World’s Longest-Serving Aircraft Carrier Heads To America’s Largest-Ever International Naval Review

The U.S. Navy has announced that USS Nimitz (CVN-68) will take part in the International Naval Review (INR) 250 in New York City from July 3 to July 8, bringing the Navy’s oldest active nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to what is expected to be the largest international maritime gathering in U.S. history.

The carrier will join U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships, along with vessels from more than 50 allied and partner nations, in New York Harbor to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The announcement comes as USS Nimitz was expected to arrive at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, this week after shifting its homeport from Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington. Instead, the carrier will first sail to New York to take part in the international naval event.

The Navy said USS Nimitz is the oldest active aircraft carrier in the U.S. fleet and the lead ship of its class. Named after World War II Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the carrier has served for more than 50 years and has taken part in operations including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Inherent Resolve.

The visit will also be the carrier’s first to New York City. Although USS Nimitz has spent most of its career operating in the Pacific and the Middle East, it has never visited the city before.

Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet, said USS Nimitz’s participation would bring “a legendary piece of American naval history” to the celebration.

“For five decades, the Sailors aboard Nimitz have stood the watch, defending freedom and ensuring global maritime security. Having this iconic warship anchor in New York Harbor alongside our international partners will be a breathtaking tribute to our nation’s 250th anniversary and a powerful demonstration of American resolve,” Perry said.

USS Nimitz reached another milestone in May when it became the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Navy history, passing USS Enterprise (CVN-65), which served from 1961 to 2012.

The carrier was originally due to retire this spring. However, delays in the construction of the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) have kept USS Nimitz in service, allowing the Navy to continue meeting the legal requirement to maintain 11 active nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

Before heading to New York, USS Nimitz completed an extended farewell and goodwill deployment around South America.

During the voyage, the carrier sailed through the Strait of Magellan because it was too large to pass through the Panama Canal. It also made several port visits across Latin America and the Caribbean, where it hosted government officials and foreign leaders.

References: US Navy, Forbes