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 its 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.

-Honorable Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States at the commissioning of U.S.S. Nimitz

Upon commissioning on May 3, 1975, the U.S.S. Nimitz secured a proud, prominent, and secure place in history, just as her namesake, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. The Nimitz- class carriers (7 operational and 2 under construction as of information from 6 March 2000) are the largest warships in the world and the backbone of America s Naval force, and serve to:

Provide a sustainable and independently operating forward presence and act as a deterrent to enemy attack during peacetime.

Act as the cornerstone of all joint and allied naval forces in times of crisis.

And to support and operate aircraft attacks against enemies, provide protection for friendly forces, and be able to engage in long-term independent operations in times of war.

The U.S.S. Nimitz is able to endure such independent operations due in part to both its nuclear propulsion and the Navy s support services. She is equipped with 2 nuclear power plants, 4 main engines, and 4, 5 bladed propellers. She can sail at speeds in excess of 30 knots almost indefinitely to arrive at station whenever needed. Once at the station, the ship is able to sustain such long-term operations due to its large amounts of aviation fuel, spare parts, and food (the Nimitz can hold at least 90 days worth of refrigerated and dry storage goods) stored on board. When re-supplying is needed, Navy oilers and combat support ships bring aviation fuel, fresh food, and weapons. Mail and critical parts are delivered via C-2 cargo planes. Refueling of the Nimitz is very infrequent. She underwent her first refueling , after 23 years in the fleet, during a 33- month long Refueling Complex Overhaul at Newport News in 1998.

As stated before the Nimitz- class ships are the largest warships in the world. Spanning 1,092 feet long, 252 feet wide, and over 18 stories high from the keel to the keel to atop the mast, she is a very prominent force in the fleet. The flight deck alone is nearly 4.5 acres. She can accommodate about 6,000 persons. The Nimitz definitely fits the statement that she is a floating city.

She is equipped with 8 steam turbine generators which each produce 8,000 kilowatts of electricity (64,000 kilowatts total) a day. She also has 4 distilling units aboard, enabling the Nimitz engineers to make over 400,000 gallons of water every day, which is used by propulsion plants, catapults, and crew.

Some other accommodations that the Nimitz has onboard to serve the crew while deployed and away from port for long periods of time are:

laundry, dry cleaning, and tailoring services

2 barber shops

post office

dental facilities, staffed by 5 dentists

medical department with 6 doctors (including a surgeon) and an 80- bed hospital ward

3 chaplains who provide interdenominational religious services

The Nimitz independence, mobility, flexibility, and combat readiness are all qualities that have made her a successful mainstay as the lead ship of the worlds most powerful and competent class of warships. She will continue to lead the fleet well into this century and will not be forgotten as a symbol of our Navy s finest instrument of peace, power, projection, and platform for diplomacy .

Sources

http://www.navy.mil/homepages/cvn68/history.htm

http://www.navy.mil/homepages/cvn68/stats.htm

http://www.navy.mil/homepages/cvn68/mission.htm

http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/factfile/ships/ship-cv.html