

Bob Haner

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Sailors assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN-68) conduct flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, 20 April 2017. The aircraft carrier was underway conducting composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with her Carrier Strike Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment. COMPTUEX tests a carrier strike group's mission-readiness and ability to perform as an integrated unit through simulated real-world scenarios.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ian Kinkead (# 170420-N-NI812-057).

Ron Reeves

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U.S. Navy Sailors unload ordnance from an aircraft aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68), 20 April 2017, in the Pacific Ocean.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ian Kinkead (# 170420-N-NI812-192).


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Left to right: USS Nimitz (CVN-68), with an F/A-18 training airframe; harbor tug Defiant (YT-804); USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74). Ex-USS Dubuque (LPD-8) in the left background. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 26 May 2017.

Ray F. Longaker, Jr.

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USS Nimitz (CVN-68), with an F/A-18 training airframe, in the background; harbor tug Defiant (YT-804), foreground. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 26 May 2017.

CVN-68
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Sailors man the rails of USS Nimitz (CVN-68) as she begins transiting the Puget Sound to begin a regularly scheduled deployment, 1 June 2017. With Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 embarked, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier would lead Carrier Strike Group 11, which included the guided-missile destroyers USS Shoup (DDG-86), USS Kidd (DDG-100), USS Howard (DDG-83), and USS Pinckney (DDG-91), and the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59).

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cole C. Pielop (# 170601-N-BR087-062).

Ron Reeves

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Last update: 28 January 2024