The Navy has done an abrupt about-face and will be keeping its oldest aircraft carrier going for at least another year. The USS Nimitz left Bremerton, Washington, last week on what was supposed to be its final voyage for decommissioning at Norfolk, Virginia. Instead of going straight to Norfolk, the storied flat top will be assigned to the Southern Command where it will patrol the Caribbean and the seas off Central and South America. The decision, which was made while the ship sailed down the West Coast to its old base at San Diego, is thought to have been made because of the extra demands the Navy expects in the wake of the conflict with Iran and delays in commissioning its newest carrier, the USS John F. Kennedy. Hanging on to the Nimitz will keep the roster of carriers at the full complement of 11 functioning ships.
The Nimitz was commissioned in 1975 and has been deployed to every corner of the world, taking part in dozens of important naval operations. Its most recent tour included an extended stay in the South China Sea. It was on its way to the Middle East when there were two aircraft losses within 30 minutes. Crews from both the Seahawk helicopter and Super Hornet were recovered safely.
So “The Final Countdown” isn’t final yet.
We had 15 carrier battle groups when I served in the Navy, We are heading for 10. China has surpassed us with the world’s largest navy including carrier battle groups. Vote like your kid’s future depends on it.